Qinglong Shu 23 - Rise Up The Waterfall
"Mommy, mommy, tell me a story."
The mother blinked, looking down at the small child tugging at her leg. She chuckled, just as an attendant hurried inside, out of breath chasing the hyperactive heir. Lowering her head in apology, she reached out for the small Shu.
"Young mistress, your mother-"
Before she could even touch her however, her mother picked her up. Shu let out a giggle as mommy nuzzled her hair with her face.
"It is fine. I always have time for her."
"Yay!" Shu yelled in excitement, raising her arms. It earned her a cute laugh from her own mom. Soon and swiftly, they found some privacy in Shu's room. Gently laying her down, her mother rested right next to her, carefully brushing Shu's hair.
"Do you have any preferences?"
In response, the small girl shook her head.
"Nu-uh! All stories are great, if they are from you!"
"Flattery gets you everywhere." Her mother's smile wavered a bit, gaining a serious tone as she looked Shu deep into her eyes."But there is something you have to promise me."
Shu tilted her head, wondering what this was about.
"Never let anything or anyone change you, my sweet girl."
The little girl froze. She bit her lip, quivering, as memories forced themselves back to the forefront of her mind. The memories of her beating another boy up without mercy. Averting her eyes, she sniffed.
"But…I'm a bad girl."
Her cheeks were pressed together and gently her face was turned towards her mother's, who shook her own head.
"No, you are good. You just became angry. That's…well, not fine, but natural. Denying yourself is even worse."
She didn't get it. But she didn't want to make mommy sad either by not promising. So she raised her pinkie finger, uncertain, but still putting on a smile.
"O-Okay, mommy."
Hooking her own pinkie around hers, her mother kissed her forehead.
"That's good." Humming in thought, she looked at the ceiling. Then she clapped her hands together, a chuckle escaping her. "Now then…This story is called, 'Rise Up The Waterfall'…"
///
Shu groaned as she stretched her legs, her body low as she pushed her weight against it a few times. Her eyes were closed but she could feel the stares and mutterings at her person. For a place called out to be a death land among death lands, there were many that climbed through the mountains to reach the Qiguai lands. Many of them idiots, herself included, riches or no riches. Some were more idiotic than others as they provoked each other, talked shit and generally were overall unpleasant. She winced as she saw two cultivators being broken up after one smashed the other's teeth out. Naturally they got kicked out immediately, for no conflict was allowed on Qiguai grounds. Once inside the Secret Realm, everything was fair game, but until then? Neutral grounds were neutral grounds. Maybe it was their nerves but that was no excuse to do meaningless violence like that. Anyway, many knew a Golden Devil when they spotted them. Apparently. Somehow. Maybe it was the Bronze Qi within her that gave it away. Or she smelled Golden Devil-ish. Either that or she was infamous, even though it made no sense. She didn't have a big reputation or any great deeds herself. Not any she knew of. Biggest thing she ever did was beat some Jingshen heads in, but literally all Golden Devils did that. Perhaps it was something in her clothing, but she dressed like most locals of the region, so that couldn't be it. Licking her lips, she shrugged. Changing her position, sitting down on the ground and trying to reach the tip of her toes with her fingers, she continued her stretches. After all, there was no way she would have time to do these once the real deal was starting. Now if only more people would follow her example and stop staring at other people or comment about them. She sighed out.
Oh well, let them stare. Let them talk. As long as they only did that. With that thought, her ears twitched as a particular set of words were exchanged. She opened one eye idly, imagining the two of them to be Ming. Immediately, anger rose in her chest and her eye began to glow azure and inhuman unbeknownst to her. She rose to her feet faster than usual on purpose, stretching her arms. The two individuals quickly looked away, nervously increasing their distance to her. Shu cracked a grin. That's what she thought. Maybe she was overly paranoid, sending looks at everyone who only thought the slightest bit funny about her. Imagining them to get horribly maimed like they were her aunt was probably mean in some form…but considering how hard Katha's teeth were kicked in, Shu was not much for belief in her fellow cultivators. After all, she was better than her when she did this, better gear, better everything and she still almost died. It added quite nicely to the last advice Elder Lang gave her.
"Everything is your enemy. Not only other cultivators that are driven by greed, hate or sheer stupidity, but also the realm itself. Anything you know about the Laws of Nature are merely suggestions it shall discard at its leisure." He took a whiff from his pipe."That which is known to be safe to consume or touch is lethal, and vice versa. In general, I'd recommend to keep mobile. Can't allow anyone or anything to get the jump on you if you just move on swiftly."
Shu nodded a few times in understanding, knees resting on the ground. She raised her hand, humming thoughtfully.
"Soooo, keep my senses open, keep my mind adaptable and never stop moving…Anything else?"
A wry smile appeared on the old man's face.
"Yes. Don't die." A pause. "And trust your instincts."
She grimaced at the last words. They were not helpful whatsoever. The former was such a major 'duh' moment she was this close to insulting the Elder. Sure, maybe if she was someone like Chang who actively provoked and flirted with death, that warning would have been needed. But her? She was a regular, sane person. And the latter? It sounded basically like "trust in luck." Maybe they believed too much in her talents. Either way, she put her hands on her hips and patiently waited for her turn, looking around in idle boredom. She had to hand it to the Qiguai clan. They knew how to make a waiting room tacky. Well, it was more of a palace than a waiting room, with all the spizzaz and what not. Golden decour, jewels shining in the walls. It almost made one forget that two thirds of the people here would die horribly or pull a Katha and regret their life decisions forever as they agonize in a sick bed they might never leave. Shu slapped her cheeks a few times when she realized her hands were shaking. Cool it, Qinglong! She faced Aretaphila Myia for fuck's sake! Well, less faced and more entertained her, but lightning to the face and getting off basically scot free had to mean something! Besides, others looked way more confident than her and their level didn't even compare. Like Chang just outside, coincidentally considering she just thought about him. He was scratching his skin open like a complete mania-
Shu did a double take. Rubbed her eyes. Then she gaped openly. Holy crap, the shithead was actually here. At his level. Wasn't he like at the third stage? The third! Sure, he had his fancy gauntlets and she
believed that the Secret Realms scaled, kinda sorta, but…wow, he really was trying to get himself killed, huh? She subtly took a step back, trying to put more people between them. No use getting into more headaches by interacting with him just before entering. Heavens knew what kind of aneurysm she'd get from him this time. Not to mention teamwork wasn't even allowed. Or rather impossible to plan ahead of time, given the random nature of the Qiguai Realm and the starting locations. Not that she wanted to team up with him in the first place. She wanted to live, thank you very much, and he'd probably find a way to get the two of them killed. He just had those vibes. She sighed, shaking her head. All she could do was wish him good luck. For now, every Golden Devil for themselves. Therefore, she concentrated on taking deep breaths. In. And out. She was in the zone. She was untouchable. Nothing could break her focus as the world became a void around her-
"754."
Shit, that was her number. She definitely did not yelp and run faster than she had to when she practically appeared before the man with the list in his hands.
"Pree-sent!" Her voice cracked as she saluted. Puffing her cheeks up, she tried her best not to show her blush. Thankfully, the clerk's eyes were more dead than a corpse, not even looking up at all.
"Usually I have to explain all the rules, but considering there are like dozens more of you here, I'll be quick. My break is up in a few minutes. Do you know what the deal here is? Did you listen to the words of my colleague when she spoke up to all of you?"
Well, who was she to deny a man his break? Especially with how some life returned in his eyes. Hope, hope that she actually listened and could just go now. She nodded obediently.
"Yup."
He nodded once and stepped to the side, revealing the rather magical looking portal in front. Shu tilted her head, taking in the energy. She unconsciously licked her lips, saliva gathering in her mouth. She felt her jaw twitch a few times, as if trying to contain something. How did it even work? To reduce distance as a mere joke, to create a whole new world within a world. What was needed to create it? How much effort? What type of Qi? How many people-
"Great. Have fun."
Blinking for a moment, she cleared her throat awkwardly. Wiping her mouth, she massaged her cheeks, trying to get a neutral expression back on her face. Right. His break. She sent an apologizing smile at the man, but he was already looking down on his list again. Right, right, questions for later. Adventurer and death first. Shu took a deep breath. Then, with a battlecry of the ages, she lowered her center of gravity before leaping into the jaws of the Qiguai Secret Realm.
"Alley hoop!"
Thus, the world shifted, one replacing the other, as Shu disappeared, leaping into suicidal glory and power, for the mere mortal, petty desire of killing someone very very hard.
////
The second the shift of climate hit her, from the pleasant spring warmth dropping down to zero and below, she immediately breathed, time slowing down for her. Her inner Qi shifted to keep her warm no matter what. The Fire within her worked double time as it suffused her core and spread through her blood out into her skin. It was a wise choice it would turn out, as she could feel the air literally melting from her own heat. As if existence itself around her was made out of snow and couldn't handle the warmth that radiated from her. Whew, that was close. Mentally she wiped her forehead. How embarrassing it would have been. She could see the news spreading in her imagination.
Qinglong Shu, one second inside the Secret Realm, and died horribly as a popsicle. Doing a Katha that was beyond a Katha. Heh. Hehe.
Her smile vanished. Not out of any guilt for the mental joke, but because she felt a lurch as time resumed to normal. Her body was forced downwards due to gravity. Her eyes widened and she spread her arms out, flailing around in surprise.
"Whoawhoawhoawhoa-
Out of all the things Shu expected to happen first, trying to keep her balance as she slid down the frozen side of a mountain was not one of them. A faint memory resurfaced in her mind. Of her using a rather terribly made sled, going down a snowy hill, only to faceplant a tree. Good times. Good cry too.
Well, better not repeat that as an adult on a larger, more deadly scale. As she somewhat found her balance, leaning forward as she skated down, she glanced behind her. She whistled, the trail she left behind already freezing back to its original state, as if it hadn't melted in the first place. Place really must have been freezing. Cracking her neck she looked ahead and her eyes went wide. Fauna covered in white, with green peeking out, that she has never seen before. A wide horizon revealing itself like a painting of another world. From her view in such height, she could spot literal desserts next to thriving jungles, with next to no transition inbetween. It was like red and blue blocks drawn next to each other. Not to mention the things that were actually floating in the air, defying gravity. Flying tigers being devoured by even bigger birds. Razor sharp teeth munching on the flesh as they flew rather close to one of the many suns in the air. Then they turned their crimson red eyes towards her, mouth wet with blood and saliva.
Shu blinked at the last one before smirking as they dove down at her, like spears dropped from a massive wall. Well, who was she to deny them? She had plenty for them to stomach. For example, crushing defeat! Exhaling she buckled her knees. Then, despite the slide she was riding on turning more and more into a straight wall, ninety degrees to the ground, stuck to the frozen ice with her feet. She kept her mouth slightly open, eying her attackers. Not yet. A bit closer…just a bit… They flapped their wings and suddenly spun, adding a drill motion to their steel like beaks. Shu laughed at the sight. Then her muscles bulged for an instance before she shot off from the wall, arms wide. She could see the monster's instincts, or whatever rationality they had, trying to guide them away. Their eyes were filled with shock as something invaded their space, their monopoly of the air. Alas, it was too late as she smashed her fists together, bumping them into each other, with all the gore that came from splattering those flying chickens. Her momentum lost, she began to descend straight down, for life did not grant her flight or any wings. Whatever feathers weren't utterly smashed surely wouldn't do the trick either.
Fortunately for her, only mortals had to worry about dying by falling. Curling herself into a ball, she closed her eyes before snapping them open. Earth joined Fire. Like the miraculous events of a star falling down from the heavens, she exploded just like a meteor upon impact. For a moment, the world stood silent, as if observing the crater and the smoke. Then with a swift arm movement, the air cleared, revealing a Qinglong shaking her knees with naught an injury. Oh, they certainly ached, shaking a bit from the impact, but no tearing or breaking. So that was nice. Rolling her shoulders she got out of the hole she made. The only thing she saw were some trees with green needles instead of leaves.
Then the trees attacked her. Because why not, huh? Like a line of archers, the trees unleashed a volley. Shu raised an eyebrow, putting a note of that weird plant in her mind, before she let her arms hang loosely, her posture relaxed.
Earth was replaced by Water. Feet of fire and arms of water, both soft, both swift, both dancing. She drew circles in the ground, burning it and causing steam in the frozen land. At the same time, her hands acted like the tips of a whip, slapping and even snatching needles. Eventually, the barrage ended. What was left were trees utterly naked now, how lewd, and Shu with a fuckload of needles around her and between her fingers. She held them up to her face, her eyes narrowing before she giggled Green, glowy fluids were being released from some cracked needles.
"Haha-HA! Poison, ey?"
