What defines the circumstance that delineates the creation of one composition over another?

Such a question holds as myriad answers as the [Dao].

It is posited that [Soul Qi], in base form, reacts to the soul. For why would it not, given such as a name?

Then what markers are present in the soul that allow such differing results?

Of [Soul Qi] and [Fire Qi], why does the smith gain [Bloodflame Qi], and the baker, [True Soulflame Qi]?

Natural elements are the foundational blocks for [Affinity], yet here it muddies.

[Pure Water Qi]. [Corrupt Water Qi].

[Tribulatory Lightning Qi]. [Demonic Lightning Qi].

[Spectral Qi]. [Autumnal Wind Qi].

[Violet Saber Qi]. [Transcendent Sword Qi].

Amplifications that adhere more to concepts than the ambient, natural Qi of their brethren. A half-step into [Origin Qi], possessed only by the vaunted immortals of our venerable Empire.

Drawn, as this humble doctor has theorised, from the individual. From the yearning of one’s spirit, and the inner desires of one’s situation.

It comes from within, forged in the [Core] of those who wield it.

“The Whimsy of Composite Qi,” collated teachings by the scabies of [Humbled Divine Doctor]

[Impurities] had well stained the mats upon which Fu sat. A cascade had filtered from his pores, and this blackened sludge had the gasping breaths he now took border on suffocation - so noxious was the smell.

Five days had passed, though he held no measure for the time spent during this [Meridian’s] final cleansing.

All he knew was pain.

Some humming rawness that chimed in resonance with his partners.

Yet, the benefits were clear.

The changes were immediate as the [Ink’s] characters reached harmony with his body. An increase to the volume to their [Core] and each smaller [Meridian]. A prescience of awareness that highlighted the activity of his [Inner Qi].

Hushi’s continued bolstering, which he impressed as his own [Might] increased.

“As read,” Fu breathed. “[Body] was our first Path, and thus continues to grow. Shuidi, do you feel these changes? Or is it simply your attributes of [Mind] that broaden?”

With a wriggle of her pincers, the [Spirit Crab] waivered. Their link was far more shallow than he and Hushi’s, and limited to a certain extent.

“Little [Might],” he asked, parsing the received impressions. “And Hushi, this first [Meridian] was akin to opening our own [Dantian]. Are the benefits shared?”

The reply was negative. If a similar little, as Shuidi’s.

Then we will grow with each [Meridian], only it is more so along specialised paths. This confirms that at least our cultivation is in harmony, as not all achieve this.

He drew into his spatial ring and swallowed the contents of a particularly debilitating poison named the Red Asp Venom. The [Hundred Immunities Fruit] consumed it greedily, eager to nourish itself with the most potent tincture in their squads’ supply.

Exercising his new [Control], Fu took hold of the transformation. Slivers of the influx entered his inner grasp, manifesting itself as [Soul Qi] to be stored in their [Core]. Ten threads of one hundred, as any more had both his [Air Qi] behave erratically and the potential Qi drain in ratios that left his supply less than desired.

The merits of a peaceful life. Time to dedicate to my cultivation.

Fu endeavoured to spend it wisely.

“Master Ban,” greeted Niwai, her voice bold beyond his screen. “We have returned.”

At his bidding, Shuidi manifested [Water Qi] so Fu might scrub himself down. Only then, once changed and cleansed, did he enter the main division.

“Disciples,” returned Ban Bingbai, breaking from his parchments. “Already can I tell that your duties are fulfilled. In timely fashion, no less.”

The women set themselves on a knee before his desk, proffering a long azure reed to the Master.

With only Zhu to aid in the development of his technique, Fu’s training had yielded slow progress. Though here, he focused. The ring that surrounded his [Core], the [Primordial Constellation Gate], hummed.

His did not behave as Zhu’s did, for when he filtered his [Senses] through this it returned a great deal more than the simple acknowledgement of a [Constellation Seed].

No. The [Old One’s Whisker] ran rampant. Feedback from innumerable sources assailed him, suppressed only by his intent. It was as a cast net, yet first he had to pry the rocks free from its clutches to reveal what he sought.

