《Beware Of Chicken Alternate Universe: Soaring Heaven's Isle》


 Prologue: Want of a Nail

    Prologue: Want of a Nail


    A man called Jin Rou stared out into the sky from a floating ind. It was silent, save for the asional gust of wind.


    He sighed.


    When Gramps had said he had to go, Rou hadnt known what to expect. Gramps had said he was going to a sect, and Rou had been quite excited. He even said that he would be calling the person they were meeting Grandmother.


    Rou went to sleep that night excited. And woke up to the stern eyes of a woman on a floating ind.


    Most of her face was hidden behind a veil, but her icy blue eyes were so sharp he feared that he would be pierced by them.


    This most certainly wasnt a woman to call grandmother. Indeed, she had introduced herself to him as Lady Falcon.


    She was a strange woman, Lady Falcon. She had the same air about her as well, she would probably kill him for thinking it, but she reminded him instantly of a brothel madam. The kind that brooked no foolishness or disrespect. He had had dealings with the Reddies before, odd jobs like cleaning, or rat catching, or even taking out their trash. Most of them were, if not kind, fair to an orphan who didnt steal and did his job withoutint. Once Madam Red Oak had even gotten her girls to heat him some water bought him a meal after he spent the day hip deep in sewage, clearing a backed up sewer drain.


    Dont let your eyes wander, bow appropriately, and answer all of her questions to the best of your ability. That was how one got along with such a woman, and didnt get the bouncers called on his ass.


    Lady Falcon seemed to approve of his demeanor, and woulde by asionally to check on him. He wasnt allowed to ask her anything about cultivation But she checked up on him and spoke to him about his progress.


    It was weird.. But nice. She even took off her veil, once. She was stunningly beautiful, but Rou managed to tear his eyes awayand then she has started visiting even more often. She started staying for hours at a time, asking him about his life, and swapping embarrassing stories about Gramps. She had told him about the time when he fell off a building right into a pile of shit, and Rou hadughed for a good ten minutes.


    Even now the thought brought a smile to his face.


    Rou took a deep breath, and turned away from the edge of the floating ind, and back towards his home.


    The house was big. The finest thing Rou had ever set foot in. He had an entire floating ind to himself, and he had cultivation manuals from Gramps he could use.


    But it was kind of lonely. There was no sound, save the wind and the birds. Rou had grown up in the city, and to suddenly have the silence was unnerving. He was looking forwards to the day when Lady Falcon visited him again.


    His musing was interrupted by an explosion. He nearly jumped out of his skin, at the sound of the detonation, whirling around just in time to get hit by a backwash of air and Qi


    The swirling tornado of two cultivators locked inbat mmed into his ind.


    Blood filed his mouth, and the world went dark.


    =====================================


    Eh Seiyu, I think we hit something. One of the women said, as she dragged herself out of the crater.


    What? These inds should be emptyoh heavens, did we hit a storage house? The woman named Seiyu got up and looked around, her keen senses catching something in the rubble. Bailu! We hit <em>somebody</em>!


    Bailu paled. Ah, hells. Ill get the medicine. We can kowtow to our sisterter<em>thats a man.</em>


    What?! A man? In the Soaring Heavens Isle Sect? Who would dare


    There was a sudden crack of disced air, and an outpouring of intent so fierce it drove both of them to their knees.


    Elder Minyans veil was stained red from where she had spat blood into it. Her eyes were wide and panicked, as they looked on to the near dead boy in Seiyus grip.


    Then, her eyes narrowed with fury.


    ====================


    Tianzhe Minyan was staring at little Rous face, as he slumbered. Her own emotions were at a boiling point.


    He was grievously injuredbut he would live.


    Really, that bastard Shen Yuing to her sect with a <em>boy</em>! And asking her to take care of him! The boy wasnt even Yus blood!


    But, damn her, she couldnt refuse when the bastard came to her and asked politely. He bowed! He never did that!


    <em>I considered the Cloudy Sword Sect. but.. I trust you the most to look after him, Miner.</em>


    Her face heated up at the memory, the tenderness with which he askedhow weak was she to blush like a fairy hundreds of years her junior!


    She had said yes without thinking! And then, when she realised what she said she would do.


    Look after a boy <em>Shen Yu</em> called his grandson!


    One he had personally raised! The grandson of that infamous lecher so close to an all female sect?!


    She had expected easy confidence bordering on arrogance; the epitome of a man forging ahead on his own ideals, just like Shen Yu.


    Thank you for having me uh, Gramps said I should call you Grandmother, but The boy winced.


    Grandmother?! The cheek of Shen Yu! But the boy was at least smart enough to actually ask her.


    You may refer to me as Lady Falcon. She told the boy.


    Instead, she got a boy who was nervous and unsure of himself. He wasnt cocky, and instead he was a diligent, hard worker though some of his questions were most amusing! He asked her if she needed the trash shoveled so he could earn his keep! How amusing! He had spoken of his life and his hardships without resentment. He was earnest, in a way that was rather refreshing, if she was honest.


    Had Shen Yu actually raised this boy?! Minyan had her doubts. But he was amusing to talk to, and She now had several stories for her sisters. Shen Yu, getting his wine reced by horse piss? She had managed to hold in herughter until she got back to her pavilion, then was indisposed for the better part of half an hour. Oh, Minyan was going to bring that one up, when she saw him next.


    But while his temperament was quite pleasing, his outlook was not. He thought he was weak and hopeless, because Shen Yu said he was. Really, the boy had only been cultivating for Six years, and he was already at the fifth stage of the Initiates realm? It wasnt astounding, but it would have reached Minyans expectations for any of her own disciples, especially since the boy had not received any resources!


    Shen Yu was absolutely <em>useless</em> at raising children. Not that Minyan really had experience either, but she could tell that much. Her loins had not produced any fruitShen Yu was too hung up on that fool woman and her demonic spawn to notice her desires. Minyan would have produced a much more suitable heir than <em>that</em>, but no, Shen Yu had sworn off a child of his blood.


    The bastard.


    But she supposed little Rou was fine enough. He was particrly good at growing herbs, she found. There had even been notes on his table that was some manner ofbined techniqueone that would be quite interesting.


    He had grown on her, the child. Polite, hard working, and diligent. Something she would want in her own child.


    And nownow he wasying in the medical wing, barely clinging to life. Minyan had spat blood and nearly had an internal deviation when the wards had broken, and she had rushed over to see what had happened.


    Her own students! Her own damn students nearly killed him!


    It it had not been ideal. Shen Yu had trusted her with this, and the boy had nearly died through the actions of Soaring Heaven Isles disciples.


    Minyan touched the boys neck, confirming the weak but steady pulse, and then turned to where two disciples still had their heads pressed against the floor, frozen and unmoving.


    Literally. She made sure to avoid the nerves, so that they could experience their muscles freezing and defrosting, rupturing and liquefying then freezing again after their Qi-empowered constitutions healed the damage.


    You two are very, very lucky. Minyan informed the women. She idly considered freezing thempletely and then shattering them anyway. He yet lives, and thus, you yet live.


