The Path Unending (A Cultivation Quest)

[Thor's Twin]

Dragon's Born?

Lydia's shield lay beside her on the table, shining like a mirror from the light of the great bonfire that was roaring at the feast's center. Cheer and laughter resounded from the feasting celebrants, reveling in the knowledge that the city of Whiterun would not be burned to the ground from a dragon's ire. Toasts were thrown into the air, honoring the two heroes who had slain the mighty beast. She had heard the story, of course, everyone in Whiterun had by this point. Three strangers arriving from the southern mountains at the Western Watchtower, witnessing a mythical beast laying waste to all that Whiterun could throw at it. Arrows bounced off scales, spears failed to pierce hide, and swords could not even reach the beast. Even Irileth's might and magic could not deter the dragon from annihilating the tower.

Those strangers sprung into action upon seeing what was occurring. With fists, a hammer, and a strange weapon they tore into their foe. Even though the man, strangely named Zhuan Kun, suffered grievous burns from, as the soldiers recalled, charging into dragon fire for a chance at pulling the beast's tongue off, they succeed in becoming the first dragon slayers in at least an age. Then, in an act reminiscent of great Tiber Septim himself, the woman, Mei Daiyu, another peculiar name Lydia noted to herself, drew forth the soul of the dragon and consumed it. A Dragonborn had come to Skyrim again. It was even announced by the Greybeards of High Hrothgar!

All in all, only Zhuan Kun suffered grave injuries. Mei Daiyu was only scratched and bruised. And no one cared enough about the summoned Daedra that accompanied them to enquire as to its injuries. Concerning that Mei Daiyu was already proficient in the summoning and binding of those infernal creatures, but a great many unsavory sources of might could be overlooked when wielded by the Dragonborn to confront dragons of old. Soon enough though, Mei Daiyu's reward would be announced, and Lydia's oaths of fealty and service would bind her to the strange woman for the rest of her life. Hopefully, the Daedra summoning would be kept at a minimum.

A loud chime suddenly cut through the noise and cheer. Jarl Balgruuf the Greater stood before his throne and the attending audience quieted down.

"It is my honor," Jarl Balgruuf began, his voice echoing through his hall, "to award the Dragonborn, Mei Daiyu, today for her acts of valor, for the risks she placed herself and her bodyguard in to protect a city she did not know, and for succeeding in a mythical task. Slaying a dragon. As such, I name Mei Daiyu as Thane of Whiterun, privileged to wield the Axe of Whiterun into any future battles, privileged to purchase and hold land within the city, and privileged to be assigned a personal housecarl. Let none gainsay this decision, let all know of this decision, and let my word be law."

A raucous cheer resounded from the guests as Mei Daiyu, newly appointed Thane of Whiterun stood from her place at the head table and bowed to Jarl Balgruuf with a gentle smile. Zhuan Kun, her bodyguard, looked as apathetic about the announcements as one could be. The Daedra, however, seemed to barely contain itself from laughing in mirth and had to hastily stuff food in its mouth. That creature would be a pain to work with.

After the party had died down, Lydia worked herself over to her new liege, avoiding stumbling drunks and wastrels passed out on the floor. The Dragonborn was in deep discussion with the Daedra while her bodyguard just stood to the side.

"Excuse me, Lady Daiyu?" Lydia began, inserting herself into whatever discussion was happening.

"Yes? Can I help you with something…?"

"My apologies," Lydia said differentially, "My name is Lydia, and Jarl Balgruuf has appointed me to be your housecarl."

"Thank you…" the Dragonborn began hesitantly, "but I'm not quite sure what that means. Jarl Balgruuf and his steward simply waived my questions off and insisted that they would be answered in due time."

"That is understandable, the Jarl and his steward are far too busy to discuss the minutia of your new position. My primary role as housecarl is to be your personal bodyguard, now that you are a member of Whiterun nobility. However, given your status as a foreigner, I should also be able to assist you in navigating any Whiterun politics that catches your eye. At least at a basic level."

"I… see. That is helpful."

Something was uncomfortable for Mei Daiyu, Lydia noted, about that information. But, it wasn't her business to pry. Maybe her other titles of nobility didn't allow for a different polity granting her titles?

"As your housecarl, I will be your sword and shield, both…"

"No." Interrupted Zhuan Kun.

Turning to him, Lydia quirked her head. "I'm sorry, what?"

Her Thane was already cradling their head in their hands as Zhuan Kun elaborated.

"I am the shield for all those who stand beneath me. There need not be another."

"A Thane," Lydia gritted through her teeth, "is beneath none but the Jarls, the Emperor, and the Gods."

"Zhuan Kun," Mei Daiyu began with an edge to her voice, "Would you rather be testing yourself against the Companions? I'm sure they would open their arms to your instruction. Again."

"Hmmm…, they are skilled for mortals. I suppose. But no, that seems like a poor use of time. I will instead cycle at our room in the Inn. Goodbye."

With that, Lydia watched Zhuan Kun walk away with no hesitation or acknowledgment to anyone around him, as if he was a one-man avalanche. Sighing, Mei Daiyu turned to face her again and gestured towards the Daedra. Who had until this point had simply been people watching from the sidelines.

"Let me continue with introductions then. This is Kong Zhi."

"Your Daedra is named?" Lydia inquired.

Mei Daiyu's face flushed red in a moment as her words and the Daedra's words tumbled over each other.

"My what!?"

"Her what!?"

"Daedra," Lydia slowly pronounced. "A being not of Nirn, a demon from a plane of existence outside the proper world crafted by the Aedra."

Mei Daiyu's face restored its natural color as the Daedra kept mumbling something to himself. "Oh no," her liege said, "Kong Zhi isn't a… Daedra. He's just as human as you or me."

Turning her head towards the Deadra in question, Lydia gave it a quick once over. Bronze hair and nails, ruby skin, and an eye that burned beneath darkened glass like the sun. Glancing back to her liege, Lydia simply quirked her eyebrow at the ridiculous lie they wanted to stick to.

"I'll… I'll just head out," the Daedra said, "I think the Skyforge might be a natural wonder, so I'll check it out and cycle its anam if it is."

"Fine," Mei Daiyu grumbled. "I'll talk with… my housecarl and see if we can figure out what to do from here."

----------​

Climbing the Seven Thousand Steps to High Hrothgar gave Lydia plenty of time to contemplate where her life had gone so off course. Perhaps she should have chosen to be a farmer like her grandparents had been, instead of training to be a guard of Whiterun and eventually as a housecarl for the next Thane of Whiterun. More likely, though, it was when Jarl Balgruuf had told her that she would be assigned to the Dragonborn, Mei Daiyu. She had taken to living in a Daedric plane with her liege because it was "cheaper" than renting a room at the Inn or purchasing property in Whiterun. Admittedly it was a small plane of oblivion, but Lydia was unnerved by the lack of stars and sun even if the opulence was enticing. Most of the day was spent working with her liege on politics, both local and abroad. If that wasn't happening, however, time was spent on maintenance of equipment or on being run through more rigorous drills than any she had undergone before. The Daedra, Kong Zhi, spent its time exploring Whiterun or working at the Skyforge, apparently, Eorlund Grey-Mane was very impressed with their ability to forge weapons. Zhuan Kun spent his time sitting in front of a small figurine, sparing with Kong Zhi, or sitting in front of the figurine while sparing with Kong Zhi.

Apparently, however, Kong Zhi had found two natural wonders, whatever those were, in Whiterun itself. The Skyforge and a place underneath it. Unfortunately, there were of a type that her liege couldn't make use of herself. And Zhuan Kun didn't seem to care about them either.

Regardless, weeks had passed and a decision had been made. To travel to High Hrothgar to seek knowledge from the Greybeards about her liege's nature as a Dragonborn. Which was all fine and good, but after weeks of traveling Lydia's feet were sore and angry. The Seven Thousand Steps didn't make them any more pleased with her either. But as they walked, the Daedra became increasingly jittery. Glancing around and muttering to himself. Eventually, he pulled into a little bit of an alcove, sat down, and closed his eyes. No explanation, no reason given. Both Mei Daiyu and Zhuan Kun poked at it for a bit before shrugging. Well, Lydia thought, it was mainly Mei Daiyu. Zhuan Kun would have kept trudging along if she hadn't pulled him by the collar back to her Daedra.

