(Green)

  Caste. Marches.

  Cultivators of the Empire of Abundant [Spring] that possess a cultivation realm of the middle [Core Formation], ranging higher than our collective intelligence might accurately predict.

  What follows is a collective estimation based on all collected documents and observations.

  [Prowess] - Peak [False Imitation]. (High likelihood)

  [Dao] - Two [Principles]. (Medium likelihood)

  [Intent] - Yes. (Medium likelihood)

  [Lethality] - Immeasurably high. (Contact is forbidden for all but Seniors Gao Fu and Zhu.

  Cultural observations follow current regime.

  Cultivators of the Yellow Caste. (High likelihood)

  Material grades and treasures are likely to outstrip current Wayward Wind’s vaults.

  (High likelihood)

  Report, Green - Schorly Head Wen Pinxui.

  Fu was patient, and merely observed as Sixty-First Aarushi tended to an injured disciple. Her words were warm, and her talents had earned a clear trust. A respect or endearment that straightened even the most ruffled hanfu or made right the sckest posture.

  In short, the disciples strove to match her nobility.

  Her golden needles danced through the air at a call, pinning seven separate acupoints as her hands made busy with bloody work. Or so it should have been, for she cut with the skill of any swordmaster.

  Moments became minutes, and she drew a lime-green quill from her patient’s wrist. The [Life Q she possessed suspending it without tool or physical intervention.

  “Disciple Wei Mo, the full range of motion should recover within a day. It is urged that you do not channel Qi through the three lesser [Heart Meridians] in your right arm lest you wish to rupture the [Channels] there. Refrain from cycling until you have returned here, for the toxins from this quill would spread further as a result.”

  The [Hundred Immunities Fruit] detected a weak poison there. Something of nerves and paralysis.

  So Fu stepped forth. “Head Aarushi,” he gestured, seeing how Wei Mo froze at his apparently sudden arrival. “Peace, disciple.” With his Medicinal Head’s needles already interred, it was a trifle to connect with the disciple’s body.

  With one hand upon the needle’s tip, Fu drew the poison forth. A watery bile to match the offending [Spirit Beast’s] hue that faded at reaching his palm.

  The disciple grimaced, if more at this sensation than through pain. “A thousand gratitudes, senior.” he said. “With this mended I might return to duty sooner.”

  Aarushi studied Fu, awaiting his words. “It is best practice to heed the advice of doctors, disciple Wei. I am certain her cautions still apply.”

  “At your discretion, senior,” she suggested.

  “Disciple Wei has three [Reliquaries] beneath his belt, and more to come. Rest, or apply yourself as you see fit. But know that while the tallest trees attract the most birds, they must be certain that their roots might bear the weight.”

  An unintentional sliver of [Profundity] tinged his voice, some byproduct of his recent awakening of [Dao]. It had the room’s occupants grow still.

  From Aarushi and her [Spirit Lizard], to Wei Mo and his wolf. “As you say, senior,” the tter said, and bowed in departure before any further words might be shared.

  “Such gifts are why the juniors treasure you, senior,” smiled Aarushi. “The Father, to counter your title’s second part.”

  Shuidi ever enjoyed the likeness of an [Asura], repressing a shiver of delight. If not for reading, its meaning might well have been lost on Fu.

  As it stood, he found it an outndish comparison. “Recent affairs have kept me from our transcribing, Aarushi. It seems fresh pns rise as the sun does.”

  “A task of the Wayward Wind’s scope demands much,” she said, a sleeve once more before her face. Fresh robes, Fu realised, a daxiushan of flowing fabric over traditional hanfu. Bck, as all things were.

  Did Wei Mo not wear garments of simir quality. A uniform, nonetheless, but of higher stock. The targets of our missions… Perhaps Pinxui holds value in these, to direct them so.

  There was much to be said for a Sect or division’s clothing. Musings on quality that led to matters of face, prestige and the like. But no thing to hold Fu’s interest.

