[~] Write-In: Approve our heir's choice of retainer and leave it ambiguous whether it's teasing Renxiang that her retainer is tall and dark like Diao Linqin, or because she's actually shaping herself to be an extremely Sincere social and shadows wetworker (Secret: it's both hehe)
[~] Write-In: Approve our heir's choice of retainer and leave it ambiguous whether it's teasing Renxiang that her retainer is tall and dark like Diao Linqin, or because she's actually shaping herself to be an extremely Sincere social and shadows wetworker (Secret: it's both hehe)
For a second I missed "Renxiang" and I was going to make a joke like, "really? damn, Biyu works fast," but then I realized that you were a bit too specific for a comedic misunderstanding. Damn you!
Power Advances to Rank III 2/ 5 Progress toward rank 4
Power III: Power is absolute, but comes in different forms. What is strength in one context may be weakness in another.
Rather, her conception of power was too small. Flashing light and shattering cold were obvious, but in the end, power was the ability to change the world around you. And,while violence was the easiest and simplest way to achieve that, it wasn't the only one.
Ling Qi paused for a moment, standing still in the middle of a ring of raised stones which sat at the center of the flowerbeds The bright yellow and red flowers that bloomed there did not bend under her tread, as the song she played rolled on, and slowly, tentatively her family and household began to walk the circular paths through the flowerbeds encouraged by the song. It was pleasant, watching something she had put so much work into appreciated. It wasn't like Renxiang's noble gatherings where even if her music was enjoyed there was a perfunctory sort of feel to things.
Although she probably couldn't put all the blame on her audience for that.
"I don't think you ever put anything less than your all into your music," Sixiang whispered.
Perhaps, but nonetheless she hadn't really taken their appreciation as a goal. Perfunctory was the right word, Ling Qi thought.She watched through half lidded eyes as caution began to give way to the urging of the music. The servants talked quietly among themselves observing the flowers, some crouching down to look more closely. Off to her left, her Mother knelt by the edge of the path to pluck a flower and weave it into Biyu's hair. The flower sprouted back near immediately. Those closeby saw, and with many glances back toward Ling Qi for any objections, began to take flowers for themselves.
For a few long minutes Ling Qi let it go on, playing in time with the rumble of Zhengui's qi and the soft strings Sixiang played on the wind. Finally though the time for the next phase began. With one last rumble, Zhengui's part fell silent and the air at the north end of the flower field shimmered, several trees fading into drifting mist to reveal a winding white path leading further in. Ling Qi took a single step and dematerialized, reforming at the entrance of the new path. She very carefully didn't smile at the sudden,surprised jerks of those who had been looking at her.
She began to walk, shaping the sound of her melody on the wind to make the direction of her presence obvious, taking small steps until everyone was following her once again. The winding pathleading into the center of the garden narrowed the procession, leaving room for only two people to walk abreast. In the shrouding mists outside the path, color and light flickered refracting the light of the lanterns. Ling Qi saw nothing but blurs, but she knew as the song moved into the next phase, moving from reward to yearning that those who peered into the mist saw reflected there the objects of yearning motivation for future labors.
If she closed her eyes, she could feel them all. Though their spirits were small and weak, the coal of Want smoldered in every soul. It was from that yearning that the tiny threads of qi she could feel twisting their way toward the center, toward Zhengui arose. Want was the source of faith, the desire to to be safe, to have good fortune, for the world to make sense. Even malice hurt less than apathy.
"Hm, hm I bet you could have some pretty long debates about that," Sixiang murmured. "But yeah, you can see it now right? Even small things matter in their way. Belief moves things, it births me and my cousins and shapes the Hearth. Big folks make more splashes, but little folks move things in their own way."
Ling Qi didn't respond or interrupt her song, but it did make her think. She had been cultivating the Phantasmagoria of Lunar Revelry Art since she had begun dreamwalking with Sixiang, and she had come to wonder how Joyous Toast fit with the rest of the art. How did it work and empower other arts, drawing great power from seemingly nowhere. But, this was it wasn't it? The Liminal Realm was naught but thoughts and dreams and faith, the shape of the technique merely created a channel with which to draw upon that for an instant.