Shu wasn't sure if the force of those plants could've penetrated her skin, but if they did, they would have certainly messed up her Qi system from what little she learned while being in Senior Barda's super duper death lab. Right at the start of this endeavor it wouldn't be fatal, since she had some Life Saving Treasures in an emergency to get immediate attention, but it certainly set the tone. Dropping them, Shu wiped her forehead, finding a bit of sweat caused by excitement on it. It only caused her grin to widen. Phew! The Secret Realm sure started off strong! Elder Lang was right, those places really were built different! Now she could understand how Katha had such a hard time here. Her smile wavered a bit, before she winced, scratching the back of her head awkwardly at the thought. Well, then again, her issue wasn't the Secret Realm, it was that Archer guy chasing her down, wasn't it?. Who was he again, her boy toy? Secret crazy admirer? Or was it something something revenge? Questions to ask later. Or to Kath later. Shu frowned. Could she use to Kath as a verb like that? It sounded more demeaning than a neutral word like ask-
Tangent, not the time. She looked around, widening her senses. It was difficult, since the energy in this realm was so chaotic. All of the elements clashed from their respective territory, not to mention the esoteric stuff like anti-gravity. But as far as she was concerned there was no would be assassin slash maybe bachelor in wait for her. Not in the light nor in the shadows, waiting to penetrate her like Katha got penetrated. Which meant she actually had some breathing room to make one of the most important decisions she had to make lately!
"North, East, West, South, where should I go to fill my mouth…"
From what she could tell, South was the desert, west to it was the jungle. She couldn't look at North for she had her back to it while she slid down, but from her peripheral vision it seemed to be more ice and frost. She tapped her chin in thought and glanced to the East. Her breath stopped, as if lightning shot down her spine. It wasn't anything that she saw in the area, physically at least. It looked like a perfectly normal mountain, with waterfalls descending from holes all over, creating a greenless rock landscape as the force of all that water seemed to grind the area clean. Overall dangerous looking but not too dangerous, unless something was in the water. No, what caught her attention was a simple thing.
Her blood screamed. Roared within her, filling her heart ablaze. As if it was a starving dog, presented with the most exquisite of meats. Her eyes stung, causing her to flinch. For a moment she could see a trail, or wisps playfully inviting her. Under normal circumstances, that screamed death trap all over. But... what did the Elder say? Trust her instincts? Well, if her very blood was singing for her, it just had to be instinct, right? Either that or she had a terrible disease she didn't know of. Not to mention…well, mountains and waterfalls were a classic. Surely there was a secret entrance or something. With her mind made up, she giggled before rushing forward, through the deadly, yet fun wonderland that was the Qiguai Secret Realm.
The distance could not be called long, especially for someone with Body Purification. And yet, it felt like days, even weeks, with the amount of stuff she stumbled over along the way, her mind accelerating in speed to memorize and categorize every single thing Shu has never seen before.
White red plants looking like a lotus, instead it was also crackling with lightning. Attracting metallic bees the size of her fist, who proceeded to absorb the energy and fly back to their silver shining hives. Said hives being approached by a bear with some sort of rock like armor. The beast roared, standing on its back legs smashing its crystal like claws together as it faced a scarlet praying mantis, its scythes glowing with heat. Like spectators, the bees hid, with the queen, smallest of them all, yet more ghostlike than any of the bees, like a spirit made of lightning. The two predators clashed. The bear's rock withstood the heat, yet cuts were created. Superior defense, but inferior speed and offense, as the praying mantis darted around, using the stone pillars around them as springboards. Alas, raw physical stats did not matter, as the bear punched one hive. Sweet honey, charged with Qi, sparkled and entered the monster's tummy. The mantis leapt forward, swinging its arm down with all its might…and lost it, as it broke off the new armor around the bear, made of superior steel now. Without further ado, the bear began to pummel down the mantis, who desperately cut away at it. Soon, the mantis was beaten to a bloody pulp, leaving behind a roaring, injured, yet victorious bear. But suddenly, it froze. The last thing Shu saw in those few seconds of events was the ominous approach of a swarm, surrounding its victim entirely.
Just one of the many examples she saw. It should not make any sense that this was a regular occurence. And yet, from the analysis provided by Shu's mind, the fight could have gone either way. If the mantis got the honey first. If they cooperated. If there was no second predator. Perfectly balanced. Absolutely fair. Only chance deciding the fate of the beasts. All of these things combined into an artwork of an ecosystem. If that artwork was drawn by a drunk person, high off the latest weed, while also doing it with their feet. It shouldn't work. Yet…it just worked. Suffice to say, Shu felt like a child all over again, learning all of the things that she had never known before. Only weird thing that registered amidst her joyful storm of thinking was that she never met another breathing human being. Heck, she never even met another non-breathing human being. It was a bit unnerving, yet fascinating. As if Shu was completely removed from civilization itself. Just her and the unnatural nature around her. Laughing out loud, she barred her teeth as she shot a claw upwards, taking a hound's head off before she even registered to it. It certainly tickled the wild side of hers, that was for sure, haha!
Eventually, she reached her destination, only covered in some blood. Blood that was cleaned off immediately. Standing in front of the massive edifice that extended even above the clouds, Shu gulped a bit. Guess this was what people meant with having eyes but not seeing Mount Tai. That was one giant mountain! Up close she could barely see a thing. At first, she mistook the white that covered the area as some form of mist. But the pricks against her skin, despite reinforcing herself with Qi, actually hurt quite a bit. It made her realize that those were water droplets, released by the waterfall hitting the ground constantly, repeatedly. No wonder the rock around her seemed so shredded! Though that begged the question of what now. After all-
-something large seemed to flow down, creating what was more an explosion than what usually happens when a rock hits water, the blood created disappearing into the whirlpools below in an instance, the scream cut short before it even started-
-well, that. Poor beast. To be utterly exploded into nothingness. She winced as she felt pain flare up on her right cheek after that particular event. Damn, she got cut. Must have been some bone or rock or something. Might even be bleeding a bit. It was then that the constant sensation of pain stopped. Or rather, everything stopped. The sudden shift of activity left Shu dumbfounded as she blinked. She wiped her eyes and shook her body off the water. Yet she wasn't seeing things.
The moment she bled a mere droplet…the waterfalls ceased. All of them. At once. Even the water left behind became like a mirror, utterly still. Carefully, she reached out with her foot and touched the surface with her sole. It didn't give in at all. She took a deep breath and jumped on the created lake. No sinking feeling. It was like she never left the rock she stood on. Shu couldn't help herself. It started off with a snort, before breaking out into a loud laugh. What the hell was up with that? Was she really this lucky? Or was this fate? Wiping a tear, she slapped her cheeks before moving forward. Whatever the reason, now she had a proper goal, instead of aimlessly running around in the Secret Realm! For her eyes spotted what looked like the slit of a door! Stopping right in front of it she crossed her arms. Yup, definitely a door. Before she could even tilt her head to consider how to open it, it suddenly glowed. Then the light shot out and hit her head before she could even react. She hissed, falling down on a knee as knowledge invaded her mind. That momentary pain however was quickly forgotten. Forgotten by utter and complete glee as she licked her lips, a giggle escaping her.
"Ooooh, this place knows what the ladies like!"
Gravity Reversing Stomp. To call it powerful, to call it arcane, would be an understatement. From the information she learned, it was difficult to say the least. Horrible for her Qi reserves too, all things considered. But…Reversing Gravity! She could practically fly now! Well, in theory at least. Rubbing her hands together, she cracked her neck. It certainly said something how hard this trial would be, for what could it be but a trial, if this was the first gift. With that in mind, she pushed forward, palms pressing against the door.
And then, Qinglong Shu disappeared once more, this time into a mountain. A mountain, that if looked at from above, seemed to look a lot like some sort of dragon, the waterfalls appearing like tears running down its eyes before they vanished completely.
///
Once upon a time, a big group of fish lived together in a lake. So many fish, you couldn't even count them. They all lived in harmony, being friends with each other. No fighting, no bullying. Just having fun as they played tag and danced every day. There was also a big, big waterfall, going so far up a mountain, you couldn't see the top of it.
One day, one of the fish spoke up. Saying 'hey, how about we try to swim up there?'. After all, who knew what was up there? They would only know if they tried. So, caught up in its enthusasim, the brothers and sisters, the friends and buddies all nodded in agreement. At once, they tried to swim up. But oh no! The waterfall was too steep! The water falling too heavy, making them all fall down! Oh, don't worry, they didn't get hurt. But it was a bit sad. They wanted to go up there now, wanting to see the world, wanting to see what they haven't seen yet.
So they trained. Trained their strong little fish muscles. Refined their swimming technique. They raced against each other, their rivalry pushing them on to new heights! And it worked! They were growing in size, bigger than the biggest fish you have ever seen! Some of them even began to change colors! Yes, bright, beautiful colors, like that rainbow you once saw, remember? Those few, the half of the entire group that were able to grow strong enough, tried again. The others stayed behind, wishing them
good luck, because they couldn't grow more…Hm? Something wrong, Shu?...It's nothing? Alright then. Anyway, as I was saying, they cheered the stronger half on, and then they started off! Flapping their fins, swishing their tails, they did what they thought impossible and swam up the waterfall! But that was just the first step of their journey…
///
Shu's mouth was a thin line as she craned her neck, looking upwards. Her body was standing straight, her arms close to her, as if she was standing at attention to a lecture of an Elder. She smacked her lips before pressing them together once more. Nodding a few times, she took a deep breath.
"...Yeah, okay, I got nothing."
What else could she say to furious water currents that made up a giant pool…that were floating above her head, making a mockery of gravity just like a concerningly large amount of other things in this Secret Realm? It was like a very active ceiling, daring her to come at it as it wobbled and twisted and what not. As if that wasn't enough, things were actually alive in that vortex of flow and ebb.
Unfortunately for Shu, those things were the first sapient beings she got to encounter in this place. Why was that unfortunate? Well…
"She got nothing, you hear that?"
"Head empty, heart empty, haha."
"Poor mortal, confused by parlor tricks."
"Does not instill confidence."
Her eyebrow twitched. And they looked so beautiful too. Scales shimmering with bright colors. Graceful movements as their fins maneuvered their bodies. So many variations in color, giving them all a distinctive look. Every single individual would be a highly prized sight to be seen in the most noble of courts. And yet…each was just like the one next to them in spirit, utterly rotten. So many comments, also each just like the one next to them. A massive school of Rainbow Carps, something most Cultivators would kill to find. And yet Shu wanted to be anywhere but here. After all, they were throwing barbs at her as if she was a free for all feast. If the Qiguai Secret Realm wanted to show off its hospitality and great customer service, this sure was a shite way of doing so. Rolling her shoulders she narrowed her eyes. Well, even without anyone spelling it out, the deal of this trial seemed cut and dry. There was a literal barrier in the form of water above her and she just received a cool new skill. ergo…
"Lemme guess, once I get through that pool, I get to the next task," she stated loudly, hands on her hips with a wry smirk. The fish looked at each other before they collectively laughed in sync. Shu's eyebrow twitched even more. Heavens, they all had the same damn voice too!
"Oho, some brains after all."
"Head not so empty huh."
"Still a poor mortal though."
"Instills some confidence."
"Ten bucks she's gonna take ten years."
"Fifteen on eight but crippled."
"Twenty she gives up."
"Hey, you still owe me twenty!"
If the main purpose of this trial was to inflict a major headache on Shu with the world's biggest peanut gallery, it was succeeding. She closed her eyes and exhaled. Alright, tuning them out for now. She didn't have forever in this Secret Realm, not while the DI was probably fighting for their lives out there. The least she could do was to be as quick as possible. Therefore, brute force method first, then see where it went from there. With that in mind, she squatted down, hands on her knees as she had a blank look, staring off into empty space as she focused inwards. Sound ceased around her, the confusion, the amusement, the mockery from the carps. Instead, she activated the engine that was her very core. The Cycle she first learned to refine with Matthaias started up. Her Qi jumped from one station of the cycle to the next, until a furious flow was created, her Qi rapidly circling around. At the same time, she grasped the mental trigger of the Gravity Reversing Stomp. Earth Qi flowed into a separate well, outside the cycle, for what had greater gravity than the very ground that made up the world? On its own, it was a simple technique. With a single stomp, she would make an invisible force drag her into the opposite direction of that kick, as if an entirely new world would appear above her, with its own gravity. Combined with her Cycle, she grinned like a feral animal. With a scream, she flipped the switch on both techniques.
