- Location
- New Brunswick, NJ
- Pronouns
- He/Him/His
It's been two hours, so here's the tally:
Threads Of Destiny(Eastern Fantasy, Sequel to Forge of Destiny)
- Thread starter yrsillar
- Start date
- Original Users' Choice!
Voted best in category in the Users' Choice awards.
- Location
- ?
This is my salt.
UHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
My salt is over.
So we get a CRX and Meizhen scene next. Wonder how our actions will effect that scene in our futures connections.
UHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
My salt is over.
So we get a CRX and Meizhen scene next. Wonder how our actions will effect that scene in our futures connections.
I wanna hug hanyi 
What can go wrong?
What can go wrong?
That was extremely close. Speaking of close votes, is there an official policy for ties, or is that unlikely enough we don't need one?
- Location
- United States
Considering yrsillar can lock up at any time he can wait to lock it until there isn't a tie.
Arkeus
Crazy cat guy
- Location
- France
Usually it goes "next vote wins".
- Location
- United States of America
So, while I am distressed by Sixiang, I do want to talk about Zhengui, specifically about my thoughts on the Way that Zhengui has manifested.
While Zhengui is nowhere near where Kohatu seems to be, and may never reach that level of regeneration, it still points to a highly potent ability to sustain and weather adversity. Combine that with his two other combat viable heals (Eternal Roots and Ashfield Flowering) and he'll be able to simply out heal the damage dealt to him. As he advances through the different stages and grows, it is likely that this healing will become even more pronounced, and I'm excited to see where it ends up.
Speaking of his ability to sustain and weather adversity, he has three interesting parts that involve his stamina. Zhengui can now use stamina for dispel tests against physical arts, resist tests, and grants one grade increase to allied stamina tests in a scene. Zhengui really only has one dispel tech, but even so, the ability to use stamina for that test significantly boosts up its ability to actually dispel something, whereas before it really couldn't do much on that front. The use of stamina for resist tests helps him slightly, as his stamina is slightly higher than his resolve, but given that a good chunk of his abilities involves constructs this should come in really helpful.
One of the really cool things, in my opinion, regarding the stamina uses is that he grants one grade increase to allied stamina tests, regardless of whether that stamina exceeds his own. And, its to allies, which significantly broadens the applications of this trait. If there are people who he is allied with, those people will be able to last longer and endure more simply because of his presence. It's a pretty cool representation of his unending vitality as well as his desire to see others benefit from it.
And Zhengui doesn't stop at just giving stamina to his allies, but he also gives armor to Ling Qi/Hanyi and can change the target of enemy spiritual effects to himself. While the armor is of some benefit to us, it really shines for Hanyi who is just flat out squisher than everyone else. While it doesn't really change Hanyi's abysmal physical armor, if the passive affects spiritual armor as well then it might just bridge Hanyi to a new level of spiritual armor, which could be helpful.
The ability to change the target of a spiritual effect is also really potent, as it can derail an opponent's plan. Zhengui is particularly tanky and so he can survive and deal with having negative spiritual effects hit him instead of, say, Hanyi who is pretty fragile.
Other than those listed above, Zhengui can also reduce his size by 2/3 and still remain combat viable. Which, while interesting, seems pretty niche. He'll be able to more effectively fight in cramped locations (such as the tunnels) and can move about easier without destroying terrain. The other niche use I can see is if we are able to somehow carry him with us, as he'll still be combat viable even with his smaller size.
All in all, I'm really liking the effects that Zhengui's gotten, and I can't wait to see how this develops as we work with him on increasing his abilities.
First on the list is the health regeneration. E rank health regeneration might not seem like a lot, and in very short battles it probably won't be a lot, but over time in long drawn out battles, it will certainly become invaluable. The most interesting thing to me is the fact that this regeneration is purely passive, and seems to require no qi to maintain, which reminds me of Kohatu, the dead ever-regenerating lizard who is one of Zhengui's parents.
While Zhengui is nowhere near where Kohatu seems to be, and may never reach that level of regeneration, it still points to a highly potent ability to sustain and weather adversity. Combine that with his two other combat viable heals (Eternal Roots and Ashfield Flowering) and he'll be able to simply out heal the damage dealt to him. As he advances through the different stages and grows, it is likely that this healing will become even more pronounced, and I'm excited to see where it ends up.
Speaking of his ability to sustain and weather adversity, he has three interesting parts that involve his stamina. Zhengui can now use stamina for dispel tests against physical arts, resist tests, and grants one grade increase to allied stamina tests in a scene. Zhengui really only has one dispel tech, but even so, the ability to use stamina for that test significantly boosts up its ability to actually dispel something, whereas before it really couldn't do much on that front. The use of stamina for resist tests helps him slightly, as his stamina is slightly higher than his resolve, but given that a good chunk of his abilities involves constructs this should come in really helpful.
One of the really cool things, in my opinion, regarding the stamina uses is that he grants one grade increase to allied stamina tests, regardless of whether that stamina exceeds his own. And, its to allies, which significantly broadens the applications of this trait. If there are people who he is allied with, those people will be able to last longer and endure more simply because of his presence. It's a pretty cool representation of his unending vitality as well as his desire to see others benefit from it.
And Zhengui doesn't stop at just giving stamina to his allies, but he also gives armor to Ling Qi/Hanyi and can change the target of enemy spiritual effects to himself. While the armor is of some benefit to us, it really shines for Hanyi who is just flat out squisher than everyone else. While it doesn't really change Hanyi's abysmal physical armor, if the passive affects spiritual armor as well then it might just bridge Hanyi to a new level of spiritual armor, which could be helpful.