She saw in her mind's eye the flows of the technique, the patterns of qi that she saw now existed only to simplify its use. In that moment, she understood the truth of the technique. No phantoms nor music were needed, really, only a moment where narrative and reality could overlap.
The realm of dreams is the land of faith and belief, thought and yearning. In twisting the border of reality and dream you may draw a trickle of that belief into reality, a song, a strike or anything else of your fancy at a moment of dire need or significance, empowering them with the might of belief. Increases the potency of technique used by yourself or an ally by up to 5 depending on the actions dramatic value. Can only be used once per scene.
She thought she understood just a bit how the Hui had become so twisted, if the arts of dream were so core to their clan. It was always so easy, to accept an attractive narrative.
They walked the path for several minutes as the song rose and fell, until at last two new lights broke the darkness ahead of them, marking the end of the path where two trees their bark the color of soot, with heat glowing in its crease. Crimson leaves danced with embers that clung to their edges but never seemed to burn.
Beyond lay the spring, its water bubbling merrily,light from the burning trees glinting off the water along with the silvery light of the moon, cool mist churned at their feet rising in wispy edies on the heat generated by the bubbling water.The path here, entering and splitting around the spring and the stony outcropping which stood opposite the entrance, it was not stone or gravel, but living vines woven together into a smooth path. Under her feet, Ling Qi could feel the pulse of a tremendous heartbeat. The others could feel it too.
But they hadn't the time to do more than whisper of it before greater concerns distracted them.Zhengui rose from the pit nest he had dug for himself, gravel and dirt splashing into the bubbling water. He did not conceal his true size here, towering over them nearing five meters at the shoulder and ten front to back. He towered over her, he towered over all of them, and as his eyes opened, four more points of light in the dim center of the garden, Ling Qi's song rose to a crescendo, and the melody finished.
Ling Qi stepped forward to the edge of the pool and turned for the first time allowing her footsteps and the swish of her gown to be audible. "Behold, the guardian of the Ling, Zhengui. He who is precious, he who protects. Bringer of renewal from hardship! I bring you all here tonight to do him honor and in turn to honor you for your service and devotion!"
Ah she felt so ridiculous, making proclamations like this. She tried her best to ignore the faint smile tugging at the corners of her Mother's lips.
"Zhengui loves the family, and Zhengui guards the family. Good fortune and health will come to all within our house," her little brother spoke, for once without any silliness or bickering, his voices were deep and booming in the confines of the garden, two voices speaking as one. "Zhengui says that all here are good, and all here are friends. Even if you are not family, Zhengui will protect you too."
"So come now, relax and celebrate, for a year is ending and a new one lies ahead," Ling Qi said, spreading her arms wide. Partake of the fruits of the garden and be rested for the future."
Sixiang's twisted the air and cast a glow on the trees which filled the gardens inner circle heavy with fruit of many kinds all carefully checked for safety of mortal consumption. On the carefully arranged ground there were thick blankets laden with drink and good food. And the faint flakes of drifting ash in the air burned briefly green and restorative qi rippled out. She saw the moment that it filled the women here, aches, weariness, the daily wear and tear of mortal life soothed away.
Ling Qi stepped away from the center, vanishing into shadow as she watched them slowly, tentatively begin to spread throughout the garden center. Most went to Zhengui first bowing low and offering respects. They might have to arrange something for proper offerings next time. Maybe food, a dish cooked by the supplicant themselves? It seemed like an idea.
"Mother, how did you find me so easily?" Ling Qi asked curiously, glancing up as she sensed the older woman's approach. Ling Qi had retreated back behind Zhengui, to the shadow of the trees.
"You were not trying very hard," Ling Qingge replied, earning a raised eyebrow from Ling Qi. "And Sixiang gave me direction."
"Sissy is a pretty fairy," Biyu said solemnly. "Nice garden!"
"I'm glad you appreciated it little sister," Ling Qi said with a faint grin.She looked back to her mother. "...What did you think?"
"Your song was beautiful, and the garden fantastical," Ling Qingge replied.