    She unfroze their mouths so they could answer her magnanimous actions.


    .We thank you for your benevolence, Elder! Both girls choked out. We are ready to pay with our lives for harming your son!


    Son?! Well, she supposed it was a bit of an obvious choice, Tianzhe Minyan being so protective of somebody else? Unheard of. But it was still annoying.


    Is it true?! a voice demanded, as Lili, the Crane of the South Wind, materialized out of thin air. Her eyes were wide. I was wondering what all thismotion was aboutMiner, is it true?! You have a son?


    Tianzhe Minyan was screaming internally. Any other answer would have a lot of problems


    ...Yes, he is mine.


    With whowait, is he?! Shen Yu?!


    Minyan inclined her head.


    Her Sisters eyes widened. Shen Yu finallyMinyan! Why did you not tell me! She whined, as she hugged Minyan, her gesture full of warmth.


    ... I did not want to test our Sisters tolerance. The rules are absolute.


    Lili puffed out her cheeks. Such a stickler! Who would dare deny Minyans child the protection of our sect?! I will fight tooth and nail for your rightsoh, we have to tell the rest of our Sisters!


    And just like that any chance of keeping things quiet went out the window.


    ============================

 Some Things are Fate

    Some Things are Fate


    Lifees at you fast. Or rather <em>death</em>es at you fast. Dont even remember what happened, but it must have been truck-kun, because my ass is getting the Isekai experience.


    Or at least I think I am. Im a little unsure if I''m the dude from the other ce, or if I suddenly got an influx of memories after my ass got pasted.


    Whatever the case? Well, it''s all a bit wonky, ya know?


    I breathe in, hold it for ten seconds, then breathe out, finallypleting my cultivation for today.


    Man, meditating fucking sucks. I probably wouldn''t even be cultivating, but thedies in charge here said they had great hopes for my healing and future development and I didn;t want to know what happened if I disappointed them.


    I grunted, and opened my eyes. The tree Im sitting under provides a nice amount of shade, but it looks like something out of Dr. Suess. It''s a cross between an oak and a dandelion; thick strong boughs terminate in giant piles of fluffy, floating seed pods that disperse on the breeze.


    The grass is green, and the entire ind just oozes tranquility. The architecture is straight out of a wuxia film, elegant and flowing, a private little spot to contemte the mysteries of the universe.


    I take another breath and let the tension bleed out of my shoulders.


    Even with the stress ced on me, I have to say, Im thankful for the second chance at life. Hells, if you were to take a look at what Ive got going on? Youd be forgiven for getting pissed at me.


    Because the body I woke up in is the body of the one and only Young Master of the Soaring Heavens Isle Sect, one of the strongest sects in this world. Jin Rou was the son of Tianzhe Minyan, the Divine Falcon of the East. A cultivator whose strength is peerless, a divine beauty whose name echoes throughout the world.


    I wake up every morning in an utterly luxurious mansion on a floating ind reserved for my sole use. I have practically all the amenities of a modern life using crystals to pour water or light my room. I have techniques and training at my fingertips most people would kill for.


    Hells, Im even the only man here. Soaring Heavens Isle is an all female sectand the girls here are all very curious about their new Junior Brother.


    It was like something straight out of a standard harem isekai. The kind of story where the main character obtained phenomenal cosmic power with his super OP cultivation system, got all the pretty girls, and then ruled the universe or something.


    It seemed like I would be set for life. Just sit around, cultivate, and reap the rewards of being the Young Master of one of the most powerful sects in the world.


    There were just two<em> tiny</em> problems. Or rather three. First, I dont have a system. Or if I do I sure as shit cant find it. The second? Tianzhe Minyan isnt my mother.


    But Rou, you say, youre an isekai! Of course she''s not your souls mother, but you should treat her with love and kindness!


    Which, fair enough, I actually agree with you. It would suck to have your kid supnted by some stranger from an alternate dimension.


    But that brings us to problem three.


    <em>This body isnt Tianzhe Minyans son</em>. I had memories of two mothers. One was a nice Canadiandy who I love very much. The other was an equally lovelydy from Crimson Crucible City who enjoyed her tea, waiting tables at the familys tavern, and died of the gue along with the rest of Rous family.


    No. Jin Rou was a street rat from Crimson Crucible City, thousands of miles away. He had been picked up and trained by an entric old bastard I only knew as Gramps, who taught him how to cultivate. Then one day, out of the blue, he said he needed me to stay with a friend for a while. I had been expecting a minor sect. Instead, I woke up to the veiled face of Tainzhe Minyan who hadnt been <em>entirely</em> happy to see me.


    Still, the monstrously powerful old woman who didnt look a day over twenty had taken care of me. She stuck me on an ind that was abandoned with a small house on it, because by the rules of her sect I couldnt live there, being a man and all. Still, it wasnt too bad. The ind was really nice, and she even came by once a week to see how I was doing.


    Id like to think I had grown on her, at least a little. I was no longer an annoyance, but an acquaintance, at least. Shed slowly rxed around me over the months. We drank tea and swapped stories about the old man. I think Minyan had a thing for Gramps or she was getting ckmail. She was happy for nearly a month after I told her about the time I made him a hand warmer that was full of cow crap.


    That was going to be my life. Hiding out on an ind, cultivating, and talking with a nice and probably kind of lonely olddy.


    Well, that was going to be my life until two disciples from Soaring Heavens Isle decided it would be a great idea to test out their newly learned techniques by having a knock-down drag-out brawl through the abandoned inds, and conveniently smashed into my house with the force of a thermobaric bomb.


    I think that had killed me. <em>Maybe.</em> I felt my heart stop, that''s for sure, and then a bunch of memories flooded in.


    But well, after that, the cat was out of the bag, the sect had found out about me, and I assume, in a moment of panic, Minyan had imed me as her son so I could stay instead of being unceremoniously chucked off the floating ind.


    I had still been hopped up on whatever medicine these guys used when they called me into a big meeting, instated me as the Young Master of the sect, and told me to get better.


    The other Elders of the Sect had looked really fucking suspicious of me while the entire thing had gone down.


    I was an imposter paying at being the son of a super powerful woman who had stuck her neck out for me because of a deal she made with the man who had adopted me and if any of that was revealed she would lose a massive amount of face and I would probably die at the hands of said female sect for deceiving them.


    So <em>yeah</em>. Wee to the new world. Here''s yourplimentary stress ulcer and tension headache.


    I turned my gaze to the thing I had purposefully made sure wasnt in my line of sight. The Soaring Heavens Isle Sect. It was a massive ship, as big as a city, shattered and beached on a floating Ind just slightly above mine. The ship that could no longer fly had been turned into a fortress, and now just kind of floated there menacingly, casting a shadow over thend, and serving as a dock for other, but less powerful ships.


    It was simultaneously beautiful and terrifying.


    Quite frankly? I kind of just wanted to get out of here. I briefly entertained a fantasy of leaving the floating inds and starting up a small farmbefore I sighed.


