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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.
CedeTheBees
Probably high right now
- Location
- Somewhere
- Pronouns
- They/Them
- Location
- New York
I'm pretty excited for this "date". After so long with Ling Qi flinching back from any sort of intimacy with a guy it's nice to really see the effects of her growth here.
PowerLeca
Rapidly aging
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Husbando Wars filler episode:
Meng Dan gets The Candidates drunk for his own amusement.
Starts with awkward small talk as BQ activates Schmooze Mode. Lao Keung and XS share monosyllables, Xia Anxi makes a haughty comment, silence. Sixiang spikes MD's drink with The Moon Stuff for Fairness™️.
Escalation involves Xia Anxi swapping shanties with XS. XA absolutely believes he is Winning, but half of XS's are Voyages of Yu Long filk he never before had a willing audience for. BQ makes plans for their empire-wide music tour engagements with Special Edition Voyages Reprint with Commentary. Kongyou mainlines copium because these are supposed to be RIVALS dammit.
MD prods LK for Ancient Bai Heresies, LK absently holds Sixiang in what used to be a submission grip (after Sixiang revealed their Nightmare Gremlin Mode), but is pretty much a hug now, finding it increasingly difficult to hold back his Epic Bai Rant. Yinhui takes notes on LORE.
Meng Dan gets The Candidates drunk for his own amusement.
Starts with awkward small talk as BQ activates Schmooze Mode. Lao Keung and XS share monosyllables, Xia Anxi makes a haughty comment, silence. Sixiang spikes MD's drink with The Moon Stuff for Fairness™️.
Escalation involves Xia Anxi swapping shanties with XS. XA absolutely believes he is Winning, but half of XS's are Voyages of Yu Long filk he never before had a willing audience for. BQ makes plans for their empire-wide music tour engagements with Special Edition Voyages Reprint with Commentary. Kongyou mainlines copium because these are supposed to be RIVALS dammit.
MD prods LK for Ancient Bai Heresies, LK absently holds Sixiang in what used to be a submission grip (after Sixiang revealed their Nightmare Gremlin Mode), but is pretty much a hug now, finding it increasingly difficult to hold back his Epic Bai Rant. Yinhui takes notes on LORE.
Turn 18: Intermission
The gardens around the observatory were certainly impressive, considering how 'young' they were. Water trickled through curving channels carved in the earth, clear burbling streams that fell musically down the organically shaped 'steps of water smoothed rocks, until they vanished under the earth. She had some notion of the subtle artifice that lay under their feet, pumping the water back to higher elevation to begin again. But it was well hidden and subtle. And between the flowing waters was an expanse of soft, cool colors in the petals of the flowers and the leaves and bark of trees. Greens, blues, soft purples and blacks.
It was a restful place, the drifting mist that rose from the waters rising no higher than the ankles. The air was serene, and even with the sun sinking casting the shadows long, little pale blue sparks of light drifted, giving light. They were less than even fairies, mere motes of yin aspected qi drifting and rising from the black earth which had been shaped over the barren carved rock of the new plateau.
She sat with Meng Dan at a polished stone table built in the core of the garden. Surrounded by polished circular benches of wood and soft silk cushion, it was minimalist, but no less rich for it. Such sites were scattered through the garden. Even now she could, if she strained her ears hear garden workers and others moving through the quiet paths. That was still comforting to her, for all that she didn't feel the panicked anxiety that she might have but a few months ago.
"Your family does superb work. Zhengui and I have been working on gardens a little, but our efforts feel a little crude compared to this."
"I have no doubt that your Xuan Wu will surpass many of our artisans in time," Meng Dan said. "Given his natural ability."
She hummed to herself. The flow of energy was so smooth here, almost a minor cultivation site in its own right. All made in a matter of months atop this unnaturally cut mountain. That was the expertise of an ancient clan steeped in the traditions of the old Weilu though, she supposed.
Set out on the table before them was a dinner set of finely made porcelain chased with silver. The pot containing the tea at the center was steaming and full but the food set out on the dishes were in minimal portions. Both of them were cultivators of course. Eating was primarily for the flavor of it or cultivation benefits.