"Do you think it was too much for them," Ling Qi said, glancing back to where her household, their household was beginning to filter out through the garden core. She watched one girl tentatively dip her feet in the water at Zhengui's urging. The temperature didn't harm her in the slightest thanks to the power of their domains in this place and soon the girl was joined by a much older woman, Biyu's most regular nanny.
"I think your routine may need some polish and refinement. A formalized offering would make many more comfortable with your generosity" Ling Qingge said, echoing her earlier thoughts. "But no. This is not too much. This… is good."
Ling Qi hummed to herself as she watched her mother look out over the garden. It was a small thing, doing this acquiring the fruit trees and the drink, but it was worth the effort she thought, for her Mother's sake if nothing else.
***
It was only later after her family and their people had departed, that Ling Qi was able to relax a little, leaning back in the crook between a pair of the dull spikes of Zhengui's shell.
"You enjoyed that quite a lot didn't you," Ling Qi said idly.
Gui made a sound of agreement muffled and distorted by the bubbling mineral water he had immersed his head in gulping down great mouthfuls.
"It was good for I, Zhen to receive the acclaim I deserve for once," Zhen said,nuzzling at her side.
Ling Qi nodded shallowly, letting her hand rest on his eye ridges. "We'll have to work on something even better for next year," Ling Qi.
"Big Sis wants to do this again?" Gui asked curiously raising his head from the water.
"Festivals are supposed to be regular you know," Ling Qi chided lightly.
"Hm,the dates probably going to be up in the air for awhile," Sixiang mused aloud, their voice emanating from nowhere in particular.
"It should be near the end of the year," Zhen said.
"I agree," Ling Qi said. "But the exact day… Yes, we'll have to be flexible."
"Until we have our real home," Gui chirped.
"Until then," Ling Qi said quietly. There was a small thrill to that. Even now with two years as an Immortal, she had only known borrowed homes. The Sect housing,the manor in the village. None of them truly belonged to her."
"I think you could probably buy the place in town at this point. You've probably invested more than it was originally worth," Sixiang said idly.
"That's true," Ling Qi mused. She might need it one day after all. Biyu would probably need to attend a Sect. Keeping up that relationship might assuage any hurt feelings from recent actions.
...Well it would depend on what Biyu wanted, in the end.
It still felt strange to look so far ahead. Ling Qi the street rat, scrabbling for the next day's bread, still lived in her heart and mind. "Thank you Zhengui."
Zhen's tongue flicked out sending a plume of ashy smoke up into the clear night sky. "What does sister thank Zhen for?"
"She thanked Zhen and Gui," Gui grumbled.
"For all this, I never would have thought of it on my own, and I couldn't have done it on my own," Ling Qi said, gesturing around her.
"Gui should thank Big Sis for indulging Gui," her little brother replied bashfully.
Ling Qi let her eyes drift shut for a moment."I'm not just talking about the garden. You know I love you, right Zhengui?"
She kept her voice light but saying it out loud felt odd.
Zhengui was quiet for some time. "Yes, Zhengui loves Big Sister too."
"Thank you," Ling Qi said. "But… your Big Sister is selfish you know, I love my family, but I don't think I can love land and people, not like you do. So thank you for helping me with that. I think I'd be very bad at Baron-ing on my own."
"Big Sister is good at anything she tries," he replied stubbornly, both voices overlapping.
"You're good at flattery, who taught you that?" Ling Qi said playfully, sitting up.
"I can probably take the blame for that one," Sixiang said, conveying a smirk without even lips or a face.
But really that was what it came down too wasn't it? You couldn't just be strong in one way, not if you wanted to hold onto anything human. She had to get stronger, she had to keep racing for that radiant pinnacle, so that no one could ever threaten what was hers. But if she left everyone behind, she only crumble in the end. Even if Zhengui, Hanyi and everyone else ended up far behind her she still needed them, doing all the things that she in her solitary power, could not do. It wasn't enough that they merely be able to make their own choices, her choices and theirs needed to come together.
Heart Demon Lifted
Community 2/5
She felt a knot of tension in her chest uncoil, and Ling Qi looked up into the silvery light of the moon. "When we find our home, let's make it a beautiful one, okay Zhengui?"
