- Location
- Yes
Here's the quote on Shuren intentionally not teaching Zhi general cultivation knowledge.
No we should kiss Mei.
The Path Unending (A Cultivation Quest)
- Thread starter Vesvius
- Start date
- Original
- Location
- Space
I like your style, first we kiss Mei, then Xu Yun, then both . Aunt Bi will be proud.
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Fair enough. Then Kong Zhi should do something to become self-reliant and powerful enough to go explore the dangerous and unknown.
In front of Sun Yijun
CedeTheBees
Probably high right now
- Location
- Somewhere
- Pronouns
- They/Them
And then also Sun Yijun
If we had kept Pet Snek from our Chuunin Exam Adventure, we could have kissed a snake like Aunt Bi wanted us to do.
- Location
- Yes
If everyone's getting a kiss, then we need to do something special for the one true ship. Holding hands? Wait no, we already did that!
...
Headpats it is.
...
Headpats it is.
- Location
- Australia
I wasn't expecting this quest to dissolve into such degeneracy so soon.
- Location
- Yes
Seriously? You're joking, right? How on earth could a romantic gesture towards Mei be degenerate?
A compilation of all the pats given and received by Kong Zhi during the quest so far.
_____________________________________________________________________
Nokai pat Kong Zhi on the shoulder at the beginning of the quest.
Kong Zhi pat himself on his own chest after defeating the Auroch from whom we picked up Blooming Spear.
Kong Zhi pat Xue before we stepped forward to join Team Mo in their honour duel with Team Mei.
Ming Hui pat Kong Zhi on the back after their mushroom collection expedition.
Kong Zhi pat a stalactite at A Second of Eternity after channeling Time Anam into Hummingbird's Dance.
Kong Zhi contemplated patting Teng Lim on the head (but didn't actually proceed to do so) when Teng Lim started crying after being caught spying on Kong Zhi.
_____________________________________________________________________
Nokai pat Kong Zhi on the shoulder at the beginning of the quest.
Kong Zhi pat himself on his own chest after defeating the Auroch from whom we picked up Blooming Spear.
Kong Zhi pat Xue before we stepped forward to join Team Mo in their honour duel with Team Mei.
Ming Hui pat Kong Zhi on the back after their mushroom collection expedition.
Kong Zhi pat a stalactite at A Second of Eternity after channeling Time Anam into Hummingbird's Dance.
Kong Zhi contemplated patting Teng Lim on the head (but didn't actually proceed to do so) when Teng Lim started crying after being caught spying on Kong Zhi.
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CedeTheBees
Probably high right now
- Location
- Somewhere
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Zhi already gave Time-chan headpats :O
We have to talk to her next week.
pblur
Reminiscing over the halcyon days of Ymaryn
- Location
- Lawrence's Wagon
Yes, but... in my opinion most xianxia tropes are better honored in the breach than in the observance.
- Location
- US
Ngl I'd totally vote for a write-in social for the Second/Time Anam, tbh. The anam was described to have a personality, after all, so maybe communication is possible.
IIRC, Zhi once described in a vote option that the purely Anam based communication the Second used was similar to how Kukuni talked? Think this was back when we met the Shrews.
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Worth noting that unchosen vote options are not necessarily canon. Still, all other indications seem to point that way in any case, so this one is probably still valid.
Also, I like this suggestion. Sounds like fun, something likely to move the story forward, and also something that might have a payoff.
130. If You Choose To Accept It
Vesvius
The Wicked God
A/N: A big thanks to the 33 people who have pledged to me on Patreon! If you'd like to join them, you can do so here. The start of the month is always the best time to chip in! Do it now and join tier two or higher and you'll get a say in this month's community selected commission!
------------------
"I see," is all you eventually manage to muster. "Please, do not let me keep you from your duties."
Sun Yijun offers you a half-shrug, as if the thought of missing his duties is no more than a minor concern, before turning away. "See ya' round," he calls back. "Good luck with alla this."