  “It does. But such crisis- well, I should think all know my thoughts on dangerous winds. Head Aarushi, our doctor and life-giver, your tireless contribution is a pilr that holds firm. Gratitude,” he bowed. “A thousandfold.”

  Demure as she was, the Vajra returned this gesture. “This sixty-first rate disciple accepts this vish compliment, even if she is unworthy of them. Senior Gao’s aid remains instrumental. To speak out of turn, he should know that each Head would not thrive as they do without his teachings. It is fairer to compliment you, senior, than those beneath you.”

  “If I sought kind echos Aarushi, I would find a cave. Clouds do not move without winds to move them, as I have said. Please, accept this compliment, and the beginning token of my gratitude.”

  Amidst her inspection of various [Pill] vials, her [Spirit Lizard] shifted. As reserved as its partner, the sleek beast held its sail as a mask.

  Naturally mesmerised by the [Consteltion Seeds] Fu set down aside it.

  “Head Su receives a simir benefit, before you guide this process elsewhere. Though, Zhu conducts his,” he half-smiled. “Please, it is beyond time that you are rewarded.”

  She flourished a deep bow. “Again, this sixty-first rate disciple states her unworth.” Though Aarushi did not shrink from the gifts.

  These ten treasures.

  “Propriety should find no pce here, sister. Not at this moment. My own senior would have me kowtow a hundred times was your choice ill-informed, despite holding no love for that tradition himself. Please,” Fu offered.

  A sphere of liquid. Two conjoined cherries. Cut pis holding a fme within. The metallic form of a [Spirit Beast’s] heart. Bamboo, notched in three pces. Some diminutive, shredded wing. Five gathered petals, ivory and fresh. A greying fang. A pulsating mushroom. Most irregur among these natural treasures - a rusted sword of muted presence.

  “Those arrayed are aligned more with the medicinal path than any others. Drawn from [Mystic Realms] that held a [Law of Origin] with some retion to healing. Our pool to draw from is small, however, and I would not begrudge you to wait or choose from Su Sai’s offerings.”

  Aarushi’s graceful palm neared each. “Forgive this, please, senior. This sixty-first rate disciple would know more. From which realms are they drawn, of [Life Q, [Poison Q, [Fire Q, or other. What [Law of Origin] accompanied each? Would one of [Dao Profundity] afford further insight, or align better with those more invested in the Path of [Spirit]? Head Pinxui has shared little, stating these [Consteltion Seeds] as a secret to rival the Heavens.”

  With all that he could, Fu shared his answers. Corretions from Bingbai, his own observations, findings of the Schorly Head. Nothing was withheld, for he knew that the Cloud Gathering division’s Master would act in this fashion.

  “...the nature is often clearer if a disaster is included, as the [Shore of Heavy Whispers] might have held…” it went. “...benefit of an opposing path, such as the Elements Overcoming. A [Fire Q to grant diversity to [Wood Q...” it continued. “...cannot be known, only guessed using the [Foundation Realm Boons] that it affords. One must wait until ascending to [Core Formation],” it finished.

  One blink, and all that was said seemed memorized. “This sixty-first rate disciple feels blinded, senior Gao. The workings of blood, of [Channels] and Qi contain mysteries to rival a world, for the body holds myriad unexplored nds. Yet this conjures thoughts of impotence- to know there are Heavens beyond Heavens, and Heavens beyond that.”

  Fu dipped his brow, unwilling to interrupt her choice.

  The doctor’s [Spirit Lizard] poured between two, and her cultivator’s indecision was clear. Stuck between the conjoined cherries and the pulsating mushroom.

  [Senses] assigned the former as a treasure of [Life Q, and the second of [Blood]. Both were taken from realms of [Core Formation Grade].

  Aarushi picked the cherries, and dispensed a further bow. “A gift suited for those above this sixty-first rate disciple, but one treasured. All efforts will go to ensuring it benefits the Wayward Winds.”

  “I have no doubt,” Fu nodded, vanishing the [Consteltion Seeds].

  Behind her sleeve, the doctor stuttered. “That- that is the look of one that knows how long ahead the road will be. The scions of [Lord Sixty First] are known to wear it. You are departing, senior?”