"Well, I'll convey him the praise, hopefully your geomancer won;t be offended when the time comes to teach," Ling Qi said.
"My Aunt has been sure to pick one of our more open minded experts for the duty," meng Dan said. "How are things coming along on that front?"
"I think we will be ready for him within the year. We'll at least be selecting the site for more permanent construction soon," Ling Qi said.
"I do hope I can find the time to visit someday. It must be fascinating to observe a new settlement grow from nothing."
"It's a slightly unreal feeling," Ling Qi admitted. "Lady Cai thinks of it more, but its hard not to get swept up when she starts talking about her plans."
It was easy to picture it, when her liege spoke, of a city sprouting up on the lakeside, growing and filling with people.
"To prosperity, then," Meng Dan said, raising his cup.
She nodded, raising her own. Despite everything, she still felt a little stiff. Sitting rigidly in her chair despite the fact that they were doing nothing but chatting, picking at appetizers. "So how did the discussion with your Uncle go?"
"I believe I can talk him around. His own curiosity as a scholar is doing some work. We'll need to negotiate something that my family can consider a fair price, but I am confident that the observatory is upon the bargaining table, so to speak. What of you, how have your discussions and investigations gone?"
Ling Qi let out a long sigh.
Meng Dan gave her a nod. "I have not heard anything bad, for what it is worth?"
"I've managed everything but… people are so difficult," Ling Qi said. "I am really looking forward to visiting my family before the negotiation proper starts."
"We all need our moments of respite," Meng Dan agreed. "Do you have any particular plans?"
"Well there has been some cultivation success in the household, so I want to congratulate the ones on track to awaken," Ling Qi said, mind wandering to the times ahead. "Then there is talking to mother about preparing to receive noble guests in the future, but… mostly I just want to spend time with my Mother and Sister, to introduce them to Sixiang properly, to just be with my family for a little."
There was so much pressure and formality on her at all times here, she felt like it might crush her.
"I see, I hope you find the solace you're looking for," Meng Dan said. "Ah, for my part, I am looking forward to settling into the Argent Sect library for a week or so."
"I hope you have fun," Ling Qi said, a little amused. She considered him for a moment. "Meng Dan what is your family like?"
"We've discussed my clan at length haven't we?"
"That's not what I mean," Ling Qi said. "You're re- close family, I mean."
Cai Reniang's family was… without compare in many ways, Bai Meizhen didn't care to talk about such things. She had never really gotten a noble acquaintance to talk about it. What were noble families actually like?"
Meng Dan went silent for a moment.
"I apologize if it is a rude question," Ling Qi said.
"If we were less acquainted, it might be," Meng Dan said, giving her a considering look. "I have three siblings, though the youngest is sixty years my elder. We are not especially close, as they all have their own careers and interests."
It felt strange, those gulfs of time. Gu Xiulan had said something similar.
"My mother and father though… Mother is a talented weapon smith from one of our viscounts who married into the clan. Father is the undersecretary of the Minister of Law for our region," Meng Dan said. "I saw them last year at the clan's new years celebration and both seemed in good health and humor."
"I see," Ling Qi said. She didn't let herself frown, but there was a sterility in his description. Like She'd asked him about the condition of the roads in the west. Meng Dan was much more passionate about his work.
"But, and I say this with some trust in your silence, I do still trade some letters and visitation with my youth tutors, who might be closer to what Miss Ling was asking after?" he added blithely.
"Maybe."
"I admit, I'm curious. What drives your question? I am sure you are not simply asking after what connections I have no offer," Meng Dan asked curiously.
"I suppose that would be a more normal pre-courting sort of question," Ling Qi said dryly.
His eyebrows climbed. "Ah- I am sorry, I didn't mean to imply…"
"It's fine, though I won't pretend to understand your interest," Ling Qi said with a wan smile.
"You are fascinating," Meng Dan said.
She blinked, words dying.