The ability to change the target of a spiritual effect is also really potent, as it can derail an opponent's plan. Zhengui is particularly tanky and so he can survive and deal with having negative spiritual effects hit him instead of, say, Hanyi who is pretty fragile.
Other than those listed above, Zhengui can also reduce his size by 2/3 and still remain combat viable. Which, while interesting, seems pretty niche. He'll be able to more effectively fight in cramped locations (such as the tunnels) and can move about easier without destroying terrain. The other niche use I can see is if we are able to somehow carry him with us, as he'll still be combat viable even with his smaller size.
All in all, I'm really liking the effects that Zhengui's gotten, and I can't wait to see how this develops as we work with him on increasing his abilities.
In this last update, is there any other reason Ling Qi first thought of Shenhua when thinking of power? Id though she think of muscles elder, her mentor, or sect head dragon trainer.
- Location
- United States of America
Because Shenhua is at the height of power and Ling Qi saw what that meant.
- Location
- United Kingdom
In more ways than one.
On the subject of Sixiang, and our partnership potentially breaking, I have a few thoughts.
There is an unfortunate reality that Sixiang is not someone who will enjoy the way things are going. In a spiritual sense. War is coming to the sect, and I am sympathetic to their disillusionment. But if there is a path forward, it is a path that Sixiang has to be comfortable with, and I can't see it from where we are.
Our Moon Muse isn't comfortable with the way we're going down, and we may have to let them go, because as a person this coming environment is a spiritual poison to them. We leaped into the fighting where the fighting was thickest and chose to block a blade with our neck, instead of endangering someone else. That was an act that lay at the core of who we are as a person, and it's not something that we can, or *should* walk back.
I think Sixiang may asks us for something, just like our other Spirit's have, and it might be something we're not easily equipped to give.
There is an unfortunate reality that Sixiang is not someone who will enjoy the way things are going. In a spiritual sense. War is coming to the sect, and I am sympathetic to their disillusionment. But if there is a path forward, it is a path that Sixiang has to be comfortable with, and I can't see it from where we are.
Our Moon Muse isn't comfortable with the way we're going down, and we may have to let them go, because as a person this coming environment is a spiritual poison to them. We leaped into the fighting where the fighting was thickest and chose to block a blade with our neck, instead of endangering someone else. That was an act that lay at the core of who we are as a person, and it's not something that we can, or *should* walk back.
I think Sixiang may asks us for something, just like our other Spirit's have, and it might be something we're not easily equipped to give.
I take a different view. One notable characteristic of Sixiang is their passivity, which I'm not sure works well with their underlying nature as a spirit of creative efforts. Going with the flow and just experiencing things made sense before Sixiang had real claim as a person who might like to do more. Now that they do have an increasingly extant character, however, it might just be time for Sixiang to pick up some aspirations, goals, or dreams of their own. It's not really surprising that Sixiang feels awful about current circumstances when they don't have counterbalancing efforts to lean on. Reminds me somewhat of Ling Qi's time on the streets; survival was her only goal, and it ground her down inside and out.
It's doubtful that Sixiang would request Ling Qi avoid fighting. The worst there that I'd expect would be Sixiang begging off of taking part, which is already the case basically, and hey maybe they'd get around to finishing up that social privacy screening tech they mentioned in turn 4. Isn't likely though. The more likely form of requests should be for more good times, not promises against the bad.
It's doubtful that Sixiang would request Ling Qi avoid fighting. The worst there that I'd expect would be Sixiang begging off of taking part, which is already the case basically, and hey maybe they'd get around to finishing up that social privacy screening tech they mentioned in turn 4. Isn't likely though. The more likely form of requests should be for more good times, not promises against the bad.
Basically Sixiang should've bonded with a production cultivator.
RIP
RIP
- Location
- Brazil
I thought it a lost cause, given the initial lead, but it as pretty close huh.
I feel it was a very short sighted decision.
I feel it was a very short sighted decision.
I think you mean "Ling Qi should've been a production cultivator."
I kid, I kid. But to a certain degree, it is a shame Ling Qi doesn't do non-combat stuff of importance more, ya know? She's got her stealth and her music, but sect rules mean stealth can't be used to pursue political goals, and music's faded into background obligation for the same, rather than used as a proactive device to effect results. Which is probably for the best, since she doesn't really understand the context of the heartstrings she'd be tugging at, but still.
Cai Renxiang has her paperwork and crafting on top of her fighting. Even Bai Meizhen has her poison expertise leveraged into production collaboration. Outside of fighting, Ling Qi mostly gives off a vague sense of broad ineptitude. She should have field-setup single-use trap formations fueled by the enthusiasm of Grinning wisps rather than spirit stones, to emphasize her Lunar connections and loathe to spend money not on drugs, or something. Advertising mischief and letting the lowest faeries do the lifting, it'd be great. Win/win.
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- Location
- United Kingdom
I think they're better characterised as reactive, rather than passive. Going back to when we went to them for help with our challenge of Yu Nuan, IIRC they thought they weren't good for creative stuff of their own accord, but more for inspiring/helping others with their own works. Always a bridesmaid and all that, though I'm not sure how much they can do on their own initiative considering their current lack of a body. As is anything they do needs to be alongside Ling Qi by necessity.
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1337Procrast
Fire Emblem Enjoyer
- Location
- Australia
- Pronouns
- He/Him
They/them pronouns.
Last edited:
- Location
- ?
So how do you guys think you can make illusions using fire and mountiain qi or fire, lake, mountain qi?