  “I am.”

  “This sixty-first rate disciple would ask forgiveness for her boldness, but whispers are prevalent within these four walls. The Clouded Courts have given fresh orders? A message of uncommon speed, for Head Pinxiu has not detailed reports of their presence.”

  What might I share?

  He saw longing there, and concern that transcended her duty. One of a recognisable and surprising sort. “Do not trouble yourself, Aarushi. The March of Serpents continued, and we that leave will add to it,” he said, noting at which words her look sharpened. “Senior Zhu and I are to tend to this solitary matter alone.”

  A minor breath escaped her.

  “Senior Udvah holds command here in our absence,” he furthered.

  Aarushi drew her sleeve higher. “Then may your Path be interesting, senior. We will await your return.”

  ?

  Zhu had discarded the [Cords of Red Meeting]. “Paltry [Karmic Treasures],” he stated, having them vanish within his ring. “Our first order should be securing more. Knowing the stores of the Three Intricacies Cn within the [Shores of Heavy Whisper] - another branch might hold treasures of simir value.”

  Ever was his stealth a contrary thing.

  The quartet sauntered across an open pavilion. Three realms beyond that which their Warship currently roamed. A [Spatial] thoroughfare more than any notable location.

  But key was Zhu’s attitude.

  A young master’s confidence, boldness and brazen disregard for prying ears. To cross paths with such a sight would foster Fu’s interest, were they strangers. And yet the Yellows and lower Castes veered from his Path.

  Fearing it.

  “Speak louder, plum-eyed fool,” cursed Ivory Sea.

  “It’s a vexation already that you’ve forced your presence here, woman. Such attachment has the bearing of a cyst, not a former immortal.”

  Considerations blurred the ceaseless bickering between this pair, and Fu’s yellow douli was deep across his features as he pondered.

  He had been found by Zhu’s talents. His bloated [Senses], entwined with the [Karmic] talents afforded by the [Mantra of Heavenly Plums]. If the treasures in their possession could not bolster that, then indeed they should find more.

  In a March of Yellow, however-

  Fu withdrew his fragment of the [True Orchid Path] and looked beyond the bckness of its severed realms.

  To reach Blue is to pass through Green. The Immortal realms and those of [True Lord Grade] and above. While we walk freely here, the same cannot be said there. To progress…

  “Sense would dictate that more appropriate treasures exist in higher Marches. Our first investigations should begin at the border between Yellow and Blue. Are we in agreement?”

  Ivory Sea rounded on him, features alight with venom, and summarily colpsed into the arms of their fourth.

  A Martial disciple, Kavya. One of Vajra [Heritage] and [Spirit Centipede] partnership. “Brother Yellow,” she called, addressing Fu. “I might be of aid.”

  “Your senior will reward you handsomely,” cut Zhu.

  “The road ahead is long, can you sustain-”

  Kayva’s [Consteltion Seed] lurched. At the woman’s back her shadow elongated, consuming that of Ivory Sea’s before having her vanish entirely. “It is done,” she said.

  The bckness below this disciple seemed disagreeable. No uniform shape as cast by [Spring’s] gring sun, but a slightly squirming irregurity.

  “Go on, senior, reward your junior handsomely.”

  Fu spared an arch look, concerned more with the few onlookers. “Wisdom is the reward, disciple Kavya, and the knowledge that not all orders are to be followed. If you seek treasures, then only ensure that your talents continue as they have until now.”

  “As you say, brother Yellow.”

  By no means a true swap for Udvah’s talents, the [Consteltion Seed] within her [Primordial Consteltion Gate] could repce much of the utility his [Dao of Sanctuary] held. Given their goal, and the nebulous state of what they might find- this Kavya was essential.

  To hold a storage space within one’s shadow. A realm, or however it might be cssified. I am amazed at each of these treasures we reap.

  Shuidi, withdrawn to her shell, proudly disagreed over its use.

  They continued on.

  ?

  Perhaps it was too bold. Too swift or with too casual an air.

  This approach.