When Kong Zhi opened his eyes, they had taken on a very different light. Madness lurked within them.

"Mei Daiyu," he began, "I'm heading up to the peak of the Throat of the World. When I can, I'll meet back up with you at High Hrothgar."

"Why would you ever do that Kong Zhi?" Mei Daiyu retorted with a frown. "If something is at the peak, we can all go and investigate it."

"That would be…" Kong Zhi hesitated, "unwise. Trust me on this. I'll be safe, I've got the tools to help me."

"And we," Mei Daiyu said, gesturing to everyone else, "don't?"

"...yes."

"Fine," her liege growled, "but you better come back down to the monastery safe and without more brain damage."

"I'll do my best," Kong Zhi said with a grin and a bow before disappearing into a wisp of smoke and wind.


Natural Wonders Found

The Skyforge: A Natural Wonder of Steel and Fire, an ancient smithy from before history was recorded. Here the heat is always constant and the steel is always fine.

The Underforge: A Natural Wonder of Beast and Blood, as old as the Companion's curse. It is here that a beast's blood is spilled, consumed, and used to transform an initiate.

The Time Wound: A Natural Wonder of Time, when Time was cleaved in an act of desperation. With the appropriate tools, one can view the horrible act which led to prophecy and doom's arrival in the modern world.


A/N: Well, here is an omake that has been a long time coming. I hope you enjoy the read!

 

[Thor's Twin]

Fractal Possibilities: One to Instruct, One to Learn

Within the slowly expanding estate of the Kongs, there lies a multiplicity of rooms with purposes mundane and exotic. There is, of course, the Lord's Loom where Kong Shuren weaves his masterpieces. A communal kitchen to serve food for guests, visiting Kongs, and residents too busy to cook for themselves, along with the communal dining hall to eat said food in the company of peers. Storehouses for the mundane supplies needed to provide for those who serve the Kongs, as well as the exotic materials used in crafting the art which has provided the rise in prominence for the Kong family. Said art can be crafted in the various workshops scattered throughout the compound, or constructed in more reclusive locations staked out by more prestigious family members. Of course, the Kong's recognize the importance of proper record keeping and so there is a library within the estate as well, provisioned with knowledge gathered through the years. However, all of these rooms are not as restricted and guarded as the Kong Vault.

Items of potency and value are stored securely within the vault. Rare reagents and marvelous materials can be found here, sourced from all over the Radiant Empire and beyond. Marble quarried from the belly of a Stone-Swimming Whale, the boiling blood of a Fire Fleshed Stallion, blooming wood from a Single-Bloom Cedar, and more besides. Used only for the greatest of commissions for the most prestigious clients, these materials may rest here for decades before finding a use. This vault holds more than materials though, no matter how wondrous. It also holds the Natural Treasures acquired by the Kong family, used as a foundation for when a member returns from a Sect. A jar filled with ever howling winds, a tincture of water from the depths of the Laughingstar Sea, a carved statue depicting flowing flames made from obsidian, among others. Potent charms are also held securely in this vault, crafted by the Kong or begrudgingly bought. An example is, of course, a tapestry woven by Kong Shuren himself that hangs closest to the only entrance to the vault, prepared to ensnare and consume the mind of a would-be thief. The most used of the charms stored within this vault, however, is the Jewel of Enlightened Skill.

Crafted by the Wandering Kong during his journeys around and beyond the Radiant Empire, this jewel is slightly larger than a human head and faceted to have twenty equally sized faces. And should a Kong petition Kong Shuren for permission, and it is granted, then they may enjoy the fruits of the charm: knowledge, skill, and experience.

----------​

The scents and sounds of the wharf, mainly rotting fish and swearing men, crowded around Kong Chyou as she lay on the sun-warmed boulder next to the Soundless Run. There were things she had to do, she knew, since her return from the Nightwatch Grove. Be productive, move forward, do anything but stagnate here by the river's bank. Yet, there was a weight in her soul, as if the tears she had quietly shed during the carriage ride back had let something heavier and darker in. So many possibilities washed away from her poor decisions in her sect, so many opportunities she would never experience because of her foolishness. A waste of space for the family, who couldn't even make it through a sect's introductory period. Maybe it would be better if she just purchased passage on a boat and never returned. At least then…

"Chyou!" Came her mother's voice, "There you are! I've been looking all over for you. Come along, there's something I want you to take a look at."

"Coming, Mother."

Getting up, she quickly walked over to where Kong Ju was impatiently tapping her feet. It was difficult for Kong Chyou to keep her emotions in check as she felt the stern gaze following her progress. Fortunately, as she reached her mother, they quickly moved deeper into the compound at a brisk pace. A large well-made room met them at their destination, located in a less-traveled section of the compound, but it was not the spaciousness of the room that left her breathless. Instead, it was a large charm glowing softly with an inner light, sufficient to illuminate the entire room. Made from what looked like a single jewel, it was shaped like an icosahedron and was simply floating above a small plinth. Walking around the charm, Kong Chyou noticed that each face showed a different interior of the gem. They weren't pictures, but geometric patterns of dizzying complexity.

Looking up from the charm, she noticed that her mother was standing next to the door, with a soft smile on her face.

"Mother," she began softly, "what is this?"

"This, my daughter, is the Jewel of Enlightened Skill. An incredibly useful educational tool to help a Kong learn different styles of art or crafting when a suitable teacher might not be readily available. You are a Kong and since the Nightwatch Grove could not give you opportunities to succeed I have requested that you have access to this charm to further learn and develop skills that would have been nurtured at a sect."

"Th… Thank you. How do I use it?"

"Hold your hand on it and give the charm a drop of anam, you'll know what to do next."

Doing as instructed, Kong Chyou felt the charm surge with anam and the world give way to an expanse of white. There was a question though, pressing on her mind like a hand pressing against hard stone. What did she wish to learn? Painting, she thought. Painting. The world changed again until she was on a weathered cliffside overlooking an ocean sparkling in the starlight. Beside her was a vague figure with an easel, canvas, and a selection of dyes. She watched, enraptured, as the figure painted the view before them, an expanse of ocean reflecting the stars above. In no time at all, it was completed, and it was beautiful. The figure then waved its hands and the picture disappeared. Stepping aside, the shape gestured at her to take its place. She did so and began painting the same scene before her. It was not as graceful or as fluid as the example, but it was passable, she thought. Until at least she was finished and it disappeared with the vague insistence to try again replacing it. So she did, again and again. Then, after a number of repetitions she lost count of them, the picture stayed on the canvas. A picture of the heavens reflected in waters without end. And it was beautiful.


Jewel of Enlightened Skill (Icosahedron Faceted Jewel)
Scholar Charm ??? (Beauty, Knowledge, Star)
Crafted by Kong Zhi during his travels around the Radiant Empire and beyond, this charm seeks to train prospective users in whatever skills they seek to master. Whether that be through wood-crafting, smithing, jewel cutting, weaving, painting, pottery, or other skills. Putting into the charm his memories of watching masters work, of seeing sights to weep at, and a measure of his own training in various crafts, Kong Zhi has crafted a tool capable of placing its user in a detailed mental landscape where they may freely train skills without using resources. Where mistakes can be easily noted and learned from. Where skill can be polished to shine like the clearest diamond.

 

[Thor's Twin]

Fractal Possibilities: Dear Sister's Ambition; Part 2

Spoiler: Previously

Earlier: I Can't Believe My Older Brother Left The Family; I'll Need to Thrash Whatever Made Him Do It!

The Path Unending (A Cultivation Quest) Original

Fractal Possibilities: Dear Sister's Ambition Swinging her legs beneath the bench she was sitting on, Kong Hua carefully leaned back to place her ear against the wall. While the sounds on the other side became a bit louder, it was still unintelligible. Which was a shame, she wanted to know...