    There was no way I was escaping Soaring Heavens Isle at least not with the tools I had currently avable to me.


    I turned away from the Sect and looked up into the wild blue yonder, the azure horizon dotted with the asional ind or flying ship.


    The sky had always meant freedom but right now, it just seemed <em>stifling</em>.


    I needed to be somewhere other than <em>here, </em>but I couldnt leave the sect. But even if I couldnt leave the sect, there were a few ces I could visit but that meant, well, asking for help.


    I debated the thought for a moment, before reluctantly deciding that my desire to leave the ind was greater than my desire to not have to deal with my help.


    Bailu. Seiyu. I called, getting the attention of my minders.


    Yeeeeessssss, Young Maaaaasssterrrrr! I heard a voice call, as a stunningly beautiful woman with long blue hair and electric blue eyes sprinted towards me. She leapt, tucked her knees in, andnded on all fours, her head grinding against paving stones as she skidded thest few meters until she was in front of me, and offset just slightly.


    Another, equally beautiful woman, one with violet hair, grey irises, and a little mole under her left eye just plummeted out of the sky like a meteor, mming forehead first into the ground directly beside the other woman in a perfect kowtow.


    How may these ves serve the supreme, benevolent and handsome Young Master? they chorused, both of them shamelessly trying to kiss my ass.


    Internally, I grimaced at how they had addressed themselves. I mean yeah, they were the two who had killed me, but it had been aplete ident. They thought the ce was abandoned. I had said as much to the Elder Council when they asked me what I wanted to do with them for their sin.


    I honestly hadnt actually wanted to see them again, when I had said I didnt want them dead.


    Instead, Minyan assigned them to me as servants. To work off their debt. Lanlong Bailu, the Typhoon Wing, and Wakokukin Seiyu, the Tsunami Wing. Two women who could tear apart mountain ranges with their bare hands, and <em>literally</em> cause typhoons and tsunamis. They were <em>immensely</em> powerful cultivators.


    My minders and maids. So loyal to the sect they had been willing to die for it.


    They scared the shit out of me, honestly.


    They also fucking <em>sucked</em> at anything domestic, and despite the fact that they were ostensibly to do anything I asked them too, I ended up doing all the cooking and cleaning. Normally they just stood guard, and watched me while I cultivated or tended to the only thing that brought me some measure of peace my garden.


    I sighed again. Get the ship ready. Imanded. I want to see the town.


    Yes, Young Master! Both of them shouted.


    Anddies? I asked pleasantly.


    Yes, Young Master? both of them asked.


    This time can you <em>not</em> constantly shout <em>Make Way for the Young Master?</em>


    The cultivators blinked, obviously confused.


    But then somebody might get in your way, Young Master.


    I took a deep breath and counted to five.


    ..maybe this wasn''t such a good idea, but damn it, I was going stir crazy!


    ==========================================================


    Going to the city turned out to be a pretty good idea.


    This was a ce I, or rather Rou, was more familiar with. The hustle and bustle of a medieval city. Albeit a medieval city with really good waste management, and effectively most modern conveniences in the form of crystals.


    It was a cool ce. If one ignored the two women giving death res to anybody who stepped too close to us.


    They were <em>seriously</em> harshing the vibe but I had learned a secret technique since thest time I had been here.


    Bailu. Can you pick up some good wine? And Seiyu, get some of the best rice you can. I was thinking of seared Cloud-Eater Tuna for dinner tonight. I said, mentioning the flying fish that was absolutely delicious.


    The alcoholic and the glutton froze at my words, both of them swallowing thickly as they imagined my cooking.


    Yes, Young Master! they shouted. And then they were off.


    I smiled, as they disappeared, and once more, the city seemed kinder and more weing.


    I had a wonderful time, just wandering around, and being well, me again, rather than the Young Master of the Sect.


    Eventually, though, I ended up in the lower, poorer districts, and came across a man selling chickens.


    One caught my eye. He was a young, handsome devilthe quintessential rooster. Fire red feathers transitioned to cobalt blue wings, and he had a jade green tail.


    I smiled at the rooster, and the little man puffed himself up before me. I reached into the cage, and stroked his developing wattles. The rooster was obviously pleased by my scratches, and leaned into my fingers.


    I fell in love instantly. He was so cute! I kept scratching him. Men except me may not be allowed but they didnt say nothin about a rooster.


    Im going to call you Big D. I told him.


    He let out a terrific cry, just ever so slightly reedy on ount of his age.


    I chuckled. You tell em, Big D.


    ===================================

 Lessons in Language

    Lessons in Language


    Ganbei! Bailus Young Master cheered, as he held up his cup.


    Ganbei! Bailu and her buddy, Seiyu, shouted, as the heavenly scents of dinner invaded their noses. Sei was already drooling at the sight of the Cloud-Eater Tuna. There were so many dishes! Fish soup, seared nk, fish pie there was even some of it raw on rice, and Seiyu was looking at it like she was about to ascend. Seiyu had made some of her tribes food for Bailu before, but she was still unsure about it being raw. The texture was weird.


    Yet she wouldnt shame her Young Master by not partaking in the food he had made for them! After what had happened, Bailu had resolved to live each day to its fullest, and without regrets!


    She nearly shuddered just remembering Elder Minyans face! Getting impaled, crucified, and puppeted around by the ice shards in her muscles had <em>really</em> hurt! But, wow, Elder Minyan had been lenient! After they had nearly killed her son, she hadnt tormented them for a thousand years!


    And then the Young Master. They had hurt him so badly they had cracked his foundation, and knocked him all the way down to the Fifth Stage of the Initiates Realm! Obviously, Elder Minyans son would have been way stronger than that! To think that the <em>Wind that Blows away the Clouds</em> could do such damage, no wonder it had been in the restricted section!


    They had hit him with a technique from the Blood Arts purgeYet he had taken pity on them, and begged the Elders to spare their lives! Sure, he didnt really look like a Young Master. He looked a bit more like a farmer with his freckles and his bs of muscles, and even more now that he had brought that rooster today but his benevolence was surely that of a saint!


    Bailu and Seiyu had been brought to tears by his magnanimousness, and had resolved to serve him as best they could!


    But.. but over the month they hadnt really been too much help! He cultivated alone, and was <em>way</em> better at cooking and cleaning than they were!


    Again, his genius shined, for even in simple tasks he could best two cultivators of the Earth Realm!


    They had been with him for a month already, watching over him as he diligently cultivated.


    He was kind of slow, but he was working on a techniquesome technique involving <em>nt growth formations</em> of all things. But it wasnt their ce to question! It was their ce to serve!


    Even if he really didnt treat them like his property, which they were. Young Masters were supposed to be arrogant and domineering werent they? Like Elder Minyan, but a guy!


    But he wasnt. It was strange.


    Normally, Bailu wouldnt care, but this was the man who she owed her life to! And not just that, Seiyu owed him as well!


    She would do her duty and get to the bottom of things! She observed her Young Master, and nearly spat out a mouthful of wine when he fed his new pet some of the Gold-Grade Rice Seiyu had brought for them.


