Chapter Two Hundred and Thirteen - An Imbalance of Chains

Shuidi was first to offer her observations. “The Virtue’s gem mirrors what was seen within the House of Ma’s [Inner Realm]. Impressive that there is such a talent - to create [Bloodlines] with the turn of a hand.”

An envious power.

Even as lightning crackled about the Virtue’s body, Anfang and Quiqui did not cease their attack.

A further deluge from their sky-creating [Dao] arrived to confirm all suspicions.

The Virtue’s blood absorbed each unseen bolt, transmuting the energy as though a lesser copy of the [Shrine of Final Skies] and dampening the onslaught before it reached even a stride from her body.

Fu Gao pushed a resonance through his brooch, inspiring his junior to overcome so worthy a challenge.

“Cheap tricks. Hah. How shameful that the House of Ma must mimic my own power merely to stand against me,” laughed Anfang, her voice a blur amidst motion. “A legacy of theives is all you’ll leave behind, Virtue.”

Perhaps Renunciation’s nose wrinkled.

Perhaps it did not.

The realm’s bloody floor suddenly surged skyward in a wave of oceanic proportions, ever growing until Fu Gao himself had to leap from his vantage at the monolith’s peak. Despite [Water Qi’s] inclusion within [Blood Qi’s] composite nature, it would be foolish to enter such an abundance of this Virtue’s [Affinity].

[Senses] expanded.

Anfang visibly slowed within the churning expanse of blood, and her subtlety was cast aside so she might navigate further. A shroud of blackened lightning enveloped her, barely able to push back the pressure as she sought the Virtue that had melded with this flood.

Or so Fu Gao predicted was her course.

Her movements were erratic through the flood.

Vertical twists, horizontal pivots, diagonal leaps in all variations.

Then webs emerged, and a novelty emerged. Twinned beacons upon her body grew on her body in midnight hues, spilling as if ink… and more so, from a pot thick in [Primordial Qi].

With foolish pride Anfang winked at her senior, activating first her [Hollow Ivory Splinter] and another, unknown [Constellation Seed].

“[To Suffer Thunder Leaves No Stone Whole].”

Ten thousand, thousand strings crackled through the flood, jolting with her blackened energy. In truth, a lattice of such finely woven thread that naught but a hair’s hair might escape through the purposeful gaps, for certainly the blood could not.

His junior vanished behind what was no less than a blackened cage.

The flood depleted some heartbeats later.

Less than spectacular. Any longer and I would name this a shame on our Cloud Gathering Division.

First to emerge was Quiqui, only by the grace of unfolding string. What had blocked sight now moved by her subtle manipulation, showing how the myriad threads about her had brought about a queer turn.

Fu Gao descended into the midst of this cradle. “Junior.”

Ahead, the blood-slick strings converged on Anfang, vanishing into her flesh. She was no picture of peerless health, having grown pallid and frail from this unknown effort. “Senior. Our Master’s latest gift… suits me, no?” came her forced laugh.

Hushi twanged a string, curious.

“[Loom of Golden Envies],” she shared, coughing. “Fitting… for a thief. It steals another’s last technique used. When coupled with the [Hollow Ivory Splinter]... with reaping-”

Before further conversation could be had on such secret musings, Shuidi expelled a great wave of [Wind Phantom’s Breath] across the remaining blood to both silence and cleanse any remnants of the Virtue.

Anfang blinked at her foolishness, for she had not yet secured the area.

Quiqui bowed in apology.

“If this is the toll it takes, junior, you must temper yourself further. Still,” paused Fu Gao, pensive. “Another Virtue is slain. That your [Constellation Seed] might counter their [Crimson Tyrant Possession Art] is acceptable. How was it done? An unmaking of their technique, perhaps, reaping the defence that crafted [Bloodline] offered?”

After a long breath, Anfang nodded. “It wasn’t a true [Bloodline],” she said, straining as threads unfolded from her skin to show a darkly crimson gem. “But the essence of a persistent technique.”

The [Primordial Law of Tribulations] offered insight.

“This Gao Shuidi is ponderous,” the [Spirit Crab] said, drawing this gem close in a suspension of mists. “Would these juniors welcome it if it were?”

Blood marbled through Anfang’s gleaming grin. “Oh? Is there such a good thing?”

🀨

[Tribulation] was the embodiment of transformation.

Heaven’s aid and obstacle.

Fu Gao had seen myriad variations of this force, and had delved deeper into what accounts across the Clear Sky had not been lost to secrecy or scandal.

“The possibilities are as endless as the stars above,” he mused, placing such journals back within the [Shrine of Final Skies]. “Where our juniors are concerned however, we must remain vigilant. Heaven favors none, and these gifted [Tribulations] are indeed tailored. Udvah and Anfang currently face trials of advantage and this is not Heaven’s way.”

