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

Voted best in category in the Users' Choice awards.
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dycouza said:
I think Ling Qi should tell Sir Bao that while she is kindly inclined towards making trade deals with the Bao in the future she's also hesitant to make any longstanding commitments at this time. Perhaps they could make some initial light forays in partnering together, if nothing else to get personal experience in commerce but while making arrangements early is often better for a young clan such as hers she will make no promises. She will of course look favorably towards the Bao but only seriously consider more invested deals once she gets settled and have an understanding for what it is she wants for her future clan.
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He isn't asking for any longstanding commitments, nor is any being offered.
The normal process is to find out whether you can stand each other first.

Everyone knows Ling Qi is tied to Renxiang already, and thus difficult to pressure into a commitment(unlike Gu Tai who was on a sharp clock) prior to her getting her fief after her stint in the army. Once she has a fief she COULD be pressured, but right now they can only offer wealth...wealth which is limited lest they appear to be trying to poach from Renxiang, except delivered via loot drops.

Which is to say 12 years is the timeline where we can examine the options without making any commitment save to rule out those who are politically or personally incompatible.
 
yrsillar said:
"Who knew that you and your family were so popular," Ling Qi murmured in amusement as they exited the archive. After a night and morning spent amidst whispering shelves, the warmth of the noon time sun felt good. Being able to tease Sixiang back for once, on the other hand, was the best.
"...I still don't know why you took that thing," Sixiang grumbled, making the wind kick up around Ling Qi. "I never thought I'd see someone deconstruct the idea of having a good time like it was some complicated idea."

"I don't know, it seemed like a useful area of study to me," Ling Qi replied, looking out over the landscape from the top of the carven cliff the archive occupied. It had surprised her just how many arts there were that studied the nature of moon spirits as a social tool.
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So, we don't have the arts yet, but the dialogue indicates that we managed to find a bunch of Moon arts while searching for Wind Mystery arts.

And really, lots of arts are likely constructed by studying spirits. Imitation of nature is one of the oldest form of invention.
yrsillar said:
"I suppose I should be getting down to the Sect town," Ling Qi sighed, looking down from the clear blue sky to the green landscape below. Hopefully she things would not be too awkward.

"Just relax," Sixiaing said, and Ling Qi felt the phantom sensation of fingers jabbing her side. "Remember not to wind yourself up. Go meet the guy and let yourself have fun for goodness sake."

Ling Qi irritably swatted at the air, dispersing the fragile constructs of wind Sixiang was poking her with. She knew what she had to do, that didn't make it easier. She wished that she had time to practice one of the arts she had procured, but there just wasn't time. "I know, I know," she grumbled aloud. "Now quit it."
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Theres a mispelled Sixiang in there @yrsillar

And geeze, Six is making a good go at the Normal Younger Sibling nagging the shut in elder archetype.

yrsillar said:
Landing outside the town's walls, Ling Qi took a moment to smooth her gown, and then entered town, briskly moving through the outermost sections. It was a little ironic, Ling Qi could admit to herself, but she wasn't doing it out of disdain, but rather because she did not want to hold on to her qi suppression so tightly for long. Regardless of her musings, she soon reached the inner town, where cultivators were in greater number. She took only a moment to recall the location of her meeting, and find her way to the right square. In the midst of the towns bustle, Ling Qi saw them before she felt them.
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I might be reading too much into it, but it sounds a lot like Ling Qi is suddenly finding a lot of distractions to think of.
yrsillar said:
She spied Li Suyin first, wearing that new gown of hers. The pale lilac and purple silk looked good on her, though the effect was a little lessened by the clawed chitin contraption she wore on her right hand. She wondered how long it would take Xiulan to pester the other girl into adding some gemstone settings and filigree to the thing to brighten it up. Beside Suyin, standing a little closer than Ling Qi would call polite was a tall, thin boy. He had a handsome face and neatly kept hair bound in a top knot. That was probably this 'Du Feng' she had heard about from time to time. Another friend of Suyin's.
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Lilac and purple probably goes better on Suyin than Elder Jiao's eyescarring abomination.