Fire, fueled by the consumption of the elements themselves, exploded from underneath her. At the same time, Gravity reversed and pulled her up like a helping hand. With speeds never before experienced, combined with the raw muscular force of Body Purification, Shu would be surprised if even experienced Cultivators could see her as anything but a blur. She shot up and broke through the first layer of the pool of water. Bubbles escaped her mouth and disappeared to the current within that came from her right side. Yet her body kept its momentum, moving upwards. As she flew up, Shu took great satisfaction at some of the fishies gaping at her openly, shocked that such a hard headed move actually seemed to work. However, her grin as she screamed was strained. The second she entered the pool, she felt the raw force in this area's current. It was water, but she felt like moving through tar, not helped that she was starting to be pushed to the left. She tried to kick one more time, to trigger the Gravity Reversing Stomp, but doing so was a massive mistake. Gone was her spear like form that served to pierce through the shield that was the pool. With her form broken, the current easily broke the rest of her upwards momentum. She gargled as she was swept to the side, before the world around her tumbled. Like a mere stick stuck in a river, she could do nothing as the pool carried her from one current to the next, up, down, in a circle, looping. By the time she broke through the bottom of the pool and smacked her head on the ground, her eyes were already spinning like crazy.
"Fuuuu…ugh…"
Spitting out the water that entered her lungs, she breathed heavily, the dizziness slowly disappearing. Okay. That was not pleasant. At all. She felt like puking. At least this was worth calling a trial, but damn, that water was not joking. Not only that…
"Hahahaha! Look at that face!"
"Faceplant number one!"
…Yeah, their shock didn't last long and they went straight back to mockery. Spitting to the side, she wobbled up to her feet. With deep breaths, she put her hands on her hips. Alright, fine. That didn't work. No use whining about it, time better spent analyzing why it didn't work. First off, bad starting point. Her eyes darted all over the place. She couldn't readjust her course like that, if her form tumbled like that the minute she moved a muscle in there. Well, at least now she was more mentally prepared for that to happen. So she should be able to react better now. Not only that, she learned another lesson. She smirked as she saw a particular current in the water that served her needs. Yes, that one went up just as she wanted. Using that as a start, she could go from there. She didn't expect to nail the trial with this second attempt, but it should work a lot better. Once more, she started up the process. Her soul roared to life, her muscles tensed and she leapt up with Fire and Gravity. Her eyes widened as her speed got accelerated one more time as she was dragged up by the current itself. It was as if the very blood in her skull were descending down to her feet. Gargling in excitement, she reared back her foot, intending to give it one more boost as she saw a different current coming right up in front of her. Hey, at this rate she was gonna ma-
"Whoops."
FISH!
Obviously Shu couldn't brake in this pool, so her face smashed against the scales of the Carp that just
happened to be passing by. Not even budging it. Thus, the force had to go somewhere, which meant Shu came to a full stop. For a moment, she remained in place, staring into the eyes of the Rainbow Carp. Its mouth twitched and Shu gargled before time resumed once more. The currents dragged her away and played with her like a dog shaking around a doll. Oh, that motherfucker swam in her way on purpose! Her back smacked against the ground. She groaned, twisting her body a few times as it ached all over the place. Then she ran her hand through her wet hair and stared at the pool with an incredulous expression, her mouth half open in indignation. Naturally the Carps were having a blast with her reaction, bubbles escaping from their mouths as they laughed in sync.
"What, did you think we'd just stay where we are while you are doing this?
"Rude. We gotta get moving too."
"You want something worth your time, we gotta make it worth the challenge!"
"Sometimes these fins need to touch something pathetic."
"Eyyyyy!"
Ah, there was the foam. She was wondering when it would come out of her mouth. Her eyebrows twitched violently, her eyes shining azure and dragonic. She was going to filet them. She was going to filet them and eat them alive. Raw. Without any seasoning to taste their defeat even more.
"Ohohoho, spicy!"
"She certainly has the eyes, but that won't be enough!"
Spitting out the fluids, she rolled her shoulders and crossed her arms. Alright, this was definitely going to take a while. She sent a mental apology to the 501st and focused back on the task. Let's see. Bruteforce clearly didn't work, at least not just that, so she had to analyze this entire situation. The currents were too strong and were too close to one another to try anything with her Elemental Shifting. As much as it stung her pride, she wouldn't have time to heat up the water around her to make it into steam or become 'water' enough to phase through. Metal and Earth wouldn't help either, as she would literally just be a sinking rock or a piece of armor in this metaphor. So it all rested on one technique. The Gravity Reversing Stomp. She raised her leg and stretched it out a few times. Which meant she had to figure out how to use the Stomp properly despite being flung around in water. Which in turn meant she had to figure out how to keep her balance in that chaos. Or unable to do that, time herself as she spun out of control and kick out. Nodding to herself, a plan formed. A simple plan really.
The fish stared blankly at the girl as she shot up again, repeating the last two attempts, only to fail miserably as expected. However, without even taking a break, she shot up once more, soon creating the image of a rubber ball being thrown into a hurricane, getting shot out, only to bounce back again. Most Rainbow Carp, the younger ones, shook their heads and swam around, ignoring her entirely. The older ones however narrowed their eyes, realizing something.
"Gah, almost!"
Bit by bit…
"One down, more to go!"
Little by little…
"FITNESS MEEEEEEE!"
The foolish girl was getting deeper and deeper into the pool. The progress could be called miniscule at best, but she was doing it. She never managed to stabilize herself as the currents changed, but that didn't matter. Instead, she used the force flinging her around to spin herself into the right spot and then use her internal energy to force her leg to shoot out, reversing gravity on the spot to readjust. She only managed to do it once or twice per attempt, but she was growing. Some Carp smiled.
At this rate she might actually be able to accomplish this in a century or two. Impressive, for someone not even having built a singular pillar. Thus, they kept on watching. Sometimes even swimming into her way, 'patrolling' so to say. Her frustration pleased them, but her stubbornness even more. How long has it been since someone attempted this Trial? Soon enough, the younger Carp joined back in, realizing that Shu was actually making progress. At some point, she kept landing on her feet just to jump back up, her eyes completely steady and no longer spinning as she soared in the water, legs kicking out several times with a perfect form.
Alas, if having a perfect form and the ability to use the Stomp in those currents were enough, this wouldn't be a Trial rated for Foundation Establishment. Shu landed back on the ground again. However, instead of jumping up again, like she did hundreds of times before, she suddenly let herself fall on her back. The Carp blinked at the sight. The sudden break in routine was quite jarring. They expected her to take a breather, to just get back up immediately after. Yet seconds passed. Minutes. Eventually, they all realized she was not going to move from there for quite some time. They managed to get their wits back, returning to throwing out barbs at her, to motivate and aggravate her.
"Hey, hey, no feigning sleep!"
"Looks like she can get tired after all, haha!"
"Guess the head isn't so hard, ey?"
And yet, Shu remained silent. Before, she would respond at least. Flipping the finger, taunting back, something. Instead, her chest moved ever so slightly as her breathing began to calm down, her eyes staring unflinchingly at the pool without moving a single muscle. Some Carp sighed out in disappointment. How boring. They spread out again, trying to entertain themselves. One Carp however, with the most varied colors, narrowed its eyes though.
"...Something is wrong."
"""Hm?"""
It didn't elaborate to its brethren. Its eyes remained on Shu, who kept lying on the ground, unaware what was going on behind those eyes, filled with life.
How long was she in here? Weeks? Months? Maybe even a year and more. In this cave, in this isolated place, she had no sense of time. No passing of the sun or moon. No movements of the star or any shadow that indicated the flow of history. Was Big Sis alright back home? How was the mission going for Katha and the others? Idle thoughts entered her mind as she relaxed. Time truly was a mysterious thing for cultivators. Most mortals would be concerned about how much time they spent somewhere. But Shu and other Cultivators? Well, time usually wasn't much of an issue, as long as they kept on growing. Worst case, Life Extending Treasures were a thing. Priceless, a pain in the ass to find, but they existed. A year or two wouldn't be an issue. Quite frankly, she could take her time here. Concentrate on growing her internal reserves. However…
"Haha…"
What use was taking her time here…how could she possibly do such a thing…if at last…
"Ahahahahahahahahaha!"
Complete joy. Pure excitement. Her laughter echoed in the cave she was within, causing the Carp to stare at her, weirded out by the sudden noise. Some thought she lost her mind. Others thought she just thought of something funny. And well, they would both not be wrong. For what was more insane, more funny than the fact that she figured it out at last? What use was there to stall if one could reach the goal at last?
"So that's how it works! Gotcha, gotcha!"
After such a long time, a time she couldn't define, she finally managed to piece all those millions of puzzle pieces together. All those tiny parts, each unique experience, as she got caught by the currents and attacked by the Cap. Every sensation of pain, analyzed to completion, to create the image of victory she had in her head.
It was all about timing. Too soon or too late, both would cause her to miss the right current and her form would be unstable. The right form, at the right time, to create the best circumstances to use the Gravity Reversing Stomp. Not only that, there were so many Rainbow Carp up there, swimming around. They added to the obstacles of this trial. It was like finding a needle in a haystack.
This was impossible without perfect control. Without power equal to the fish barring her way. Someone at Qi Condensation could not even dream of completing this trial. The smarter move would have been to cultivate, to concentrate on ascending to the next level. Getting ready and then facing a Tribulation would have been the way to complete this trial. However… Shu's face split into an even wider grin, making her look utterly deranged. That was exactly why this was worth her time! If she needed to be at Foundation Establishment to only clear this first Trial, then she didn't deserve to be there to begin with! If it were meant to be easy, it wouldn't be worth struggling for! She got up to her feet and cracked her neck. Looking up with her body slouched over, her arms swinging loosely, she wheezed, the amount of laughter from before having taken her breath away. She relished the anticipation in the bodies of the Carp. In declaration, she slowly pointed her finger at a certain spot in front of her. The fish blinked and turned their heads.
In an instance, Shu jumped up to an entirely different spot, moving backwards.
"Sneaky little-"
"But that won't be enough!"
Yes. It wouldn't be. A trick like that would barely buy a second if Shu was generous. But a mere moment was all it took. The little instances that built up her path, the painting she created in her head. Her body pierced through the pool's bottom and she immediately let herself be carried to the left. She curled herself up into a ball, her knees close to her chest as she tumbled around. Some fish snorted, thinking this was just going to be like any other attempt. But then, just as her head was about to enter a current that would send her down once more, she shot out both of her legs. A sudden ninety degree turn, her hair barely not touching said current. Instead, gravity grabbed her and she was carried up, before entering a new current that moved her to the right once more, but with a slight deviation upwards.
Her eyes were closed shut. She couldn't see a thing, but that didn't matter. Sight in this water, this chaos, was counterproductive. Too many distracting things. It would make her too sick either. All she had and must use was the mental map in her head.
Up to go left. Down to loop around and go up once more. Right, to turn left, to go down, and from there ascend once more. Two kicks in rapid succession, followed by a kick delayed after another. Uncurling herself and spinning herself like a screw to move between two Carp. Their eyes widened, seeing that she dodged them with what appeared to be ease.
They might not have noticed it, but they had patterns. Preferences to how they swam. It created paths that intersected and separated in her Mind's eye. But more importantly…they weren't serious. They had a rule for themselves. Casual swimming only. If they truly wanted her to fail no matter what they could speed through the currents and stop her in her tracks. Maybe even attack her. But they never did so. Thus, Shu found the chink in the armor that was this Trial. Slipping past the fish that swam towards her, she kicked off again, avoiding them and entering a new current once more. She felt her Qi reserves emptying out, but Shu pushed out, releasing bubbles out of her mouth as she screamed. If one were to trace her path since the initial jump, it would be all over the place, like a kid playing with crayons. However, despite the loops, despite the zig zags…Shu was getting higher and higher. Until, at last…
Her head broke through the water. For a moment, she thought she failed once more. But then she realized that gravity wasn't leading her downwards. No, the sensation of vertigo she felt was the one that came with flying upwards. Her eyes widened as she saw the pool of water
below her. She snapped her head up, seeing solid ground, a cliff that was above the currents. With one final kick, she leapt forward, arms reaching out like claws. She touched the rock and clawed herself forward, trying to get away from the water as far as possible. Sliding over the ground, she breathed heavily, slowly turning around on her back. She was running on fumes now. She took in air like it was food for a starving animal. She was wet everywhere and to say she was tired would be an understatement. Yet as the realization settled in, the realization of victory…She felt new energy bubble in her chest and explode outwards as she punched up at the air,
"Who's the fucking best in the whole world?! This gal! Eat it, you stupid goddamn fish! I'm your god now and you are my pathetic sacrifices, aaaaaaaahhhh!"
"That's just hurtful."
She blinked, out of breath, before turning her head towards the pool. There, the school of Rainbow Carp stood at attention, standing on their tails, their…arm fins crossed as they frowned at her. Shu chuckled weakly before coughing, water escaping her lungs. She covered her eyes with her palm, trying to regain her energy.
"Sorry. Just…high off the victory."
Looking through the gaps between her fingers, she saw the fish stare at her for a while. Then they collectively shrugged, any tension disappearing.
"Eh, guess you earned it. Good game."
""""Good game!"""""