"Curious, determined, and irrepressible. Secret paths seem to open readily for you, and you do not fear to tread them. Nor can I easily guess what is going on behind your eyes, the way I can with most. I won't say I am smitten but… I have never met a woman of my age who is quite like you."
Ling Qi did not gape, or flush or do anything silly. She did swallow though. "I'm not so unique. There must be many scholars better than I just at blue mountain."
"There are many better academics, but that is not the same thing," Meng Dan said, smiling cheekily. "But, my question?"
"You're the one who went off on a tangent," Ling Qi muttered grumpily into her cup.
"My apologies."
She forced her thoughts back on track. "Honestly. I suppose I am still putting together what a family is supposed to be like. Things were difficult for me, for us. I really don't think my family situation is any kind of normal. But I want a close knit clan… family. I just don't know how to do that. I was hoping for an example I suppose. You always seemed well adjusted."
"I see, I wish I could be more help," Meng Dan said, pausing thoughtfully. "I don't quite know what you mean, if I am honest. I apologize if I gave the wrong impression, but my family and I are cordial."
"Just cordial though," Ling Qi said. "You yourself admitted you were closer to your tutors."
"Yes," Meng Dan said. "Of course. My interests are not in law or smithery. I cannot follow my parents' ways. I am very thankful to them for providing me with teachers who could guide me to my own path."
It did make sense, she supposed, from a noble cultivator's point of view. As one rose, their views and interests became ever more narrowly focused. A 'good' parent then was one who put more appropriate teachers in place for their children.
"I understand that. I'm sorry if it seems a little strange," Ling Qi said.
"I think I understand the source of your distress at least. You're looking at something like the ideal filial arrangements of the classics and comparing yourself unfavorably?" Meng Dan offered, looking a little less mystified.
"I only have the vaguest idea of what that is from mining scholar Kong's works for quotes to needle Lady Cai with when she is being stubborn."
He blinked. "Does that work?"
"Only sometimes, when she's too stressed to drill down on my understanding of the words."
He shook his head and laughed. "Shameless of you. But… does that not make it worse, you do not even have a clear example you are comparing yourself too."
She grimaced. That was true, and cut past a great deal of her mental tangents on the subject.
"It is. And I really don't mean to imply that there is something wrong with the way your family does things."
"I do understand that," Meng Dan said, considering. "In this I do not think there is a universal solution. As cultivators, what we each are suited for can be too different for that."
She nodded, turning her head to look out over the rippling stream flowing past. "I think there is something universal. People need to build connections, communities to stay… functional. I feel like family is foundational to that. But I am sorry for going off on such a serious topic."
"It's an interesting subject," Meng Dan mused. "If you'd like I could collect some texts on clan practices and relations from across the Empire? You can cobble something together, and surely offend everyone whose practices you borrow from, I am sure."
"Meng Dan, are you asking to plan a family with me?"
It felt strange, to joke like that, but also freeing. She was fine. Neither of them were… jockeying for influence, or trying to control the other. He apparently liked her penchant for finding trouble is all. She didn't really know how she felt. He was a bit feminine in looks for her, but he was amusing and considerate? Surprisingly straightforward too, when it came down to it.
Gods, Sixiang was going to be cackling at her on the flight home.
He raised an eyebrow. "Miss Ling moves far too fast. I think we both have quite a bit of career interests to see too first."
"That wasn't a no."
"As you like," Meng Dan said. He glanced over his shoulder. "Ah, I do believe the main dish is on its way. Shall we return to work topics for now?"
Ling Qi inclined her head. "Yes, I think so."
She was silent for a moment after that as the dishes were brought out to them and set out by servants. "Though… in the future, I may have some topics to share. If you enjoy walking hidden paths, I may as well take advantage of your expertise. I hope you might join me for a walk sometime."
It had a certain way of helping her get to know people, for all the peril.
"Miss Ling is cruel with her enticements," Meng Dan chuckled. "How am I to concentrate on work when you make such mysterious offers?"
"By preparing for them too," Ling Qi said, tilting her head. "I… don't know what I'm looking for, yet. But I know they will need to be able to keep up. I won't stop."