    .Well, he was a Young Master in terms of resources at least! That was good!


    They ate their fill of the delicious meal, and Bailu cleared away their dishes.


    Their Young Master was smiling at his cock, and stroking it when they returned.


    Alright. Im going to head to bed tonight. Thank you for sharing the meal with me, Bailu, Seiyu.


    Young Master, do you need us to warm your bed tonight? Seiyu asked, the same as they had asked every night.


    Their Young Masters smile became brittle, as it did every time they asked.


    No. Like I said before, that is unnecessary.


    Bailu squinted at her Young Master. She knew she was pretty. A jade beauty, like all the boys were fond of saying! Seiyu was a looker tooher tits were <em>way</em> bigger than she bound them down to be. It was a damn stupid tradition her people had, to hide such wonderful treasures under bandages!


    But both of them shoulda had their Young Master all over them. That was what Young Masters did, after all! They ked their lusts on all the pretty girls! That was what all Bailus Senior Sisters had said when she was younger. And lots of men had asked her, sure! But not <em>their</em> Young Master.


    It wasnt good to go too far against ones nature! Just like it was bad for her to stop drinking!


    So! Young Masters were lustful beasts! But their Young Master wasnt taking his lusts out on them, which meant


    Bailu mmed her hand into her palm.


    Ah, Young Master, why did you not tell us! Well prepare the ship to the city, and take you to the finest male courtesans!


    Seiyus eyes widened, as did the Young Masters. Bailu felt proud, having figured everything out!


    Then the Young Master started spluttering. Wha? No, no, there''s no need for that!


    Bailu grabbed his hands in hers. Young Master! Never hold yourself back, or be ashamed! Your humble ves here will support you in all your endeavors! Go! Go to that paradise you have denied yourself! As long as you continue your line, who cares about the small stuff?


    Their Young Master stared into her earnest eyes, sucked in a breath, waited for five seconds, then let it out.


    <em>I like girls.</em> Bailu blinked at the resolute tone in his voice.


    Bailu just stared. Had her intuition been wrong?! He was telling the truth! How shameful of her!


    Then... why <em>arent</em> you using us? Seiyu asked.


    Their Young Master sighed.


    It''s well, it feels skeevy, okay? You two are basically my ves, and have to do everything I tell you and it feels <em>wrong</em>. I dont. Want to take advantage of you. Im not that kinda guy. Besides. You two kinda feel more like my older sisters than anything, yanno? His voice cracked slightly. He swiftly stood, and turned. Good night. He told them both.


    Bailu and Seiyu stared after their Young Master. Bailu pressed her hand against her chest, and felt her heart beating. Seiyus mouth was open lightly.


    They had hurt him so badly and yet he still cared for them so?! He fed them. He took care of them and now, he denied their advances to spare themhe called them his Elder Sisters! He respected them, after everything!


    Bailu looked at her Sworn Sister. Seiyu nodded.


    They would prove themselves worthy of such care!


    For their Young Master they would give it their all!


    ============================


    My life went on.


    It was nice to have a pet, and Big D was my constantpanion as I spent my days cultivating and well, <em>cultivating</em>.


    I finallypleted what Rou had been doingtrying tobine a bunch of different nt growth techniques into one and then I promptly tested it out on my little garden. bBy the next week my herbs and seasonings looked better than ever.


    Out of everything cultivation rted, that was the most interesting to me. It was so cool seeing how much stronger and healthier the nts were.


    And while Big D was my only malepanionship he wasnt much for conversation. Screaming at Bailu and Seiyu, yes. Actual <em>talking</em>, no.


    So I started trying to talk with them a bit more. After that really awkward end to dinner, the two had been well, more open. Before they had been snarling guardians and now well, they were acting a lot more like the big sisters I had told them they were like.


    It had been a deflection on my part. An attempt to end the conversation about a topic that one part of me was perfectly fine with well... <em>yeah</em>.


    Rou didnt care too much, but I felt a bit gross even thinking about it.


    In any case, I learned that Bailu was from a temple that worshiped a Dragon Ancestor until she got kicked out from getting drunk one too many times, and beating the tar out of the head priest.


    Seiyu, meanwhile, was from a tribe called the Waa people who lived on a barren, storm-wracked archipgo and were most known for being pirates and Seiyu had apparently been the chiefs daughter. She was a <em>literal</em> pirate princess.


    On my end, unfortunately, I couldnt tell them much but I mentioned some of the training I had done with Gramps.


    The story about the piss and his wine was fast bing my go-to for breaking the ice.


    It.. well, it wasnt bad. Time passed slowly, and dashed along at the same time.


    =================================================


    Three of the Four Winds of Soaring Heavens Isle were seated around a crystal, looking on and watching as Shen Rou cultivated. Baishi Lili was observing his form as he sparred with Bailu and that was certainly one piece of good luck.


    Bailu and Seiyu were both fine cultivators of their sect. If a bit.. Well. Neither had a lot ofmon sense, those girls. It was good that Shen Yus son was merciful, considering who his parents were. Losing their Storm Wings would have been a blow.


    She watched as he bowed to Bailu after he received a pointer. His foundation was near perfect, but his actualbat arts were.. Lacking. It was a discrepancy, but Shen Yu had apparently convinced Minyan to spend over a decade on the boys foundation alone, constructing it without any resources at all. Which was incredibly slow and inefficient, but it exined how he was able to survive their foolish girls directly hitting him with the Wind that Wipes away the Clouds.


    Hpmh. I still cant believe he''s yours. Freckles, and that <em>body</em>. Such a brute! He looks nothing like Minyan! Han Song said, her eyes narrow as she stared at Shen Rou.


    Have you forgotten what colour my hair was, back then? Minyan asked, raising an eyebrow, and Song paused to think. Indeed, Minyans hair had once been brown and hadnt she had freckles? Of course, she had covered them with makeup, and shed them when she had refined her body, but she <em>did</em> have a few of them, oh, eight hundred years ago?


    As for his body yes, he looks little like me.. But at this the normally resolute Minyan paused, her eyes on the young man. She looked like she was struggling to speak, her eyes growing distant. He has the same frame that mine Elder Brother had.


    Song froze, and Lili herself paused. Nobody dared to speak after those words left Minyans lips, for she never invoked the memory of her Honoured Elder Brother lightly.


    All of them knew the tale of Tianzhe Minhao.


    The man who had raised her after the death of their parents, sacrificing everything for his little sister, and eventually giving his life to ensure she could make it to Soaring Heavens Isle. He had died in battle against a Spirit Beast, the mortal managing to y it before sumbing to his wounds.


    Even after nearly a thousand years, Minyan still honoured his memory; she never failed to observe the anniversary of his death, evening out of closed door cultivation to pay her respects. His funerary tablet and ashes were seated in a shrine that looked out over the sea, far below the floating Ind.


    Minyan still thought the world of the man even nearly a thousand years after he had passed on.