Also I see Ling Qi has been infected and is now ready to initiate a friend into the cult of being dragged out shopping and forcibly dressed up. :p
yrsillar said:
Ling Qi found her eyes only briefly touching on him however. She found her attention drawn to the much louder figure standing nearby. The young man was quite large, top quite as tall as her, but very broad shouldered. He wore a robe of crimson and gold bound at the waist by a thick jeweled sash. His fingers glittered with rings of jade, set with precious gems that gleamed mesmerizingly in the sun. Two bands of white jade encircled his upper arms, cinching his flowing robe around thick biceps.

He had a broad face with pleasant, jovial features and dark brown hair, bound in a simple top knot by another jeweled clasp. Really, he looked quite a lot like a more youthful version of the Bao lord she had met at the end of last year… if one who indulged much less in food and drink. She really did wonder what had happened to Bao Qingling, to differentiate herself so much from her family.
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Abs, not QUITE check, but he's built like a truck ready to isekai somebody. The Bao did their reseach.
yrsillar said:
"Ah, and our last member has arrived, welcome Miss Ling, welcome," she was shaken from her thoughts as the young man turned from his conversation with Li Suyin and Du Feng to raise a jeweled hand and greet her. She met his eyes and found them sharp and appraising beneath the cheer. He was at the fortification stage of the Green Soul realm, and only a stage lower in his physical cultivation.

"My apologies for being late," Ling Qi said politely as she approached, dipping her head in a small bow of contrition.

"You are nothing of the sort," he dismissed cheerfully. "I simply arrived early."
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Direct cheerful personality, but keen under the surface.
Refreshingly free of etiquette ass covering we've been seeing with nobles in public.
yrsillar said:
"And if cousin's Quan and Qingling have not deigned share it, you may have my name as well. I am Bao Qiang," the Bao scion introduced himself with a minor bow, as given between equals. "I have already heard much of you, and the tales Miss Li has told have only embellished on them."
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Bao Qiang.
Guaranteed Strong?
Wraps Walls?

The alternative of Qian would be "Guaranteed Money"/"Guaranteed Shallow", which would be a bit of a weird name to give your kid.
yrsillar said:
Ling Qi glanced to Li Suyin, who gave her a sheepish smile. "It is a pleasure to meet you both, though I have to admit, you have me at a disadvantage. The letter Bao Qingling gave to me was somewhat light on details."

"No offense is taken," Bao Qian replied with a smile. "We Bao are a competitive sort, the matter of who would take up the opportunity was still contested at that time."

Ling Qi felt a little disconcerted at the idea that there was any competition for… whatever this was, not quite even a betrothal offer but just…
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I just imagined a flex off for some reason.
yrsillar said:
"Of course you're worth it. Most talented musician in the South, luminous fairy of the winter moon, black left hand of the Cai, Best Big Sis! The name of Ling Qi rings from the mountaintops!" Sixiang announced grandly in her head.

It was a testament to her will and experience with Sixiang that her eyebrow did not so much as twitch, nor her polite smile falter. "I am flattered to be so well thought of among the Bao," she replied instead.
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The best part is I think given her poor Fade people can see it anyway. They're just too polite to tell xD.
yrsillar said:
"There is no flattery to it, only honest praise," he replied.

"Miss Ling is a great talent," Du Feng agreed with a smile. "You often say such, do you not Li Suyin?"

"She is, I could not have achieved what I have without her," Li Suyin replied, toying with her sleeve nervously.

"...I will have to accept your praise I suppose," Ling Qi said reluctantly, feeling a bit uncomfortable. "But please, do not let me interrupt your conversation. You were speaking before I arrived, weren't you?"
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Need to work on that self esteem if people actually giving you credit for your achievements give you the shivers.
yrsillar said:
"You are too humble Miss Li. The joint work of you and sir Du in refining and treating silk is a valuable enterprise. The capital is always eager for new strains. Helps them keep up the churn of fashionable one upmanship, you know?" Bao Qian said with a chuckle

"Oh, you're working on silk now? I had not heard about that Li Suyin," Ling Qi said, happy to move to herself out of the spotlight of attention.