Shu sniffed before shaking her head. Damn it, all that salt water in there irritated her eyes. Exhaling slowly, she rose to her feet. Rubbing her hands together, she grinned at them.
"Sooo, what do I get? And don't say the trial itself was my reward."
"Nah, don't worry." Tilting its head backward, one carp readied itself with a glint in its eyes. "Here's your reward. Ptui!"
"Wait, what are you-"
She followed the red fluid being spat out with her eyes. It landed into a vial that was on a pedestal. A heavy weight appeared in her stomach. Wait, they couldn't be…Just as she feared, more and more spits shot out, like rain, entering the glass.
"Ptui."
"Ptui!"
"Ptui?"
"Ptui~!"
"P-p-p-p-ptui!"
Shu didn't bother hiding her disgust as the vessel was now full. Seeing her reaction, the fish chuckled at her.
"You must be thirsty after all that." The fish collectively saluted, mimicking their 'leader'. "Anyway, next trial is right up there, good luck with the next trial, you're gonna need it!"
Then they all dove back into the pool, laughing as they left her behind. Shu stared at the Carp for a moment before slowly turning her head upwards. She couldn't see the ceiling at all, the hole extending up so far that only darkness was visible. Then just as slowly she turned her head to the vial on the pedestal they filled up with their blood. Her mouth thinned as she stepped towards it, seeing how it shone despite the low light in this area. Well then.
There was only one thing to do when offered with such a highly suspect substance given by a bunch of big fish that bullied her for months. She closed her eyes, centered herself…and then grabbed the vial without hesitation. She held it above her head, titling it towards her with a wide, yet fragile smile.
"Cheers!"
A reward was a reward, no matter how disgusting! Thus, she emptied it out down her throat with ease. Gulping, she smacked her lips a few times after putting the vial down. Licking her lips to get the rest into her mouth, she hummed thoughtfully.
Then she buckled over, dropping on all four knees, as she heaved, covering her mouth.
"Blegh! Less salt, you damn scaled bastards!"
So disgusting! The texture was so sticky! What was she expecting?! Sweetness?! Hell no, it was exactly what she expected blood to taste like! Iron, salt, bad aftertaste overall! She thought the higher a fish was on Cultivation, they would taste better! She knew she should've filleted them!
Her mental complaints stopped when her stomach churned. Then, the vibrations and pain spread out, through her blood, and reached her skin. She grit her teeth, refusing to scream as agony rippled over her body. And just like ripples, her skin shifted, restructured itself, tearing Shu apart to create something new. Shu remained on her knees, hugging herself as she exhaled strongly through her nose. Then, at last, without having made a single scream. The pain stopped. Flexing her fingers, she stood up and tore off her sleeves without hesitation. Her eyes widened as her suspicion came true.
"Huh. Look at that."
Scales. Scales upon scales, an armor on its own, covered her arms. And judging from the spread of the pain she felt from before, she must have those things all over her body. She didn't have a mirror here, the pool itself unsuited for it, so she only had her imagination. She pasted a Rainbow Carp over her skin. Shu grimaced. Ugh, she could just hope it didn't look as shit as she imagined it. She wasn't that vain, but Qinglong Shu liked to think she had a certain attractiveness. Scales would only ruin it. Oh heavens, did she have fish eyes now too? Before her mind could spiral out of control, she slapped her cheeks and shook her head furiously. Angst not now, Trials awaited. Taking a deep breath, she nodded to herself before ascending up the hole the Rainbow Carps pointed out for her, kicking off the ground as she reversed gravity.
///
The fish, now turned Rainbow Carp, swam and swam and swam. Oh, they swam for so long, the waterfall sooooo tall. Some got too tired and decided to stop, to go back. They didn't return empty handed however, as they would tell their lesser brethren about the sights they saw as they swam up. How far the forest extended. Other lakes. Beautiful mountain ranges. But unfortunately, they never got to see what they wanted to see. That was reserved for those that pushed on.
And pushed on they did. The chosen few, no matter how tiring it was, no matter how painful it was, they kept on rising. With each bit of the distance they covered, they grew ever strong, ever more beautiful. However, their fins wouldn't be enough. They had to stop, in a safe haven, a break spot so to say. As they sat in this new pool, so high up that the trees themselves looked like ants, they realized that the waterfall was too powerful now for regular swimming. Some gave up at that sight, leaving. But the others were spurred on by the first, the one who encouraged them all to do this. If they couldn't swim on water, they just had to swim on land!
Don't laugh, Shu, it can happen. Cultivation is a wondrous thing after all…When you are older…Oh, you are so cute when you pout!
Back to what I was saying…well, they tried really hard. Jumping up and up again, trying to stay in the air. Eventually however, with the magic of Qi, they did it! So with a handful of the Rainbow Carp left, those that remained evolved once more! Their faces became stronger, more fierce! Fur covered their scales and their teeth grew sharper! Yes, now they were Dragonfish!
…No, I didn't make up that name. And it's accurate! Either way, they then floated up, stomachs almost touching the waterfall but not quite yet, flying up towards the Heavens.
///
"I used to be a little gal, then I became a wondrous pal, do do do do…"
Her fingers grasped the edge of the wall. She grinned before pulling herself up. She spun and then landed on her feet, arms wide. Damn, this really was high. How tall was this mountain anyway? She dusted off her hands before wiping the sweat off her forehead. At a certain point she realized she couldn't cross the distance with the Gravity Reversing Stomp all the way, so she had to climb the old fashioned way. Fortunately the walls weren't smooth, plenty of spots to dig her fingers into. With a satisfied nod, she turned around…and then came to a stop, her eyes wide.
Many rocks defying the laws of gravity, just like the pool beneath. However, instead of just being water with currents, this was more akin to a giant three dimensional labyrinth, the boulders continuously moving, creating the impression of mighty walls. Well, a labyrinth, or a very imaginative playground. If one weren't careful, they would be stopped short by a rock solid (heh) obstacle. Unlike the pool, she had the impression she couldn't break through those no matter what. Or if she could, it was not worth the effort.
"Fancy, isn't it?" A male voice said out of nowhere.
Shu jumped only a little bit before moving her head around, frantically looking for whoever that was.
"Up here."
Looking up, her eyes widened in shock. Sitting on a leaning chair of all things, with a book in its fins, an actual, fucking dragonfish looked down at her. Its whiskers twitched with amusement, an elderly warmth in its eyes as it closed the book shut.
"My, you are quite talented. I heard the commotion down below, but to be here already? Yes, yes, it must be fate."
She couldn't help but blink. Huh. It, or rather he, was rather nice. Genuinely nice. No taunting or anything like that. Because of that, she bowed respectfully at him.
"This Junior greets her Senior."
Chuckling warmly, the dragonfish descended, treating the very air as if it was water.
"Good manners too! Indeed, this will be the most joyous trial!" Nodding a few times he swam around her, judging her. After a while, he made a satisfied nod and floated up to the rocks, which suddenly came to a stand still. Shu's eyes widened at the implication. Was he controlling them? All of them? And he didn't even seem to pay much attention while doing so. Amazing!
"It is rather simple." A smirk appeared on his face. "Catch me."
Shu waited. Silence stretched out. Then she tilted her head, arms crossed.
"What's the catch, no pun intended."
"There is no catch." The dragonfish nodded a few times, amusement shining in its eyes. "No catch but the fact that your target is me."
"Hooo boy." Shu hissed. Right, if the Rainbow Carp below were Foundation Establishment, a Dragonfish was above that too. So yet again, by any fair standard, Shu would never win in this. Therefore, she spread her legs, bent her knees and got ready to jump her latest opponent, a grin on her face. Approving of her energy, the Dragonfish shot up.
"Now, let us begin!"
Shu leapt, demanding gravity to fling her towards him. At the same time, the rocks moved once more, creating the impression of a slow moving storm, the same speed as before. At least for a moment, before they suddenly accelerated. Shu's eyes widened and she raised her arm. A rock the size of her fist smashed against it. She hissed in pain as she tumbled through the air. Damn, if that hit her head, it would've cracked wide open! And if it weren't for her new scales, even her block would have been broken! What were those stones made of?!
"Good reflexes! But that will not be enough! It would be a shame if you died after so much effort!"
Shu let out a grunt of recognition before desperately hugging onto a large rock. She looked down, wincing at the darkness below her. Okay, that was close. Taking a deep breath she looked around, looking at the flying rocks. They were fast, and hard enough to damage her. However, she soon recognized a pattern. With a shout, she kicked off the air, aiming for the dragonfish casually weaving between the rocks. She grinned as she jumped off the rocks themselves, saving up Qi. In an instance, her fingertips were mere moments away from his scales. Her opponent glanced at her…and smiled a pitying smile. Shu's eyes widened before a sharp pain flared up at her side. She glanced down looking at the rock embedding itself into her stomach, cracking her very ribs. She spat out blood as she was forced off course, her finger tips touching nothing but air.
"Who said the rocks maintained the same pattern?" The dragonfish shook his head. "No, no, foresight is good and all, but it is not the answer."
She crashed against a boulder larger than her. Holding her sides, she coughed up even more blood. Forcing air through her lungs, she powered through the pain. Her Bronze Blood might be thin as all hell, but it was still there. Her cracked bones within her flesh would heal up on their own. For now, she had a game of tag to win! Growling she leapt forward once more, demanding gravity to move her as she willed it. The dragonfish raised an eyebrow at her, but then let out an 'oh' sound when a flying rock touched her side once more. Instead of being smacked around, this time Shu stepped once more, reversing gravity and spinning around it. Then she grasped the rock and let herself be carried by it. Another boulder approached, faster than before, but she flipped over it, palm on it and used it to maneuver around. Over and over, she used the rocks to her advantage. Their momentum to carry her, as 'ground' to flip over. Sometimes they moved slower all of a sudden or took sharp turns. Shu got hit, bruising her body, but never did they land a solid hit like before.
Then, she spun around a boulder, legs first aiming at the dragonfish's back. But just as her soles were about to touch it, it dove down. Then another stone smashed itself against her ankle. She bit down a scream as it bent in a way it shouldn't have. Desperately with her working foot, she jumped back on solid ground and landed on her bottom. Hissing in pain, she held her broken foot into place, channeling her Qi to mend it. Meanwhile the dragonfish approached, shaking his head a few times.
"Hm, yes, a sharp mind. Adaptation. Improvisation. But alas, no matter how sharp a mind is, if it is used wrong, it is like a high grade kitchen knife used to fight a sword." A frown marred his dragonic expression."You do not grasp the fundamental importance here."
Well, that was cryptic. And also very irritating. Saying that made it sound like she was lacking in understanding. Flexing her foot a few times, she deemed it good enough, even if not remotely healed up enough. With that in mind she jumped up, onto a new boulder. This time, she stood up straight. Then she exhaled and pushed her Gravity Reversing Stomp to the test, forcing the power onto the boulder itself. The direction shifted, her Qi taking over. With a roar, she pushed, her personal projectile moving towards the dragonfish. He let out a surprised noise as it dodged, but Shu wasn't done yet. She burned through her Qi faster than ever before, but she kicked rock after rock at him. Starting to corner him with her 'arrows' she leapt at him, aiming for the one gap she left open. This had to work now!
"Yes, using your environment is a wise move." The dragonfish grinned. "Alas, I, your opponent, will not fall for such petty tricks!"
She didn't see any particular movement. Not even a swift swing of his tail. And yet, the very air around him seemed to freeze. Shu couldn't move. The rocks didn't move. All momentum was taken away, leaving them floating in the air. She tried to move her legs, to defy the mastery of her opponent but she couldn't. Damn it, plan B then! Fire Qi flew through her meridians and she was about to unleash it all, a bomb out of herself to break his concentration. But before she could do so, the world lurched. Her eyes went wide as she was forcefully moved.
"Ooooooh fuuuuu-!"
It was like she was in the currents in the lower pool all over again, only worse. With the rocks smacking against her several times, she tried her best to use her Gravity Reversing Stomp, but it was too much. Too many rocks, too many things at once, too many directions. She couldn't move her legs into position fast enough! Bone cracked, flesh was torn open. After what felt like an eternity, she was dropped down on the ground, creating a small pool of crimson fluids around her. She gasped for air as her body twitched, in shock from the damage and pain. How the hell was she supposed to do this? This wasn't like the water currents with their patterns. This entire place was at the dragonfish's mercy. She couldn't outpredict that, not yet. Her legs couldn't move as fast as her opponent's mere desire to shift gravity. Her mind went into overdrive, trying to figure out what the goal was. How to catch the dragonfish. What was needed to make it admit defeat? What?!
A wet noise in front of her. She blinked, staring at the piece of red meat in front of her. She turned her body, looking up at the dragonfish warmly looking at her with a nod.
"Here."
"W-what's this?" She asked, dumbfounded at this turn of events.