    Hells, the only reason why she had epted Shen Yus advances was because of a reason the man didnt even realise. They had all been drinking together, centuries ago. Minyan had left to get more booze. Shen Yu had found Minyans memorial shrine and then, in his drunken stupor, the man had kowtowed to her brothers tablet, poured it a drink, and then respectfully asked permission to court his sister.


    Minyan hade back to see Shen Yu doing that and the rest was history.


    And if Minayn said he looked a bit like her brother well. Who would dare question that?


    Lili sighed. There was obviously <em>something</em> up. But if Minyan was bringing her brother into this.. Then she meant that she had at least some connection to the boy.


    ================================


    Lady Minyan came to visit again, and check on my progress. It was nice having tea with her.


    Bailu and Seiyu.. Well, theyre alright, I guess. Ive started sparring with them, and theyre <em>really</em> good at that. I said, as I swirled my tea.


    Minyan chuckled slightly. Indeed. That is their greatest. And only strength. Sometimes I wonder about those two fools.


    Wepsed intopanionable silence.


    Then, I spoke again. How are things on well, your end? Im not causing too much trouble for you, am I?


    Minyan nced at me, before looking away. There''s a bit of suspicion, but theyre leaving things alone. Worry not about your Auntie. I shall keep my promise to your grandfather without fail.


    I paused at her, referring to herself as my Auntie, then bowed my head. Thank you for everything.


    Once more, there was silence, and then Big D pped in through the window. The roosternded on my shoulder as was his custom and then he noticed Minyan, and cocked his head to the side.


    A rooster for a pet? she asked.


    Hes the only other man allowed up here. I replied. But he''s real smart. Watch this! Big D, bow.


    The rooster hopped off my shoulder, arranged himself in front of Minyan, and executed a perfect bow.


    Minyan raised an eyebrow.


    How noble a beast. she deadpanned.


    He''s a big help. The crops are attracting a lot of bugs now. Im actually afraid hell get fat. I told her, as I stroked his feathers.


    Minyan frowned. There''s an anti-pest ward around this ce. If a bug is getting in, it''s no ordinary vermin.


    I blinked. Well, I can show you if youd like.


    Minyan nodded, and then we were off to the garden, Big D on my shoulder. Minyan raised an eyebrow as we got to them, and bent over, looking at them closely. Big D spotted a katydid, and immediately lunged for it, kicking it viciously off the garlic and then pecking it to death.


    How did you get them to be like this? Minyan asked. Theyre full of Qi.


    I showed her the technique. It''s great. It''s almost like the nts and the earth are speaking to me. I said.


    Minyan took the scroll. For a moment I thought the look on her face was strange. But then the look was gone.


    Interesting. she stated simply. These are quite interesting. Ill have someone reinforce the wards. Until then, <em>keep up the good work, Big D</em>.


    The rooster nced up and looked like he nodded, his beak full of bug.


    We walked and talked a little more, but eventually she had to go but before she did, she handed me a scroll.


    There is onest thing. My sisters wish for you to learn more about our history. Read this, and memorize itall true members of our sect have,


    So that night I sat down to read and one passage stuck out to me.


    <em>In Qi-rich soil the men-folk nted the seed of the God Shipselected carefully from the best and strongest trees of the forest. With their souls, and the help of the Spirit did they nurture it, and with their deep voices they sung it into shape.</em>


    <em>The men-folk? </em><strong><em>Grew</em></strong><em> the God Ship?</em>


    Soaring Heavens Isle cut down trees, and hammered them together like normal shipwrights.


    This well. What the hell. I nced further down the passage, as it detailed some of the ritual they had used.


    I frowned, and pulled out my own scroll. <em>If they did that like that, then maybe this would work and maybe I could have some freedom.</em>


    <em>Nothing was more free than growing your own skyship.</em>


    That said, everything about growing a ship said it needed multiple people to power it Maybe I could get Bailu and Seiyu to help?


    =======================================


    When their Young Master asked for their help on a project, Bailu and Seiyu had been ecstatic to help!


    He told them there was a secret technique they needed to learn, and they could assist him on whatever he was doing.


    However, the technique proved that he was truly Elder Minyans son. It was sublime, it was beautiful. It was a bitch and a half to get to work properly, especially because her cultivation clearly didnt like what he was trying to show her.


    Bailu melted another set of herbs and groaned.


    It''s alright. You did better that time. Her Young Master said, encouragingly.


    Bailu sighed. Why couldnt he just scold her like a normal cultivator?


    So Bailu tried again, this time, making her Qi go into a different


    The nt exploded, coating herself and the Young Master in green. Bailu flushed.


    <em>Baka-Sama</em>, keep it up, and youll get it eventually. Seiyu told her


    At that, their Young Masters head whipped to Seiyu.


    <em>Baka-Sama?</em> He asked, looking dumbfounded.


    Bailu was d for the change in subject. Seiyu, my dearest friend, bestowed upon me a title from her tribe, the Wa! It is a title of utmost respect, It means Great Lady!


    Their Young Master stared at Seiyu, who was smiling that strange little smile she got whenever Bailu told people about her title.


    ....It doesn''t mean Great Lady, it means <em>idiot</em>.


    Bailu froze. What? There was no way her greatest friend would. She paused, and turned to Seiyu. Seiyu was gaping at their Young Master, and her eyes widened. She shot in front of their him, and took his hands from her.


    <em>Anata wa Wako hanashimasu?!</em>


    Uh, just a few words? I made the sushi because Ive heard you muttering sometimes.


    Young Master! Seiyu gasped, pure joy sparking in her eyes.


    Bailu, however, felt her eyebrow start to twitch. Seiyu hadnt denied that Baka-Sama meant idiot.


    She had been calling Bailu that for<em> forty years</em>. She had proudly told people that her title was Baka-Sama!


    Oi. You barbarian bitch. Bailu snarled, her Qi starting to rise around her.


    Seiyu froze, and sweat started to bead on her forehead.


    ....Sama <em>does</em> mean Lord or Lady. Seiyu tried.


    Bailu punched her in the jaw, flinging her away from the Young Master.


    <em>Kuso sakana! Ahoga!</em> Seiyu roared, as she rocketed to her feet. Their Qi shed, as it had a thousand times before.


    Their Young Master sighed, and both of them froze.


    No Qi techniques. he decreed.


    ====================


    Six hourster, both of them wereying on the cratered ground and panting. They were evenly matched, as they always had been.


    Their Young Master looked at them, seeming exasperated. Do you two have anything to say to each other? he asked,


    Ive got nothing to say to her. Bailu grunted. How dare she? Forty years? Bailu thought they were friends!


    Like I would speak to her. Seiyu agreed.


    This was the end of their friendship, damn it! Bailu would never talk to that bitch again!


    Their Young Master sighed.


    Seiyu. Why did you start calling her that? he asked. Seiyus eyes widened. She looked away. Seiyu. Tell me. the Young Master insisted.


    She had just stolen thest of my wine from home. Seiyu said, after a moment.