  What line separated experience and false confidence?

  Mundane as the [Imperial Realm] was, Fu recalled the [Law of Origin]. That of [Soul Q and [Dao Scarcity]. This brought him to wonder what manner of [Trial] would stand in the [Reliquary] some thousand paces distant.

  Not chief among missions, now, yet his March of Serpents was not to be neglected. A severance here, deeper than necessary along the [True Orchid Path], would only benefit the true lines of demarcation his Wayward WInds sought to create.

  Thus-

  “Grassnd. Open, and of focus is the totem there. The [Array] fgs are visible among Imperial numbers, set between the sixteen watchtowers and patrols that mark this location,” reported Kavya.

  Zhu absently inspected a yellow smear atop his thumb. Residue from the flowering stalks about them.

  “Tell me of the considerations,” questioned Fu.

  “Sunshine, open winds and the scents carried are a difficulty against [Spirit Hounds] and their cultivators. Little cover stands between our position and their own. The nature of the [Arrays] are unknown, as are the individual [Cultivation Realms] of our foes. Detritus underfoot might mark our advance-”

  The plum-eyed cultivator coughed. “Mortal thoughts, disciple. Underfoot is a consideration for those without skill.”

  Kavya bowed her head. “As you say, senior.”

  [Intermediary Wisdom] delivered much on the distant [Arrays] as Shuidi spread her [Senses] outward, as did it warn of the notable presence among them.

  “Name your approach,” Fu asked.

  “Inclusive of my betters, senior Gao?” she asked, receiving a shake in the negative. “Then I would await dusk and the hour of lengthening shadows. My [Arts] would allow me to reach the [Reliquary’s] center and begin the [Trial] without confrontation.”

  “Simplistic.”

  Tanshuai shared her cultivators’ thoughts.

  A shallow pn. Perhaps it does not need refinement if her talent outweighs its simplicity, but I would have my disciples think less in linear terms.

  “An exercise then. Lead, disciple, and do so with haste. It is the starving fisherman that sails solely beneath clear skies.”

  While her [Clouded Ghost Arts] did not suffer, Kavya’s skin paled. “Senior?”

  “Act,” said Zhu.

  The firmness cut short her will to protest. So it was that she moved into the grasses, slipping between stalks without further words.

  “That is not your vilin’s douli. I’ve no individual concern for your juniors, Fu, and yet to send her against the poorly hidden Green there is wasteful. Even if the girl has no personality.”

  Fu searched the watchtowers.

  Open-roofed, unimpeded structures across which several cultivators occupied. Seventh and east was one unlike the others, draped in hanfu that bordered the hues between Yellow and its superior.

  A mask, undone by pride. If not Shuidi’s superior [Senses].

  “The weight of expectation froze her tongue. She is capable of more,” said Fu. “Not all souls are as impudent as you, brother. Some scare before their seniors.”

  Still, the Green’s presence was unnatural.

  An Imperial response, or does [Sixth Under Heaven] believe this [Reliquary] to be of greater importance? We are yet many leaps from the border between Marches.

  Minutes passed and to Fu’s pleasure, Kayva’s progress could scarcely be tracked.

  The initial infiltration had her stalk through grasses, broaching freshly-id ground that omit any hiding pces around the [Reliquary’s] totem. So she scaled. She leapt from shadow to shadow, using the castings of patrolling Imperials as stepping stones.

  Each [Array] was navigated, for the fgs that set their boundaries were pin to see. [Defensive Arrays] intent on destruction over detection, all informed by the Old One to be used against armies not individuals.

  Twice did Fu lose sight of his disciple, forcing him to suppress a smile. Her reappearance at the totem was no less impressive, nor the swift hand that had her begin this realm’s [Trial].

  But no sooner had the distant Green snapped around, her [Spirit Horse] lifting in simir arm.

  “The ground does not shift, nor is she transported by [Spatial Q,” noted Fu, fixed upon Kavya’s peculiar form.

  His disciple had adopted the lotus, unnaturally. Pale grey light glowed about her skin, marionetting her legs to cross and hands to tighten.