"My thanks," you reply. "To you as well. And my apologies if I have overstepped any boundaries or made a nuisance of myself. That was not my intention, yet I fear I have done just that."
...where did that come from and why did it come out of your mouth?!
Instead of brushing off your words like you expected, Sun Yijun pauses before entering the stairwell. He glances back over his shoulder, his face a mask of mild befuddlement. "It's fine," he grunts out. "I have had no problems."
"Oh, good," you reply. More words teeter on the end of your tongue, ready to spill from your lips at any moment. But you wrestle them back under control. The last thing you want to do is have one of your moments where your words run away from you without any control or direction. Those do not…
Wait. That tends to gain a response if nothing else more often than not. Even now, this is the first actual response you've gained from Sun Yijun all afternoon. Why exactly should you hold yourself back?
The answer is that you shouldn't. So you sigh and, before Sun Yijun turns away again, give your tongue it's head.
"Good," you repeat. "I do not wish to inconvenience you in the least or give you a bad impression. It is just… Elder Siani's words have been weighing on me as of late."
You do not have to tell Sun Yijun which words you mean. He knows, and you can tell that he knows by the nearly imperceptible twisting of his mouth. "That's fair," he grunts out. "I've thought of 'em a time or two myself. But no sense in worryin' about what'll come. All ya' can do is take it one day at a time."
Ancestors above and hunger within, an actual response. You could cry. Eager, you press forward. "That is an admirable way of looking at things. I cannot say that I am capable of it though; it seems that all I do some times is worry about Elder Siani, about my training, about my Aspect…"
You pause and sigh, very aware of the core burning over your heart. "I do not wish to overstep, but I must ask: do you worry at all about your own Aspect? What… what is it even like to cycle Fate?"
Sun Yijun considers your words for what feels like an eternity. Then finally, he shakes his head. "Nah," he answers.
All you can do is blink at that; you feel as if you have been hit in the face with a feather pillow. "No?" you repeat. "No… what?"
"Just… just nah," he replies, shrugging once again. "Nothing really to talk about there. But good fortune to you with all your worries, Kong Zhi. Seems an awfully stressful way to be." Then he moves forward, finally heading down the stairs.
But he pauses before he's fully out of view. He seems to be mulling something over. Eventually, he reaches a conclusion. "I'm… I ain't one to really talk," he states frankly. "It's just not me. But if you wanna work out some o' those nagging thoughts once you're healed up, lemme know. We'll spar."
Then he's gone, leaving you staring at the empty space where his head once was.
...does that count as progress? You are fairly certain that counts as progress.
***
You do not leave the assignment boards right after Sun Yijun. After that entire ordeal of a conversation, you need to gather yourself. So instead you linger, inspecting the scrolls as your nerves settle. Once you are no longer distracted by your Brother, they prove themselves interesting pieces to study.
For one thing, they are not simple scrolls: they are charms. Subtle rune work stitched into the edges of the parchment in beige thread gives them away. You cannot tell everything they do with just a cursory inspection but two functions become readily apparent. First, each scroll absorbs trace amounts of ambient anam to enhance itself. Thanks to this the scrolls will never rip or tear no matter how hard they are twisted and you find it hard to believe that they will ever run out of paper. You could probably hang a scroll from your window in the Spire and have it touch the cavern floor if someone was pulling on the cord.
But extension charms and self-enhancement are nothing groundbreaking. Any charm can have those functions. It is the other ability of the scroll charms that truly grabs your focus: they are constantly updating.
You discover that not through any effort on your own but by browsing the scroll as it works. You are in the middle of browsing through Naixin's scroll- whoever that is- when it jerks itself out of your hand and snaps shut. When you unfurl it next, a new entry glistens at the bottom as if it has just been inscribed by steady hands.
Apparently Naixin has successfully dealt with a creature known as the Butcher of Jingyi's Summit and is now moving south to Twelve Fields where a new task awaits them. Good to know.