    Bailu paused, craning her neck to look at Seiyu. Wait, shit, I did?


    Yes! It was thest gift I ever received from my mother! Seiyu growled back.


    Bailu paused. She had held Seiyu as her friend cried when she learned about the death of her mother. And she had drank thest of that gift?!


    .. and <em>all</em> you did was that? Bailu asked, incredulous. Bailu, if somebody had drank the wine Seiyu had given her.. She would have killed them.


    You were the only person who didnt treat me like a barbarian.


    Bailu digested her friends words. She opened her mouth, then closed it again. Then, she spoke. For any other person, these words would never exit her mouth. But this was Seiyu. And she never would have known unless their Young Master had forced them to talk.


    And really, it <em>was</em> kind of dumb to be mad about it.


    Im sorry.


    Seiyus eyes widened, then she looked away. Im sorry too.


    Their Young Master smiled at them.


    Ill run you both a bath, so you can talk this out, eh? he asked.


    Bailu looked to her best friend and Sworn Sister. Seiyu nodded. Both of them sprung up, and captured their prey.


    Such a benevolent Young Master! As thanks, your Senior Sisters will wash your back! Bailu cheered, locking her arm around his neck.


    <em>Ara ara</em>. We have to make sure he''s very clean, dont we? Seiyu asked.


    Their Young Masters eyes bugged outically.

 The Most Powerful of Cocks

    The Most Powerful of Cocks


    The Great Master had given him the name <em>Bi De</em>. He knew not what it meant, but he knew the name was his. He knew it was powerful.


    But he was not.


    Not yet.


    Awareness was a fickle thing. It came, and it went. But he <em>knew</em> during those times. He thought. And he was elevated above those who were beneath him. His senses were sharper to betterbat the foul demons, the <em>interlopers</em>, that dared to sup upon his crops. They were tiny things, and his instincts screamed that they were his natural preyyet it took all his might to y even the least of them, their shells resisting his beak and spurs.


    But the battle was always worth it, for the mightier the beast, the tastier his prize. He ate of their essence, and they strengthened him, so that he could better keep watch.


    It was a job he took great pride in, and aplished each night without fail. His Great Master always praised him for his efforts, and stroked his wattles in a most pleasing manner.


    During the day he had the privilege of riding upon his Lords shoulder as he worked, tending to thend with sublime grace. It was an honour to witness him in action, taming this floating world with his mighty spur, infusing their food with his very essence.


    And so he sought to improve himself. He ran through the Great Masters Lands. He did battle with countless interlopers, and he too gave his energy to the growing nts. His Qi swirled around him in arcs as he worked, growing stronger and smarter each day.


    For indeed, strength, as he had learned, was not everything.


    His Great Masters hens had might that boggled Bi Des mindyet they were foolish creatures. The clucking females failed at simple tasks routinely, exploding the Great Masters nts, and cratering thend with their petty squabbles!


    Truly, they were best to be yoked andmanded by his Lord, because they could not use their own strength properly!


    Bi De huffed and shook his head to clear the visions of the fools from his head. They had been especially rowdy yesterday.


    Instead he watched the glorious sun rise, filling thend with its warmth and glorybut more importantly he felt the shift in the air, as the wind began to change. Such a subtle, yet powerful thing, wind. Flowing and changing direction at themand of the sun and the moonyet smaller actions could change its course.


    Mercurial and ever changingyet he tried to make sense of it anyway.


    He basked in the warmth and the currents, and lifted his voice in greeting to the star, as was right and proper.


    And then, his duty done, he set off to bask in thefort of his Great Master. At this time in the morning, he would get to slip under the covers, and be tended to most tenderly by his Lord.


    He was in a good mood as he leapt up to the windowbut there he froze, fury filling his heart at the scene before him. He was nearly to the point of spitting blood.


    The foolish hens <em>dared?!</em>


    Bi De red at the females who had <em>invaded</em> his Great Masters nest, and stolen Bi Des rightful ce. They were draped over His Great Master, their ugly, fleshy bodies pressed tight. The purple one had the audacity to <em>drool </em>on him, and sully his body with her fluids, while the blue one was squeezing tightly enough that his Lord was frowning and squirming.


    A mans nest was sacred! And these these.<em> Harlots</em> dared disturb him in his own private quarters?!


    Bi Des fury could be contained no longer. With a mighty crow he descended upon them in his full glory, his voice thunderous in his chastisement.


    The females shrieked as he beat them about their head and shoulders. He unleashed a devastating twenty-five hitbination onto the blue one. To his chagrin, even his spurs left not a mark upon her flesh, but his overwhelming intent had her fall, iling from the nest.


    The purple one next received his ire as hetched onto her nose with his beak. She jerked her head back and forth with almighty strengthbut Bi De held on, and she could not dislodge him. Only when she too fell out of the nest did he let go, and leap protectively to stand before his Great Master.


    The two hens red at him, growls building in their throat. Their eyes narrowed, as they stalked forward. Bi De hissed at them, crouching low and puffing himself up.


    They could y him effortlessly, he knewbut he was his Great Masters favoured servant, and thus higher in the pecking order.


    They <em>dared not</em> raise their hands against him.


    Indeed, their advance stopped, as his Great Master ced his hand on Bi Des back.


    Well. looks like we slept in a bit, so we should get ready for today. he said.


    The females backed down, and Bi De once more insulted them for their impropriety as they fled.


    Thanks for the save, buddy. his Great Master said, and stroked Bi Des wattles.


    He preened, and pressed himself into the loving touch, d he was of use to his Master.


    =====================================


    Despite being woken by that bastard of a bird, Seiyu was still in a good mood as she watched over her <em>Aruji</em> as he diligently cultivated his strength. He was doing well, she sawsome manner of inspiration had struck, and already he was at the Second Stage of the Profound Realm despite the injuries inflicted upon him.


    She felt a small smilee to her face as she looked on. He truly was worthy of the title <em>Aruji</em>. Her Lord. He had first spared her life, and yesterday, he had stopped her from doing something truly foolish. She nearly pushed her <em>nakama</em> Bailu away over a stupid little argument. And yet her Aruji had stepped in. He took the helm of their ship with confidence, and guided them safely through the storm-wracked seas.


    He would look good in a proper ship lords raiment. A katana, a fan, and sailing the high seas. His voice when he hadmanded her to spill some of her secrets had also been very nice.


    Sure, it was kind of his fault he had revealed Seiyus little deception, but that was water under the bridge! He knew some <em>Wako</em>! Not just some of the words, but he had made her sushi! At first she had just thought it an odd quirk of cuisine from where he had been from, to have a dish so simr to her home, but he had done it on purpose, <em>specifically for her!</em>


    Seiyu blushed slightly, as her eyes traced her Arujis strong back.


    She had to admit, his appearance was growing on her too.


    At first she hadnt thought much of how big and muscled he was. He didnt look l.like a proper, handsome cultivator but the feeling of falling asleep on such arge, firm pillow had been nice. She was also beginning to see that he had a bit of charm; his reactions were cute. Especially when he tried to flee from his rightful reward! Why, he nearly had steaming out of his ears as she and Bailu had washed his back!