Turn 7: Arc 3-3
To any who might have seen them, Ling Qi was sure they would have seemed like a relaxed and lackadaisical sight. Zhengui's hill lay shrouded in fog and mist, swirling around the rising columns of air warmed by the heated earth and Zhengui's breath. She sat atop Zhengui's shell, nestled in a seat made of soft green wood and new grown leaves. Her eyes were half shut as she played her flute, playing a slow and tranquil song. Hanyi was content to sit on the edge of Zhengui's shell, kicking her bare feet as she raised her voice in wordless song. Beneath her, her seating rumbled with Zhengui's hum, and above her, Zhen swayed, flickering blue sparks raining down gently over her with each flick of his tongue.
Yet, Ling Qi's thoughts were in turmoil. She hid it well, not wanting to ruin this brief respite, but she thought Zhen might have noticed. He had been full of questions while they were still composing. She did not know how to feel, she had discovered a flaw in her cultivation. Sixiang was exhausted, and considering leaving her. The Sect was at war. How could things become so chaotic so quickly?
She knew of course, but it seemed that months passing by with steady progress had left her unprepared for the next rough patch in the road. Even now, as she played, she thought furiously about what she could do to help her spirits grow, and to maintain her own pace. Her mind spun arguments for Sixiang to stay, reached for promises she could make, things she could do. All of it swirled round and round in her thoughts, turning into a hopeless snarl of conflicting ideas.
So, as morning turned into afternoon, Ling Qi was not unhappy to feel the approach of a distraction, and kept her peace as they approached, not giving away that she had felt them coming.
"Hmph, what a sight they make, Sister Meizhen, fogging up the entire hill," Ling Qi cracked an eye open only when she heard a soft, but imperious voice.
Above her Zhen jerked in surprise, shaken out of his music induced lull, and Gui's whole body shifted. Hanyi's song was cut off as she let out a yelp, the stable seating beneath her rocking violently as Zhengui shot to his feet.
"Quite a sight indeed," Meizhen mused, meeting her eyes from the bottom of the hill, despite the mist in the way. At her feet, Cui coiled, jade green scales gleaming like polished metal under the afternoon sun. "It reminds me of the mangrove mists on a fall morning."
"Sister Meizhen is too kind," Cui replied, giving the impression of turning up her nose, despite doing no such thing.
Ling Qi grinned, hiding her expression behind her sleeve as Zhengui trundled with all speed down the hill, the ground shaking as he emerged from the fog. Some things at least had not changed. Zhengui had always been eager to see and show off for Cui, for whatever reason.
"Lady Cui! Big Sister said that the Bai Meizhen would be coming, but not you," Zhen sounded almost giddy. Hanyi shot him a dirty look as she regained her balance on the side of his shell.
At her friends side, the haughty serpent raised her head. She had grown quite a bit, even in her shrunken form, her head rose to Meizhen's shoulder when raised from her coils. "I, Cui, was merely curious. My Sister said that something had managed to bruise even your thick skull and you were only just waking."
"Yes! Well, not Gui's head exactly, but there was a very big corpse bug, it tasted very bad," Gui rumbled cheerfully. Ling Qi leaped from his back as he trundled down the hill, drifting down on a breeze to land at the base near her friend.
"Hmph, it was I, Zhen whose fangs and venom slew the beast," Zhen harrumphed. He paused then. "Together with Linhuo."
"Is that so," Cui replied, unimpressed. Uncoiling from around Meizhen's feet to slither off. She shot Ling Qi a cool look as she slithered past, though she made no objection as Ling Qi approached Meizhen.
"I'm glad you received my message," Ling Qi said quietly as their spirits spoke. She had been vaguely aware that Cui still spent time around Zhengui, but it had always happened out of sight. Cui was still not terribly fond of her. If she was ever unsure about the Bai families capacity for holding grudges. She would have been disabused of the notion.
Meizhen followed her gaze and dipped her head in acknowledgement, but did not say anything about it. "Yes, having a specific time, rather than 'this afternoon' was certainly helpful," her friend replied dryly.
"Well I was hardly sure," Ling Qi huffed. "...Ah, I invited Lady Cai as well."
Meizhen raised an eyebrow. "I am surprised. I doubt she will come however. Cai renxiang is not one to change plans midday easily."
Ling Qi shuffled her feet uncomfortably, glancing to her side. Over at the hill Cui had swelled in size, at nearly fifteen meters long, the once tiny serpent flexed her coils with the air of one cramped from a large carriage ride. "...I may have been somewhat forceful in my invitation," she hedged, not Meeting Meizhen's eyes.
Despite that she could feel Meizhen's drilling into her. "...Ling Qi, what did you do."
"You had met her just before," Ling Qi replied, dodging the question. "She needed to get out of that office and her own thoughts."
Meizhen's stared her down, looking deeply unimpressed. "You are not raising my confidence with your avoidance, Ling Qi."
"I may have implied that she was failing to live up to her ideals by refusing help," Ling Qi mumbled, looking down. "...I'm right though," she added stubbornly. Somehow that only made the ache in her dantian twinge more.
Ling Qi was treated to the sight of the eternally elegant Bai Meizhen closing her eyes and reaching up to pinch the bridge of her nose in frustration. "Ling Qi, you cannot just speak to your superiors that way," she said in exasperation.
"It was all in private, I'm not a fool," Ling Qi replied defensively.
"Even so!" Meizhen declared in a huff. "Honestly, you are lucky that Cai Renxiang is so permissive with her direct subordinates. You take the lessons of Argent Mirror much too far."