They are far from the only disciple hard at work. Further inspection proves what Jetei told Sun Yijun correct: every Caretaker is hard at work outside the sect with Sima Tun and Wugui hard at work inside the sect. Every scroll has an entry from within the last few days, with most having a dozen since you received your Sigil. The sole exceptions are the rest of the Caretakers within the Heart. Kumi and Jetei both have several, but not nearly the number the others do, while Xiong Eryu simply has a line reading 'administered the greater function and prosperity of the organization' for every single day.
Hopefully you can prove yourself worthy of a proper assignment soon. You would hate for any of your Seniors who are working so hard to make sure that you are properly trained to think that they have wasted their time. With that thought heavy in your mind, you finally leave the assignment board. You will never finish your training by reading alone.
No, you need to follow up on your current work. That means that you must find Kumi and resolve your last mission. She told you that she would tell you what was happening with that deer and you mean to hear her words. You head down the staircase, intent on making it to where you last saw Kumi and waiting for her to tell you what is going on.
You do not need to go down that many floors, however. You find Kumi just two levels beneath the assignment board in a brightly carpeted room adorned with wall scrolls and dark chairs that clash horribly with the nearly orange wood paneling the sides. She is not alone, either. She sits in one chair against the wall, sipping something steaming from an earthenware mug, as she speaks with Xiong Eryu.
"-you absolutely certain?" your Senior is asking as you come down the stairs. "It seems awfully fast to-"
"Let us table that thought for now, " your most senior Senior interrupts, holding up one finger as she finishes scrawling something down on a piece of paper. The finger is then moved and pointed in your direction. "Remain right there, Kong Zhi. This concerns you as well."
You freeze at the Third Circle disciple's words. Does she mean for you to remain on the stairs? Or does she want you to come in? Does she want you to go back upstairs? What-
Thankfully Kumi puts an end to your frozen hesitation by gesturing at the chair next to her with an encouraging smile. You nod deeply in return as you move to take it. At this moment, you are very glad that it was Kumi who took charge of your training. From what you have seen from Jetei, he… would likely not have been so kind.
Xiong Eryu does not say a word about Kumi's kindness. She does not say a word at all until you take your seat. Once you have, she looks up from her paper. "Disciple Kong Zhi, it seems that you have had an interesting mission," she states, her words bearing the ring of repetition and formality. "I have already received the full report from your Senior. Still, I am curious as to your own thoughts. Tell me what was discovered in the pursuit of Panyao Fei."
"Um- yes, Senior Sister," you reply, nerves creeping back to your throat even as formality laces your words to match her own. You have no real idea where this is going and you cannot say that that realization comforts you. "I would be glad to."
In broad strokes, you recount your last two days. First you speak of your harassment campaign to keep Panyao Fei from a proper slumber. After that, you go into detail about the Eighth Circle disciple's day, culminating with his visit from the Spirit Deer.
"...it seemed as if the deer was sharing its power with him," you tell Xiong Eryu. "I have not the least idea who or why it was doing such a thing. I did not know that it was possible until this evening. But that is the only conclusion that I can draw."
Xiong Eryu nods. "That is indeed the correct conclusion. Spirit Beasts and Artists can join together in such a way- something which I am certain your Senior will be all too happy to tell you about later." Indeed, Kumi is practically bouncing in her chair at the thought. "A proper joining can bring both to new heights of power- but an improper one can be very, very dangerous."
"And…" you slowly drawl out. "What we witnessed… that was an improper joining?"
"Correct," Xiong Eryu replies. "Think back to what you saw. Describe the Phantom Point's anam."
The Phantom Point? That must be the deer. An interesting name for a steel aspected beast. Still, you do as commanded. "It… the Phantom Point ran it's anam through Panyao Fei, joining it to his core. When the joining ended, Panyao Fei seemed greatly exhausted and the Phantom Point seemed to feel it's own weariness."
"Yes, precisely," comes the response. "In a proper joining, the two parties unite their anam in each other. The Phantom Point would not just be giving Panyao Fei it's power- Panyao Fei would be reciprocating. The two cores would slowly become mirrors of each other until there is no distinction between the two parties. After that, anam could be transferred freely from man to beast and back again."