To be among the clouds this morning brought an expected novelty.

Fourteen [Paifang] had manifested in all corners of the Heavenly Roaming Prefecture, and a shift was to occur in the coming hours.

As with attaining a new realm of cultivation, the difference between densities was like that of Heaven and Earth. Steps would no longer progress one, but leaps, and here on an eve close to [Winter’s] reign they saw the last was underway.

Our twin would know this. A smarter soul would ask if they have laid foundation enough to combat what comes next. The Cloud Gathering will be well in place when our juniors return from their [Tribulation], and yet we must inform Bingbai of all that has and will transpire.

Shuidi sharply turned upon his palm, alert some heartbeats before Fu Gao felt what had caught her attention.

Force rose.

No.

The lands beneath the Heavens…

[Hegemony of Pale Mists] had all clouds bend to their whim, daring not to block sight nor cast shadow upon them. Even still, these three ghosts pushed through the softened puffs to eliminate all possibility of what they saw.

“Do not speak to Kang Jae nor Zhu. This Gao Shuidi would not suffer another argument on the [Divine Cinnabar Tortoise].”

Humor could not rise when faced with such marvel.

In entirety, the Heavenly Roaming Prefecture stretched. From wisteria-rich peaks to the damp valleys far east of Jade Songbird City; from fresh [Affinity]-bearing bamboo in the surrounding forests to the sprawling, shallow rivers strewn about them; from-

As if a languid cat forced to rise, these lands arched their back and spread further.

Spread higher.

Wider.

Lacking words, his thought followed In improper speech and almost dreamlike, childish notions.

For the water turned wetter, his clouds grew cloudier, the earth became earthier, and thus followed for each of the minutiae beneath these Heavens. Fu Gao witnessed… he witnessed the density of Qi - of substance - multiply nature, formation, and pattern in abundance, so that it seemed these very lands were apotheosizing into a thing of fable.

Jade Songbird City was a crown upon these lands, yet now seemed diminished as the swathes of bamboo, earth and grasses about it extended as though pushed distant.

Hushi directed their gaze beyond one shoulder to see there a colossal and profound sprouting from the center of the Golden Bodhi Sanctuary. Their namesake tree had grown from some mere sapling to a wonder that brushed shoulders with the tallest pagoda in their lands.

“Few will have witnessed this wonder. It is a boon. We will share the memory with Fen, for her [Dao] will surely advance against so profound a sight. That we have not fallen into [Epiphany] rings clear that nurture is not our Path, no?”

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

Fu Gao indulged himself for a heartbeat more, feeling [Arbiter’s Soul] pulse.

He blinked.

He blinked again as the barest formation of [Ink] wisped before him.

“From where does this-” Immense [Spiritual] pain slammed shut his eyes, severing the connection to whatever being had begun to show its attributes. “By the Heavens…” he gasped, amused.

“Do not mention it,” warned Gao Shuidi. “There is mystery aplenty without creating more.”

[Arbiter’s Soul] grew into a steady pulse, almost rhythmic, if subtle. It stretched these threes’ awareness to myriad points across the Prefecture, as was expected with the sudden growth that had just been witnessed.

But it was not the [Ink] of before.

“This shift is sooner than we expected, and already the undeserving take advantage. Do you feel them, sister, brother? Our [Arbiter’s Soul] reveals the growing hundreds,” he said, feeling tugged east and west. “It would not do to give our Master an incomplete report, no?”

🀨

A fresh labyrinth spanned the Chimes of Black Serendipity and unseen serpents moved within. On approach the spatial distortion leading to his Sect’s Clouded Archives presented fresh options, impressed through a susurrus of forked tongues.

The next step had their Master’s palace emerge, though it was only named as such for the scale of it.

Fu Gao had knelt there, cowed by the magma upon his [Primordial Constellation Gate]. Pressure and heat in equal parts born entirely of an unknown envy, for the quantity of [Constellation Seeds] was enough to dam an ocean.

As ever, his pride had swelled.

But this was some many hours prior.

“Again,” motioned Bingbai.

Thin [Spiritual] dragons raged at the Fatherly [Asura’s] fore, ravening for Bingbai’s flesh as they tore forth.

The [Heavenly Spectre’s Shroud] flickered.

“Oh-ho-ho. Old One, you’ve outdone yourself with this triumph. Were I a younger man I might reap you for my own designs. [True Wind God Arts]. Hmm. A shame there are no dragons of my [Affinities] I might sick you upon.”

Manifested in mist, the Old One hummed his acceptance. “From one master to another, this wizened soul acknowledges your appreciation.”

“Just so,” smiled Bingbai, gesturing to the open mats between laden-shelves. “From the [Cloud Dragon Sutra], [Tempestual Phantom Tribulations], and the freshly ascended [Dao] I have yet to witness, I’m satisfied with your growth. Show me your insight.”