They both twitched then, almost in perfect unison as they felt a presence on the edge of their senses. Even dimmed, there was no missing the heiress of Cai. A moment later, she arrived in a gust of wind, the hems of her gown fluttering as she descended from the sky on wings of light.
"My apologies for interrupting your conversation," Cai Renxiang said evenly as her wings scattered into fading motes. "However, this was the appointed time for arrival."
Ling Qi was deeply glad that her conversation partner had been Meizhen and so their words had not been overheard. Without Sixiang, she as unfortunately vulnerable in that fashion. "Thank you for accepting my invitation Lady Cai," she said, bowing a touch more deeply than necessary.
Meizhen shot her a very brief look before inclining her head slightly as well. "I too am pleased to see you, Cai Renxiang. It is good to allow oneself a few moments of recreation in trying times."
The other girl's eyes swept over them both. "So I am told."
Well she had showed up, and she didn't even look angry, though Ling Qi doubted she would know even if the girl was without Sixiang's help. "Ah, it has slipped my mind, but have I actually introduced you to my spirits?"
"Not directly," Cai Renxiang answered bluntly. Ling Qi, saw the other girl toying with the hilt of her sheathed saber as she spoke. A new tic of some kind? "Though I am aware of them all."
"Of course," Ling Qi replied. She supposed Cai Renxiang did fund her more physical spirits upkeep, Zhengui in particular. "Zhengui, Hanyi, introduce yourselves please."
Their own conversation interrupted, her spirits looked up. Surprisingly it was Hanyi who hopped down first, vanishing and reappearing mid curtsey, a wide smile on her face. Ling Qi was immediately suspicious. She really hoped that Hanyi wasn't in the mood for pranks.
"Hello! My name is Hanyi," the young ice spirit chirped, bowing her head low. "Ling Qi mentioned you a lot. Is it true that she got all of her pretty things from you?"
So that was her angle, Ling Qi did her best not to let her eyebrow twitch.
Cai Renxiang's expression was blank. "That is not entirely inaccurate," the heiress replied a touch dryly. Ling Qi hoped that it was a good sign.
"Ah, Lady Cai must be very generous," Hanyi said with a grin. "I wish I could have those kind of things too."
"I will mark down a stipend for equipment expenses," Cai Renxiang said. She turned her head and met Ling Qi's eyes directly.
"I will be happy to advise on the matter," Bai Meizhen cut in smoothly.
Ling Qi met Cai Renxiang's gaze and found it implacable, she glanced to Meizhen and Cui, seeing no pity, and in Hanyi there was only avarice. Even Zhengui only looked on with innocent curiosity. She was alone and outmaneuvered. "Of course, thank you for your generosity, Lady Cai."
"Hello, I am Gui!" her little brother thankfully butted in then
"I, Zhen, greet the mighty Lady Cai," his other half greeted with considerably more dignity.
"I, Cui greet the Lady Cai as well," Cui called lazily from somewhere behind them.
"It pleases me to make your acquaintance. Reports of your activities were praiseworthy," Cai renxiang replied evenly. "Good Zhengui, please continue to support Ling Qi's efforts in the future.
Her little brother practically swelled with pride, twin cries of agreement ringing out. A few more pleasantries were exchanged, but soon Zhengui trundled off to speak with Cui again, followed by a huffy Hanyi and the three of them turned to the business of tea. It was unfortunate then, that in preparing this morning, Ling Qi had not thought that she would be inviting her liege and as such had only a tea set and a blanket. Changing her loadout had slipped her mind entirely.
As she was about to articulate this though, Cai Renxiang gestured, and a well appointed table and four chairs carved from dark lacquered wood appeared on the open space at the base of the hill. The furniture tilted and shifted on the even ground for a moment, but then Ling Qi felt a pulse of earthen qi and the land imperceptibly flattened, evening out under the grass. "Maintaining the ability to set out a field office at a moment's notice is important. You have the tea I trust Ling Qi?" Cai Renxiang asked without looking at her.
Of course Cai Renxiang would keep an office suite in her storage ring, how silly of her. "...Yes. Please take your seats, you are my guests, even if this isn't my home."
The two of them took their seats across from each other as Ling Qi busied herself with the minutiae of setting the table and putting the tea to brew.
"You're third spirit, are they well?" Cai Renxiang asked. She sat straight backed in her chair, hands folded in her lap.
Ling Qi paused for a moment in the midst of brewing. "Recent events have been somewhat difficult for them. Sixiang is resting at the moment," Ling Qi said quietly. "I hope you do not take offense at their lack of greeting."
"Is it a matter of spiritual damage?" Bai Meizhen asked with some concern. "I have some supply of appropriate tinctures."
Ling Qi glanced down at the inky shadow swirling at her feet. "No, it is nothing like that," she said, her gaze dropping to the tabletop. Had she not invited Cai Renxiang out so that they could speak of their problems? "Sixiang is not a spirit of war. I am worried for them." she did not want to drag someone else's problems out though.
"I see," Meizhen said in understanding. "Spirit's of the moon can adjust themselves to many things. I am certain matters will be resolved."
Ling Qi wasn't entirely sure she liked the idea of a Sixiang adjusted to violence though. For all that she had if not embraced it, at least accepted it. Having Sixiang as a counterpoint felt important somehow.
"I cannot comment on the matter. I doubt any advice I could give would be accepted by… Sixiang," Cai Renxiang said.
Ling Qi gave her a sidelong look as she set the tea to boil and sat down. She had not really thought of the fact that her liege could probably sense the moon spirit as well as their dislike. "Perhaps. We will have to work it out, one way or the other."