"It is as much Du Feng's effort as mine," Li Suyin deflected. "I only had some small insights to give on influencing the development of the worms. It is he who turns the resulting silk into something of value."

"You are too kind Li Suyin," Du Feng said. "I have never had the opportunity to work with silk as naturally impermeable and light. I feel as if I am spinning strands of air at times."

Li Suyin flushed and fidgeted a little. "I am sure it is nothing that other silk making families have not achieved already."
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Huh...looks like Bao Qiang noticed Ling Qi's discomfort and very casually segued it into a safe zone...watching those two nerds science-flirt at each other.
yrsillar said:
"Perhaps, but another supplier is always good for the market," Bao Qian said cheerfully. "I will be happy to do a little sellers work for the two of you, if you would permit it."

Li Suyin and Du Feng shared a brief look, and Li Suyin dipped her head, giving deference to him. Ling Qi might have found that bothersome, but she knew her friend well enough to know that she really did consider it more his project than hers. So she did not say anything as Du Feng bowed low and accepted the offer.
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And thats how being friends with a mercantile family pays off...nice to show off by being nice to her friends.

Good strategy for Ling Qi, since she's reflexively suspicious at people being nice to her(and thats an improvement from when she had her bit of paranoiagasm about Han Jian's motives for friending her way back), but extremely favorable to people who are nice to her friends.

That said I believe this is indeed more likely to be his project, we know Suyin's core research focus and the silk being so beautiful is just not her style, especially where it clashes with her injector claws.
yrsillar said:
With only a small mental nudge from Sixiang, Ling Qi made herself continue the conversation. "Is that what you will be spending your time in the south on then Sir Bao? Seeking out opportunities like this?" She had to start being a more active participant in conversations, and she would never do so if she didn't start somewhere.

She saw a flicker of appraisal in his warm green eyes as he turned to look at her. "After a fashion, and there is no need for a Sir, Miss Ling, my name will do."
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You can positively see that this is new to him, and he's adjusting his strategy. Ling Qi speaking up unprompted wasn't in the notes.
yrsillar said:
He gave her a thoughtful look. "I am only one of many sons, so I am always on the lookout for opportunity, I shall certainly wish to speak with you at some point about what might be done with that unique Xuan Wu of yours."

Her eyebrows rose, but she forced herself not to give his words an uncharitable interpretation. "If you do not object, my name is fine as well," she said slowly, it was a minor concession and one she didn't really mind giving. "Zhengui is precious to me, so I have to ask that you clarify your intent Bao Qian."

She caught a brief flicker of genuine amusement at her little wordplay. "Nothing invasive of course, shed scales, claw clippings, venom, waste product. A Spirit of such potency can produce many useful things. It helps to offset their substantial upkeep."

Ling Qi thought of the expense documentation Cai Renxiang had been teaching her to make use of. It might be nice to be less reliant on her largesse. If nothing else it might mean further resources for her to cultivate with. "I see, I have no complaints then," she replied.
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He has a sense of humor!
Also monetizing Zhengui's poop sounds good.

I've been mulling over how 'wild' baby Xuanwu would have gotten fed given their prodigious diets and came to the conclusion that its probably by the subsidiary ecosystem of their parent's massive body being extremely rich in everything they need to grow, every inch of soil infused with elemental qi, AND pruned of large predators.

Basically they'd just swim around their parents and grow, nesting on their parent as well, until they hit 2 realms below their parent, at which point the passive ecosystem no longer can keep them at their peak growth and they'd need to go hunting for their own stuff.

If so the Xuan Sublime Ancestor is probably what makes keeping their large numbers of Xuanwu viable at all.
yrsillar said:
"Perhaps you should seek his services in recording your music Miss Ling. I have heard that it is incomparable for your age and talent," Du Feng added. "Though you will only improve in the future I am sure."

"He's trying to be helpful, you know," Sixiang whispered soothingly. "I think he really doesn't want to be on your bad side. Guy has it bad."