  “Foreign energy courses through her,” warned Zhu, calling Tanshuai to his side. “A subtle thing. I’m impressed that a mere Green might detect it.”

  Shuidi impressed nothing, for that is all she could sense.

  “[Soul Q, and an abundance of [Yin Energy].”

  Fu put musings aside. “Eyes will discover her if their [Senses] cannot. I would not be known as one that sets their disciples up to fail.”

  An [Art] began to cd Zhu, a wave to vanish his body from sight.

  “Brother, there are many,” Fu said, for indeed there ranged several hundred Imperials and [Spirit Beasts] around the [Reliquary]. “To dispatch them all…”

  Half of Zhu’s face stalled from vanishing. “You’ve grown too used to these juniors,” he chastised, fading.

  Ah.

  He had forgotten.

  Whispers left his mind, a [Profundity] called by his will.

  In response, the clouds above grew dark and moody. Massing as two spectres blurred through the grasses.

  As the first showings of his [Dao] began, Fu broached the watchtower.

  A step. A stab. A raindrop.

  The sunshine faded swiftly as his downpour overcame the [Reliquary]. A localised grey that had stolen much of his mental energy. But sufficient to darken the grounds and the spaces between where he danced.

  He felt a resonance through his brooch, seeing that an opposing watchtower held no cultivators at its peak. A mirror to his own. These two watchtowers were cleared in moments, and so it advanced as such.

  Under a torrential downpour, the two became four, six, eight, ten, twelve and fourteen.

  Yet the oblivious Imperials of Yellow did naught but raise wrists to their eyes and seek cover from the Heaven’s waters. Good natured grumbling followed, jeers and the cpping of backs amidst ughter.

  “[Sping] showers,” sounded their mirth.

  Raucous returns showed how little they knew of its origin, save for the Green.

  She roamed with qiang unsheathed, sweeping from side to side at the totem’s base. The look she wore was of concern, though not held towards the falling rain. What whispers and impressions passed to her [Spirit Horse] had put it in a gallop, and through the distant, blearing water did Fu see it blur about the perimeter.

  Kavya was absent.

  That they search means they have not found.

  The next watchtowers were emptied.

  The sparse canvases in which Imperials sought shelter came next.

  Silent.

  Methodically.

  How had he forgotten?

  Hushi returned to his douli as the Green’s orders broke across the drumming beats of rain. A call to arms, or for warning, as her voice barely rose above the din.

  Panic did.

  Because what force could wipe clean such an encampment in minutes? Why did none answer when called? Was the rain so dense, she might have wondered, or those ill-seen shapes in the torrential rain- why do they remain still?

  These were not Fu’s questions. But they were reminders. Firm nostalgia of some [Seasons] prior.

  Closer leaps had the Green’s voice sound clearly. “-trickery,” it came. “If one among you lesser yellows has dared to touch the [Reliquary], the Emperor’s justice will be swift.”

  Golden characters warmed Fu’s bde as his palm swept across it. The true part of this fresh [Dao].

  He leapt.

  [Dao of Pooling Rain].

  Some twenty paces above the Green’s head, he felt the shift. A phantasm of mirrored bdes, if only to his own [Senses]. He held the point poised, and three dozen silhouettes copied its every moton.

  Each minute turn, angle, dip, rise, and raindrop atop it.

  Pooling into one.

  The Green’s body split with such ease that Fu might have thought it air. A single strike, holding the force of many.

  All at once, the rain ceased, the clouds lightened, and all that remained about the [Reliquary] was a sodden filth.

  Zhu arrived thereafter, unimpressed by the drowning of his hair. More concerned with that, it seemed, than the gentle delivery of Kavya from his shoulder. “The [Dao of Ruined Friendships],” he noted, withdrawing a comb.

  “Simir,” Fu smiled, recalling his [Ink].

  [DAO CONSOLIDATED]

  [Dao of Crushing] - [Dao of Pooling Rain]

  [Dao of Pooling Rain] [First Pool] [Middle]

  [Capacity] + 5