"Alliances are not always easy," Cai Renxiang agreed. "Bai Meizhen, might I ask, how are the Bai reacting to news of these new barbarians."
"My grandfather is not truly concerned," Meizhen replied. "The lands of Thousand Lakes are ill suited to caves. However, surveying groups are reviewing their knowledge. Should any such holes be found, we will drown them in the endless waters of Lake Hei."
"Will the Bai be sending any assistance to Emerald Seas?" Ling Qi asked curiously.
Bai Meizhen's gaze flicked over to Cai Renxiang. "Should the duchess request it."
Ling Qi dipped her head in understanding, reading between the lines. Emerald Seas could not afford to go begging an ally for help over what was still a minor incursion. However she also did not want the conversation to drift back into politics. "I'm sure we will handle it ourselves. It is good to know your help is available though," Ling Qi said, she shot Bai Meizhen a brief pleading look.
"Of course," Bai Meizhen replied. Steam began to rise from the teapot as the script etched burner swiftly heated the water, and Ling QI began to brew the tea. She kept her eyes down on her work. "Cai Renxiang, I believe you mentioned that your sister was born without troubles. How is she?"
This time there was no outward reaction from the heiress. "Cai Tienli is in good health. Though I have not seen my sister as of yet. I have heard that she takes more after our father in mien. There were no complications following Mothers delivery. Head Physician Liao has given her a clean bill of health, and Medicine Saint Tong agrees."
Ling Qi knew Cai Renxiang's father was a member of the Diao clan, just like the Prime Minister, so she could only a picture a baby with slightly darker skin and wisps of rose pink hair. It was funny she supposed, despite her studying, she still didn't know the name of Cai Renxiang's father. It would be rude to ask though. "Medicine Saint?" She asked instead, curious at the term.
"It is a somewhat archaic term for those reach the sixth realm on a Way of medicine or alchemy," Bai Meizhen said. "Though there has been some push to use the term only for the masters of the Celestial Distillation Sect in Celestial Peaks." Meizhen sounded pretty disdainful of the idea.
"Politics aside, Saint Tong is considered the foremost expert on the care of children in the empire," Cai Renxiang said quietly. "It was somewhat unexpected that Mother requested his presence."
"Among those of the highest cultivation, birth is always somewhat fraught for the child," Meizhen said carefully. "The moment the soul cord is severed, they become their own beings."
"Indeed. However, it remains strange," Cai Renxiang said, watching the curls of steam rising from the brewing tea. "Head Physician Liao was sufficient for me."
A brief and uncomfortable silence passed over the table. Ling Qi cracked an awkward smile. "Well, the Duchess knows more than any of us, particularly about herself. Perhaps she sensed some irregularity?"
"Perhaps," Cai Renxiang allowed.
"Whatever the matter is, it is surely resolved, given the expertise at hand," Meizhen said as Ling Qi began to pour the tea. "Speaking of irregularities however…" Bai Meizhen gave Ling Qi a hard look. "Did you somehow manage to strain yourself between the morning and now Ling Qi? Surely the physicians informed you to avoid overexerting yourself."
Ling Qi shot her friend a frown. She felt Cai Renxiang look her way with a faint frown, studying her. "I've run into a little problem," Ling Qi admitted slowly, carefully filling the cups. "A matter came up, and I found myself unable to fully resolve it. I think I have found a flaw in my cultivation base." Despite herself Ling Qi's eyes drifted to Zhengui, where he, Hanyi and Cui were having their own little 'tea party' though it involved the corpse of a huge mountain beast she didn't immediately recognize. Where had that come from?
"Ah," Meizhen said with a frown. "Do not be too disheartened. Most everyone encounters a heart demon or two on their way."
"Heart Demon?" Ling Qi asked, unable to suppress a snigger. What an overwrought term.
Faint color dusted her friends cheeks at the sound of her laughter. "Honestly, it is the proper term, used for millennia. You are so uncultured at times Ling Qi."
"I'm sorry," Ling Qi chuckled. Laughing felt good. "I'm not sure I'd call it a demon, but yeah. There's… I don't know if I'd call it a contradiction, but...a conflict at least."
She carefully passed out the tea in the silence that followed.
"I was being serious," Meizhen added as she received her cup. "I… resolved such a conflict myself, not too long ago. You will be able to find your resolve and the Way forward, I am sure."
Ling Qi looked to her friend in surprise, but thinking about it… she had changed in recent months hadn't she? Grown more confident, more daring… friendlier, at least to a select few. "How about you, Lady Cai?" She asked cheerfully placing a cup in front of her liege. "Any advice on maintaining a perfect path?"
Cai Renxiang gathered the cup in her hands, and did not answer immediately. "I completed the cultivation of one of my mother's arts, just yesterday. I found no meaning in it."
Ling Qi stared at the girl. Oh. that would certainly explain things.
[] Offer Encouragement. It was only a single art, and everyone knew that a cultivator could not perfectly copy another. Like Ling Qi's own problem, it was only a bump in the path.
[] Ask her if that is really so bad? The Third realm was where cultivators set the foundations which guided the rest of their road. Of course divergences would appear.
AN: Sorry guys, can't figure out a way to offer QM guidance here without removing the point of the choice. You're gonna have to discuss this one.
Yet, Ling Qi's thoughts were in turmoil. She hid it well, not wanting to ruin this brief respite, but she thought Zhen might have noticed. He had been full of questions while they were still composing. She did not know how to feel, she had discovered a flaw in her cultivation. Sixiang was exhausted, and considering leaving her. The Sect was at war. How could things become so chaotic so quickly?