It was far too late for that, one way or the other.
"Interesting. So very… interesting. Your ambitions are great, for all their oddity," Meng Dan said. "If nothing else I think I might like to chronicle their ends, for you and Lady Cai."
She inclined her head, and set about her meal, and the discussion of the observatory and the Meng's demands for its use as a bargaining chip.
She had one last moment to rest. Meng Dan was right about one thing for certain. She didn't need to stress herself about doing things 'right' just now. Her family was her family,
For now, spending time with them, and catching up on their lives would be enough.
It was a restful place, the drifting mist that rose from the waters rising no higher than the ankles. The air was serene, and even with the sun sinking casting the shadows long, little pale blue sparks of light drifted, giving light. They were less than even fairies, mere motes of yin aspected qi drifting and rising from the black earth which had been shaped over the barren carved rock of the new plateau.
She sat with Meng Dan at a polished stone table built in the core of the garden. Surrounded by polished circular benches of wood and soft silk cushion, it was minimalist, but no less rich for it. Such sites were scattered through the garden. Even now she could, if she strained her ears hear garden workers and others moving through the quiet paths. That was still comforting to her, for all that she didn't feel the panicked anxiety that she might have but a few months ago.
"Your family does superb work. Zhengui and I have been working on gardens a little, but our efforts feel a little crude compared to this."
"I have no doubt that your Xuan Wu will surpass many of our artisans in time," Meng Dan said. "Given his natural ability."
She hummed to herself. The flow of energy was so smooth here, almost a minor cultivation site in its own right. All made in a matter of months atop this unnaturally cut mountain. That was the expertise of an ancient clan steeped in the traditions of the old Weilu though, she supposed.
Set out on the table before them was a dinner set of finely made porcelain chased with silver. The pot containing the tea at the center was steaming and full but the food set out on the dishes were in minimal portions. Both of them were cultivators of course. Eating was primarily for the flavor of it or cultivation benefits.
"Well, I'll convey him the praise, hopefully your geomancer won;t be offended when the time comes to teach," Ling Qi said.
"My Aunt has been sure to pick one of our more open minded experts for the duty," meng Dan said. "How are things coming along on that front?"
"I think we will be ready for him within the year. We'll at least be selecting the site for more permanent construction soon," Ling Qi said.
"I do hope I can find the time to visit someday. It must be fascinating to observe a new settlement grow from nothing."
"It's a slightly unreal feeling," Ling Qi admitted. "Lady Cai thinks of it more, but its hard not to get swept up when she starts talking about her plans."
It was easy to picture it, when her liege spoke, of a city sprouting up on the lakeside, growing and filling with people.
"To prosperity, then," Meng Dan said, raising his cup.
She nodded, raising her own. Despite everything, she still felt a little stiff. Sitting rigidly in her chair despite the fact that they were doing nothing but chatting, picking at appetizers. "So how did the discussion with your Uncle go?"
"I believe I can talk him around. His own curiosity as a scholar is doing some work. We'll need to negotiate something that my family can consider a fair price, but I am confident that the observatory is upon the bargaining table, so to speak. What of you, how have your discussions and investigations gone?"
Ling Qi let out a long sigh.
Meng Dan gave her a nod. "I have not heard anything bad, for what it is worth?"
"I've managed everything but… people are so difficult," Ling Qi said. "I am really looking forward to visiting my family before the negotiation proper starts."
"We all need our moments of respite," Meng Dan agreed. "Do you have any particular plans?"
"Well there has been some cultivation success in the household, so I want to congratulate the ones on track to awaken," Ling Qi said, mind wandering to the times ahead. "Then there is talking to mother about preparing to receive noble guests in the future, but… mostly I just want to spend time with my Mother and Sister, to introduce them to Sixiang properly, to just be with my family for a little."
There was so much pressure and formality on her at all times here, she felt like it might crush her.
"I see, I hope you find the solace you're looking for," Meng Dan said. "Ah, for my part, I am looking forward to settling into the Argent Sect library for a week or so."