    <em>Fufufufu</em>. she giggled to herself. He reminded her of her cousin, back when she had been on Wa. The little fool had been cute as a button, and called her Onee-chan!


    She paused, and her eyes began to shine, before she cut the thought off. No, her Aruji calling her Onee-Chan would be too much! She could feel her breathing faster, as she imagined her Aruji looking up at her with a smile!


    Something mmed into the side of her head, and distracted as she was, her foot moved a step to the right to bnce herself. She whipped around to re at Bailu, who was the only one who dared to do such a thing but it <em>wasnt</em> Bailu.


    Bi De stood before her, and he screeched angrily at her.


    Seiyus face flushed at the sheer shame. She had just been forced to take a step because of a roostershe paused, as she felt his meager strength. The Initiates Realm? A <em>Spirit Beast</em>? This little bastard had glutted himself on so much Qi he had ascended?


    Her Qi flexed, as she prepared to obliterate the little annoyance


    Oh, hey Bi De, her lord said fondly, reaching out for the bird. Seiyuu felt her anger fizzle out as she looked at that smile. It was so boyishly charming. A smile worth protecting.


    Seiyu carefully banked her strength. He brought her Lord joy. It was not her ce to dispose of his servants. She instead calmed herself by looking at Rous smiling face as he pet his rooster


    And and <em>was that little piece of shit smirking at her</em>?! He had a beak! <em>How was he smirking at her?</em>


    Seiyu felt like she was going to explode. Bailu, however, intervened, the dragon fool grappling her, locking her limbs, and shooting off to the other side of the ind.


    Im gonna kill it! Im going to stick it in a soup pot and make broth from his bones! <em>Anata o korosu tsumorida!</em> Seiyu raged,psing into her native tongue.


    Bailu startedughing, which only made her angrier. She mmed her head back into Bailus nose.


    Her friend yelped, then mmed her head back into Seiyus.


    To Seiyus eternal shame, that was how her Aruji found themtaking turns headbutting each other.


    Uh can you prepare the ship? We need to go to a forest on the main ind he ventured.


    Of course, Young Master! They shouted, bowing.

 The Sky Shanty

    The Sky Shanty


    Then atst pull the rope though like <em>this</em> for the Binding The South Wind Knot. Bailu instructed, as we worked through the specialized knots I would need to know, the wind blowing through our hair.


    I made to pull it tight, fixing the sail in ce, but Bailu tapped the back of my hand. Not too tight, Young Master. It will decrease the speed of the ship by nearly three percent. It needs some give to properly catch the currents.


    Yes maam. I said reflexively, her current demeanour so different from her usual that it was jarring and Bailu blinked, before shaking her head.


    No! No Young Master, never call your Bailu maam! It''s improper! She scolded me. Bailu is Bailu, servant, or hey you!


    Yes, Senior Sister. I jabbed, and she huffed, but I saw a little smile she couldnt restrain.


    I backed away from the mast and sail, satisfied with my work, and turned to Seiyu.


    The tiller is yours, Young Master. She said, rising and bowing, and I took my ce at the back of the little skiff. Seiyus eyes were locked onto me, ready to correct any mistake.


    Honestly, when they werent getting on my nerves, Bailu and Seiyu were actually good teachers. They were surprisingly patient, and what was better, they had actually <em>listened</em> when I told them to correct me instead of kissing my ass.


    They werent ve drivers, but they were both exceedingly particr about the functions of a skyship, even though realistically, they didnt need one. Both of them could fly, and both of them could <em>easily </em>break the speed of sound.


    Still, I put it out of my mind as I concentrated on my job. A skyship was <em>mostly</em> like a normal ship. It had a keel, masts, sails, and capsizing could be catastrophic. But unlike a normal ship, this skiff was actually built around a piece of material known as Floatsthe highest grade of the normallymon material, Soaring Heaven Grade, that could support thousands of pounds. It was a fascinating material. Normally, Floatstone had a certain buoyancy about it, and floated at a certain height in the atmosphere. But with some Qi control, you could make it more or less buoyant.


    That lesson, however, was forter. Today, I was just learning how to use the three dimensional rudder, learning how to ascend and descend with just what came standard on the ship...something all initiates of the Sect learned.


    The skiff we were on was only about twelve feet long, pointed and tapered to cut through the wind. And with my hand on the tiller, I instantly fell in love with it.


    I couldnt wait to grow my own.


    It was an amazing flight, with Big D on my shoulder, and my maids ready to correct any mistake. Big D was no parrot, but he just felt right there, staring majestically forwards, and asionally shifting on my shoulder. At first I had been confused about what he was doing, but then I realized he was <em>really</em> good at reading the wind currents.


    So I started following his shifts.


    Youre a natural, Young Master. Seiyu praised.


    .themplimenting me was normally annoying, but I did crack a smile at that one.


    I settled back onto the tiller, the wind blowing, and floating inds passing us by. It would be an hour yet before we reached our destination.


    <em>I remember our master called us away, From the blood and the fire of those forlorn days. </em>Bailu began, her voice rising with the wind.


    <em>There she did tell us youre ragged and spent! Then at her orders, to home we went.</em> Seiyu continued


    <em>Oh, the skies fill with stars, and the wind blows our way. We haul to the south, where the fairies once yed. To the springs and the meadows, and those forest des; We sail to the ce where we spent better days. </em>their voices joined together, harmonizing perfectly.


    I sat back to listen as two pure sweet voices started up, to my surprise, a sea shanty. Or would it be a sky shanty?


    I didnt know.


    <em>I remember the dances, the ys and the songs.</em>


    <em>The crowds and theirughter as we pushed through the throng</em>


    I listened to a mournful tale about a war against demons, and the people who had lost their other halves finallying back to a ravaged home. A victory, but one that felt more like a defeat.


    It was one of the most beautiful songs I had ever heard. Even Big D remainedpletely silent, just watching and listening.


    I felt tears gather at the corner of my eyes, and as the chorus came around again, I couldnt help but join in.


    <em>Oh the skies fill with stars and the wind blows our way</em> I started. Both Bailu and Seiyu looked back at me, and smiled.


    <em>We haul to the south, where the fairies once yed.</em>


    Their beauty, framed by the sky, took my breath away.


    <em> To the springs and the meadows, and those forest des; We sail to the ce where we spent better days. </em>We all sang, our voices carried by the wind, and I felt a bit of camaraderie with the women.


    It was almost enough to make me forget that they had gotten in a headbuttingpetition earlier today.


    <em>Almost.</em>


    ======================================


    Eventually, we arrived at thergest Ind of the Archipgo, which was probably as big as the entirety of Ennd and to the forest that had been mentioned in the scroll. A forest where I could gather strong seeds to nt, and grow my ship or at least attempt to. Honestly, it was probably a pipe dream, but hey, it was something to do.


    I swallowed as we beheld the forest.