"Yes Big Sister!"
Arc End
AN: Okay sorry for the wait folks, no vote this time, but I will be releasing the updated cultivation menu tomorrow and updating the front page.I will also be releasing the new Omake reward rules. On monday we will have the first update of the tournament and the social planner tutorial.
Cultivation:
Foundation Green (9)
Foundation Bronze (9)
Absolute Vitality (G): 10
The flesh of the Nameless Mother is resilient, even the mightiest cataclysm may only scar the surface of the world, never slay it. You hold a fragment of a fragment of that endurance, the embodiment of nature's renewal made flesh. Where you are wounded flesh knits, where your bones are broken your fire binds them back together, when your spirit gutters you find unlooked for fuel. So powerful is your vitality that it even radiates out to buoy your allies enhancing their own protection and stamina. Any damage which fails to slay you or drive you into dormancy will be recovered by the end of a scene unless this trait is blocked or nullified. Primary Armor
Earthflame Lord (G): 5
The serpents fangs drip with the scorching fire of the earth's heart, empowering every bite and attack with a venom which turns blood to fire and flesh to cinder. Your shell burns with the heat of a newly woken volcano. All the flames of earth are your domain, in your gut, stone becomes magma, soil and sand become glass, and the heat that sleeps in the bones of the earth rises at your command. Primary Offense
Verdant Ash Duality (G): 5
You embody the burning magma which erases life and the fertile ash and soil left in its wake. You Destroy, you Renew, you Grow. You are two minds and you are one. In battle you may act half again as often as other individuals.
Artillerist's Eye (G): 3
You have trained hard, worked hard, strived for a skill beyond your nature. This is the result. You may aim your attacks at truly far distant targets with significant accuracy
Prince of the High Garden (G): 1
In the realm of spirit your name is a tiny whisper. You will whisper the verdant places, the hills and the valleys in the land which is highest in all the world. In this cruel and wicked world, your people will be safe and joyous. You are small yet, and your kingdom but a dream.
Active Abilities:
Paradise Garden: G4
Type: Bind or Root or Support, Construct or Zone
Duration: Special
A highly versatile technique which grows roots, vines and trees from the earth around you. With this technique you may attempt to bind or immobilize enemies, deflect attacks meant for your allies or create large constructs such as walls or domes. Each construct requires a new activation of the technique but lasts for the length of the scene. Other activation types are Short Duration, but may be used in succession to maintain their effects.
Eternal Roots: G2
Type: Dispel, Support
Duration: Scene
When this technique is active anytime Zhengui acts without changing position, he may attempt to remove a negative technique effect from himself and nearby allies when taking another action.
Ashfall: G3
Type: Healing, Zone
Duration: Scene
Zhengui shrouds himself in swirling ash, which burns and obstructs enemies in its range. Allies find the ash never touches them and swirls away to leave their vision clear. Zhengui may choose at any point to dispel this technique to grant a burst of healing vitality to allies in range
Volcanic Shot: G4
Type: Fire, Damage
Duration: Stunt
Gathering stone and soil in his stomach, Zhengui melts the matter into molten stone and glass before ejecting it as a missile as a distant foe. Zhengui is immobile while using this technique but may target any enemy in the scene. Where the molten missile strikes foes nearby are damaged by the splash.
Paradise Forge: G4
Type: Fire, Area
Duration: Stunt/special
Channels fire into the earth, awakening the latent volcanism in the memory of stone. The powerful flame qi pressurizes the molten stone forming beneath the surface until it explodes upward in a rolling ring of eruptions. The technique targets adjacent enemies first and then in growing concentric rings
Alternatively, Zhengui may instead cause the technique to activate down straight line from his location damaging everything between himself and the target in a narrow line.
She felt a knot of tension in her chest uncoil, and Ling Qi looked up into the silvery light of the moon. "When we find our home, let's make it a beautiful one, okay Zhengui?"
Hm. This certainly fits given Ling Qi's third realm breakthrough.
She looked to her right and saw Zeqing's face looking back. No, that wasn't right. Things changed, and that was fine. She would have a home one day: a place to return when the adventure ended; a place for the people who would stay with her always; and a place distant friends could come and visit to give her new tales to spin into song.