"I hope you have fun," Ling Qi said, a little amused. She considered him for a moment. "Meng Dan what is your family like?"
"We've discussed my clan at length haven't we?"
"That's not what I mean," Ling Qi said. "You're re- close family, I mean."
Cai Reniang's family was… without compare in many ways, Bai Meizhen didn't care to talk about such things. She had never really gotten a noble acquaintance to talk about it. What were noble families actually like?"
Meng Dan went silent for a moment.
"I apologize if it is a rude question," Ling Qi said.
"If we were less acquainted, it might be," Meng Dan said, giving her a considering look. "I have three siblings, though the youngest is sixty years my elder. We are not especially close, as they all have their own careers and interests."
It felt strange, those gulfs of time. Gu Xiulan had said something similar.
"My mother and father though… Mother is a talented weapon smith from one of our viscounts who married into the clan. Father is the undersecretary of the Minister of Law for our region," Meng Dan said. "I saw them last year at the clan's new years celebration and both seemed in good health and humor."
"I see," Ling Qi said. She didn't let herself frown, but there was a sterility in his description. Like She'd asked him about the condition of the roads in the west. Meng Dan was much more passionate about his work.
"But, and I say this with some trust in your silence, I do still trade some letters and visitation with my youth tutors, who might be closer to what Miss Ling was asking after?" he added blithely.
"Maybe."
"I admit, I'm curious. What drives your question? I am sure you are not simply asking after what connections I have no offer," Meng Dan asked curiously.
"I suppose that would be a more normal pre-courting sort of question," Ling Qi said dryly.
His eyebrows climbed. "Ah- I am sorry, I didn't mean to imply…"
"It's fine, though I won't pretend to understand your interest," Ling Qi said with a wan smile.
"You are fascinating," Meng Dan said.
She blinked, words dying.
"Curious, determined, and irrepressible. Secret paths seem to open readily for you, and you do not fear to tread them. Nor can I easily guess what is going on behind your eyes, the way I can with most. I won't say I am smitten but… I have never met a woman of my age who is quite like you."
Ling Qi did not gape, or flush or do anything silly. She did swallow though. "I'm not so unique. There must be many scholars better than I just at blue mountain."
"There are many better academics, but that is not the same thing," Meng Dan said, smiling cheekily. "But, my question?"
"You're the one who went off on a tangent," Ling Qi muttered grumpily into her cup.
"My apologies."
She forced her thoughts back on track. "Honestly. I suppose I am still putting together what a family is supposed to be like. Things were difficult for me, for us. I really don't think my family situation is any kind of normal. But I want a close knit clan… family. I just don't know how to do that. I was hoping for an example I suppose. You always seemed well adjusted."
"I see, I wish I could be more help," Meng Dan said, pausing thoughtfully. "I don't quite know what you mean, if I am honest. I apologize if I gave the wrong impression, but my family and I are cordial."
"Just cordial though," Ling Qi said. "You yourself admitted you were closer to your tutors."
"Yes," Meng Dan said. "Of course. My interests are not in law or smithery. I cannot follow my parents' ways. I am very thankful to them for providing me with teachers who could guide me to my own path."
It did make sense, she supposed, from a noble cultivator's point of view. As one rose, their views and interests became ever more narrowly focused. A 'good' parent then was one who put more appropriate teachers in place for their children.
"I understand that. I'm sorry if it seems a little strange," Ling Qi said.
"I think I understand the source of your distress at least. You're looking at something like the ideal filial arrangements of the classics and comparing yourself unfavorably?" Meng Dan offered, looking a little less mystified.
"I only have the vaguest idea of what that is from mining scholar Kong's works for quotes to needle Lady Cai with when she is being stubborn."
He blinked. "Does that work?"
"Only sometimes, when she's too stressed to drill down on my understanding of the words."
He shook his head and laughed. "Shameless of you. But… does that not make it worse, you do not even have a clear example you are comparing yourself too."
She grimaced. That was true, and cut past a great deal of her mental tangents on the subject.
"It is. And I really don't mean to imply that there is something wrong with the way your family does things."