Two [Dao Principles] spread from Hushi’s arm, that of [Frostfall] and their most recently attained [Second Pool] insight - the [Dao of Winter’s Seal].

A swift carpet of ivory frost claimed the open area there at the first utterance, and though he intended his Master no harm, Shuidi sulked when he dismissed the rampant growth with a flick of one finger.

The second flurried snow in a place where no clouds could possibly dwell.

Synergy between these [Dao] plunged the archive into a scene not unlike mid-[Winter’s] influence, but no treasure here was so frail as to be affected.

Bingbai tugged his beard. “The [Dao of Winter’s Seal]. Complex. It is [Second Pool], disciple, and liable to change. But, hmm, no. Gao Fu’s humble origins have a hand in this. Repeat this [Dao], alone.”

The three ceased the [Dao of Frostfall], and focused to order their will solely through the [Dao of Winter’s Seal].

Snow fell, and amidst it Bingbai’s [Channels] became clogged in the downpour. Such was the function of their insight - for they knew snow as potential’s death - an end to [Pull] and future growth.

Yet so too did it clog their own.

[Winter], after all, favored none.

“The [Ink]-” began Bingbai, prompting Fu Gao to summon it - if only for his own study.

“-[Early], this [Dao Principle]. Time indeed to change it. Focus more, disciple, and consolidate your understanding of what you have become. Not what you are. Embrace pride, though it is not your nature. This [Dao] need not be a dual-edged blade.”

A minor flex had the snow cease, and these three dipped their heads. “Gratitude, master. We will meditate on this wisdom.”

“Then, to other matters. Masterly matters, and those that are long overdue. Oh-ho, yes, how remiss I’ve been in teaching my disciples, and isn’t this the core of so sacred a relationship?” he said, clicking his fingers.

Many breaths passed.

Nothing occurred.

“Shameful,” chuckled Bingbai.

Fu Gao smiled as the dust of dramatic expectation settled and a fur-clad figure emerged to their Master’s side. “Brother.”

“Master. Brother,” greeted Zhu in his informal manner, tucking a dark berry atop his tongue as he surveyed the vault. “The Cloud Gathering Division hasn’t been idle, it seems.”

Their Master strolled by one fraction of the amassed [Constellation Seeds] on his way to a raised cushion, coming to rest upon it as though a plush throne.

Both disciples sensed the change, kneeling before it.

“Eternal are our secrets. Known to a thousandth of a thousandth. Of those outwith our venerable Sect - the daring, fortunate and foolish - another thousandth accomplish what we seven shared souls have done. Know this, my disciples. Gao Fu, Hushi and Shuidi. Zhu and Tanshuai. In one regard we are equals.”

Fitting silence followed, and therein he lifted a palm.

But upon it was no flesh.

Had neither disciple spanned as many realms in their tenure, the sight would mystify. A vastness of profound lights, of myriad hued dust, and celestial bodies suspended an endless, blackened void.

“The Jianghu knows naught of me but the whispers I’ve allowed to pass. Though you will know of my fickleness and reason for seclusion in [Twilight Lotus Expanse]. I’d felt the [Boundless Dao] had misnamed me, and so, I began again,” he said, no smile upon his laugh-creased visage. “Thus, I will introduce myself as you will in turn.”

Fu Gao and Zhu pressed their heads lower.

“I am Ban Bingbai. [Primordial Lord of Accumulation].”

These words had the very air tremble.

“Then I am Gao Fu. [Primordial Lord of Tribulations],” returned the first.

“Zhu,” came the second. “[Primordial Lord of Days].”

Days.

An auspicious energy surrounded the three, and it was not unlike [Profundity]. A worldly weight, as though great motions were at work about them.

“Tribulations and Days,” mused Bingbai. “This master extends his pride. Though, this [Primordial Lord] extends his warning. An unknown power is still coveted.”

Trust for his Master almost had Fu Gao’s tongue wag like a fishwife’s, and only Hushi’s silent impression had him refrain from revealing that he knew these things.

“I’ve witnessed many upon the differing spires. These other [Primordial Lords], they’ve some knowledge of us now?”

Bingbai inclined his head as Zhu’s question. “A semblance for those that exert the same [Primordial Law]. Petitioners that have progressed their understanding glean more than those fresh upon their spire.”

“As you do, Master,” offered Shuidi.

“Flattery ever goes far, disciple. Yet I’d suggest you temper the expectations of those within this secreted tier. Don’t allow your vocation to cloud what normalcy might be seen across the Clear Sky. Any of the Cloud Gathering Division are uniquely positioned to attain the status of [Primordial Lord]. Our [Constellation Seeds] are as common as rice to a farmer. Those outwith this are monsters even your peerless Master would shy from.”