Regardless, Master Ban plucked the [Constellation Seed] from her palm. A smirk upon his lips as he observed Fu and his obvious struggle. “[Foundation Realm]. But of use to someone, I should think. Well done, disciples.”

Niwai and Linhua bowed once more. “We extend gratitude for the Master’s notice,” they said. Most queer to Fu, however, was that this came in tandem.

I had expected Niwai to ask on the seed. Or assert herself as talented in the Master’s eyes. The [Mystic Realm] may have done her good.

The noise roused Zhu from his quarters, and had all members of the squad present.

Ban Bingbai expressed notice at this. “I’d inferred rewards, didn’t I, Guang?” he asked the [Spirit Tortoise], receiving a slow nod. “The [Spring Equinox] tournament draws ever closer, and so I’d be remiss to grant free time. Pills then? Is this favourable, disciples?”

Both women nodded, and a vial of three alchemical orbs appeared in the hands of both. Their colours, and effects, matching respectively. It marked their departure, and a second oddity, for the pair exchanged an unknown look as they entered their quarters.

“Gao Fu, Zhu,” spoke Ban Bingbai, a summons immediately followed. “I’ve appreciated your diligence in training, for these days are absent of activity. However, disciple Gao, I’d welcome you to cleanse your room of [Impurities] before joining us again.”

A long distant emotion drew over Fu. Embarrassment. “This disciple will depart immediately,” he said.

“A task saved for when conversation is done, Gao Fu,” he chuckled. “If nothing else, it’s nostalgic. Now, with our division nigh restored we’ve matters to address. While all aspects of our Clouded Courts fall beneath the Elder, her oversight is lax. Contrary to the execution of your previous Squad Leader, I’d say. Yet, a missive has come with rare direction.”

Assumedly to support this, the parchment was drawn into view.

“You’ll understand that the elusive nature of the treasures we deal in, and the silence that surrounds each demands patience until it does not. Hence this extended lack of duties. In regard to this, your task is thus,” he said, and had a separate leaf of parchment arrive before Fu. “A promising disciple of ours has begun the process of defection. An outer disciple of the true Sect. Shameful, isn’t it? To abandon those who’ve fostered you.”

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on NovelBin. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

The parchment listed comprehensive notes, alongside an emboldened scrawl detailing the woman’s [Constellation Seed].

“This duty falls to us as her treasure should not be in the hands of another Sect?” asked Zhu.

“As you say, disciple,” nodded Ban Bingbai. “The circumstances involving a [Constellation Seed’s] absorption are as rare as phoenix feathers. Such power is reserved for the Cloudy Serpent Sect’s interests. To that end, she’s to be retrieved. Her state ill-matters, only that she yet lives upon delivery.”

🀩

Immediate attention was given to the duty, cutting Niwai and Linhua’s rest short. Yet no disciple voiced complaint, where, beneath Sun Zheng’s leadership, Fu’s own thoughts may have resembled such.

Suspicion over his growing fondness for the man was a vexation indeed. Though if any of his comrades felt similarity, their surroundings took priority.

The Four Corners Prefecture was a sea of distant stars below. Specks, for Fu now walked among the Heavens. Delivered by the grace of a [Spatial Array].

A sight such as this was one he wished Yuqi might see one day, for he knew of his children she would enjoy it the most.

Golden light bathed the Lotus Blade Sect’s domain, radiated from the inscriptions upon the titanic spear. [Winter] highlighted, for its [Season] was in effect.

Significant even from this height.

Fu led from the front, garbed in the cherry-red hanfu of the Cloudy Serpent Sect. A douli of the same shade masking Hushi beneath, however much he wished to peer. The view from a warship was one rarely squandered, after all.

True disciples roamed this outer deck, if such names could be used. In truth they roamed a fortress’ walls, save that a hull was where the base took root and no ground as would be common. It was a storied thing of sloping roofs and stone-carved serpents, connected by sweeping staircases on either side.

The woman’s quarters were within. One [Eighty Third] Vibha.