"I do understand that," Meng Dan said, considering. "In this I do not think there is a universal solution. As cultivators, what we each are suited for can be too different for that."
She nodded, turning her head to look out over the rippling stream flowing past. "I think there is something universal. People need to build connections, communities to stay… functional. I feel like family is foundational to that. But I am sorry for going off on such a serious topic."
"It's an interesting subject," Meng Dan mused. "If you'd like I could collect some texts on clan practices and relations from across the Empire? You can cobble something together, and surely offend everyone whose practices you borrow from, I am sure."
"Meng Dan, are you asking to plan a family with me?"
It felt strange, to joke like that, but also freeing. She was fine. Neither of them were… jockeying for influence, or trying to control the other. He apparently liked her penchant for finding trouble is all. She didn't really know how she felt. He was a bit feminine in looks for her, but he was amusing and considerate? Surprisingly straightforward too, when it came down to it.
Gods, Sixiang was going to be cackling at her on the flight home.
He raised an eyebrow. "Miss Ling moves far too fast. I think we both have quite a bit of career interests to see too first."
"That wasn't a no."
"As you like," Meng Dan said. He glanced over his shoulder. "Ah, I do believe the main dish is on its way. Shall we return to work topics for now?"
Ling Qi inclined her head. "Yes, I think so."
She was silent for a moment after that as the dishes were brought out to them and set out by servants. "Though… in the future, I may have some topics to share. If you enjoy walking hidden paths, I may as well take advantage of your expertise. I hope you might join me for a walk sometime."
It had a certain way of helping her get to know people, for all the peril.
"Miss Ling is cruel with her enticements," Meng Dan chuckled. "How am I to concentrate on work when you make such mysterious offers?"
"By preparing for them too," Ling Qi said, tilting her head. "I… don't know what I'm looking for, yet. But I know they will need to be able to keep up. I won't stop."
It was far too late for that, one way or the other.
"Interesting. So very… interesting. Your ambitions are great, for all their oddity," Meng Dan said. "If nothing else I think I might like to chronicle their ends, for you and Lady Cai."
She inclined her head, and set about her meal, and the discussion of the observatory and the Meng's demands for its use as a bargaining chip.
She had one last moment to rest. Meng Dan was right about one thing for certain. She didn't need to stress herself about doing things 'right' just now. Her family was her family,
For now, spending time with them, and catching up on their lives would be enough.
Don't think I don't see you implicitly assuming you'll live long enough to watch us crash and burn
Ling Qi has found the perfect excuse for not getting married right away. No one in the empire is going to gainsay wanting a partner that isn't a wimp
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- Location
- Space between realms
- Pronouns
- He
The politically correct line for any would be suitor.
Also can't wait for cute sis Biyu scenes.
Meng Dan is great. Her first non-awkward panicky date was lovely! The husbando wars are beginning and Meng Dan is off to a great start!
Uhhhhhh.
Well "I want to tell your story after you die" is certainly an unusual flirting technique I'll say that much.
I'm pretty sure he means the ends of your ambitions as it what you accomplish.
- Location
- Space between realms
- Pronouns
- He
He is saying I want to be with you till the end ... in a manner of speaking. That's pretty romantic to me.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
It is very nice to see Qi able to talk like this, able to emotionally understand that no one is exerting dominance here, it's safe to talk and slightly flirt.
Ah, so Dan is attracted to how Hidden Moon she is, and she is Cool And Mysterious enough that he's super intrigued by what she's thinking underneath.
Ah, so Dan is attracted to how Hidden Moon she is, and she is Cool And Mysterious enough that he's super intrigued by what she's thinking underneath.
What it means to be a family, especially in a noble cultivator clan, is a good theme to explore with her potential husbando candidates.
Ling Qi may not know exactly what she wants yet, but it's clear she wouldn't be happy with a perfunctiory marriage where they meet once a year and that's it. She wants a companion, someone that can keep up with her and can engage with in a regular basis.
Of course, the nature of higher realm cultivation makes this kind of relationship increasingly harder unless they build their Way around a compatible concept.