"But the anam given to Panyao Fei," you slowly say, thinking back to what you saw with your Sixth Sense. "It did not change at all. It still resembled that of the Phantom Point."
Kumi scowls. "That is certainly one way to put it," she growls.
"Again, you are correct," Xiong Eryu continues. "And there is a simple reason for that. The Phantom Point is not melding it's anam with Panyao Fei. It is loaning it."
Your Senior folds her arms, a hard look very unlike her usual casual friendliness on her face. "I am sure that that complete fool thinks he is the luckiest man in the Sect," she spits. "I would pity him if he was not so idiotic."
You look from Kumi to Xiong Eryu and back again. "I believe I am missing something," you say. "The Phantom Point- why is it bad that it is merely loaning it's anam to Panyao Fei? Many disciples would treasure such a boon even if it were only in the short-term."
"And they would all be stupid to do so," Kumi spits.
Xiong Eryu ignores Kumi's outburst. "It is a problem, Kong Zhi, because all loans must be repaid- and they are repaid with interest. And tell me, what currency do you think that the Phantom Point accepts?"
A sick sensation begins to spread in your stomach. "You mean…"
"Anam, of course," Xiong Eryu states. "It's anam has been lingering in Panyao Fei's core for weeks, slowly teaching it to resemble its own. When the process is done, the loan will come due- and the Phantom Point will not stop at simply retrieving its own energy. It will rip the core right from Panyao Fei's quivering flesh."
Xiong Eryu meets your eyes, letting the gravity of the situation sink in. "And it will not be finished. It will not have invested all of this time and effort to simply gain a pittance in anam. Ripping the core of Panyao Fei will be a traumatic event that will render him insensate- if it does not simply kill him flat out. Either way, the Phantom Point will feast upon his anam rich flesh, followed by his weakened but still nourishing Vestige. And from that experience, it will grow one step in strength before moving on to find another victim."
Kumi's knuckles are pale as she grips the armrests of her chair. "That, Kong Zhi, is what a Phantom Point is," she hisses. "A creature as rich in Deception Anam as a Vestige is in Hunger that uses its cunning and malevolence to feast upon the unwary. Should you ever encounter one alone, strike quickly, strike true, and strike with all of your fury."
You lean back in your chair from the sheer vehemence in Kumi's words. Xiong Eryu, for her part, just nods. "Well spoken," she says, glancing at Kumi.
Then she turns to you.
"You should deal with it."
...what.
"What?"
"This Phantom Point," Xiong Eryu continues. "It is not particularly strong. Were it well into the realm of the Farmer, it would have crushed Panyao Fei within moments. But it is barely into its third step- which means that if you prepare well, you may find yourself it's match."
Xiong Eryu pushes the scroll she was writing in forward, offering it to you. "You will be given lead on this assignment. Kumi, Wugui, and Jetei will all serve as your support, but the duty will fall on your shoulders- as will the reward."
At your look, Xiong Eryu allows herself a half-smile. "There would be a bounty of at least thirty points on this creature's head were it to reach the Assignment Hall. That would be yours- as will whatever you take from the beast once it is brought low. Though it is a Phantom Point, it has as much Steel anam as it does Deception- something you could certainly benefit from."
"The transformation process is slow," Kumi grates out. "We have approximately four to six weeks before Panyao Fei is… ripe. You would have time to make your preparations- should you accept this assignment."
She shoots a look at Xiong Eryu who seems to sigh. "I am compelled to state that this is not mandatory," she states, echoing Kumi's sentiment. "You can turn this task down if you so choose. If you do, you will not be punished. Someone else will deal with the Phantom Point and you will continue as you have been."
At this, Kumi nods. "There is no pressure," she repeats. "There will be other first assignments for you."
"Yes," Xiong Eryu replies. "There will indeed be other missions less suited for you to cut your teeth on should you desire them. But this is a unique, ideal opportunity for you to exploit- something your Senior would agree with if she would allow herself to look past her own concern."