She knew of course, but it seemed that months passing by with steady progress had left her unprepared for the next rough patch in the road. Even now, as she played, she thought furiously about what she could do to help her spirits grow, and to maintain her own pace. Her mind spun arguments for Sixiang to stay, reached for promises she could make, things she could do. All of it swirled round and round in her thoughts, turning into a hopeless snarl of conflicting ideas.
So, as morning turned into afternoon, Ling Qi was not unhappy to feel the approach of a distraction, and kept her peace as they approached, not giving away that she had felt them coming.
"Hmph, what a sight they make, Sister Meizhen, fogging up the entire hill," Ling Qi cracked an eye open only when she heard a soft, but imperious voice.
Above her Zhen jerked in surprise, shaken out of his music induced lull, and Gui's whole body shifted. Hanyi's song was cut off as she let out a yelp, the stable seating beneath her rocking violently as Zhengui shot to his feet.
"Quite a sight indeed," Meizhen mused, meeting her eyes from the bottom of the hill, despite the mist in the way. At her feet, Cui coiled, jade green scales gleaming like polished metal under the afternoon sun. "It reminds me of the mangrove mists on a fall morning."
"Sister Meizhen is too kind," Cui replied, giving the impression of turning up her nose, despite doing no such thing.
Ling Qi grinned, hiding her expression behind her sleeve as Zhengui trundled with all speed down the hill, the ground shaking as he emerged from the fog. Some things at least had not changed. Zhengui had always been eager to see and show off for Cui, for whatever reason.
"Lady Cui! Big Sister said that the Bai Meizhen would be coming, but not you," Zhen sounded almost giddy. Hanyi shot him a dirty look as she regained her balance on the side of his shell.
At her friends side, the haughty serpent raised her head. She had grown quite a bit, even in her shrunken form, her head rose to Meizhen's shoulder when raised from her coils. "I, Cui, was merely curious. My Sister said that something had managed to bruise even your thick skull and you were only just waking."
"Yes! Well, not Gui's head exactly, but there was a very big corpse bug, it tasted very bad," Gui rumbled cheerfully. Ling Qi leaped from his back as he trundled down the hill, drifting down on a breeze to land at the base near her friend.
"Hmph, it was I, Zhen whose fangs and venom slew the beast," Zhen harrumphed. He paused then. "Together with Linhuo."
"Is that so," Cui replied, unimpressed. Uncoiling from around Meizhen's feet to slither off. She shot Ling Qi a cool look as she slithered past, though she made no objection as Ling Qi approached Meizhen.
"I'm glad you received my message," Ling Qi said quietly as their spirits spoke. She had been vaguely aware that Cui still spent time around Zhengui, but it had always happened out of sight. Cui was still not terribly fond of her. If she was ever unsure about the Bai families capacity for holding grudges. She would have been disabused of the notion.
Meizhen followed her gaze and dipped her head in acknowledgement, but did not say anything about it. "Yes, having a specific time, rather than 'this afternoon' was certainly helpful," her friend replied dryly.
"Well I was hardly sure," Ling Qi huffed. "...Ah, I invited Lady Cai as well."
Meizhen raised an eyebrow. "I am surprised. I doubt she will come however. Cai renxiang is not one to change plans midday easily."
Ling Qi shuffled her feet uncomfortably, glancing to her side. Over at the hill Cui had swelled in size, at nearly fifteen meters long, the once tiny serpent flexed her coils with the air of one cramped from a large carriage ride. "...I may have been somewhat forceful in my invitation," she hedged, not Meeting Meizhen's eyes.
Despite that she could feel Meizhen's drilling into her. "...Ling Qi, what did you do."
"You had met her just before," Ling Qi replied, dodging the question. "She needed to get out of that office and her own thoughts."
Meizhen's stared her down, looking deeply unimpressed. "You are not raising my confidence with your avoidance, Ling Qi."
"I may have implied that she was failing to live up to her ideals by refusing help," Ling Qi mumbled, looking down. "...I'm right though," she added stubbornly. Somehow that only made the ache in her dantian twinge more.
Ling Qi was treated to the sight of the eternally elegant Bai Meizhen closing her eyes and reaching up to pinch the bridge of her nose in frustration. "Ling Qi, you cannot just speak to your superiors that way," she said in exasperation.
"It was all in private, I'm not a fool," Ling Qi replied defensively.
"Even so!" Meizhen declared in a huff. "Honestly, you are lucky that Cai Renxiang is so permissive with her direct subordinates. You take the lessons of Argent Mirror much too far."
They both twitched then, almost in perfect unison as they felt a presence on the edge of their senses. Even dimmed, there was no missing the heiress of Cai. A moment later, she arrived in a gust of wind, the hems of her gown fluttering as she descended from the sky on wings of light.
"My apologies for interrupting your conversation," Cai Renxiang said evenly as her wings scattered into fading motes. "However, this was the appointed time for arrival."
Ling Qi was deeply glad that her conversation partner had been Meizhen and so their words had not been overheard. Without Sixiang, she as unfortunately vulnerable in that fashion. "Thank you for accepting my invitation Lady Cai," she said, bowing a touch more deeply than necessary.
Meizhen shot her a very brief look before inclining her head slightly as well. "I too am pleased to see you, Cai Renxiang. It is good to allow oneself a few moments of recreation in trying times."
The other girl's eyes swept over them both. "So I am told."
Well she had showed up, and she didn't even look angry, though Ling Qi doubted she would know even if the girl was without Sixiang's help. "Ah, it has slipped my mind, but have I actually introduced you to my spirits?"