At pre-dawn, few disciples crossed their paths. Diligent experts and their [Spirit Serpents], to which Fu gave the customary nod. But their presence was not so infrequent that they might discuss openly.

Thus it was upon the grand ascent to the Sect’s main building where they first spoke. “I need not say it,” began Fu. “But haste and discretion are our allies here. Vibha is noted to frequent the training hall at this hour to master her spear. Her routine may not change if she fears suspicion of her actions are upon her. Thus Niwai, you will go with Zhu to ensure her position.”

The landing was reached, which opened into an airy vestibule of many grand entrances. Replete with all the grandeur of banners, statues and intricacies that would fit a vessel of the Cloudy Serpent Sect.

What sparse time was allowed for preparation had seen each ghost inscribe the layout before departure, and so the group split in two.

Linhua fell in step as Fu moved for Vibha’s quarters.

“Junior sister,” he said with a conversational tone. “The time spent within that [Mystic Realm] has steadied your arm. It is apparent in how you walk.”

Open conversation took the woman by surprise, having her stammer. “This.. this junior sister is grateful for the experience,” she attempted, though her gaze fell as the density of disciples increased.

Fu gave a smile. “Yes, I have often found simplicity best.”

“Simplicity, senior brother?”

Myriad, tantalising scents assailed them as he pulled open a screen. A stretch of simple, if well crafted benches filled the canteen beyond. Thinly populated by near one hundred Cloudy Serpent Sect disciples.

“The simplicity of two disciples sharing conversation, for example,” he said. “A foundational aspect. A mundane thing, and often ignored.”

Linhua’s shoulders lost a mite of rigidity. “As you say, senior brother.”

“Your sabre work, then. It has improved?”

Their destination was a straight line- a screen at the canteen’s far end. Though the route was plagued with potential trouble. So, for each step that Fu stole forward he expanded his [Senses], brushing upon the cultivation of those ahead.

“A Beast Tide was in effect,” she said. Her tone, revealing.

Many here are at the late stage of [Core Formation]. We had best stay clear, lest they question our [Clouded Ghost Arts].

“This senior has faced such a force before. Yet he had walls and comrades to rely on. Perhaps the junior sister should hold her head higher, for she yet stands here despite it.”

Half of the hall was crossed.

Something in his words stirred Linhua, for she turned. “The [Mystic Realm] was not so different then. My sister disciple was a valuable comrade. And… and true to the orders she was given.”

Either Niwai has some hold over her now, or she speaks the truth. I had not marked Linhua as a liar, though this is no thing I would stake my life on.

Commotion broke behind before Fu might question further, and to maintain their appearance, both turned to face it.

A simple, boyish disciple had rushed into the room. His cheeks were flush from effort, and the mark of a [Foundation Realm] or early stage [Core Formation] cultivator. Now stooped beside his fellows, he whispered a frantic message.

What use do such things do in a room of profound talents?

Fu did not count himself in this number, but even his meagre [Senses] returned some of the relayed words. More so, when the news was passed among further benches.

“Sister Vibha is in challenge with another disciple. The boy claims he has never seen her so enraged,” clarified an unwittingly helpful woman near Fu. “Heavens help the fool that has brought her to this.”

At this, many rose with the intent to spectate. A flock that quickly departed through the screen.

The ghosts crossed their own threshold, and used this disturbance to find the room outlined in Ban Bingbai’s orders. As it was with the [Twilight Lotus Expanse], such intelligence was peerless, cutting short a search through countless identical corridors and screens.

His [Old One’s Whisker] denied the presence of any [Arrays], and the downfall of self-righteous, arrogant disciples allowed entry through an unlocked latch.

Inside, Fu gleaned no personal effects. A mere mat in one corner, and the window that now trickled a modicum of light upon it. He might judge this as the quarters of one ready to leave were it not a mirror of his own.

“The roof is low, and holds no rafters. Suspicion would swiftly rise were we to loiter in the corridor.”

The window, fashioned in geometric lines, would not lift. No matter the [Arrays] placed upon the warship to ward it from the elements, to open one at this height was a fool’s errand. Nor could Linhua support herself on the exterior for long, were it to.