This time, it is Xiong Eryu who glares at Kumi. Your Senior glares right back- but does not gainsay the Third Circle Disciple.
You sit back as you digest both of their words… and you think.
Do you choose to accept this assignment?
[] Yes, you will take the lead on the assignment to exterminate the Phantom Point.
[] No, you will decline this task and allow another to deal with it.
>Show vulnerability. Admit that Siani's proclamation has scared you, and ask if he is scared as well. Ask what Fate is like, and share your experiences with Time that do not touch on the Symphony.
"I see," is all you eventually manage to muster. "Please, do not let me keep you from your duties."
Sun Yijun offers you a half-shrug, as if the thought of missing his duties is no more than a minor concern, before turning away. "See ya' round," he calls back. "Good luck with alla this."
"My thanks," you reply. "To you as well. And my apologies if I have overstepped any boundaries or made a nuisance of myself. That was not my intention, yet I fear I have done just that."
...where did that come from and why did it come out of your mouth?!
Instead of brushing off your words like you expected, Sun Yijun pauses before entering the stairwell. He glances back over his shoulder, his face a mask of mild befuddlement. "It's fine," he grunts out. "I have had no problems."
"Oh, good," you reply. More words teeter on the end of your tongue, ready to spill from your lips at any moment. But you wrestle them back under control. The last thing you want to do is have one of your moments where your words run away from you without any control or direction. Those do not…
Wait. That tends to gain a response if nothing else more often than not. Even now, this is the first actual response you've gained from Sun Yijun all afternoon. Why exactly should you hold yourself back?
The answer is that you shouldn't. So you sigh and, before Sun Yijun turns away again, give your tongue it's head.
"Good," you repeat. "I do not wish to inconvenience you in the least or give you a bad impression. It is just… Elder Siani's words have been weighing on me as of late."
You do not have to tell Sun Yijun which words you mean. He knows, and you can tell that he knows by the nearly imperceptible twisting of his mouth. "That's fair," he grunts out. "I've thought of 'em a time or two myself. But no sense in worryin' about what'll come. All ya' can do is take it one day at a time."
Ancestors above and hunger within, an actual response. You could cry. Eager, you press forward. "That is an admirable way of looking at things. I cannot say that I am capable of it though; it seems that all I do some times is worry about Elder Siani, about my training, about my Aspect…"
You pause and sigh, very aware of the core burning over your heart. "I do not wish to overstep, but I must ask: do you worry at all about your own Aspect? What… what is it even like to cycle Fate?"
Sun Yijun considers your words for what feels like an eternity. Then finally, he shakes his head. "Nah," he answers.
All you can do is blink at that; you feel as if you have been hit in the face with a feather pillow. "No?" you repeat. "No… what?"
"Just… just nah," he replies, shrugging once again. "Nothing really to talk about there. But good fortune to you with all your worries, Kong Zhi. Seems an awfully stressful way to be." Then he moves forward, finally heading down the stairs.
But he pauses before he's fully out of view. He seems to be mulling something over. Eventually, he reaches a conclusion. "I'm… I ain't one to really talk," he states frankly. "It's just not me. But if you wanna work out some o' those nagging thoughts once you're healed up, lemme know. We'll spar."
Then he's gone, leaving you staring at the empty space where his head once was.
...does that count as progress? You are fairly certain that counts as progress.
***
You do not leave the assignment boards right after Sun Yijun. After that entire ordeal of a conversation, you need to gather yourself. So instead you linger, inspecting the scrolls as your nerves settle. Once you are no longer distracted by your Brother, they prove themselves interesting pieces to study.
For one thing, they are not simple scrolls: they are charms. Subtle rune work stitched into the edges of the parchment in beige thread gives them away. You cannot tell everything they do with just a cursory inspection but two functions become readily apparent. First, each scroll absorbs trace amounts of ambient anam to enhance itself. Thanks to this the scrolls will never rip or tear no matter how hard they are twisted and you find it hard to believe that they will ever run out of paper. You could probably hang a scroll from your window in the Spire and have it touch the cavern floor if someone was pulling on the cord.