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Leaving Elder Yixue's instructional class on refining and charmcrafting with quickly moving feet, Kong Hua dashed towards the Sect's docks. She had a friend to meet after all! Surely that would ease the irritation at not even having an idea yet for her first charm in the sect, even if snagging two materials had been the result of her troubles. A short smooth cylinder of driftwood brimming with water anam and a light sphere of stone containing wind anam. What to make… what to make. Ideas were rapidly proposed and just as rapidly discarded within the churning of her mind. A wand to generate a freezing wind, a baton that would create a prehensile appendage to give her longer reach, a sculpture to soothe troubled thoughts. None of them felt… right. She didn't need any of them, and they didn't really do anything her knife, arm, or a goodnight sleep wouldn't do.

Skidding to a stop, Kong Hua looked around and let out a soft sigh. She had overshot the tunnel leading to the dock. By quite a fair bit by her measure. Now it was going to be even longer before she met the dolphin. Damn it. The sound of hammer on chisel echoing down the corridors made her hesitate though. Maybe it was a senior who could help her out? Probably not.

A quick turnaround and a bit of jogging later got her to the docks. It flourished with activity, boats docking and being unloaded. Fishing nets and lines littering wooden piers with surly men repairing them. Brothers and sisters from the sect worked here, helping unload particularly troublesome cargo or conducting minor repairs on damaged ships, and even one that was simply sitting there weaving rope together. There were also, unfortunately, many branches and routes leading off to the port. Picking one, that looked a little less used than others, she dashed down it, hoping to find a dolphin and a new friend. It was a dead-end, a crusty, awful-smelling refuse pit for the rotted and unwanted. Turning around, she tried another pathway only after a few moments finding herself on a cliff overlooking the main sect grounds. This… this might be harder than she thought.

It took a few more failed attempts and kicked rocks before she saw a small crevice hidden by an overhang of rock. Crawling through the crevice, Kong Hua's breath was taken away. Trees grew thickly at the shore of a small grotto, their canopy arching over the water like a ceiling of leaves. White and black vines crawled up the trees only to hang down and brush the water, like strings of rope. It was beautiful, but it paled in comparison to the creature happily cruising around the grotto. A dolphin. A real live dolphin.

"He… hello!" Kong Hua yelled across the water. With her sudden yell, the dolphin dropped under the water, before popping up right next to her, furiously moving its tail to stand on the churning water.

"Hello!" Came a chirping squealing voice from the dolphin. "Are you third land friend? Oh, I hope you are third land friend. First land friend said that he was going for a bit but that a third land friend would be stopping by shortly. Then second land friend gave me a neat treat. Second land friend told me to tell third land friend that third land friend shouldn't be late meeting me otherwise second land friend would be sad. You wouldn't want to make second land friend sad, would you? Oh, have you seen Blubby Fat Tub, the big fat catfish down the way? They told Sparkly Fin Spinner, a fancy too good for her own shoes carp, that I was looking particularly fat. Can you believe it? Blubby Fat Tub calling others fat. The gall. I have half a mind to swim down there and give him the fight he's looking for. But first land friend told me not to go down that way because of all the nets and hooks. Speaking of first land friend, are you sure you aren't third land friend? You look like you could be a good third land friend."

"I would be delighted to be your friend," Kong Hua said with a blooming smile.

Doing a flip, the dolphin let out a shrill cheer before churning the water again with their flippers. "Yea! I can't wait to tell Old Cranky Long Neck, that's the snapping turtle at the Sun-Bathed Grotto, that I met third land friend! He'll be so surprised. He was confident that first land friend was pulling my flipper and that third land friend wouldn't come, but this will show him! Speaking of showing, I found something I wanted to show third land friend! Something first and second land friends haven't seen yet!" Diving down into the water, the dolphin continued their rapid-fire chatter, "Come on, it'll be fun!"

Looking at the water, she frowned. "I don't have my swimwear with me," she said hesitantly, "and this is the only robe I own right now. Could I come back in just a bit ready for a swim?"

"Oh, silly Dashing Dart! I forgot that land friends can't swim! Or, well, not nearly as well as non-land friends. But leaving and coming would take too long! We just met, you might forget about me, third land friend! Land friends have terrible memories after all. No, no, I have just the thing!"

With that, Dashing Dart dived under the water and began to blow a bubble. And just kept blowing until it was big enough to hold Kong Hua.

"I used this to help second land friend talk to first sky friend, a funny-looking bird who thought it was a fish! We all had a good laugh when they learned they were a sky friend and not a fish. This should keep you nice and dry, and breathing, while I take you to what I want to show you!"

Stepping out onto the water, just above the bubble, Kong Hua steeled her nerves and committed. She slipped past the water's surface and into the bubble, but instead of falling through she just floated in the middle. The light was distorted here, and the seaweed growing up from the bottom of the grotto's bed looked more menacing. Like fingers trying to drown her. But Dashing Dart proved their name accurate, grabbing hold of her airball with some water tether and then dashing down to a submerged exit. In no time at all, they were in the river proper, moving at a speedy clip away from the sect. Colorful fish blew past them in schools of shifting shapes, jagged black rocks cut at the water from below, and once the shadow of a ship darkened the little light coming from lanterns evenly spaced above the river. Then they took a turn straight for the bank to a little tunnel of darkness. Down and down into the darkness they traveled, with the walls almost seeming to press against the air bubble that seemed dangerously fragile now.

If it popped, she realized, she would die. It would take too long to swim to the top of the river. She was completely and utterly at the mercy of a spirit beast she had met this very day. She had no tools to survive, her robe would just drag her down into the inky blackness, and she couldn't even see anymore. Then Dashing Dart stopped, and Kong Hua felt it. Anam. Powerful and thick, even more so than the natural wonder at the center of her courtyard. It tasted of water and something else. A depth, a weight, a darkness. It was the crack at the ocean's bottom, where sunlight never approached and dreadful things lurked. It was where forgotten things dwelled, terrors of the sea terrified of the light. It was the deeps.

Natural Wonder discovered: A River's Unfathomable Depths (Water/Deeps anam)

She couldn't remember the trip back out, but the memory of Dashing Dart's happiness at showing a friend the wonder remained. Which was good because the creation of her new tools were more foggy memories than crystallized moments. A regret for sure. But she was happy with the results! A slim rod made from the piece of driftwood joined with the two halves of a rock weathered by the wind on either end. Using Angel Tears of course. Then, the piece was wrapped in thick leather so that her teeth wouldn't scratch the runes inscribed on the driftwood's smooth surface. Holding onto the rod with her mouth so that the ends framed Kong Hua's face allowed the ingenious charm to work. To transform water being pulled past the rod by an inhalation into pure air and transform air being exhaled into pure water. A simple elegant sage charm working on the elements outside of her body. As long as she had even touches of anam in her body, this charm would allow her to stay under the water. Indefinitely.

Her other tool was made from a simple crystal holding an inner light purchased from the market for a measure talents. Broken into smaller pieces and woven into an armband, it was extremely simple. Barely even deserving of being called a charm. All it did, was glow, providing light where it would otherwise not be and where fire couldn't be brought.

Charm's Gained: A Breath of Water and The Undimmed Glow

With these the river was her's to explore! Well, once they had been infused. Which took a bit of work since the natural wonder at the center of her courtyard had already been taken over by a gang of disreputable, antagonistic, unkept thugs. Fortunately, a tunnel off shooting the river held a gorgeous natural wonder, formed from rocks that seemed to have been gently swept and eroded by wind. Containing beauty anam, it was here that she infused her charms.

Natural Wonder discovered: The Windswept Gallery

Exploring the river, talking with Dashing Dart, practicing unarmed and knife katas underwater, constructing charms, cycling the anam of the world. All of it left her very disconnected from the goings-on in the Sect at large. Even if it had been less than a week. A very productive week mind, but making… land friends had not been a priority. Which was why Kong Hua found herself very confused when she agreed to Xu Chao's request. She didn't know why she had agreed. But it was nice to run on land with someone else. Even if they were perpetually angry. What wasn't surprising was when Xu Chao broke the silence.

"I need your help," Xu Chao blurted out, eyes squarely focusing on the ground.