"Dinner. An empty stomach leads to an empty body and soul." It floated back up to its chair, pristine and unmarred by the chaos from before. Sitting down, it took its book into its fins and flipped a page open. "Let me know when you are ready to go again."
For a moment, Shu had the urge to jump at him here and there. He had to have his guard down now. But as quickly as the thought entered her mind, she dismissed it. No, it was no use. Even if he was right in front of her, breathing down her face, there was no way she could catch it with dishonorable means. It was meaningless. The one thing she learned from all this was that if he didn't want to be caught, he wouldn't. He could fly circles around her while she took the time to blink. No, it was better to play by the rules. With that in mind, she lit up the meat, cooking it. At the same time, she stared at it, pondering over what to do. By the time the food was done and cooked however, her mind was empty. Or rather, utterly exhausted.
She didn't have a single idea what to do. The Gravity Reversing Stomp was the key here, but she didn't know how. At her current mastery, it wouldn't be enough. The best thing she could come up with was getting better with it, but as the dragonfish said, she was lacking something fundamental. It wasn't a matter of increasing its potency with cultivation either. Chewing on the meat, she narrowed her eyes. Well, she had all the time in the world apparently.
///
"You never mentioned your name!"
The dragonfish blinked. They have been at this for quite a long time now. Ducking casually under a drop kick of hers, he chuckled at her unyielding will.
"I call myself Wa Shi!"
"Really?!" Shu asked, gathering Earth Qi to keep a steady stance on a rock. Then she put her palms onto it, injecting Wood Qi into it.
"It is what I have chosen!" Wa Shi announced, slightly amused. Then he tilted his head, dodging a tree branch at the same time that Shu created. "Are you sure you want to waste your breath like this?"
"I'm going to be here for a while, so might as well, right?!" She set the newly created tree on fire, the ash and heat covering the view. Then she shot through it, forming Metal Qi around her and turning herself into a flaming ball. Distorting the air, it would be more difficult to make out the details of her form. "Got some favorite food?!"
"I find boar quite pleasant!" The Dragonfish responded, easily dodging the burning fist. Then he blinked before chuckling in amusement. "Oh, I see now! How sneaky! To talk with me to predict me better!"
"Hey, I'm also interested as a person!" Extinguishing herself, Shu rolled her shoulders. Then Water Qi surrounded her skin and she slid around the rock as if she was covered in oil. Picking up speed with a few loops she slung herself towards the dragonfish once more, extending her reach with Wood Qi nourished by the Water and Earth from before. "No hard feelings, right?!"
Naturally she missed, and missed again. She tried to kick out, to pull Wa Shi towards her, but he simply ignored the force inflicted upon him and just laughed heartily.
"No, no, not at all! It is what you should be doing, haha!"
That was the pattern that described the next days, weeks, months. Talk. Chase. Take a break. Rinse and repeat. Over and over again, as Shu used every trick and technique and skill she picked up over her life to get closer to the dragonfish, to no avail. During that time, she asked about many things. His birth, his ascension. His knowledge of history, ancient, so very ancient that it boggled Shu's mind. His curiosity of the outside world, of the realm outside the Secret Realm. His amusement for comedy, intrigued by the new books that were out there. Not only that, his personality quirks. Snoring while sleeping. Liking his food with some spice. At a certain point, she could confidently say that Wa Shi (or whatever his real name is) was basically a friend. His little quirks and speech patterns. His opinions about Righteous and Demonic, or rather the lack thereof. According to him, it's been like two years since she started this chase. However…despite all that knowledge, all those things that helped her started to predict his movements…
Her hands swiped empty air once more. Immediately she channeled Metal and defended herself from a projectile. As she flew with its momentum, she grabbed onto a nearby flying rock and flung herself over with Gravity and Wood, like using a vine and the wind on her back. Then she committed to a sequence from a past battle. Fire heating up, then water, forming steamy mist. Her form became without form and she was right on top of him.
"Oh my, what a unique element!"
Yet her right foot touched nothing yet again. Her form was forcefully thrown back, for even the mist had to obey gravity. Not only that, he backed off enough that even without it, she would have to stop her mist technique before she lost her own momentum and needed to become 'solid' again. She growled in irritation as she landed back on the ground for the umpteempth time. Damn it, despite her ability to read him somewhat, he was still too damn fast! Which meant she was still not understanding the fundamental thing he was talking about.
Damn it, he was controlling gravity so casually, not even her mist form could touch him! The one thing that let her touch Aretaphila Myia of all people! What was she missing?! What could she do for him to let her touch him?! If only she could do what he could, as if it was second nature-
Nature.
Shu froze in her tracks, just as she was about to leap back into the chase once more. The dragonfish stopped, eyes wide, before a glint shone within them. Shu didn't take note of it at all. Instead, she looked down at her legs. Slowly shaking her head, she wanted to dismiss that sudden thought that entered her mind. It couldn't be so simple, right? But…maybe it was. She couldn't think of anything else.
It was called Gravity Reversing Stomp…but was it a fundamental law that said she had to actually stomp to use the technique? Gravity affected the entire body. Not just the legs. It was such a simple thought. No, rather, if one walked, the body did many other things as well. One didn't have to consciously think about the concept of walking. Like a baby learning how to crawl, they didn't even have the mental capabilities to 'think' about how to do it. So many things were done subconsciously for it was part of their life. Breathing, moving the limbs in sync, pressing the palms and soles on the ground before pushing off the ground. What comes before the stomp, before the moment of action…was the moment of intent. Intent to activate the technique. Which in turn meant a massive increase in speed. She looked up at Wa Shi, a blank look on her face.
Then she grinned like a maniac as her leg did nothing more than twitch. Immediately gravity reversed and she shot up. The dragonfish moved immediately to evade, curving away. An act that Shu immediately followed. Her arm twitched and gravity took a turn as well. Rocks were easily avoided, a small twitch here and there to readjust. No longer was she too busy stretching out her leg, to mentally process that action. Instead, she focused on her Qi surrounding her entire body, before grasping an area around her to call the gravity point, to pull her towards it. The time of reversing gravity was cut short by only a few moments, but it made all the difference, as well as the lack of a clear give away of her using the technique. A few seconds of chase and Wa Shi nodded…before stopping. Her hand touched his scales. The sensation was like a burning fire, rippling through her skin. In all her excitement, she stopped thinking about manipulating gravity. Fortunately, the dragonfish caught her with his own control and gently put her down on the ground.
Shu sweated furiously, the strain catching up to her as she breathed heavily. And yet, she grinned widely like an innocent child, as it finally clicked. Just as Wa Shi expected as he bowed to her with respect.
"At last, you have grasped the basics." He looked her directly into the eyes and moved his fin in demonstration. "The Stomp is merely the first step. First, you learn how to walk with the wind. However, a true dragon does not walk."
He began to glow. Qi, Shu realized, surrounding every bit of scale on his body.
"Dragons soar. You live with your entire body. Thus, every muscle of yours must demand reign over Gravity. A true dragon must only desire something for it to happen."
"Heh…hehehe…so simple…" Shu muttered. She spent so much time on this. Her face flushed with embarrassment. Yet Wa Shi shook his head, a warm smile on his face.
"It is most difficult to comprehend the easiest things, for they are so easy that there is no explanation for them at all. There is no shame in that," clapping his fins a few times he nodded at her. "Now then. You have comprehended the art of movement. Now it is time to make it truly yours."
Shu straightened her back up, exhaustion basically forgotten. Her eyes wide, filled with focus and attention. Approval shone in the dragonfish's eyes before it turned away from her.
"Instead of surviving the chaos that can be gravity, you will now learn how to cause said chaos. Through that, the ability to control gravity shall be imprinted in your very blood." He twisted his body. "Observe. The Lawless Winds."
His tail swung like a glaive. At the same time, all the rocks turned into dust. Shu's eyes widened, as she saw a vortex that shredded the boulders entirely. Such a powerful wind. No, not wind, Shu realized, internalizing that technique names could be misleading. Gravity itself. Utterly chaotic, pulling and pushing into all directions, changing the way gravity worked every split second. So fast that no physical body could withstand such forces. Turning back to her, Wa Shi took great satisfaction at her half open mouth. Raising his right fin, he gained her attention back.
"To understand these winds, one must understand one important lesson," he cleared his throat."Laws are meaningless."
"What?" Shu tilted her head, utterly confused by that word.
"As the name implies, it represents the Law of Nature that is gravity…and how it is a frail construct. Declared absolute by those that cannot rise above their station," Wa Shi elaborated. He closed his eyes, immersing himself into philosophy. "To be a dragon, one must learn that nature itself is not a chain that shall bind you. Nay, we are above the laws. We create our own Gravity, our own Winds. By defying what is known and allowed by the world, do we ascend. That is Cultivation. That is being a Dragon." He opened his eyes. "That is life."
"Sometimes Order must be disrupted…" Shu whispered. And wasn't that the basics of what her life, as a Golden Devil, as one declared to be Demonic, was all about? Seeing that his words reached her, Wa Shi smiled.
"Exactly. You have learned how to find Order even in Chaos with the Gravity Reversing Stomp. Now, you must create Chaos within Order. Now, gather your Qi. This will not be a quick lesson."
And he was right. For one single technique, she spent half the time she spent in this trial. After all, to intentionally create chaos was a paradox. It was almost anathema to her entire fighting style. She had a system to follow. The Wuxing, the Cycle of Elements. How the Gravity Reversing Stomp worked. They all defied the common sense of mortality, but it was a pattern to her. But the Lawless Winds? They are meant to be random, in their purest form. To tear something apart like a child would by shaking a bag violently. People naturally craved Order, Shu believed. Something to make sense. So she sweated, even bled, as she tried to summon wind over and over. Not a simple wind that one could cause with a strong punch, but a true, Lawless Wind. Wa Shi showed her the technique over and over again, and Shu carefully dissected every bit of Qi utilized. How was it used? Through which meridians did it flow? How did Shu have to adapt a technique of a Dragonfish to a human body? How did a natural storm occur and how could it be translated over to gravity itself? Piece by piece, she adapted, threw away, restarted her analysis. It was frustrating. It was aggravating.
And it was so much fucking fun! Every setback was a new lesson, every failure showing a new path to take. Eventually however, every game, every piece of fun had to end. Her stance was wide, facing a floating rock, courtesy of Wa Shi. She flexed her fingers, as if ready to draw a blade at a moment's notice. The image formed in her head. The world shattered, its core, its gravity, all over the place and fighting for dominance, to make a whole new world. Like ravenous beasts aiming for the top. Qi flowed. And then she opened her mouth as she snapped her wrist forward, palm facing the rock.
"重力!"
The stream came out of her hand. The very air distorted from the forces inflicted upon it. It hit the rock, and Shu screamed in delight, raising her fist. Not merely pushed from the front. Not merely cut by wind. No, the very foundational force of gravity hit it from all sides, crumbling it like a ball of steel in Shu's hand. Exhaustion caught up to Shu and she dropped down on her knees. She heard clapping and she smiled brightly at Wa Shi, who hummed with happiness.
"You can shoot it out like a stream. Or create a territory around you, like a furious storm. Perhaps you simply cause a singular wind, to drag someone up or down. And through all that, you shall be immune as long as you utilize the Winds with the Stomp. It is up to your imagination."
In other words, gravity was her bitch now, no matter from which direction she came from! She pumped her fist. Fuck yeah! She put her fist against her palm and lowered her head, touching the ground.
"This Junior thanks her Senior for this lesson! I will never forget this!"
She felt something touch her head and ruffle her hair. Looking up, she saw Wa Shi remove his fin, his whiskers twitching.
"It was my pleasure. A genuine pleasure." He raised his hand, his smile falling. Shu tilted her head at that, the sudden shift of attitude. "Look up. That is where your last trial awaits you."
Shu gulped and looked up at the darkness above. No, not darkness. Her eyes widened when they adjusted to what she was seeing. Dark clouds. She could actually see the outside. It was far off, very far off…but she could see the light at the end of all this. She tightened her fists. She spent like four years in this place. Four years of suffering and learning. And now this was her final-
"I have to be honest with you. I do not believe you should do it."
She snapped her head at Wa Shi, her eyes wide with shock.
"What?" She whispered. He was so supportive before. Enabling her, patiently waiting for her to learn the lesson. What changed? Sorrow filled his eyes as he shook his head.
"Yes. Unlike I or my lesser brethren below…the next…examiner will not desire to see you succeed. You will experience pain beyond anything you have ever felt." He took a deep breath. "Are you not satisfied with your mastery? At this level, even most at Foundation Establishment shall have problems with you."
Ah. Such a grandfatherly warmth. Shu smiled softly. Then she began to walk past him. Her hands reached out for the wall and found a good hold. Pulling herself up, she giggled, scratching the back of her head awkwardly.