But extension charms and self-enhancement are nothing groundbreaking. Any charm can have those functions. It is the other ability of the scroll charms that truly grabs your focus: they are constantly updating.
You discover that not through any effort on your own but by browsing the scroll as it works. You are in the middle of browsing through Naixin's scroll- whoever that is- when it jerks itself out of your hand and snaps shut. When you unfurl it next, a new entry glistens at the bottom as if it has just been inscribed by steady hands.
Apparently Naixin has successfully dealt with a creature known as the Butcher of Jingyi's Summit and is now moving south to Twelve Fields where a new task awaits them. Good to know.
They are far from the only disciple hard at work. Further inspection proves what Jetei told Sun Yijun correct: every Caretaker is hard at work outside the sect with Sima Tun and Wugui hard at work inside the sect. Every scroll has an entry from within the last few days, with most having a dozen since you received your Sigil. The sole exceptions are the rest of the Caretakers within the Heart. Kumi and Jetei both have several, but not nearly the number the others do, while Xiong Eryu simply has a line reading 'administered the greater function and prosperity of the organization' for every single day.
Hopefully you can prove yourself worthy of a proper assignment soon. You would hate for any of your Seniors who are working so hard to make sure that you are properly trained to think that they have wasted their time. With that thought heavy in your mind, you finally leave the assignment board. You will never finish your training by reading alone.
No, you need to follow up on your current work. That means that you must find Kumi and resolve your last mission. She told you that she would tell you what was happening with that deer and you mean to hear her words. You head down the staircase, intent on making it to where you last saw Kumi and waiting for her to tell you what is going on.
You do not need to go down that many floors, however. You find Kumi just two levels beneath the assignment board in a brightly carpeted room adorned with wall scrolls and dark chairs that clash horribly with the nearly orange wood paneling the sides. She is not alone, either. She sits in one chair against the wall, sipping something steaming from an earthenware mug, as she speaks with Xiong Eryu.
"-you absolutely certain?" your Senior is asking as you come down the stairs. "It seems awfully fast to-"
"Let us table that thought for now, " your most senior Senior interrupts, holding up one finger as she finishes scrawling something down on a piece of paper. The finger is then moved and pointed in your direction. "Remain right there, Kong Zhi. This concerns you as well."
You freeze at the Third Circle disciple's words. Does she mean for you to remain on the stairs? Or does she want you to come in? Does she want you to go back upstairs? What-
Thankfully Kumi puts an end to your frozen hesitation by gesturing at the chair next to her with an encouraging smile. You nod deeply in return as you move to take it. At this moment, you are very glad that it was Kumi who took charge of your training. From what you have seen from Jetei, he… would likely not have been so kind.
Xiong Eryu does not say a word about Kumi's kindness. She does not say a word at all until you take your seat. Once you have, she looks up from her paper. "Disciple Kong Zhi, it seems that you have had an interesting mission," she states, her words bearing the ring of repetition and formality. "I have already received the full report from your Senior. Still, I am curious as to your own thoughts. Tell me what was discovered in the pursuit of Panyao Fei."
"Um- yes, Senior Sister," you reply, nerves creeping back to your throat even as formality laces your words to match her own. You have no real idea where this is going and you cannot say that that realization comforts you. "I would be glad to."
In broad strokes, you recount your last two days. First you speak of your harassment campaign to keep Panyao Fei from a proper slumber. After that, you go into detail about the Eighth Circle disciple's day, culminating with his visit from the Spirit Deer.
"...it seemed as if the deer was sharing its power with him," you tell Xiong Eryu. "I have not the least idea who or why it was doing such a thing. I did not know that it was possible until this evening. But that is the only conclusion that I can draw."
Xiong Eryu nods. "That is indeed the correct conclusion. Spirit Beasts and Artists can join together in such a way- something which I am certain your Senior will be all too happy to tell you about later." Indeed, Kumi is practically bouncing in her chair at the thought. "A proper joining can bring both to new heights of power- but an improper one can be very, very dangerous."