"It was bugging me why you asked if I could join you for a morning run," Kong Hua replied, "but I suppose this is as good an excuse to talk to me as any. Two questions though, what do you need help with and why should I help you?"

"I talked some shit to some people that get very easily upset, and now they are gunning for me. They want me to quit the sect, or hurt me enough in a deniable way so I don't have a choice."

"That's… that's not good. Who else have you talked to about this?"

"No one, they've already frightened potential allies away or bribed them to their side. You're the only one I know that hasn't had any interaction with them."

"Ok, but, and I'm sorry this will be callous, why should I stick my neck out to stop some rich noble's vendetta. We've known each other for less than a week and for most of that time I have not been around."

"Because it's not a rich noble," Xu Chao sighed. "It's a member of the Jin family."

Skidding to a stop, Kong Hua cocked her head to the side and squinted at Xu Chao. "I'm sorry," she began, "but are you telling me that there is a good-for-nothing, hot-winded braggart, Jin going to the Delving Heart at the same time I am? Oh, we are going to bury them so deep the Court of Preservation won't be able to find them."

"Really?! You'll help?"

"Absolutely! A Jin is not worth the line of ink it takes to record their entry to any sect of the Empire, let alone the Delving Heart! What's their name, where do they live, who have they allied with, what nobles are here, what… what's that noise?"

There was a distant tapping sound, of hammer against chisel and chisel against stone. It reminded her of something. When she went searching for Dashing Dart, there was the same noise, identical even. A steady rhythmic tapping.

Xu Chao shrugged, "Someone chiseling against stone I presume?"

"Maybe… but this sounds identical to something I heard earlier, and we aren't even near the docks. Let's check it out!"

With that said, she darted forward, following the sound of chiseling with Xu Chao on her heels. A few turns later, they found themselves in an empty cavern with a singular man chiseling away at the stone, leaving burning white lines and runes in his wake. A man that Kong Hua knew well.

"Oh, hey Reflection!"

The chiseling stopped and the man turned around unnaturally to look at her. Her brother's face with dead eyes looked at her and sent a chill down her back. No matter how many times she saw one, they always gave her that reaction.

"You… know this person?" Xu Chao asked, their voice colored with trepidation.

"Eh, it's not really a person. Just a reflection of one. Specifically of my brother." Bowing towards the figure, Kong Hua spoke again, "Please let my brother know that I am doing well here and making friends. Thank you."

Nodding slowly, the figure turned around and continued chiseling against the wall.

"Alright," Kong Hua continued, turning back towards Xu Chao, "we should leave it alone. It might get aggressive if disturbed."

"Huh… will it really pass along the message?"

"Eh, probably not. Brother's working on the technique so that they can, but he hasn't mentioned much success on that front just yet."

"What type of anam would even be needed to do that type of technique?"

Moving along down the tunnel, Kong Hua shrugged. "I don't really know. Maybe Mirror anam?"

"Mirror anam? Is that even a thing? I…"

As Kong Hua and Xu Chao's voices drifted further away from the cavern, the tapping stopped and the reflection breathed anam onto the runes that had been carved. They flashed, a deep golden color as something shifted in the world. The shift was so, so very small, but in a place, a step out of time, more anam began to coalesce. And as the seconds passed by, so too did the runes disappear. Remaining solely in the past. A reflection nodded in satisfaction of a job well done and then vanished as if had never been.

Spoiler: Next Time

Why doesn't everyone craft charms, it's so much fun!

The Path Unending (A Cultivation Quest) Original

Fractal Possibilities; Dear Sister's Ambition; Part 3 Looking upon her collection of materials, Kong Hua couldn't help but sigh. It… it wasn't much. A few bits and bobs, mainly wood and earth materials, were the majority of her materials. However, there were a couple of standouts. An...

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A/N: Another installment of Kong Zhi's younger sister taking a stab at this whole being an artist thing. I hope you all enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it!

 

[HousePet]

Since I have no problems subjecting people to prose that is not good, I'll do just that.


The Dream Unending


Colours swirl.

Eventually they split into green and blue. One becomes a forest, the other becomes the sky.

Suddenly, wood. Not the natural shapes of a forest, but the harsh lines and blocks of walls and buildings. And then the face of a mountain, with a yawning opening that demands to be called a 'Cavern' instead of merely being described as a 'cave'.

In front are lots of black and white shape. Something about this scene feels familiar…

"It is now noon," announces Elder Lei. "Anyone arriving after this point is a latecomer and shall be punished if they are even allowed entrance. But that is a matter that concerns you not, for you all have arrived on schedule."

Elder Lei looks around. "I am Elder Lei and I shall be your escort into the Delving Heart. Attempt to keep up."

Oh, I'm having a Path dream. This is new. Should be fun. I guess I'd better follow everyone.

Running full speed, into a cave (sorry, Cavern), without a proper light available seems a touch foolhardy. Thankfully, there are a large number of reckless teenagers doing that in front of me. So, I'll just follow the ones that don't get a face full of rock.

I rush after them. Something about this seems off though, but I can't quite put my finger on what. As the tunnel gets lighter the deeper we go, it occurs to me that this doesn't feel as effortless as it should.

"Does that backpack not weigh you down a lot?" comes a male voice from beside me.

I frown and think about what I can feel, cos I sure can't really see yet. Yep, I'm wearing a heavy backpack. That would slow me down. Hmm… I'm also wearing sneakers. Something about that seems wrong.

Turning to the voice to my side I reply, "A bit, yes." All I can see to start with is a large shape that glints occasionally, but there is the pounding of heavy feet. Eventually, I realise the glints are coming from heavy rings on his fingers, and from knives on his belt. Ming Hui?

"Does it not worry you that you are running with knives swinging around like that?" I ask.

He laughs, "While I am not a Chef yet, I know my way around a knife well enough to avoid cutting myself."

Yep, this would be Ming Hui.

"But what about them cutting other people?" I elaborate, and move a little further away from the running blender.

"Oh. You raise a valid point. I should get a proper holder. It would not do to carve up any potential customers. Please go on ahead of me. For your safety. This has nothing at all. To do with me. Having difficulty. With running."

I nod my thanks, as I am also getting out of breath. Something about that is strange.

While wearing sneakers is helping, the backpack is slowing my down. Even so, it is debatable as to whether I pull ahead of Ming Hui, or Ming Hui falls behind as he struggles to catch his breath.


Eventually, light and space. A large chamber, set to the side of a massive cavern. In the distance, a glowing pillar that must surely be several stories higher than I'm expecting. Around the edges, tunnels and alcoves, likely leading to more Courtyards like this one.

And more importantly, a large crowd of disciples gawking at the scene, while standing right outside the tunnel exit, where I almost run into them. Thanks everyone.

As I slowly catch my breath and try to work the soreness out of my legs, things start to click into place in my head...

You don't get sore legs from running in a dream. Nor do you get out of breath, or tired. I'm actually wearing shoes, and I can feel them. Not my soft bed. I feel cool air around me, not warm sheets.

And if this is a dream, then it is a most unusual one, because my dreams never stay coherent this long. There would have been a shift in perspective, or a diversion from the script by now.

I'm also freaking out, but it isn't waking me up. Shit.

+1 Mental Stress!

Elder Lei calls everyone to sit around the Prospector's Tears and Cycle. So I move forward and join them in sitting.

But I shouldn't be here. Is this some sort of Kong Ves nightmare? Can I even Cycle? How do I pretend to fit in here, and who the hell am I replacing anyway?

I am definitely having a panic attack now. My usual go-to relaxation trick is mindfulness. But no, I really don't want to count the number of things that are freaking me out right now. I'll have to try meditation, but I find it really hard to meditate.

Just focus on breathing and not passing out…

It slips in quietly. Energy. It oozes drip by drip into my mind, body, and presumably my soul.

Mud anam. It feels soft, soothing and slimy. It smells strongly of garlic.

That can't be right. But something really smells like garlic. I look around and discover Ming Hui sitting to my right. Just what has he been eating? Garlic, obviously.