Ling Qi did not reply, she certainly noticed the minute changes in expression from the young man. He really wanted Suyin's approval. Her friend of course, was all to happy to go along with over praising her. "Your songs really are lovely, I would not mind being able to play them in my workshop."
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Time to sell albums!
Also I ship it.

I don't think Suyin notices a thing though. Heheheh.
yrsillar said:
"I would never be so forward as to request something so personal at a first meeting," Bao Qian said, dipping his head. "I know many musicians mislike such things. Though, on my pride as a jade carver, I would put my utmost into such a project, to ensure quality."

"...Something for the future, perhaps," Ling Qi replied. She felt deeply uncomfortable with the idea of recording her music. Her understanding of the topic meant that every piece she played reflected some facet of herself. Having such a thing stored in jade to be viewed whenever was… strange to her.
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Hmm, immortalizing your music has whole new levels of meaning here. Still, its not bad, I think.

Depends on the song played.
yrsillar said:
"You are a jade carver then?" She asked changing the subject.

"I have some skills in the field, the Bao families resources are plentiful in that regard," Bao Qian agreed. "I will be using my eye for such materials during my stay. I have a few expeditions lined up to prospect unsettled lands for jade, spirit stones and less valuable minerals. A man must keep busy after all. No good comes from standing still."

That was a good attitude to take. Though she could not really judge off one meeting, her initial impression of Bao Qian was good.
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And I also notice he just dropped hints of being extremely valuable on a fief, as he's a skilled prospector and craftsman to do value improvements.
And he knows that Renxiang and Ling Qi will be dispatched to border areas.


yrsillar said:
However… the real purpose of all this still ate at her thoughts. She had been praised and praised, and while she was certain that Li Suyin was sincere, it was wholly possible that he was just using her friend to be able to flatter her without seemingly coming on too strong.

That was one trouble with studying social arts, it put her in the mind to scrutinize things over and over again. How much of this impression was a well arranged mask? Then again, you could drive yourself mad nitpicking the meaning behind every action and choice of presentation. "That is an admirable attitude," she said instead of voicing any of her thoughts. "I wish you luck in your pursuits."

"In truth," the young man said more slowly. "I am looking into such a matter nearby, I have made a contract with the Sect to investigate whether the quarries of an abandoned clanhold in the east is worth further prospecting. I have heard that you favor an adventure or two yourself, Ling Qi. Should I request you as my liaison with the Sect for this matter?" He glanced at the others. "You are invited as well of course, friends."

"I am afraid I am unsuited for such matters," Du Feng replied swiftly, only to shoot a worried look to Li Suyin. "Ah, but if you wish to go…"

Li Suyin looked uncertain, looking to Ling Qi.

Ling Qi considered, between her cultivation, her family, and her other obligations, her time was limited. She still was not certain what she thought of Bao Qian, she could refuse without seeming rude, it was a sudden request after all. She supposed the real question was…

Did she want to try to get to know him better, with everything else on her plate?
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Suyin wants to, but she feels like she owes/imposes on Ling Qi too much and doesn't want to bias us. RIP Suyin's base cultivation again, you KNOW she's going to just check out for another three months doing inventory XD.
Du Feng doesn't want to do dungeon crawling much, but he's interested in spending more time with Suyin, and wants to protect her from trouble, so he's in if she is.


He's never been on Ling Qi's Wild Ride.
:D
 
[x] Accept the Invitation

Not really interested in a betrothal but wouldn't mind friendly ties with the Bao and this guy seems alright.
 
yrsillar said:
Eh It's a missed detail so... Bao Qian is 18 Luo Zhong is 17. For reference, Ling Qi will be 16 pretty shortly.
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If Cyan by 22 is considered prodigy level and by 20 is "Shenhua before she got on a rocket" then Luo and Bao seem awfully young for their cultivation when they aren't even heirs to their respective clans. Might want to reconsider the age or cultivation level.
 