"And…" you slowly drawl out. "What we witnessed… that was an improper joining?"
"Correct," Xiong Eryu replies. "Think back to what you saw. Describe the Phantom Point's anam."
The Phantom Point? That must be the deer. An interesting name for a steel aspected beast. Still, you do as commanded. "It… the Phantom Point ran it's anam through Panyao Fei, joining it to his core. When the joining ended, Panyao Fei seemed greatly exhausted and the Phantom Point seemed to feel it's own weariness."
"Yes, precisely," comes the response. "In a proper joining, the two parties unite their anam in each other. The Phantom Point would not just be giving Panyao Fei it's power- Panyao Fei would be reciprocating. The two cores would slowly become mirrors of each other until there is no distinction between the two parties. After that, anam could be transferred freely from man to beast and back again."
"But the anam given to Panyao Fei," you slowly say, thinking back to what you saw with your Sixth Sense. "It did not change at all. It still resembled that of the Phantom Point."
Kumi scowls. "That is certainly one way to put it," she growls.
"Again, you are correct," Xiong Eryu continues. "And there is a simple reason for that. The Phantom Point is not melding it's anam with Panyao Fei. It is loaning it."
Your Senior folds her arms, a hard look very unlike her usual casual friendliness on her face. "I am sure that that complete fool thinks he is the luckiest man in the Sect," she spits. "I would pity him if he was not so idiotic."
You look from Kumi to Xiong Eryu and back again. "I believe I am missing something," you say. "The Phantom Point- why is it bad that it is merely loaning it's anam to Panyao Fei? Many disciples would treasure such a boon even if it were only in the short-term."
"And they would all be stupid to do so," Kumi spits.
Xiong Eryu ignores Kumi's outburst. "It is a problem, Kong Zhi, because all loans must be repaid- and they are repaid with interest. And tell me, what currency do you think that the Phantom Point accepts?"
A sick sensation begins to spread in your stomach. "You mean…"
"Anam, of course," Xiong Eryu states. "It's anam has been lingering in Panyao Fei's core for weeks, slowly teaching it to resemble its own. When the process is done, the loan will come due- and the Phantom Point will not stop at simply retrieving its own energy. It will rip the core right from Panyao Fei's quivering flesh."
Xiong Eryu meets your eyes, letting the gravity of the situation sink in. "And it will not be finished. It will not have invested all of this time and effort to simply gain a pittance in anam. Ripping the core of Panyao Fei will be a traumatic event that will render him insensate- if it does not simply kill him flat out. Either way, the Phantom Point will feast upon his anam rich flesh, followed by his weakened but still nourishing Vestige. And from that experience, it will grow one step in strength before moving on to find another victim."
Kumi's knuckles are pale as she grips the armrests of her chair. "That, Kong Zhi, is what a Phantom Point is," she hisses. "A creature as rich in Deception Anam as a Vestige is in Hunger that uses its cunning and malevolence to feast upon the unwary. Should you ever encounter one alone, strike quickly, strike true, and strike with all of your fury."
You lean back in your chair from the sheer vehemence in Kumi's words. Xiong Eryu, for her part, just nods. "Well spoken," she says, glancing at Kumi.
Then she turns to you.
"You should deal with it."
...what.
"What?"
"This Phantom Point," Xiong Eryu continues. "It is not particularly strong. Were it well into the realm of the Farmer, it would have crushed Panyao Fei within moments. But it is barely into its third step- which means that if you prepare well, you may find yourself it's match."
Xiong Eryu pushes the scroll she was writing in forward, offering it to you. "You will be given lead on this assignment. Kumi, Wugui, and Jetei will all serve as your support, but the duty will fall on your shoulders- as will the reward."
At your look, Xiong Eryu allows herself a half-smile. "There would be a bounty of at least thirty points on this creature's head were it to reach the Assignment Hall. That would be yours- as will whatever you take from the beast once it is brought low. Though it is a Phantom Point, it has as much Steel anam as it does Deception- something you could certainly benefit from."