I've dropped my focus, and the anxiety returns as the feeling of smooth mud drifts away. Elder Lei is saying something, but I don't care. I turn my attention back to meditation and focus on swirling the feeling around my body. Mud anam is really relaxing. And while just focussing on breathing has always felt too trivial for me, the addition of moving anam through me makes it easier to ignore distractions.

It really does feel good. Gone is the soreness and tiredness from running from the outer village. In its place, a feeling of energy waiting to be released. But also calmness and steadiness. The anam is patient. It will wait for a purpose. My anxiety slowly fades.

Elder Lei has stopped his speech. He is pointing to disciples and telling them they are done.

"Kong Zhi!" he warbles. "You are finished."

He is not pointing at me.

I try to make out Kong Zhi's face as he gets up and tries to ask questions, but he really is non-descript. And Elder Lei practically pushes him away anyway.

So if I'm not Kong Zhi, which character am I?

Can't be Jai Shouxi, as fun as that would be. No Jai Fa with me. That also rules out Zhuan Kun, Yi Tai, Geng Tu and Huo Shi, as I don't have anyone with me. But that doesn't help much to narrow things down.

Oh no. What if I'm Jin Yazhu?!

Suddenly, something feels wrong. There is something deep inside me that I've never felt before and it feels very very wrong. For a moment, I'm not sitting in front of the Prospector's Tears. I can see stars in all directions, and they all feel 'wrong'. And then it stops.

The shock breaks my concentration, and Elder Lei warbles again. "Exchange Student, you are done. Go find lodgings." He is pointing at me.

'Exchange Student'?!

Do I not even have a name? I don't recall there being an exchange student in canon Path. How would that even work?

I blink for a bit before making standing up, completely overbalancing, standing up for a second time, accidentally throw my backpack away from me, instead of swinging it onto my back, and quickly dash down an alley way in embarrassment.

I find a glass window. The interior is still dark, so it works as a mirror. Who am I?

The image reflected is one of horror: blond hair, gangly limbs, large nose, semi-angular features, spotty skin.

God damnit. I'm myself as a teenager!

Eww…


"Excuse me. I am also a foreigner here. Perhaps we could seek accommodation together? My name is Xu Yun."

Hello Sailor. Wait, no. Not what I meant.

I introduce myself, and we go to find out how much room is left.

The answer is not much.

After three tries, we find a building with space left. Actually, calling it a 'building' is being generous compared to most of the options here. The Courtyard of Tears includes grand buildings like the Pyramid and the Spire, which have space and style. It includes elegant balconied buildings like the ones around the Prospector's Tears, which have style and location.

It also includes this long squat and slightly reddish building in front of me, which has neither style, location, nor can it contain much space.

"Brother Xu, this building looks like a brick."

He sighs, "That it does. But it is all that remains. Come now. I have slept in worse."

I reluctantly follow Xu Yun inside, and find myself in an extremely cosy sitting room. There are two other disciples already here. I want to think that we had just missed out, but I have a horrible premonition about what Xu Yun is about to say.

"Don't worry. There are four beds. I've already checked."

Yes, that. Sigh.

The two disciples rise quickly and give a quick bow. I guess I'm going to have to learn how to bow. How do you not pull a back muscle?

"This one is called Lui Wen. It is a pleasure to share this abode with more future friends." He is short, stocky and disturbingly earnest about the friends bit.

The other one then speaks, "Mao Jiang. Welcome." Tall, thin and says less than Jai Fa.

Xu Yun bows in response, "I am Xu Yun, and this is the exchange student. We thank you for accommodating us."

Exchange student again. Did he not hear me before?

I attempt to bow, and introduce myself to my new flat-mates. They give me pained looks in response.

"I'm sorry, did I do something wrong? I am not very familiar with your customs." I venture.

"No, no. Your manners are more than acceptable. It is just… Your name is very difficult to pronounce."

What?

Spoiler: Person of dubious Character sheet

Exchange Student (Hey! I have a name.)
Age: 16
Gender: Male
Very Confused
​

Attributes
Physical
Strength: 1
Constitution: 2
Dexterity: 2
Mental
Intelligence: 3
Resolve: 3
Wits: 3
Social
Appearance: 2
Charisma: 1
Empathy: 3

Skills
Appraise (INT): 1
Athletics (STR): 2
Cooking (WIT): 2
Cycling (RES): 1
Gardening (EMP): 2
Handle Animal (CHA): 1
Heal (WIT): 1
Investigation (INT): 3
Knowledge (Science that may not be applicable in this universe) (INT): 9
Knowledge (The Path Unending) (INT): 4
Perception (WIT): 3
Perform (Storytelling) (CHA): -1 (Okay, that is rude.)
Sense Motive (EMP): 1
Stealth (DEX): 2
Survival (WIT): 3

Talents and Drive
Physical: 2
Mental: 3
Social: 2
Spiritual: 2
Drive: Get me out of here!
Anam Threshold: 10/10

Stress
Physical: [] []
Mental: [X] [] []
Social: [] []
Damage Threshold: 8

Traits
Fish out of Water: You don't fit in here. You really shouldn't be here. But is there any point trying to work out how to get home? First, you have to work out how to not die here. Good luck with that.
Some Random-ass Cycling Technique: You should have listened to Elder Lei's instructions. Are you trying to blow yourself up? You can't just use a standard meditation breathing pattern and expect that to work. Sure it does work. But does it do anything good? No idea.

 

[Thor's Twin]

The Warring Flame

Hao Shaoshang knelt upon a rough circle of cool stone, waiting for his turn. Each breath in the cycling pattern caused the flames which danced upon his massive frame to ebb and spread, following the lines and whorls of his tattoos. A pleasant burning sensation followed the fire's path, like the pain from a long run. He could hear the crowd roaring in the background, but it was a distant sound. The crashing waves of an unseen ocean rather than an immediate concern. His turn was coming, soon. Anticipation coated his tongue, and his heart began to race before disciplined breathing brought it back into the proper rhythm. Too much too soon would be his undoing. Control would be his victory. Steps echoed down the fighter's staging hall as someone approached his room. They were heavy and sure, likely from the fat bastard Youmo.

A meaty knock rocked the door as it creaked open. Opening his eyes, Hao Shaoshang saw Youmo standing in the doorframe, a sharp frown gracing the quivering jowls of the cage master.

"Your match is in five minutes," Youmo began, "So this is the last chance. In addition to your normal pay, you'll get a 15% cut of the bettings. They promise to be substantial. Take it or leave it."

"Leave it," Hao Shaoshang grunted.

"Well fuck you. Since you won't play ball, I want your ass out of here by sunrise. Win or lose."

Nodding to acknowledge Youmo's statement, Hao Shaoshang closed his eyes again and resumed the breathing pattern, letting the flames continue their path. The sound of his door closing and heavy footsteps away signaled the cage master's retreat. Time dripped away from him, like wax from a candle. Shortly though, softer sounds of lighter feet reached his ears and nervous breathing followed the door creaking open.

"Sir Hao, it is time for your match."

Standing up and opening his eyes, he saw a small timid serving girl who quickly bowed and left once she knew that her words had been received. Taking some time to crack his joints, Hao Shaoshang began the short walk to his designated spot, a little alcove connected to the large cage used to contain the matches. And what a cage it was! Located in a pit, it had a slightly elevated ring that was used for the arena. Large black iron bars speared up from the ground only to curve and meet at the ceiling. A variety of runes had been etched into the bars themselves giving durability beyond what was natural. Lit braziers surrounding the cage gave ample light to the sandy arena while hiding the raucous crowd above in shadow.

His opponent stood on the other side of the cage, a wiry man with black hair tightly secured in a top-knot. Half-lidded eyes and a loose smile completed the ensemble. Two curved knives whirled and danced between the long fingers of their hands, fast enough that it looked like a stream of water. Both his opponent and himself wore the same white robes. Better to see the bloodshed.

"To the North, we have Hao Shaoshang!" Exclaimed the announcer up in the stadium. "A recent addition to the circuit, he has taken our regulars by storm. Match after match has been claimed by his fire and his brawn! However, his toughest match is neigh! Will this be the end for Hao Shaoshang's winning streak!