His gaze settled on her. Her previous words conflicted with this challenge that Niwai had no doubt instigated.

Now is not the time for such thoughts.

“The opposing quarters,” he said, and moved on in expectation of their target’s arrival.

🀩

Distantly, the brooch upon his hanfu resonated. A signal from Zhu to warn of Vhiba’s departure.

The irregular huff of the disciple sleeping beside Fu had Linhua start, to which he responded in silent gestures. His [Hundred Poisons Synthesis] then coalesced more of the Restful Slumber Draught upon his fingertips, which he dropped in the man’s mouth.

Done under the guise of a vial in his palm.

Fortune had delivered them to the quarters of this early [Core Formation] disciple, though he mused it was only logical that the less powerful would be asleep at this hour.

Squandering the resources available to them.

A span of time passed where the sun barely edged higher, and the screen beyond their own slid open and shut in sequence.

Eighty Third Vibha had returned to her quarters.

Shuidi impressed on Fu to hold further. The ambient Qi ahead had shifted, marginally, as revealed through her own [Senses].

Vibha replenishes her [Inner Qi]. Then Niwai’s attack may have held merit, to drain her strength before our bout.

Simplicity that he would have to consider himself when planning future missions. An oversight he was grateful for, though it warred with his general caution.

Let us hope her loss has not drawn too much attention.

His chain appeared, entering his grip. Then he nodded his assent to Linhua.

[Half Cloud Step].

Through hastily opened screens, Fu blurred his blade towards a [Spirit Serpent] atop the Vajra’s lap.

Ice blazed.

His blade gouged a finger’s width deep, now lodged in a sudden wall of white.

But a spear thrust next. Feathered and lethal, it was dodged only by [Control]. For he contorted around the weapon. One hand pivoting his entire form to spring sidelong and rebound around the glistening sheet.

Vibha’s [Art] blossomed again. A breakage might have sounded thereafter, had Linhua no control over her technique. Though Fu’s notice went to the spilling shards, and the ever puncturing spear.

Continual stabs that trounced his ability to counter.

No wide room, [Half Cloud Step] pounced him from wall to ceiling. In dives, inversions and fine, narrow motion.

All the while his chain flew, the reach borne of his [Dao of Wayward Breezes] escaping in golden light. Preternatural skill combined with his [Dao Principle], encaging the surroundings with such a length of chain that it appeared serpentine in its own right.

Glacial masses punctured from the walls to dissuade this. Fleet, savage icicles that snagged his attempt or ceased the momentum of his chain.

Hushi blurred through the [Wind Phantom Strides]. A slickness of poison upon his arms.

Ban Bingbai’s intelligence placed Vibha as one on the Path of [Harmony] first, and [Mind] second.

The [Spirit Serpent] could not match in [Might], but held other talents. Its [Intent], frigid.

Frost burned across both Fu and his partners, growing in severity the further the distance closed.

Linhua cannot last much longer. Nor can we wait for disciples to notice the oddity.

An impression told Shuidi to ready herself.

[Dao of Wayward Breezes].

Fu lurched his chain back, both removing the [Reach] of his [Dao] and breezing into the draft created by its retraction.

The feathered spear thrust at his arrival. Both cultivators, a blur.

[Mist Qi] gushed atop Vibha, for Shuidi expelled her entire [Core]. A blinding of white moisture besieged the room.

Yet Fu’s hope of turning the fight was dashed.

Colossal tides of [Ice Qi] surged out in response, a veritable storm exploded in the compact room.

Silence.

Air.

Pain.

A riotous wind screamed into Fu’s ears, accompanying the gale that buffeted his body in three separate directions. No scrap of his torso was spared from where the ice had impacted, nor his spine where he had blown through the exterior wall.

With open sky below, above and aside, he saw the Four Corners Prefecture in its full splendour. One hundred, hundred-thousand lights.

Shock had them grow closer before he recovered, and spun. Ice sprayed far above in the conjuration of a bridge, guiding his mark to the safety of a far lower warship.

I would not lose my assignment on the first request given by Master Ban.

Fu grimaced.

[Dao of Wayward Breezes].