"Not directly," Cai Renxiang answered bluntly. Ling Qi, saw the other girl toying with the hilt of her sheathed saber as she spoke. A new tic of some kind? "Though I am aware of them all."
"Of course," Ling Qi replied. She supposed Cai Renxiang did fund her more physical spirits upkeep, Zhengui in particular. "Zhengui, Hanyi, introduce yourselves please."
Their own conversation interrupted, her spirits looked up. Surprisingly it was Hanyi who hopped down first, vanishing and reappearing mid curtsey, a wide smile on her face. Ling Qi was immediately suspicious. She really hoped that Hanyi wasn't in the mood for pranks.
"Hello! My name is Hanyi," the young ice spirit chirped, bowing her head low. "Ling Qi mentioned you a lot. Is it true that she got all of her pretty things from you?"
So that was her angle, Ling Qi did her best not to let her eyebrow twitch.
Cai Renxiang's expression was blank. "That is not entirely inaccurate," the heiress replied a touch dryly. Ling Qi hoped that it was a good sign.
"Ah, Lady Cai must be very generous," Hanyi said with a grin. "I wish I could have those kind of things too."
"I will mark down a stipend for equipment expenses," Cai Renxiang said. She turned her head and met Ling Qi's eyes directly.
"I will be happy to advise on the matter," Bai Meizhen cut in smoothly.
Ling Qi met Cai Renxiang's gaze and found it implacable, she glanced to Meizhen and Cui, seeing no pity, and in Hanyi there was only avarice. Even Zhengui only looked on with innocent curiosity. She was alone and outmaneuvered. "Of course, thank you for your generosity, Lady Cai."
"Hello, I am Gui!" her little brother thankfully butted in then
"I, Zhen, greet the mighty Lady Cai," his other half greeted with considerably more dignity.
"I, Cui greet the Lady Cai as well," Cui called lazily from somewhere behind them.
"It pleases me to make your acquaintance. Reports of your activities were praiseworthy," Cai renxiang replied evenly. "Good Zhengui, please continue to support Ling Qi's efforts in the future.
Her little brother practically swelled with pride, twin cries of agreement ringing out. A few more pleasantries were exchanged, but soon Zhengui trundled off to speak with Cui again, followed by a huffy Hanyi and the three of them turned to the business of tea. It was unfortunate then, that in preparing this morning, Ling Qi had not thought that she would be inviting her liege and as such had only a tea set and a blanket. Changing her loadout had slipped her mind entirely.
As she was about to articulate this though, Cai Renxiang gestured, and a well appointed table and four chairs carved from dark lacquered wood appeared on the open space at the base of the hill. The furniture tilted and shifted on the even ground for a moment, but then Ling Qi felt a pulse of earthen qi and the land imperceptibly flattened, evening out under the grass. "Maintaining the ability to set out a field office at a moment's notice is important. You have the tea I trust Ling Qi?" Cai Renxiang asked without looking at her.
Of course Cai Renxiang would keep an office suite in her storage ring, how silly of her. "...Yes. Please take your seats, you are my guests, even if this isn't my home."
The two of them took their seats across from each other as Ling Qi busied herself with the minutiae of setting the table and putting the tea to brew.
"You're third spirit, are they well?" Cai Renxiang asked. She sat straight backed in her chair, hands folded in her lap.
Ling Qi paused for a moment in the midst of brewing. "Recent events have been somewhat difficult for them. Sixiang is resting at the moment," Ling Qi said quietly. "I hope you do not take offense at their lack of greeting."
"Is it a matter of spiritual damage?" Bai Meizhen asked with some concern. "I have some supply of appropriate tinctures."
Ling Qi glanced down at the inky shadow swirling at her feet. "No, it is nothing like that," she said, her gaze dropping to the tabletop. Had she not invited Cai Renxiang out so that they could speak of their problems? "Sixiang is not a spirit of war. I am worried for them." she did not want to drag someone else's problems out though.
"I see," Meizhen said in understanding. "Spirit's of the moon can adjust themselves to many things. I am certain matters will be resolved."
Ling Qi wasn't entirely sure she liked the idea of a Sixiang adjusted to violence though. For all that she had if not embraced it, at least accepted it. Having Sixiang as a counterpoint felt important somehow.
"I cannot comment on the matter. I doubt any advice I could give would be accepted by… Sixiang," Cai Renxiang said.
Ling Qi gave her a sidelong look as she set the tea to boil and sat down. She had not really thought of the fact that her liege could probably sense the moon spirit as well as their dislike. "Perhaps. We will have to work it out, one way or the other."
"Alliances are not always easy," Cai Renxiang agreed. "Bai Meizhen, might I ask, how are the Bai reacting to news of these new barbarians."
"My grandfather is not truly concerned," Meizhen replied. "The lands of Thousand Lakes are ill suited to caves. However, surveying groups are reviewing their knowledge. Should any such holes be found, we will drown them in the endless waters of Lake Hei."
"Will the Bai be sending any assistance to Emerald Seas?" Ling Qi asked curiously.
Bai Meizhen's gaze flicked over to Cai Renxiang. "Should the duchess request it."
Ling Qi dipped her head in understanding, reading between the lines. Emerald Seas could not afford to go begging an ally for help over what was still a minor incursion. However she also did not want the conversation to drift back into politics. "I'm sure we will handle it ourselves. It is good to know your help is available though," Ling Qi said, she shot Bai Meizhen a brief pleading look.
"Of course," Bai Meizhen replied. Steam began to rise from the teapot as the script etched burner swiftly heated the water, and Ling QI began to brew the tea. She kept her eyes down on her work. "Cai Renxiang, I believe you mentioned that your sister was born without troubles. How is she?"