"To the South, we have Shui Jiliu! A man who has won acclaim in cage matches from the Laughingstar Sea to the Frozen Highlands! From Jingyi's Summit to the Sunset Wastes! Speed, skill, and savagery he has in spades, which has won him match after match! He even has the honor of being asked to duel in the Farmer's circuit due to his skill! Will Hao Shaoshang be another notch for Shui Jiliu's belt?

"The books remain open, so place your bets while you can!"

A susurrus of cloth and movement greeted the pronouncement as eager bidders rose to place coin on who would win, and other possibilities. He waited, staring at his opponent while his blood thundered through him. He waited, watching for ticks of nervousness or unease while his muscles tensed and relaxed in a well-rehearsed rhythm. He waited, seeking any sign of foul play amongst the crowd and organizers as anticipation coursed through him in a torrent. Then the gong sounded, thrumming through his bones with its tone, and the wait was over.

Stepping through the doors that closed and locked behind him, Hao Shaoshang clasped both hands in the gesture for respect and bowed to his opponent, who did likewise. Then the gong sounded again and flames erupted over his skin as he hurtled towards Shu Jiliu. A quick slash tried to deter him, but he ducked under it, going to the ground on all fours and trying to take his opponent's knees with his shoulder. It almost worked, but the leg quickly twirled away leaving Hao Shaoshang skidding to a halt before he could slam into the cage.

Quickly twisting and slapping the oncoming thrust away saved him from getting a dagger to the back, but Shu Jiliu used the energy of the strike to spin away. Going low again, Hao Shaoshang charged, grabbing some sand and throwing it towards the eyes. Crashing through the sheet of water that thundered into place ahead of him almost took his breath away, yet it wasn't enough to stop his advance. A searing palm met flesh in a blow that sent Shu Jiliu reeling, robe being burnt away to reveal the flesh next to his kidney already blistering from the heat. Hao Shaoshang's follow-up punch caught his opponent's ribcage with the sound of sizzling meat before a whip of water grabbed his ankle and tore him to the ground. A quick roll backward avoided a dagger to the thigh, but couldn't avoid the second rapid strike plunging of a dagger into and out of his shoulder blade.

Hao Shaoshang's blood thundered in his ears, mirrored by the crowd's roars, as he circled around Shu Jiliu. With a deep breath, he spiraled out anam in intricate patterns and his flesh changed. Gone was the earthy tan of a man who walked underneath the sun, replaced by the white of finely burned ash. His tattoo's changed as well, turning from black ink to the color of rusted steel. A slash of water from his opponent was ducked under, and a whip of water sliding along the ground was stomped on, dissolving the stand. Two steps forward and his fist warped the sheet of water trying to halt him, shattering the barrier. He would not be stopped. A dagger flashed toward his eye, but the hand propelling it was caught in his own fist, before crushing his opponent's fingers. The fight didn't take long after that. Sending his fist against their ribs cracked the bone, a stomp with his heel broke an ankle, and a knee to his opponent's falling sternum shattered it. Releasing the mangled hand, Hao Shaoshang let Shu Jiliu crumble to the ground.

A roaring crowd met his victory. Ecstatic betters heckling spiteful losers. Fellows with a stretcher carried Shu Jiliu out, but he didn't pay them, or his groaning opponent, any mind. He walked back to his modest quarters letting the cries of his admirers fade into the stout stone. Taking a moment to bandage his shoulder, he bundled his meager possession, and singular treasure, in a blanket attached to a sturdy stick. Stopping by the paymaster for his pay, he was out of the building and into the streets within an hour of his win. Before even some of the patrons had managed to leave. Stars twinkled above him as he walked ever east. Towards the Sunset Wastes.


A/N: Have another omake! I wanted to test out my hand at writing some fighting, so here is my efforts. Also, I thought I would explore what a Sage technique using War anam would look like, just becoming a juggernaut shattering everything in your path. I hope you all enjoy the read!

 

[Thor's Twin]

Blood and Fire and Anam

Viscous crimson life bubbled softly in a cauldron as Jingmai stirred with a knarled branch. Bronze braziers lit with carefully banked embers cast the whole cavern in dark reds, letting shadows from stalagmites and stalactites dance with each hiss and pop of cooling fires. A heavy scent of iron lingered here, despite his best efforts at diluting it with incense. Expected, but still unpleasant. Much more pleasing were the murmurs and chants from beyond the iron door. Litanies of worship and reverence softly recited from his disciples and acolytes. All for him. It was vindicating to know that even if those who should understand better rejected his pursuits, there were still those who, with a bit of training and meager display of ability, venerated his genius and talent. As was proper. Speaking about displays in ability…

Grabbing his heavy brass staff next to himself, Jingmai slammed it on the ground three times, the reverberations echoing throughout the chamber. The iron door leading out creaked open slowly and a stream of red-robed acolytes entered with soft prayers and platitudes upon their lips. Quickly, they circled around the still bubbling cauldron before lifting it up. With surety born of repetition, they moved the cauldron through the door. Following them, Jingmai smoothed the creases on his robes before stepping through the door and onto a large elevated platform where the cauldron had been placed.

Before him lay the heart of the little community he had been growing here, in the wilderness and far from the oppressive power structure of the sects. Smoothed grey stone made for an excellent floor, with pews of dark red wood giving those in attendance sufficient seating. Lit candles were scattered around the room, pooling wax adhering them in place. Acolytes and some new supplicants were seated, their murmuring silenced by Jingmai's arrival. He took a moment to let it all sink in, before smiling and spreading open his arms.

"Welcome! Welcome! Again, I welcome you all here. New and old are welcome here, for it is here where we special few may grasp at the very fire which gives life to the world. Your neighbors live in ignorance of which we study here, unable to even conceive of that which you all can possess. For you are special. You trusted. You risked. You traveled. And you arrived. That is no meager feat, instead worthy of reward. Step forward, drink, and realize the reward you have striven so hard to obtain. In so doing, prove that you deserve to be amongst our number."

A shaky man, wearing barely more than rags and a ragged straw hat cautiously stepped forward. At Jingmai's encouraging nod and proffered cup, taken from his storage ring with a twist of the wrist, the man dipped the cup into the bubbling fluid. After a moment of hesitation, the man brought the drink to his lips and drank, letting only a little dribble out in his shaking. Immediately, Jingmai could feel his anam filled concoction race through the man, settling in veins, muscles, and a little spot just below the brain. A careful application of anam kept the man from convulsing while the mixture did its work, but then it was done.

"What… what is this?" The new acolyte murmured.

"Sight and power," answered Jingmai with a smile. "By my will, you can now see the fire undergirding the world. By my will, you can now enact some measure of control over that fire. That which the knowledgeable call anam."

"How?"

"Raise your arm above your head and snap your fingers, the fire shall answer."

The man did so, and JIngmai could feel his anam within the man respond to the motions, spiraling into a simple encoded pattern. A small candle flame appeared at the tip of the man's thumb. Staring at the spark on his thumb, the acolyte became entranced.

"Be warned," Jingmai interrupted gravely, "that your control is yet limited. A few more meager tricks like that and you shall find both sight and power fleeing you. Unless, of course, you remain here. With us, your control and sight will grow until none would dare stand in your way."

"I'll… I'll stay. "

"Wonderful, join your new brothers and sisters, they'll show you to your new home.

"Now, who is next! Who shall come and receive sight and control over the very fires of the world!"

The new acolyte was quickly ushered off the platform by his fellows and more supplicants approached. Each promising whatever meager possessions they had to take part in this ritual. To imbibe his elixir. Or was it a liquid charm? Or technique? Bah, he would let lesser minds try to categorize his genius. He would keep looking to the future, growing his followers, and carving out a place where his greatness was properly recognized.

Unseen by Jingmai or his acolytes a peasant walked out of the chamber. Walking with unerring accuracy through the convoluted tunnels and passages that made up Jingmai's Warren, it took only minutes before they reached the surface. Once there, a single step made the man disappear into the wind, off to deliver a very interesting report to very attentive ears.


A/N: I hope you all enjoy the read! Cults are nasty things in real life, probably even worse in a land of artists with power over the fabric of reality.