"Noted. But apologies, I don't do things halfway. I'm too stupid to quit."
Instead of reprimanding her, the dragonfish, her latest teacher merely nodded ruefully. As if expecting her answer. He merely smiled back and gave her an encouraging nod.
"Then I can only wish you good fortune."
With that, the final trial awaited.
///
Finally they reached the top. Many were left behind. No longer able to keep up their Qi to defy gravity. No longer having the desire to fly. Satisfied with their current evolutionary state. So they returned, bringing even new stories to their mortal brethren. So many left, that only two kept pushing on until the waterfall ended. The first, the leader, and his own twin. They both floated on top of the mountain, looking down at the world itself. Ah, such a great sight. So many cultures, like tiny tiny toys. So many colors. One cannot describe the wonders they could see. However, there was a hint of sadness in their eyes as they looked out. They have reached their goal. And thus, they became aimless. What now? Did they discover it all now? No, that could not be. The first looked up and gasped in awe. The stars shone in the night. Those mysteries of the heavens, even above the mountain, the waterfall they rose on. And in that moment, the first found a new goal. A new waterfall to climb up. And before you ask, it's a metaphor in this case.
Yet their bodies were too small. Already as big as me, they needed to get bigger. So bigger they became. No longer did they have gilles. Fins. No, their fins became mighty claws. Their bodies became more like snakes. Their colors changed, becoming pure Azure. Hehe, that's right, Shu! They became Azure Dragons! Heaven blessed them with luck and talent, rewarding them for their efforts! Immediately, the two rose, wanting to reach the stars together! No cloud, no lightning, no wind could stop them, pushed aside with ease! Further and further, they got faster and faster as they left behind the earth, the mountain, the world itself. To new heights. To new mysteries.
Yes, Azure Dragons are the strongest of all. Just don't let Big Brother hear that. He is always jealous of us Qinglong.
///
The winds almost knocked her right back down the hole she emerged from. Breathing heavily, she looked around. She couldn't see anything of the landscape that was the Qiguai Realm. She didn't even know if she was still on the same mountain she entered. If she had eyes from above, she could have seen that the peak of the mountain looked like an eye, the hole itself being the black pupil. Yet she was ignorant to that fact. No, all she was surrounded by were dark clouds, filled with static energy, crackling as if ready to strike her down in an instance. It really deserved the name 'final trial' at this point. She glanced down at her right palm, shivering immensely. She upped the heat of her Qi, only to see it still shaking. She smiled a frail smile and shook her head. Right, this wasn't a matter of cold. Nor was she shaking out of excitement. Her mind already connected the dots and her very subconscious was afraid. She looked up, a cold sweat running down her back as she saw the black clouds above her slowly part.
Rainbow Carp. Dragonfish. Naturally, by that pattern, that process…the next one, the final examiner would be…
The first that she saw were the mighty claws. Sharp bone structures that could tear the mightiest iron apart with ease. What followed were Azure Scales, covering every part of its body, starting from its muscular tail capable of displacing entire oceans, to the rest of its massive body. It breathed out, its maw revealing its razor sharp teeth. At last, its full head descended, peeking down.
The Azure Dragon stared down right at her, eyes half lidded as if it had just woken up from a long slumber. A figure of myths, the symbol of the Qinglong Clan, one of the Four Guardians. Shu choked back a sob, tears dropping down her cheek and carried off by the strong winds. How breathtaking. It was like a childhood dream come true. It turned its head towards her, its white fur fluttering in the storm. It spotted her, her large eyes upon her figure. For the most momentary of moments, Shu thought she saw surprise in its eyes. Surprise that she was even here. Not a stranger but someone else.
Then a rumble vibrated the very air. The next instance, Shu realized it was a growl. Its eyes shone as its bared its teeth, its claws flexing. She could see veins underneath the scales pulsating. In that moment, Shu took a step back, eyes wide as she remembered Wa Shi's words.
The Azure Dragon had no desire to let her succeed. It inhaled through the nose, the very action like a vacuum, almost sending Shu flying. She braced herself and was already moving her right arm, the mental image of the earth shattering and its shards flying appearing in her head.
The Lawless Winds shot out, not to attack, but for the sake of survival. Yet mere winds were nothing to the exhale, the breath of a dragon. Nay, not a breath. A mere sigh of frustration at best, once more through its nostrils. Yet it was akin to the mightiest storm Shu had ever experienced. Her technique barely slowed it down, if at all. Then, with unprecedented force, it slammed right into Shu's body. Her muscle fibers, her bones, her very meridians, they all felt like they were broken into pieces. A silent scream escaped her as her back crashed into the edge of the hole she climbed up from. It was a miracle it didn't flat out break. She barfed out blood before gravity took ahold of her. All the techniques to defy it couldn't be executed. She couldn't even move a muscle as she fell down and down and down. The last image she saw was the Azure Dragon rising back into the dark clouds, not even giving her a second glance.
She soared by Wa Shi, the dragonfish. He winced with sympathy as her body fell like a rock dropped from a mountain.
"Oh dear, I knew this was going to happen."
She crashed through the pool of water, surprising the Rainbow Carp, the currents utterly ignored by the acceleration she picked up from falling down. At last, her fall broke with her face smashing up on the ground she started her ascent from. The carp looked at her unmoving body as blood flooded out of her broken nose and mouth. For a while, she remained there, motionless. They shared a concerned look, afraid she was actually dead. But then they saw a finger twitch and let out a sigh of relief.
It would take days until she finally turned around, eyes wide open with a blank look. Seeing that she was alive, and somewhat healed up apparently. They decided to fall back on old habits and chuckle at her expense.
"Wait, you actually went for the peak?"
"Greedy, greedy!"
"Youngers these days don't know…" The carp trailed off, seeing the very air distort around Shu. "Moderation…?"
Her body vibrated. Her fingers dug into her palm so hard she drew blood. Then she shot up, the Gravity Reversing Stomp sending her flying up, all while she let out a feral scream of pure outrage.
///
"...oooo…!"
The Azure Dragon, the memory that guarded the final trial, opened an eye as it rested in the thunder clouds. Its ears twitched before it looked around in confusion. What was that noise? Was it imagining it? It frowned deeply before shaking its head. It must have been nothing. Just having woken up before, relatively speaking, must have been messing with its sen-
"...ooiii…!"
It narrowed its eyes and looked downwards. No, this time it definitely heard something. It poked its head through the clouds and looked at the top of the mountain. The scream became louder and louder, echoing off the walls of the hole. The Azure Dragon growled when it spotted the individual causing all that noise. One hand grasped the ledge and flung the body up.
"-iiiiiiiiii!"
Dirty, battered and sweating immensely, Qinglong Shu landed on both of her feet. Taking a deep breath, she snapped her arm up, pointing directly at the Will with a snarl, saliva dripping from her mouth.
"You bastard, you almost killed me! What the hell is your problem?! We didn't even exchange a single word! I had to climb all the way back up here!"
The mythical being just stared at her, eyes narrowed. Any awe that the girl had in her eyes was overshadowed by unyielding rage. She even dared to bare her teeth at it. As if she was like a dragon. Such arrogance. Once more, without a word, the Will took a deep breath. This time however, it inhaled through its mouth. Shu's eyes widened, before she slowly shook her head, finger poking towards it as her anger intensified.
"Don't you-"
The fluid in its body shot out. Qi was added in an instant, setting it on fire. Thus, the inferno was unleashed, so searingly hot it began to melt the very top of the mountain. As fast as she possibly could, Water and Earth mixed together, creating a mud shield upon her scales, to protect herself from the burns. Naturally, her body began to steam immediately, the very dirt starting to burn her skin as well. Stumbling backwards a few times, it was inevitable that one foot would hit empty air. Once more, gravity reigned over her body and dragged her back down.
"DAAAAAAREEEE!"
Was it planned? Was it an accident? Either way, by dropping down, she escaped the inferno with only the least bit of damage. Third degree burns, bubbling skin, pristine skin and scales turned scarlet and ashen. The Azure Dragon stared at the ever smaller turmbling figure of the cultivator, until she was gone even from it sight. Shaking its head in irritation, it ascended back into the storm clouds, closing its eyes. Once more, it entered a dreamless slumber, wishing for the eternal void to finally take it. It growled a bit, anger bubbling up, thus removing the ability to actually sleep. Why was it chosen to be stuck in this forsaken playground called a Secret Realm? Why was it stuck here? Didn't it do enough in life to deserve better? To be more than a mere device to test trash? Yet here it was. A prisoner, despite all its power. Taking a deep breath to center itself, it started to relax, after what felt like weeks.
Of course because the heavens hated it, it was then that it heard the screaming again. This time it descended almost immediately, eye twitching. Indeed, there she was, barely healed up from her burns, yet unable to hear the affliction that was her empty brain. Hands on her knees she wiped sweat off her forehead, before looking up. The sight surprised it to say the least, its eyes going wide for a moment. The anger was still there. However…
"Okay, I see what game we're playing! Well, too bad for you, I'm the best at the Annoyance game! Once I win, you better give me something good!"
A giddy giggle escaped her, a smile ever so at peace. The mere sight of such a thing caused it to growl, squashing whatever weird feeling was about to bubble up. Instead, it pointed at her with a single claw, tilting its head back to look down on her better.
"Why should I give something to a traitor that joined the Invaders?"
Shu tilted her head at the voice, so deep it could drown someone with its mere presence. She blinked for a moment before raising an eyebrow, pointing at the dragon.
"You can talk?"
It twitched. It felt like it just lost to something pathetic. The very idea was irrational. Harrumphing, it kept its claw pointed at the fool, as the energy around it from the black clouds gathered. Thunder rumbled, lightning moved, and the idiot seemed to realize what was happening next as she gulped.
"Hoooo shit."
Instead of retreating or leaping down on her own however, the hopeless cultivator spread her legs, arms wide open, as if intending to catch the technique. It snorted, mentally deriding her efforts. Very well. With that in mind, Tribulation itself shot out of the tip of its claw and hit the human in the blink of an eye. Instead of smashing the girl off its damn mountain again however, she managed to stay standing, much to its shock.
Meanwhile, Shu couldn't even let out a scream as the electrical current wreaked havoc on her body. It was agony. It was torture. And yet, all she could see was not the dragon having shot it at her, but her Legatus. The leader of the Legion she joined, shooting such a kind of lightning at her as well. She forced the energy to move, to avoid her vitals. Something so dispassionate as a pointing finger could never match up to the depth of a Song, no matter the power difference! Thus, Shu almost broke her teeth from gritting them so much. And yet, her arm finally managed to move, pointing back at the Azure Dragon. The energy escaped her, instead hitting the Will straight in the face. It didn't even flinch, much to her dismay. However, she took great joy, forcing a grin despite her paralyzed, twitching body. Such a wide eyed look. Haha, worth it. She couldn't move anything at all.
But hey, she tanked it, so that had to mean some-
Something massive appeared out of nowhere and smashed her entire body. Her eyes rolled up, the sheer force pushing her everything to the back, including her brain. Faintly, she felt her back hit something, before gravity took a hold of her once more. It was only when she woke up agian, weeks later, back on the ground, would she realize that she was punched. A simple physical act, unimpressive compared to the fire, the wind, the lightning, and yet it inflicted more damage than anything else. Which meant that Azure Dragon was holding back and was still so strong. Some would feel despair. Others would cry at the injustice, at the unequalness of it all.
Shu on the other hand? Her mind was empty as she focused on healing up. Her body was swift as she moved up. And once she reached the top once more, seeing the Azure Dragon not having ascended at all, finally realizing how stubborn Shu was, she finally let out a laugh. Its anger, massive already from the affornt of being attacked by its own attack, grew. Yet Shu didn't care, looking past the rage, the wrath. Instead, she licked her lips, her stomach rumbling, not desiring anything petty like food, but knowledge. Explanations of how such power could come to be, how it used the elements so easily. She clapped her hands a few times, utterly giddy at this entire ordeal before pointing at the being dwarfing her.
"Okay. Lightning? Cool. Claw flick? Bitch move."
For a moment Shu thought it was going to bring forth its full power, seemingly growing its already massive size as its nostrils flared. But then, it took a deep breath and craned its neck. Rage under control, it gave her an apparently dispassionate look.
"If you want to survive, leave."
It almost sounded calm too. Unfortunately, too little too late. Shu chuckled, hands on her hips as she shook her head.
"Well, I entered this trial so I'm not going to half ass it, Mr. Rage Dragon. So if you want me to leave so early, just give up first, ey?" Shu paused before shrugging nonchalantly. "Either that or kill me."
"Then perish."