Ling Qi smiled as she reached the peak where eight maidens danced, sang, and played, remote from the world below. She glanced at Zhengui and the phantoms at her side. One day, she would have a family so lively.
Prince of the High Garden (G): 1
In the realm of spirit your name is a tiny whisper. You will whisper the verdant places, the hills and the valleys in the land which is highest in all the world. In this cruel and wicked world, your people will be safe and joyous. You are small yet, and your kingdom but a dream.
Prince of the High Garden
In the realm of spirit your name is a tiny whisper. You will whisper the verdant places, the hills and the valleys in the land which is highest in all the world. In this cruel and wicked world, your people will be safe and joyous. You are small yet, and your kingdom but a dream.
Oh my god I love our precious Prince of the High Garden so much. This was an absolute amazing update. I love how Zhengui has a bunch of royal themed traits too. Ling Qi may not have any royal or even noble blood in her but her little brother (son) is definitely regal. I am so looking forward to spirit lord Zhengui. I wonder if he'll get spirit minions when he's at our fief.
I do think we should buy the house tbh. We can keep a Ling presence on sect, and can even have Yu Nuan use it once we leave and before Biyu comes if we decide she should stay at the sect. Plus if we visit our friends at the sect like Suyin we have a place to stay and host.
The realm of dreams is the land of faith and belief, thought and yearning. In twisting the border of reality and dream you may draw a trickle of that belief into reality, a song, a strike or anything else of your fancy at a moment of dire need or significance, empowering them with the might of belief. Increases the potency of technique used by yourself or an ally by up to 5 depending on the actions dramatic value.
Can only be used once per scene.
she had come to wonder how Joyous Toast fit with the rest of the art. How did it work and empower other arts, drawing great power from seemingly nowhere. But, this was it wasn't it? The Liminal Realm was naught but thoughts and dreams and faith, the shape of the technique merely created a channel with which to draw upon that for an instant.
Nice, external power sources. We've seen similar before, Dharitri's play in the Outer Sect comes to mind and I suppose qi drain technically counts, but this is a definite step up to that kind of stuff and I love it. Internal energy and external energy are both common tropes in magic systems, but the ones where you have both always feel a bit more special imo.
Makes me wonder what other variations of this sort of stuff there is out there. Based on the nature of qi you would expect the possibilities to be effectively infinite, but forces on the level of Belief are probably a bit more limited in number. Time, Endings maybe. Wonder and Hope would be awesome if they're a thing which seems quite possible when you think on those concepts, though if more positive emotions are common then negative ones could be too, and that sounds spooky. So it's probably the case
Artillerist's Eye (G): 3
You have trained hard, worked hard, strived for a skill beyond your nature. This is the result. You may aim your attacks at truly far distant targets with significant accuracy
Can we appreciate this as well? This is an explicit enforcement of the idea that spirit beasts can progress in ways they can't naturally when they are bound to a cultivator. It also means that Zhengui has some way to strike back at those who choose to wisely try and fight Zhengui from far away. I say wisely because there is in no realm of possibility that fighting him at closer ranges is a good idea. Not with Paradise Forge and Paradise Garden at his disposal.
Absolute Vitality (G): 10
The flesh of the Nameless Mother is resilient, even the mightiest cataclysm may only scar the surface of the world, never slay it. You hold a fragment of a fragment of that endurance, the embodiment of nature's renewal made flesh. Where you are wounded flesh knits, where your bones are broken your fire binds them back together, when your spirit gutters you find unlooked for fuel. So powerful is your vitality that it even radiates out to buoy your allies enhancing their own protection and stamina. Any damage which fails to slay you or drive you into dormancy will be recovered by the end of a scene unless this trait is blocked or nullified. Primary Armor
Also... He's in green. Around mid-green, but still only green. And this is one of his skills! He'll be a monster at the later stages of green, let alone when he breaks into the cyan realm. Hurting him in a scene will be hard with this already, if it gets even better it will be a dream for those in the same realm. This is just a monstrous skill he has.