 

[Thor's Twin]

Moonlit Cherry Tree (Bonsai Tree)
Monk Charm ??? (Life/Wood/Moon/Peace/Earth)
A tree in miniature, with gently dancing petals lit by ambient moonlight. Seeking to pull the eyes, this charm allows one to contemplate and mediate more easily about the things in between the frenzied action of life. Of quiet nights lit by stars and moon. Of those who walk by your side. And of simple joys to be found in the simple things.


In other matters, do we have any ideas how the smiths will react to Chui Dao? Are the smiths seated or artists? Will they know enough to be very confused about the matter, or will they just shrug their shoulders and say it is merely the weirdness that follows artists?

Edit: Well, this story wouldn't leave my mind, so here it is. Edited into my previous post to avoid double posting

To Die Upon the Ice

Chilling winds tried to cut Tan Feng as he peered out into the howling winds of the Frozen Highlands. Gales tumbling down the white-capped peaks drove ice against flesh, straining to push his command away. Furs, torches, and a few braziers did their best to keep troops warm and hale in this tortured land, but it never seemed to be enough. At least none of them had lost fingers or noses yet. The scent of bloodied snow made his nose twitch and he turned around to stomp back to the command tent with a scowl. That bastard Bing was still out there with who knew how many fools following them. Last report had been a thousand of their artists, but the host was swelling by the day. Servants and Soldiers mostly, but a few Farmers and a sprinkling of Teachers. And of course Bing. The problem that his troops needed to solve before they even had a hope of winning.

Pushing aside the flap shielding his command tent from the elements, Tan Feng took a moment to pull off his gloves and warm his hands with the heat from the brazier located near the entrance. Sergeant Gang was looking at the map for the thousandth time, trying to divine a location missed in previous inspections that would cause trouble. Or maybe, if the Spirits favored them, an unexpected advantage. A soft snort left his nostrils at the thought.

"Welcome back Commander Tan," Sergeant Gang said softly, without ever looking up from the map. "Is the barbarian mob still out there?"

"Yes, and growing. It looks like we'll have a fight on our hands. Any good spots to make our stand?"

"Nothing new, sir. We can put the southern crevasses at our back to help convince the mutinous men to fight to the death, or we can place them between us and the enemy, hoping that they'll thin their own numbers with a frenzied charge."

"Any way we can climb into the crevasses and fight inside the glacier?"

Sergeant Gang quirked an eyebrow at that suggestion, "Unlikely sir, even if they were willing to follow us into those cracks there does not seem to be any particular location to funnel them. They'll probably just leave a token force to make sure we can't climb back out and then go and raze Shuang. Even if we survived Bing's horde, we wouldn't survive the charges regarding dereliction of duties."

"Shit. Has there been any response to our request for reinforcements? Preferably of a caliber who can match Bing?"

Nodding, Sergeant Gang produced a letter with a flourish of his hand and held it out to Tan Feng. Grabbing it, he noted that it was of an unusually white paper with an unknown wax seal. An anvil with three lines radiating out from the top. A quick crack broke the seal, and he read the contents. A Lord Kong would be apparently be arriving shortly to provide resolution to this matter.

"Sergeant, do you know anything about the Kongs?"

"Vaguely, sir. A clan of craftsmen who seem to be rising in the esteem of the Steadfast Court. Apparently, they have had great success in recent years with talented artists rising from their ranks. Powerful charms, if difficult to commission consistent work from."

"Well," Tan Feng grumbled, "whoever he is had better be bringing one hell of a charm to even the score."

A gust of wind blew into the command tent as the flap was flipped open and an austere woman entered. Dressed in a conservative red and gold robe, they looked utterly confident in their strange arrival.

"Miss," Sergeant Gang began hesitantly, "I don't recall you having permission to enter the command tent. I'll have to ask you to leave."

"While I would love nothing more than to do so," the woman said as she stood as rigidly as a post, "I am afraid my duties as herald require attendance."

"Herald? Miss, you really need to…"

"BEHOLD!" The woman suddenly thundered, "Lord Kong Zhi arrives! Tremble at the majesty of his shadow! Venerate the steps he has left behind! Glory crowns his brow! Wisdom is held upon his right! Power upon his left! He who…"

The scent of smoke was the only warning Tan Feng had before a figure appeared within the command tent. A full three meters tall, it appeared to be a finely crafted statue of darkened steel, clothed in an open chested robe of glittering red and autumn yellows. Smoke curled around its head in stands as if it were hair, and one of its eyes glowed with a dark red of molten iron cooling. Hanging low upon a neckless was a cube shining with an inner light.

"Thank you," the statue said, "for the introduction, Lady Laba. I'm sure, however, that the gentlemen here do not need the full pronouncement."

It must have been Tan Feng's imagination, but the statue, who could only be Lord Kong, seemed to have a slight air of embarrassment.

"As you wish, Lord Kong." Lady Laba said with a curt nod.

Clearing his throat, Tan Feng caught the attention of the newcomers to the tent. "My name is Commander Tan, the commander of this unit. My second here is Sergeant Gang. I presume that you are the Lord Kong who was spoken of in the letter?"

"Ah yes, I am pleased that I was able to arrive in time to provide assistance."

"We are certainly glad you did. If you would follow me, I can introduce you to my men and we can begin planning on where the fight shall take place."

There is no need for that," Kong Zhi said while shaking his head. "It was my error in judgment which caused this situation to occur, so it will be by my hand that it is resolved. I simply ask that your men stay behind me, lest they suffer as well." With that, and the scent of smoke Kong Zhi disappeared. Leaving behind Lady Laba.

"His error?" Sergeant Gang broached the question, quirking his eyebrow at Kong Zhi's herald.

"While I was not employed in his service at the time, my understanding is that Bing caught his eye as a boy when Lord Kong was touring the Northern lands. As such, he provided tutoring in the ways of an artist before moving on. Lord Kong has spent many moons sending messages pleading with Bing to choose a different path than the one he currently is set upon. Something about the innumerable possibilities between the acquiesce to horror and its commission. However, we should step outside if we wish to see the fruits of Lord Kong's labor."

Shrugging his shoulders, Tan Feng approached the flap and held it open for Lady Laba to exit first. Immediately, he noticed a change had occurred. No longer were the winds howling, instead becoming eerily still. Which, as he stepped outside after Lady Laba, allowed him to see that the snow had ceased to fall, providing a clear view of the horde arrayed against them and Lord Kong's figure as he walked towards them. There was a feeling of sadness at that moment. A lone man marching against an army in front of him. Then Lord Kong lept into the air and hung there as a sun bloomed around his fist.

"Behold," Lady Laba said with a smile, "the craft of Lord Kong. Forged upon the anvil of a falling star, with fire stolen from the skies. The Unalloyed Flame. That which cleanses the land."

Then Lord Kong released his weapon, and it streaked towards the front of Bing's horde in silence. At its impact, a roar shattered ice and vibrated his bones painfully. With that roar, a pure white flame erupted forward, blinding him for a moment. After the spots left, all that was left was steam, smoldering ice, and statues of men made from ash.

Unalloyed Flame (Javelin)
Archer Charm ??? (Purity, Fire, Star)
Purity is the exclusion of all that is not it. No matter the cost, no matter the devastation, no matter the waste. Dross must be removed. This javelin seeks to do just that by revealing the dross of that which its flames touch and burning it to a fine ash. Unfortunately for the javelin's victims, there is no purity to be found.

Legend speaks of Lord Kong forging this devastating weapon with flames stolen from the vaults of heaven upon a star as it fell to the earth. How this feat could have been achieved he has never spoken of, but neither has he dismissed the legend as a falsehood.


A/N: Another omake! I hope you all enjoy the read. As for the herald, I couldn't fit it into the story, but Bihai thought that Kong Zhi's achievements were not as acclaimed as they should have been, so he hired a herald to proclaim Kong Zhi's arrival. Its only supposed to last a year, and Kong Zhi doesn't want to dismiss Bihai's gift, so he endures with only slight embarrassment.