This time, the blow came from above. Shu immediately crossed her arms above her head just as the words left her own mouth. Yet it was almost too late, and even then, the sheer force caused her knees to buckle, the scales on her skin and the bones in her skeleton to crack. She roared in defiance, against the tail almost casually pushing down on her. But despite even her Body Purification, it meant nothing. Slowly but surely, she was pressed down on the ground, until she was being squeezed against the mountain and the dragon's tail. Her organs were being squashed together, blood seeping out of every hole as the pressure increasingly forced it all out. She clawed at the ground, trying to find some sort of relief, but it didn't matter, for the mountain itself was meant to be able to withstand the Azure Dragon, at least for a little bit. She had no idea how long she was being literally pressed, the pressure slowly increasing. Eventually however, the tail removed itself. Shu gasped for air as her organs tried to reform themselves to their proper, non flat form. Coughing violently, the last bits of blood escaped her. Her head was dizzy. Her vision blurry. She had no strength in her limbs, something that occured way too often. And yet…she coughed out a laugh as she tilted her head as much as she could.
"Ow…Now that's just…disrespectful…"
A dismissive snort.
"A mere remnant of remnants erased from history does not deserve respect." It narrowed its eyes. "Tell me, do you think your ancestors smile upon you? Smile upon what is left of you? A mere ember?"
Shu blinked. The words processed and she opened her mouth, outrage filling her. Naturally, the dragon swiped its claw at the air and the wind almost gently rolled her away….right back into the hole from which she came. She didn't even scream this time, way too used to falling down from high heights, more than she should be. During that fall, during the landing and during the healing process however, she was given time, for which she was grateful. Time to think.
Why did it mention her ancestors? Some might think it was a way to get to her…but it couldn't be so simple. There was anger, at being talked down like that. At being told she was not worth the legacy. But amidst all that rage that bubbled under the surface, a simple thought kept it chained down. A simple observation that pointed something out, or at least hinted at something. With that in mind, she ignored anything the Rainbow Carp said, gave her greetings to Wa Shi and got back up. Reaching the top once more, she frowned a bit at the Azure Dragon.
"Alright, you gotta explain the last one for me." Shu crossed her arms. "What do you know about my family?"
It remained motionless, but Shu knew she was onto something. If it truly didn't give a damn about her, why would it know that? Either it cared more than it pretended to be…or it was a personal reason. Either way, it meant that this Trial was actually possible, if some sort of connection was there. She only had to figure out what sort. The Azure Dragon, ignorant of her inner thoughts, shook its head with its eyes closed.
"Everything. The Four Beast Clan Alliance is a complete and utter failure of history. They were entrusted with a task and they failed." It gave her a pointed look."You failed."
It almost sounded like it was the Azure Dragon from the myths. The soul of one of the Four Treasures, that gifted the first Qinglong knowledge. But that idea was discarded immediately. No, the Four Guardians were mere observers. Giving the foundation to her ancestors, but then stoically looking at what they were doing, through victory and loss. This Will however? Its voice was too tinted with emotions. So its identity was something else entirely. Either way, Shu scoffed, this time letting part of her anger out.
"We didn't fail yet. I'm still here," she announced, not out of pride but out of simple fact. As long as there was one single living being from the Four Beast Clan Alliance, they would never fail. Her words caused the Azure Dragon to growl, eyes glowing and looking down at her like she said something especially foolish.
"Wrong. Look upon yourself. You who stubbornly climb back up over and over with nothing to show for it. You who have joined the accursed enemy just to live like a cockroach on the ground."
Accursed enemy? While his words at her person being stupid didn't really register, as he didn't relate it to her family, she tilted her head. She didn't know the Golden Devils used to be enemies with her ancestors. Or whatever they were called in the past. So that was an interesting trivia fact. Maybe the Four Treasures had records of that? One more reason to murder the fuck out of Ming. She nodded a few times before shrugging.
"Past is the past. Maybe our clans had beef with each other, but times change."
It flexed its claws, a detail Shu didn't miss. Its voice was ever so calm, but she saw how its tail moved a bit faster, back and forth.
"Foolishness from a complete fool. So easily forgotten."
"Doesn't change the point." She twirled her hand at herself. "Anyway, shouldn't you, I dunno, teach me something? A trial or lesson? This is the last part of all this right, and you are the examiner?"
"Do not presume how this works." It reared its upper body back, as if pushing together a piece of rubber. "I tire of you. Begone."
"Hey, I'm not done-"
Its entire body shot out like a spear. A claw grasped her, starting to squeeze her. Then she was taken up into the heavens themselves.
"YEEEEET!"
The clouds drenched her with their water. At the same time, she got electrocuted by the energy contained in those dark fluffy structures. Not to mention the sheer force from the acceleration. Shu felt like her entire body was turned into liquid, a silent scream escaping her. She couldn't hear a damn thing, only the sharp whistling of wind that threatened to tear her ear drums apart, only the static that sufficed her entire body.
However, they then broke through the clouds, and Shu completely forgot about all the pain or the fact that she was in the hand of an Azure Dragon. All she saw was light above darkness. There was only blessed silence up here, the noise from before so quiet it might as well not exist. The black clouds crackled with malice. And yet, up here, the sun was unhindered in shining down on her. The heaven above her was so blue unlike the heaven beneath her. From up here, she could even see where the black clouds stopped, revealing all the parts of the Secret Realm. As small bits only but…
Beautiful. Dazzling. Peace. Calm. As if all was well in the world. She yearned to stay up here forever as her eyes shone with awe. Unfortunately, every dream had to end. Her body lurched as she was dragged down back into reality, into the black clouds. The pain, the mindbreaking noise that crackled and squealed at her ears. Her skin, turning wet for a moment, becoming cold from the wind and then turning numb from the electricity. And yet, the image was seared into her mind, making her ignore all those unpleasant things. Her joy was unstoppable as she raised her arms, screaming in delight.
"WOOOOOHOOOOOOO, AHAHAHAHAHA!"
She heard the Azure Dragon's roar, not bothering to hide its irritation this time, but she did not care. Did not care as it accelerated ever so slightly and then threw her down the hole. Hell, Shu almost forgot to activate the Gravity Reversing Stomp so that she wouldn't turn into a crimson splatter on the ground! And even then, she was pretty sure her legs broke upon impact, despite her rolling with the remains of the forces inflicted upon her. Breathing heavily with her arms spread open, her legs fixed into place with makeshift bandages, she kept on giggling throughout the entire healing process. It was the longest period of lying still yet, but her mind repeated the scenery she saw over and over again.
What a sin, to deny such sights from everyone, to keep it to a chosen few. If more people could see what was up there, truly understand the majesty of being in the Heavens themselves…Shu was certain the world would be a better place.
///
"New record." The foolish girl dusted her hands off, with renewed vigor. No, even more vigor than before. The Azure Dragon grimaced, feeling the headache creeping up once more. "Okay, so where were we?"
She was truly broken in the head, that one. After that last move, of showing why the Azure Dragons reigned over the skies, literally anyone would have given up. Or be catatonic, if even alive. And yet, she was here once more. And yet, she defied common sense.
"What part of 'I tire of you' is so hard to understand?"
"I understand it perfectly," she responded without hesitation, nodding at him like a wise sage. The Will clicked its tongue, eyes narrowed.
"You do not."
"Oh, I do." She pointed at him with a smirk. "I understand that there's more to understand. Like what the Golden Devils did to set you off. Or why you want me to-"
With simple flick intent, a rock smashed into her cheek. Disoriented, she stumbled, but the Will didn't leave it to chance. More and more rocks smashed into her, turning her skin color blue from bruises before dropping her off the hole again. It closed its eyes, trying to center itself. However, this time, it didn't even get the luxury to do that. Too soon, too fast, Qinglong Shu returned to the top. Not even remotely healed up, as if the moment she disappeared from its view, she reversed Gravity and got back up. Rubbing her cheek she kept that smile on, strained as it was.
"Hahaha, touched a nerve didn't I?! Guess I'm getting hotter!"
Every being had a line. A limit. And at this moment, the Azure Dragon was done with talking. Its tail swung forward from the side. The fool jumped into the air, a free target to be hit with its breath. Like a hammer, it hit the girl, sending her back down.
But then, she returned.
Lightning, concentrated as a spear, pierced through her flesh, her shoulder. It twisted her body and returned her to the damned hole.
Again, she returned.
"Hey ho!"
It flew past her a thousand times per second, teeth revealed to the world, and cut her, over and over. Once she was covered in her own blood, she fell down by herself, too much lost to maintain consciousness.
Again, she returned.
"Beautiful weather we have, don't we?!
Wind turning into a hurricane, spinning her around in a vortex.
Again.
"Got a souvenir for you!"
Gravity itself tearing at her.
And again and again and again and againandagainandagain
andagainandagainandagain-!
"Knock knock, great ancestor!"
And again. A single constant across the time she has been wasting. It didn't matter if it cut, smashed, beaten, used any element, kept breaking her body, her mind never broke. Arms spread open, shaking, yet a laugh escaping her throat as she made her announcement. Just like usual, without a single break, this girl just continued to smile, as if she was having fun! Despite all this pain! Despite the various ways it broke her body, smashed it up! What kind of complete maniac would still be grinning, almost looking forward to each climb?! Why?! Why?!
"WHY?!"
A scream. A sound so physical, so powerful, it blasted the girl off. But her feet barely descended a little bit before she reversed gravity and got right back on top of the mountain. She covered her ears with a hiss, but other than that, her smile stayed on her face. That sight only enraged it even more.
"Why do you persist?! Is it for pride, for love, for greed, for foolishness?! Is it for your old clan, your new clan?! What could possibly drive you?! I have long stopped speaking to you! All I have been doing was torture you, inflciting pain upon you and beat you over and over again! And yet, you persist! And yet, you don't leave!"
And yet…there was no hate within Qinglong Shu. Irritation yes, even anger, but no hate. As if…as if…! The Azure Dragon roared. No, it was wrong. This girl could not have done it. Because if she had done it…it would give it hope. The last thing he wanted. For hope was ever-fleeting. Thus, with a roar, it unleashed its mightiest flame. It was not mere fire, but the sun incarnated itself, that seared the very air. Part of the mountain flat out disappeared, as if a painter removed the black stroke from a white canvas. It snapped its head at Shu, whose arm steamed, burned just from exposure. Yet she stood there, defiantly smiling at him, despite the clean burned hole right next to her.
"Do you see?! Do you not comprehend what you challenge, invite, with each time you come up here and anger me, over and over?! What are you even doing?!"
"What I've been doing since I entered this trial," Shu calmly responded.
"And that is?!" He screamed, the Will shooting out spit out of its mouth. In turn, she smiled brightly at him as she pointed a finger at her chest.
"[Understanding]"
The Azure Dragon said nothing. Frozen in shock, anger almost entirely forgotten. One word. A single word to the ears of others. But to his ears? No, he could hear it. How much meaning that word carried. So much weight, weight that could only belong to…no, but not at such a young age. Yet the information it received from that singular word…it was immature. Young. But it was there.
Her Dao. In that moment, he realized how obsessed she was. How insane she was. How impossible it was to stop her.
"Even without words, you spoke. Even without giving me time, each blow held a history of yours you unleashed. Each agony you inflicted upon me, a painful memory of your own." As if in a trance, she shook her head, eyes half lidded in ecstasy. "It taught me many things. Haha…the world really is vast, isn't it?"
She was looking forward to his punishments, he numbly realized. With each new pain, her excitement grew. With each tortuous move, she learned. The fact that she was adapting at all, dealing with his attacks better and better and better… Flowing with his blows. Diminishing the heat of his flames. Conquering the winds and redirecting the lightning. She still got damaged, at the verge of being crippled. Every single time. But the other fact was that the Azure Dragon was ramping up the intensity without realizing it up until now. This girl actually grew from such a maiming. It was mindboggling that anyone could possibly wish for it.
"I don't get the details. But I have the overall picture. Which means I know."
"...Know what?" The Azure Dragon asked, finally finding his voice. Shu scoffed, shaking her head as she pointed at him, a teasing yet accusing smirk on her face.
"Don't play coy. I know you don't want to kill me. Never wanted to. Sure, I'm your convenient sandbag to live through vicariously. I'd say that's unhealthy, but maybe dragons are different?" She twirled her hand."Anyway, point is, you just want me to survive in the end. Even if it means maiming me so hard that I want to give up," her smile turned soft, knowing, as if seeing right through him."You hate what happened to the Qinglong Clan. To everyone. And you don't want it to repeat itself," she nodded once before bowing her head with respect, putting her fist against her palm. "You even blame yourself for it. Isn't that right, o ancestor of mine?"
"Arrogance," the Azure Dragon muttered. Yet it was no rejection of her words, something Shu picked up with ease. She rolled her eyes in exasperation before pointing at her hip, two Life Saving Treasures dangling off them. A bone, meant to move her body to the corpse it belonged to, deep in Golden Devil Territory. A fan, to force retreat upon even a Core Formation Elder if given the chance.