Luo Zhong is either from the year before Ling Qi or he is like CRX, someone born late in the year. Luo Zhong was said to be Green 6 right? If he is the year before Ling Qi, that's extremely impressive. I'd have to check on the old charts from @Black Noise but I am pretty sure it's impossible for Ling Qi to get to Green 6 before she leaves the sect unless she wins the Pill Gatcha pretty constantly AND gets Talent 7.

Luo Zhong, if he is from last year, probably was very significantly stronger than Liling and Meizhen back at the outer sect tournament.
Black Noise said:
If Cyan by 22 is considered prodigy level and by 20 is "Shenhua before she got on a rocket" then Luo and Bao seem awfully young for their cultivation when they aren't even heirs to their respective clans. Might want to reconsider the age or cultivation level.
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If they are two years older it's perfectly fine, the big differences probably come later when it comes to advantages of heirs and so on. In fact, there shouldn't be heirs of clans of their ages, and they both come from count clans.
 
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Black Noise said:
If Cyan by 22 is considered prodigy level and by 20 is "Shenhua before she got on a rocket" then Luo and Bao seem awfully young for their cultivation when they aren't even heirs to their respective clans. Might want to reconsider the age or cultivation level.
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If the main barrier to the Cyan breakthrough is less the Green 8->Peak Green climb and more Domain Insights-> Way formation then that holds up, especially if the main mechanics of such are only unlocked at Green 8 or so.
 
For reference and in terms of pure base cultivation, not including any insight based requirements and assuming full gss and decent pill gacha, LQ will hit Green 6 when she's about 17 and a half (and it would've taken us a year on Green 5 to get there).
 
Arkeus said:
Luo Zhong is either from the year before Ling Qi or he is like CRX, someone born late in the year. Luo Zhong was said to be Green 6 right? If he is the year before Ling Qi, that's extremely impressive. I'd have to check on the old charts from @Black Noise but I am pretty sure it's impossible for Ling Qi to get to Green 6 before she leaves the sect unless she wins the Pill Gatcha pretty constantly AND gets Talent 7.

Luo Zhong, if he is from last year, probably was very significantly stronger than Liling and Meizhen back at the outer sect tournament.
If they are two years older it's perfectly fine, the big differences probably come later when it comes to advantages of heirs and so on. In fact, there shouldn't be heirs of clans of their ages, and they both come from count clans.
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No, this is probably his third or fourth year here, we were told he'd already be gone if CRX wasn't on the way in. And spending only a single year in the Inner Sect seems like a waste of the opportunity.

So he's probably in his third or fourth year.
 
Black Noise said:
For reference and in terms of pure base cultivation, not including any insight based requirements and assuming full gss and decent pill gacha, LQ will hit Green 6 when she's about 17 and a half (and it would've taken us a year on Green 5 to get there).
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Is this also taking into account improved site access and any improvements to be gathered through superior cultivation arts?
 
Black Noise said:
For reference and in terms of pure base cultivation, not including any insight based requirements and assuming full gss and decent pill gacha, LQ will hit Green 6 when she's about 17 and a half (and it would've taken us a year on Green 5 to get there).
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Which I think is fine for Luo Zhong to be at that point too (hence it depends on if he just got to 17 or if he is almost 18). Ling Qi has had less training beforehand, and a count house can afford to give insane ressource on a talented scion. Heirs at their age aren't supposed to be a thing, so anyone on Luo Zhong/Bao Qian level would be seen as 'potential heirs' by their house. Count houses are rich, yo.

Why it would appear that it's less fine is if he just got 17, as it would mean he is significantly faster than Meizhen/Liling projected speed, us being wrong about projected speed wouldn't be the first time.

Let's not forget that we believed getting to green would be a 'close' thing in outer sect in earlier projections. Songseeker Ceremony being very impressive would be enough to change everything.
Alectai said:
No, this is probably his third or fourth year here, we were told he'd already be gone if CRX wasn't on the way in. And spending only a single year in the Inner Sect seems like a waste of the opportunity.

So he's probably in his third or fourth year.
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Third year would be 'year before Ling Qi' :D, but yeah I agree he probably is in his fourth year (fifth is impossible given minimum age of 14 on entry).
 
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