 

[Thor's Twin]

Fractal Possibilities: A Body of Memories

Bodies pressed against Zhu An as he worked his way through the crowded plaza of the Delving Heart, towards the section for requesting training. It was a madhouse, shifting and churning at the slightest whims of fate. The Administration was attempting to keep order, but with the surge of members due to the inclusion of the new 9th circle, it was an impossibility. So he did the best he could, slipping through the cracks that appeared in the mass of people and steadily making headway. It took a frustratingly long time, but as Zhu An stepped out in front of the clerk, he couldn't help but sigh in relief. A sentiment that the drooping clerk did not seem to share.

"How may I assist you today?" The clerk asked, without even lifting their eyes from the document they were scribbling on.

"I would like to request a tutor, specifically for the art of Charmcrafting."

"An excellent choice," the clerk responded without any change in inflection. "Will that be a seventh circle tutor or a fifth circle tutor?"

"A… a fifth circle tutor, if possible." Zhu An said with a sigh.

"Name and court?"

"My name is Zhu An and I work for Elder Sela's Grove."

"Very well, your request will be processed and posted, we will inform you should anyone take up the task. Now, the fee for the tutoring, if you would."

With great care, he counted out the six talents necessary and placed them on the counter in front of the clerk. In a flash, they disappeared into a cabinet and the clerk was bellowing for the next in line. With ringing ears and a hopeful heart, Zhu An scurried away.

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Sounds of shattering gemstones and the smell of burnt fur permeated the workshop as Zhu An felt anger coursing through his veins. Taking another gem, he hurled it at the workshop's wall where it shattered into dust.

"Why. Won't. It. Work!"

Picking up his last gemstone, he hurled it at the wall. Sending fragments shooting around the room. Looking around, he saw the state of his workshop. Shattered furniture, shards of stone scattered about the floor, and scorch marks littering the walls. Almost completely unsalvagable.

As the light shifted in Zhu An's window, he realized that there was no time left. His tutoring was to begin, and he didn't even have the project he wanted assistance with anymore. As he began to stuff the diagrams and the few untouched materials into his bag, Zhu An could feel his anger cool. A few deep breaths helped as well. It wouldn't help to approach a tutor with a frustrated heart and turbulent mind.

Taking a few more breaths and shouldering his bag, Zhu An began walking towards the meeting point. The directions were detailed, something he was glad about as the location was a bit off the beaten trail, so it didn't take him too long to reach the rendezvous. A curated cavern greeted him, with water dripping into artistically arranged flower beds. All at the same rhythm. The floor was stone but patterned with slight grooves to improve traction. At the center was a raised table of polished dark wood surrounded by chairs. The person seated at the end of the table facing the entrance could only be his tutor.

Clothed in a robe of dark red with light green patterns, a glowing puzzle box rested against the man's chest, held up by a necklace. However, the most striking aspect was the flesh. Or rather, lack of flesh. As Zhu An got closer, he saw that his tutor's body was comprised of intricate shifting golden characters. Indistinguishable words and sentences seemed to rise up and be pulled down as if they were peas in a pot of boiling water. The man's hair wasn't made up of characters like the rest but instead seemed to be formed from a reddish smoke. However, as Zhu An was getting closer, it seemed like his tutor hadn't noticed him, as they were still mumbling into an orb the size of their fist.

"Excu…!"

As Zhu An began to speak, a twitch ran through his tutor. Everything seemed to slow down at that moment as the man lept out of his seat with a fist aimed right at Zhu An's head. Anam swirled through the air, as a technique was unleashed. He watched the man's eyes widen in surprise and the fist correct itself with a spasm, grazing his cheek and drawing a line of blood. Then, almost as quickly as it happened the man was back in his seat.

"My apologies for the outburst," Zhu An's tutor began with a hint of chagrin, "I was too absorbed in recording my thoughts and I didn't notice you walk in. My name is Senior Brother Zhi. I presume you are Zhu An? The one who requested tutoring?"

"Y… Yes, yes I am. Thank you for agreeing to tutor me. If this is a bad time, though, we can arrange a different date?"

"No, no," Zhi said with a shake of his head, "This time is as good as any. I was being driven crazy by the restrictions my Elder placed on me, so this will do me good."

"Restrictions?"

"My last task for my court was a little more… intense than expected. But enough about that," Zhi responded with a clap of his hands. "You came here for tutoring on charmcrafting! An admirable pursuit and one I wholly support! Crafting charms has many branches and deep roots, though, and we don't have enough time to do an exhaustive list, so what do you want to focus on? The basics? A specific charm? Or is it something else?"

"I was hoping to focus on a specific charm idea," Zhu An began hesitantly as he sat down in one of the chairs at the table and shuffled his bag out from under his arm while pulling out the diagrams, "and I was planning on bringing a prototype, but it failed and broke apart before our meeting."

"Hmmm… concerning. Let me see the diagrams, and tell me about the charm."

Passing over the diagrams, Zhu An said, "I hope to create a type of locator, something to help me find undiscovered veins of minerals or ores while I search through the tunnels of the Delving Heart. I found something similar in the archives, but it was designed to track specific wild animals by sound. Nothing I've done, though, has seemed to help make the transition to finding minerals in stone."

After a few moments of pondering the diagram, Brother Zhi nodded and placed the parchment down. "I can see no obvious reason why a charm built to the specifications of the diagram you've shown me wouldn't work as you've described. Tell me, have you built previous charms before?"

"I… haven't. No."

"This is an incredibly ambitious project for your first charm. While your diagram work is exemplary, my advice would be to start on something simpler and more manageable. Do you have any simpler charms you wish to make?"

Shaking his head, Zhu An just sat there feeling his cooled anger begin to churn again.

"Well, then," Zhi said with a smile. "Let's get to work instructing you on making this charm."

"You'll… you'll help me?"

"Of course! You paid for tutoring and I will provide! Now," Brother Zhi said while taking out some stark white paper, "I want you to show me how you would go about drawing the formations needed for this charm. Let's see where we should start."

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Kong Zhi watched Zhu An leave the cavern with mixed emotions. Regret that the boy was not ready to tackle a charm of this complexity, but also a tinge of fondness in that they were not going to give up on the charm either. Then a flash of light refracted from the dripping water in just the right way, and the memories began churning again.

Tounao Memory Hunters. What right bastards.

Form of the Golden Library
Kong Zhi's flesh is replaced by the characters of the Golden Library Constellation, which legends say contains transcriptions of all memory, past, present, and future. While Kong Zhi does not have access to the memories of others, he does have access to his memories. As such, attacks that seek to strip away memories and thoughts from the mind fail as Kong Zhi now stores them as his flesh.

Tounao Memory Hunters
There have been many civilizations that fell due to their hubris, but few can claim to have done so as spectacularly as the Tounao Empire. In their culture, obedience to the hierarchy was demanded, in both deeds and thought. To this end, the Tounao Empire leveraged their understanding of vestiges and charmcraft to create their undoing. Certain individuals who had the spark were mandated to cultivate specific elements from specific wonders and treasures while practicing specific techniques. All to ensure as much uniformity in their path as possible. These artists were, at the appropriate stage of development, sacrificed and their vestiges stuffed into carefully prepared constructs. These amalgamations were created for the sole purpose of finding and consuming unlawful memories and thoughts. To this end, the constructs were controlled by highly trained artists.

It worked, for a time. The ones in control of the Tounao Memory Hunters had techniques that protected their minds from their creations, ensuring their protection from their tools. However, as these constructs grew in number so to did the probability of an aberration. A vestige that could circumvent the protections. Then, one fateful night, that happened. As this aberration began to consume the minds of those who controlled its brethren, more and more Tounao Memory Hunters were released from their shackles to feast on unsuspecting victims, eating first their thoughts and memories of their predator's existence. By morning, there was no Tounao Empire. Only empty ruins patrolled by the Tounao Memory Hunters.

After all, how can you fight something you can never remember exists? How can you win a war you can not remember fighting?


A/N: Another omake for the omake throne! This is brought to you by "There is no Antimemetic Division." Why is it brought to you by that book? I... can't seem to remember. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the read!