"The transformation process is slow," Kumi grates out. "We have approximately four to six weeks before Panyao Fei is… ripe. You would have time to make your preparations- should you accept this assignment."
She shoots a look at Xiong Eryu who seems to sigh. "I am compelled to state that this is not mandatory," she states, echoing Kumi's sentiment. "You can turn this task down if you so choose. If you do, you will not be punished. Someone else will deal with the Phantom Point and you will continue as you have been."
At this, Kumi nods. "There is no pressure," she repeats. "There will be other first assignments for you."
"Yes," Xiong Eryu replies. "There will indeed be other missions less suited for you to cut your teeth on should you desire them. But this is a unique, ideal opportunity for you to exploit- something your Senior would agree with if she would allow herself to look past her own concern."
This time, it is Xiong Eryu who glares at Kumi. Your Senior glares right back- but does not gainsay the Third Circle Disciple.
You sit back as you digest both of their words… and you think.
Do you choose to accept this assignment?
[] Yes, you will take the lead on the assignment to exterminate the Phantom Point.
[] No, you will decline this task and allow another to deal with it.
CedeTheBees
Probably high right now
- Location
- Somewhere
- Pronouns
- They/Them
...We might actually be on our way to a "No Brain to Mouth Filter" Trait and I for one could not be more down for that.
I knew sparring was the best option.
Curse these ribs! *shakes fist at God/Ves*
[Finally finishes chapter]
Okay! This thing is a fucking monster! Both figuratively and literally! I know we already have a lot on our plate, but goddammit I want those quality Steel and Deception mats.
[X] Yes, you will take the lead on the assignment to exterminate the Phantom Point.
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[X] Yes, you will take the lead on the assignment to exterminate the Phantom Point.
Yes, it's another sidequest. But this is a huge deal, and we get senior support.
Yes, it's another sidequest. But this is a huge deal, and we get senior support.
- Pronouns
- They/Them
[X] Yes, you will take the lead on the assignment to exterminate the Phantom Point.
Well, well. well. A Caretaker mission with a hefty reward we can presumably complete on Caretaker time.
Well, well. well. A Caretaker mission with a hefty reward we can presumably complete on Caretaker time.
- Location
- Classified
Seems the sleep was a total red herring after all. The man just likes his sleep.
Also, it is confirmed that Hunger is a common feature to all Vestiges.
[X] Yes, you will take the lead on the assignment to exterminate the Phantom Point.
So, make the attack three to four weeks from now, get thirty points and Steel materials. The potential for Steel materials does raise the question as to whether we should knock out Jai Fa's axe now or wait for these future materials.
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- Location
- PA
Humm...
I want to say yes, frankly. Why? This beast does Steel stuff. We could always use more Steel stuff, be it yet another Art, grinding it down for anam pills, or charm regents...
And honestly, I kind of want to jump to it, instead of leaving it be.
As I understand it, the longer we wait, the closer Panyao gets to getting popped into the Phantom's mouth like a grape, and I presume the longer it'd take for him to recover...If he even can recover.
I want to say yes, frankly. Why? This beast does Steel stuff. We could always use more Steel stuff, be it yet another Art, grinding it down for anam pills, or charm regents...
And honestly, I kind of want to jump to it, instead of leaving it be.
As I understand it, the longer we wait, the closer Panyao gets to getting popped into the Phantom's mouth like a grape, and I presume the longer it'd take for him to recover...If he even can recover.
CedeTheBees
Probably high right now
- Location
- Somewhere
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Oh god this thing might inspire a Steel/Deception art.
I'm already drooling.
I'm already drooling.
WhoTheHeckity
But no one ever asks HowTheHeckity
- Location
- Murica 🦅
[X] Yes, you will take the lead on the assignment to exterminate the Phantom Point.
LOOOOOT
LOOOOOT
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Just caught this on a reread and... oh my. There are ways to change core composition. At least this one, and if there's one, there may be others.