"It's simple fact. Like, c'mon, none of these babies ever triggered. And you just showed me. If death was what you wanted, I would have never heard your voice." She clapped her hands, folded them and pointed the tip of her fingers at the Will. "So drop the tough guy act, o great ancestor, and pass on your wisdom."
"If you understand my wish, then why do you think I would give it to you?" He asked, annoyance shining in its eyes, with none of the rage left over. It descended, touching down on the ground, coiling itself around the top and Qinglong Shu. Said girl let out a sigh, tired of all this.
"In case you didn't notice, I am more stubborn than you are. I'm getting to you and we both know it. You started talking when you could've just silently battered me, so I was already inside your head from the third go."
"Such audacity."
Once more, he didn't deny her words. His mouth even twitched, an unfamiliar form trying to appear, yet he pushed it down. No, not yet. This much wasn't enough to move him.
"Audacity makes me live. And no, survival is something different entirely." Shu crossed her arms with a deep frown. "Anyway, I repeat, if I wanted to merely survive, I wouldn't have stepped into this Secret Realm to begin with."
"Why do you desire power?" He asked quietly, yet loud enough to vibrate the air.
"I have to kill the one who brought us low. Make things right." Shu exhaled slowly, flexing her fingers. "It's my duty as the head of the Qinglong Clan."
"Duty? Is that it?"
"Well, that and…" She sheepishly scratched her right cheek. "I'm standing before a great ancestor. Forgotten to the sands of time. I would be a complete and utter idiot if I allow you to vanish before I squeeze you for every single bit you are worth. The Center requires no less than that."
A pure desire, tainted by revenge. It couldn't say it approved. Yet he couldn't say he disapproved. The two parts of the Azure Dragon, it and he, warred with each other. He won, as he acknowledged her words and nodded.
"Such thirst for knowledge is dangerous."
"It shouldn't be," Shu replied, as if speaking of the truth of the world. Once more, such audacity. But that was the Dao. It made one convinced of the truth. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath. Memories resurfaced for the first time. Of a cultivator just as foolish as this girl, proud of his Body Cultivation and transforming into an Azure Dragon to beat back the invaders, alongside his sworn blood.
This girl was alone. Utterly alone. In these trying times, she needed all she could get. It felt like a mistake, but so was doing nothing now. Only two bad choices. It was only fair that she made it for herself. So, conflicted inside, yet serene outside, it concentrated.
"Very well. I am too old to care. Too old to worry. If you want to die, be my guest."
With intent, something separated itself from its skin. Shu's eyes widened at the Azure Qi radiating off it like fire.
"This is my Scale. It contains all that is me. All what it means to be an Azure Dragon." It turned away. "If you truly believe you are worthy, if you have faith that you are not an utter waste of time…take it if you can."
Shu stared at the True Scale, brimming with power, yet with more as well. Then she gulped, letting out a nervous laugh.
"It's gonna be incredibly painful, isn't it?"
"You cannot comprehend the amount of 'pain' it will be." The Azure Dragon glanced at her. "Someone of your level would not hope to survive. The only reason I am humoring you is because of your current blood. Despite being an infestation, it has its use now. It speeds up the process immensely."
"Chance of death is still incredibly high, right?"
"Why do you think I tried to scare you off?" He sighed. "We were great once. Leading figures of the region. Prosperity was within us." He let out a snort, for the first time allowing a teasing smile on his face. "You cannot even compare."
"What else is new, gramps."
And with that said, she spread her arms open, face utterly stoic. Yet her Qi sang with excitement, desire, a yearning for completion. The Dragon scoffed. For a moment, Shu could've sworn there was a smirk on its features before it spat the curse and blessing at her. The True Scale passed through her flesh with ease, entering her meridians. One moment, there was utter silence. Complete nothingness. Shu blinked, frowning a bit. She opened her mouth.
Then the screaming started as her body collapsed, foam escaping her mouth as her eyes rolled up and her body convulsed. Her ancestor grit his teeth, praying for her success. To overcome it, for daring to give him hope.
///
Hot. So hot. Her body, nay, her soul was set ablaze. Blue flames everywhere, searing her existence itself, wanting to consume her. In the smoke, in this darkness lighted up by this Azure Fire, so many things invaded her mind, pictures appearing in the agonizing heat of the burning flickers.
A child clutching his stomach, yearning for food. A mother cradling the corpse of a baby. A soldier cutting away at his enemies. A noble, spitting out disgusting food. A man betrayed by his love. A merchant losing all of her profits. She felt their emotions, the height of their being in each of those scenarios. She closed her eyes shut, to let her mind rest, but it was meaningless, for they were in her mind, her soul.
She felt the cuts of blades into her flesh. She felt the beatings of a drunken father. She felt the lack of air, as bullies pushed her head down a river. The last dying breath as she stumbled and hit her head. The tears burning her skin as she felt her missing right hand. Frustration as her brethren died, one by one, by those foreign invaders from another sea, their skin so alien, their language so disgusting it made her stomach churn. The anger as her three closest siblings suffered, fighting a losing fight, fighting so hard only for their legacy to be reduced to nothing, the Four Beast Clan Alliance gone forever.
Pain. Suffering. Death. Shame. Loss, starvation, betrayal. So many memories, so much lingering malice. It burned her, enraged her. It burned her ears, it made her blind, her skin became numb to everything but that all prevalent emotion. Hate. Anger. Wrath. Rage, so much rage, all the rage, choosing her as a vessel, to carry on the wishes. To do what they couldn't do, each soul, each remnant, to rage against everything, to punish everything, to kill everything, to erase everything.
Rage, ragerage
rage
ragerage-
The flames reached her own memories as it burned through everything else, filling her mind with memories, with sins she had to find answers to. And then, it made a mistake. The flames, the True Scale thought themselves sneaky. That she would be distracted, too absorbed in the foreign records of the past. That it could, in that time, deal with her. The fire touched her past and immediately tried to burn it. To kill what was Qinglong Shu and bring forth a perfect, empty vessel. But by doing so, it brought them to the forefront. By doing so, the fire awakened Shu.
When she was called a monster, when she was filled with arrogance.
The screams, the night, of when she lost her parents.
Crying herself to sleep, all alone in a foreign place, treated as an outsider by all.
The death of her grandmother, the injustice of a limited life span.
The mangled body of her Big Brother, a good father, who promised to spend more time with her.
The knowledge that they were betrayed, of someone from her own blood. Who stole everything that they stood for, their lives, their treasures, their pride.
Ming. Ming. Ming. Mingmingmingmingming-
"Never let anything or anyone change you, my sweet girl."
The True Scale tried to erase her. Erase what made her Qinglong Shu. Erase every bit of knowledge she possessed, depriving the world of her experiences. It actually
dared. The realization hit her in all that pain, as the flames threatened to burn down everything that she was. Rage burned up, more furious Azure Fire coming into existence…and began to follow her, devouring the other flames as if they were an infestation.
Engulfed in the azure fire, Shu finally snapped her eyes open, dragonic eyes twitching with bloodshot veins in the white of them. She roared, shaking the depths of her soul. Then she began to strike. The image of a child stealing money was kicked into smithereens. A knife hand chopped down on the raped woman, at the mercy of a bandit. An elbow shot out, smashing the abandoned prostitute, having prayed for a man to save her. Each memory not her own was struck down and fed to her own
fire . She cut her path through it, extinguishing each and every bit. Soon enough, she saw it, the Azure Dragon, an empty eyed image, a copy of the examiner of her final trial. There was only anger in its eyes. It roared at her, summoning up more memories, more fire. Shu grit her teeth, growling right back. The anger was all consuming. The depth was so deep, that rage. She felt empathy. She understood. However, the most important thing about this fire, that this True Scale seemed to forget…
Was that her anger and its anger were two entirely different things. She acknowledged it. But she would never allow it to reign. To dare to control her. After all, this was her body. Her mind. Her soul. This was her house and she would not be disrespected under her own roof. It had to know its place and she was to be the teacher.
The saying 'do not let rage control you' never applied to her. Mustn't apply to her. It never applied to what she was trying to become. How could one be controlled by the thing that they were? For an Azure Dragon was Wrath. Wrath incarnated. How dare those petty thoughts, those tiny memories, those specks of emotions proclaim to be the cause of the rage that infused her entire being? A mere Scale couldn't match up to a real Dragon. And that was what she was. What she was becoming. It was an insult to everyone that helped her, everything that made Qinglong Shu herself, to lose to a mere fragment. No, that would not stand. Rage, pure, personal rage, formed, infusing her entire being, until not a single bone fragment of hers was devoid of it. No, her Wrath was her own. Nobody else's. In her soul, the small girl, so frail and afraid, grew, to adulthood, then grew more and more, into a giant, until the Azure Dragon that invaded her body appeared to be nothing more than a small looking worm. It snarled at her, but Shu paid it no mind. Instead, she roared down at it.
That tiny lizard wanted to consume her? Absorb her into its own rage? Too bad. Not on her watch. It seemed to misunderstand. Misunderstand their positions, of who the owner of this body, this Qi, this very soul was. She opened her maw, growing in size. Ah, it was so very small. Her teeth sharp, her jaws opening. Wide, wide open…and she chomped down, swallowing the True Scale whole after it failed to defeat her. Failed to take over.
///
In the end, it did it. The Azure Dragon, the first fish that desired to discover, to ascend, was among the very stars. Infinite by nature, it would never be dissatisfied, would always find something new. It laughed and smiled, turning its head to its twin…only to find no one. So lost in its desire to grow stronger, desire to reach the end of all ends, it didn't notice that its brother left as well. It was only natural. The distance was so long. So much longer than the waterfall itself. And it was still bound to their old lives. Realizing its desires weren't pure enough, it decided to go back to the brethren, to teach them what it learned.
Thus, the final Azure Dragon was alone in its goal. Such was nature. But up there, it protected its lesser brethren. Up there, it was satisfied, fulfilling its original goal. It would be waiting, for anyone else to reach it. The top, as long as their desires were pure.
"The end."
Shu was awfully silent by the last stretch of the story. The mother feared she was lacking in her story telling skills. To be fair, she was starting to get a bit tired, having talked for so long. Cultivator or not, her throat was getting dry. Yet the look Shu had on her face, a deep frown, worried her. The mother blinked, tilting her head in confusion. Shu lowered her head before looking up again, lips pressed together.
"Mommy, why did the last dragon never go back down again?"
"What do you mean?" She asked, not sure what she meant.
"Why did it forget about its family? It's friends? It's all alone now. Just…waiting. Instead of going back too."
"It…can't go back anymore," the mother carefully said. It was hard to explain that this story was one big metaphor of cultivation itself. Having ascended so high, there would be none of its family left, long perishing to time. And even if they did…they were beneath it now. It had more important matters to pay attention to. Fortunately, Shu didn't dig deeper. Instead, a childish opinion was left as she lowered her head.
"That's just …sad."
"The mighty are lonely at the top, Shu," the mother said gently. Shu however shook her head furiously.
"That's stupid. It shouldn't be like that."
"It's just how it is."
Shu suddenly shot up. Hands on her hips, she huffed in defiance.
"Well, I'll just not be like that then!"
"Shu?"
She pointed at herself, a cheeky grin on her face.
"Even when I become a big strong dragon, I won't just forget you! I won't be alone up there!"
The mother stared at Shu for a while before shaking her head in amusement.
"What a sight it would be." She ruffled her girl's head. "Good luck then."
It was such a pity that Qinglong Shu would grow up eventually. But for now, the mother had faith in this little dream of hers. Of defying the natural order like this.
///
In the outside world, the convulsions, the screaming, the violent storm of energy, came to a final stop. Then, Shu's fingers twitched and her eyes snapped wide open. She slowly rose to her feed, her expression unfocused, blank. Then, she took a deep breath, bending backwards. Her fingers flexed, her teeth were barred and her eyes shone, more bright than ever, filled with Azure Qi. At last, she roared and her entire form changed.
The human was replaced in an instance, for an instance. The dark clouds dispersed, revealing the top of the mountain to the whole realm.
The Will smiled. A true, genuine one. Hope was such a fickle thing. Awakening old emotions, making them feel so new. It closed its eyes, as if relaxing to a lullaby as it drifted off to sleep, listening to the starting heartbeat of an inheritor, of a descendant. It remembered better times, of its three partners in crime. It remembered the struggles, yet the glory within. Every inane adventurer, every trial. It had been so long since it dreamt of those times. Perhaps it was foolish to believe. However…
Qinglong Ren listened to the
roar of the reborn Qinglong Shu that shook existence itself and felt hope for the future. As a fellow sister appeared for just a moment, a fraction of a fraction of a second, it felt faith. Faith that the world would remember. Remember the birth, witness the height and beyond of the
Qinglong.
///
AN:
Tribulation Treasure Please.