Modesty. Then this matter is as severe as a jian’s edge.

Any other would have their pride affect a snort, a sneer or gesture of incredulity. Fu Gao gave thanks his Master was not possessed of the Jianghu’s toxic pride - able to deliver truth where all others would prove reckless.

“As [Primordial Lord], I stand highest upon the spire of Accumulation,” he continued. “My feet, however, are many thousand steps from the peak.”

Tanshuai set herself on Zhu’s shoulder, pensive before her cultivator translated each of her impressions. “Our vocation calls into question another. If a division stands to reap [Constellation Seeds], then the Clouded Courts must hold a division that slaughters [Primordial Lords].”

Mirth winked across Bingbai’s face. “Oh-ho. You overestimate the number that possess this knowledge,” he said, lifting a finger at Zhu’s interest. “Know that I’ll not share names. None are of Days, nor of Tribulations, if this sates some small interest.”

Zhu dipped his head.

“Beyond this, I offer no advice. Accumulation does not know of Tribulation, nor Tribulation, Day. That you’re fit to claim these Laws means you hold greater insight than I into both. All else I might say is moot,” finished Bingbai.

Time passed over which they might digest his words, and these prudent disciples both removed many smaller trinkets and curiosities they wished Bingbai to study in the meantime. A great deal of unimportant things were inspected, or opinions sought, and Fu Gao could only nod as he stored suggestion and solution both within his mental trove.

Wine was offered by Zhu. Then, berries. Those of a dark and rich marbling across their spherical flesh.

“Your tribal namesake,” queried Bingbai, crushing one between his teeth to draw an unexpected cringe. “Bitter and alcoholic. I’d expect no less.”

Fu Gao smiled, rejecting the offer.

Some hours passed until Bingbai drew their session to a close. “Ah, indulgence. Guang has cautioned me on my disciples’ infectious rowdiness, and yet,” he smiled, rising from a small demonstration of [Constellation Seeds]. “Yes, Gao Fu, you’d no doubt share wisdom on carts going before oxen.”

The vault darkened with a tilt of his finger, withdrawing berry, seed and scroll into his own spatial storage.

“With the step to [Primordial Lord], there is no precedent. To beat this dog once more, there exists no vast collective, faction or division against which I might compare rules. Thus I will impart now only what I believe necessary to mitigate risk. So, kneel.”

All did.

Bingbai performed an oddity then, for his thumb and forefinger pinched at his temple to have light emerge in tendrils. Cobalt blue shone bright as two spectral serpents were drawn from [Mind] and set to wait upon his palm.

“This technique is beyond me, younglings. Tread as you would.”

The ghosts awaited instruction.

“A boon, to accelerate what would come swiftly with time. Herein is insight of the [Sky Sundering] stage [Prowess]. An ascension of the [Clouded Ghost Arts].”

There are mountains beyond mountains and shadows beneath shadows, but what might we become with so profound a boon?

Fu Gao and Zhu lifted their heads in unison, and spoke as such. “This gift is too much.”

“It is not,” shook Bingbai. “No thing is too much for a [Primordial Lord]. A thing you will come to know, my disciples. All it requires is an equilibrium with my own insight - a foundation through which my knowledge might spread.”

Pincers clacked. “The [Clouded Ghost Arts] are not enough?”

“They are… impersonal. A [Dao Oath] must serve as this link. An amendment to those first spoken in the Four Corners Prefecture.”

A subtle spark lit in Fu Gao’s [Spirit], unprompted.

[Primordial Law].

[Tribulation].

This moment had it resonate.

“As you wish, Master,” said Zhu.

“As you wish,” mirrored Fu Gao.

“Then, by the [Boundless Dao], and on your Qi, declare it. Declare that you have conquered your first death, and risen as an instrument of the Cloudy Serpent Sect. That you have known glory only through unseen acts and tended the dark that our brethren’s scales might shine ever brighter. Declare now that you have become the serpent’s driving fangs, that which knows no other cause but to drain the lifeblood of unworthy foes. Swear it upon the [Dao], disciples, and have the Heavens acknowledge that you are the embodiment of the serpent-that-waits, vessel for the Matriarch’s will.”

And so it came in righteous [Profundity].

An [Oath] solidified.

Amended and reinforced.

It was then Bingbai’s serpents were loosed, burrowing into each ghost’s navel with a force to fracture mountains.

Fu Gao’s lips remained sealed despite such sudden torment.

Zhu crushed many dozen berries in his mouth to dull the pain.

But all sensation but this faded.

Sight.

Smell.

Taste.

Touch.

All sound save for a single, internal echo. That of a pain-mirrored voice from one that held no flesh to feel it - albeit one that swiftly faded under agony.

“The [Three-Eyed Spying Array]. It returns.”