But it's still clear that her "ideal family" image is still very mortal-like, with the parents raising their children themselves instead of leaving it to the tutors and servants. Raising a child instead of a heir, so to speak.
Ling Qi may not know exactly what she wants yet, but it's clear she wouldn't be happy with a perfunctiory marriage where they meet once a year and that's it. She wants a companion, someone that can keep up with her and can engage with in a regular basis.
Of course, the nature of higher realm cultivation makes this kind of relationship increasingly harder unless they build their Way around a compatible concept.
But it's still clear that her "ideal family" image is still very mortal-like, with the parents raising their children themselves instead of leaving it to the tutors and servants. Raising a child instead of a heir, so to speak.
Oliver_Twister
Idea-Man, He Who Shits Ideas
- Location
- West Africa
- Pronouns
- He/Him
I've said it once, and I'll again. Meng Dan is lucky because Qi noticed his interest immediately before the tribulation, so he didn't have to deal with any tribulations.
That being said, this was a good date. I hope each husbando candidate gets a date, so that we can learn what motivates their interest in Ling Qi (and also like, learn more of what Qi wants in a partner. We've gotten like, 2 or 3 hints in this chapter, I guess).
Also, I wonder if we'll get to read another Xiulan letter in-story, since her family is really close-knit and stable, at least for all the families we've seen so far (apart from Suyin and Shen Hu, may he rest in peace, but they're not viscount+ so they don't have the scale we're looking for. Maybe the Bian too?)
That being said, this was a good date. I hope each husbando candidate gets a date, so that we can learn what motivates their interest in Ling Qi (and also like, learn more of what Qi wants in a partner. We've gotten like, 2 or 3 hints in this chapter, I guess).
- Have a close-knit family.
- Can keep up with her.
Fucking builtMuscular.
Also, I wonder if we'll get to read another Xiulan letter in-story, since her family is really close-knit and stable, at least for all the families we've seen so far (apart from Suyin and Shen Hu, may he rest in peace, but they're not viscount+ so they don't have the scale we're looking for. Maybe the Bian too?)
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Winged One
Not the Simurgh
- Location
- definitely the ground
- Pronouns
- They/Them/It
Die or ascend.
- Location
- USA
Mah boi, Meng Dan!
Right up there with Turtle boy.
Right up there with Turtle boy.
- Location
- Somewhere
Oh my god did Ling Qi actually flirt with someone?
He cultivates history, and wanting to be there while it is being made is where a chronicler goes.
Someone has to bear witness when you YOLO into things!
PowerLeca
Rapidly aging
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Great chapter, though minimal squirming, the Stack-of-Gremlins-Hiding-in-A-Dress Ling Qi energy was delightful.
This was just a pre-screening interview.
I absolutely CACKLED at this, because I had just been thinking about, how could this possibly turn out a successful date if nobody even has their life in danger little bit.
This was just a pre-screening interview.
Getting a straight answer seems a challenge.
Especially when a cultivator raising a candidate with high potential can be rather hard to distinguish from abusive.
Hmm, interesting. Meng Dan cultivates a fair bit of divination and analysis arts, which, as a side consequence, renders most peers boring, because even if he can't pry them open like a book, he can make an educated guess and most of the time be right enough.
And then this chaosball, immune to precognition, is only vaguely potentially interesting, but then she keeps uncovering Deep Lore. And now she's the most interesting thing in his age bracket.
...Ling Qi, are you tribulating her with misquotes?
And is Renxiang encouraging this because Ling Qi reading classical texts on her own initiative is to be promoted even if the intention is perverse?
Reconciling cultivation induced deviations from human psychological norms with a close knit family should definitely separate substantially from direct blood relationships, and the most obvious method of enforcing Way consistency within a clan is doomed. A high cultivator literally cannot make certain concessions, and working with that requires a mediator who can comprehend some of each perspective.
I think we hit the right level of intimacy with this choice. Close enough to scrape close to her issues, not close enough to trigger them.
The Advanced Date Option - Vision questing in the depths of the Liminal.