This time there was no outward reaction from the heiress. "Cai Tienli is in good health. Though I have not seen my sister as of yet. I have heard that she takes more after our father in mien. There were no complications following Mothers delivery. Head Physician Liao has given her a clean bill of health, and Medicine Saint Tong agrees."
Ling Qi knew Cai Renxiang's father was a member of the Diao clan, just like the Prime Minister, so she could only a picture a baby with slightly darker skin and wisps of rose pink hair. It was funny she supposed, despite her studying, she still didn't know the name of Cai Renxiang's father. It would be rude to ask though. "Medicine Saint?" She asked instead, curious at the term.
"It is a somewhat archaic term for those reach the sixth realm on a Way of medicine or alchemy," Bai Meizhen said. "Though there has been some push to use the term only for the masters of the Celestial Distillation Sect in Celestial Peaks." Meizhen sounded pretty disdainful of the idea.
"Politics aside, Saint Tong is considered the foremost expert on the care of children in the empire," Cai Renxiang said quietly. "It was somewhat unexpected that Mother requested his presence."
"Among those of the highest cultivation, birth is always somewhat fraught for the child," Meizhen said carefully. "The moment the soul cord is severed, they become their own beings."
"Indeed. However, it remains strange," Cai Renxiang said, watching the curls of steam rising from the brewing tea. "Head Physician Liao was sufficient for me."
A brief and uncomfortable silence passed over the table. Ling Qi cracked an awkward smile. "Well, the Duchess knows more than any of us, particularly about herself. Perhaps she sensed some irregularity?"
"Perhaps," Cai Renxiang allowed.
"Whatever the matter is, it is surely resolved, given the expertise at hand," Meizhen said as Ling Qi began to pour the tea. "Speaking of irregularities however…" Bai Meizhen gave Ling Qi a hard look. "Did you somehow manage to strain yourself between the morning and now Ling Qi? Surely the physicians informed you to avoid overexerting yourself."
Ling Qi shot her friend a frown. She felt Cai Renxiang look her way with a faint frown, studying her. "I've run into a little problem," Ling Qi admitted slowly, carefully filling the cups. "A matter came up, and I found myself unable to fully resolve it. I think I have found a flaw in my cultivation base." Despite herself Ling Qi's eyes drifted to Zhengui, where he, Hanyi and Cui were having their own little 'tea party' though it involved the corpse of a huge mountain beast she didn't immediately recognize. Where had that come from?
"Ah," Meizhen said with a frown. "Do not be too disheartened. Most everyone encounters a heart demon or two on their way."
"Heart Demon?" Ling Qi asked, unable to suppress a snigger. What an overwrought term.
Faint color dusted her friends cheeks at the sound of her laughter. "Honestly, it is the proper term, used for millennia. You are so uncultured at times Ling Qi."
"I'm sorry," Ling Qi chuckled. Laughing felt good. "I'm not sure I'd call it a demon, but yeah. There's… I don't know if I'd call it a contradiction, but...a conflict at least."
She carefully passed out the tea in the silence that followed.
"I was being serious," Meizhen added as she received her cup. "I… resolved such a conflict myself, not too long ago. You will be able to find your resolve and the Way forward, I am sure."
Ling Qi looked to her friend in surprise, but thinking about it… she had changed in recent months hadn't she? Grown more confident, more daring… friendlier, at least to a select few. "How about you, Lady Cai?" She asked cheerfully placing a cup in front of her liege. "Any advice on maintaining a perfect path?"
Cai Renxiang gathered the cup in her hands, and did not answer immediately. "I completed the cultivation of one of my mother's arts, just yesterday. I found no meaning in it."
Ling Qi stared at the girl. Oh. that would certainly explain things.
[] Offer Encouragement. It was only a single art, and everyone knew that a cultivator could not perfectly copy another. Like Ling Qi's own problem, it was only a bump in the path.
[] Ask her if that is really so bad? The Third realm was where cultivators set the foundations which guided the rest of their road. Of course divergences would appear.
AN: Sorry guys, can't figure out a way to offer QM guidance here without removing the point of the choice. You're gonna have to discuss this one.
- Location
- The Star Kingdom of Manticore
Well, at least we know that we are not alone in having heart demons. If Meizhen recently encountered one then my guess is that they are expected to occur around now which is comforting to me.
- Location
- New Brunswick, NJ
- Pronouns
- He/Him/His
yrsillar, I know you said you can't offer QM guidance, but I am confused about how this statement translates into the metaphysics/mechanics that we understand. Is she saying:
- She finished an art and rejected its possible insights
- She finished an art and it didn't offer any insights (which I didn't think was possible)
- She finished an art and discovered it had become Domain-incompatible along the way, due to an insight she had slotted between starting and finishing its cultivation
- Purposeful ambiguity between the possibilities above
- QM refuses to specify
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- Location
- being near locations is my passion.
This has to be one of the most fraught conversations over tea I have ever observed in which no one is antagonistic towards eachother.
:/.
I dunno how to encourage Renxiang, but I know where I stand on such things: She is not her mother, she is herself. That is a good thing.
To quote the Legend of Korra:
"You are not me, and you should not be me. You are Tenzin."
"I am not a reflection of my father. I am Tenzin. I am Tenzin!"
:/.
I dunno how to encourage Renxiang, but I know where I stand on such things: She is not her mother, she is herself. That is a good thing.
To quote the Legend of Korra:
"You are not me, and you should not be me. You are Tenzin."
"I am not a reflection of my father. I am Tenzin. I am Tenzin!"