    The Hinggan forest was<em> intimidating</em>. I had seen plenty of old growth, had plied the trails of Algonquin and the rainforests of British Columbia, but just<em> looking </em>at the Hinggan forest filled me with a kind of primordial apprehension.


    It was a <em>sea</em> of greenand it didnt help that I reckoned the trees growing there to be an <em>average</em> of <em>four hundred </em>feet tall.


    There was old growth and then there was <em>this</em>.


    We sailed over the forest, until we found a small clearing where we could set the ship down and anchor ourselves.


    And then, we hopped off the ship, and stared into the dense forest.


    Well take care of anything nasty, Young Master. The Spirit Beasts here are mostly in the Spiritual Realmbut well let anything your level through. Elder Minyan said you need more experience!


    I barely managed to keep myself from letting out a cowardly yelp when Seiyu said that.


    Instead, I took a breath, steeled myself, and started marching. I had no idea what I was looking for but I had a feeling I would know when I found it.


    All four of us set off into the forest.


    ===============================


    I sucked in a breath as I ducked under a massive shing w, my body already having quite a few cuts over it. The Stonecleaver Badger, which looked like a deranged, bipedal wolverine roared with fury, its eyes mad and focused on me.


    Watch your footwork, Young Master! Bailu advised from where she was standing off to the side, Big D in her arms. The rooster looked like he wanted nothing more to jump into the fight but this thing would have killed him instantly.


    The walk had<em> started out</em> pretty nice. At first I had been tense, but that tension had bled away with just how unbothered the girls had been, just treating this like a nice walk through the forest.


    Bailu had a bottle of wine in her hand, while Seiyu made mochi with her bare hands, instead of the mallet that was normally used.


    asionally, however, one of them would disappear for a moment, there would be a surge of Qi, and then they would reappear just as abruptly, without a hair out of ce.


    The hours had gone by as I picked up seeds, and examined them. The scroll had said a man would know when he picked the right seed, and none of them had appealedpletely to me so far. There was something about them So I carried them with me, looking for a ce to nt themter.


    That hadsted until I found a spot in the forest where the sun shone down more than other ces. It wasnt quite a clearing, and in the middle of it was arge hardwood tree on a small hill.


    Stupidly, I had decided that this was a great way to go the tree was a teak tree, historically used to build shipsonly for the small hill to turn out to be the visible part of a Spirit Beast Den.


    The Stonecleaver Badger had not been happy to have me tromping up to the tree. It was a Spirit Beast in the Profound Realm, so instead of Bailu and Seiyu just disintegrating it Bailu had plucked Big D off my shoulder, and said Kick its ass, Young Master!


    Seiyu had just smiled, nodded, and left me to it.


    So now I was locked in a life or death battle while two women cheered me on. The Spirit Beast was fast, and took a couple of my punches. While I had hurt it, it only made it angrier, its swings bing wilder.


    Honestly, my heart wasntpletely in the fight despite the danger. I had intruded on this creatures territory but if I ran, I would risk exposing that I wasnt Minyans son. A powerful cultivator wouldnt hesitate, and just kill the beast.


    Its eyes suddenly gleamed, and I threw myself out of the way as it made an exaggerated shand energy des leapt off its ws, cutting through the tree that had been on top of its mound.


    I grimaced as the old hardwood toppled, mming to the ground, and the badger shot after me, snarling and frothing.


    It this kept up much longer, more trees would fall and the Badger was dead


    It was dead either way. Either by me, or if I actually got into a pickle, Bailu or Seiyu would destroy it.


    I sucked in a breath, and looked for a moment. Soon, the Stonecleaver overextended, its strike shattering the ground around us.


    I got into the stance Gramps had taught me, and braced.


    It was a simple punch. Probably the simplest of punches.


    From the foot, to the leg to the core to the chest to the arm to the fist. The thing I had practised every day since the old fart had taken me in.


    The effects were a bit more than I had been expecting. My fist mmed home into the Spirit Beast''s chest, and I felt its ribs shatter under the impact as the bones were driven into the Spirit Beasts heart, lungs, and stomach.


    It blinked, seeming confused, as blood sttered out of its mouth. The confusionsted only a moment, before rage once more entered its eyesbut I pulled back, reset myself and <em>ended</em> things with a sickening crunch.


    A rooster crowed, and the girls cheered.


    A well-refined punch, Young Master! Seiyu praised.


    Good job on that opening! Bailu enthused.


    Part of me was exhratedbut another part just felt <em>sad</em>.


    Our Young Master will have a great core to refine tonight. Seiyu praised.


    I sighed, and frowned at the wrecked clearing, and cut down tree.


    A fight that hadsted maybe thirty seconds had destroyed so much. Bailu had already ripped open the Spirit Beasts chest and removed its core, cleaning it off with some water.


    She handed it to me with a smile. I took it, and rolled the small orb around in my hand. I frowned at the corpse of the creature, and then back at its den.


    Young Master? Bailu asked, as I entered. Thankfully, there were no cubs or anything in here.


    Then, I walked out, and picked up the corpse.


    Bailu and Seiyu just seemed confused about what I was doing, as I ced the Spirit Beast back in its den, and copsed it. Then I pressed my Qi into the ground, stimting growth.


    A poor repayment. But a repayment nheless.


    Bad luck to leave such destruction in your wake. was all I said.


    Bailu and Seiyu both had unreadable expressions on their faces as I collected a seed from the tree.


    This one still didnt feel quite right. But something about it I reached into my pack,a nd pulled out two other seeds. One of maple, and one of Oak.


    Maple for a mast. Hard oak for the keel. Teak for the rest.


    I picked up and looked at the Spirit Beast core, before nodding.


    <em>And a core, to help them grow.</em>


    There was a shift and then I <em>knew</em> I had the right things.


    We ended our expedition there for the day. But I had an odd feeling we were being watched, as we left the forest.

 Disciple of Stone and Wood

    Disciple of Stone and Wood


    There once were two great beasts that roamed thesends. The God Beasts, they were known as, for their power and might. One was a beautiful Bird, whose feathers were all the colours of the rainbow. She soared through the sky, free as could be.


    The other was a Deer. His steady stride was unimpeded by mountains or forests. They roamed where they willed, and asionally met. When they did, they would discuss what they saw on their journeys.


    The Bird was fiery and passionate,posing songs as she zed a trail across the sky, and fighting when any offered her insult. The Deer was patient and kind, carving mountains into beautiful sculptures. Each gave perspective to the wonders that they had seen.


    They started meeting more and more frequently, until they just never left each other, wandering together across thend.


    Until one day, they came upon a people. They lived in a forest, and were kindly folk. When they beheld the beasts, they bowed in respect, and offered their hospitality.


    Intrigued by these little ones, the beasts epted, and they were d they did. So taken with the food and drink provided to them, the God-Beasts gifted the mortals their boons.


    The Deer imed the menand the Bird imed the women. The men inherited the Deers vitality, growing horns and his eye for working wood and stone; while the women grew beautiful wings with which to soar through the air, and some of her fiery temper.


    And thus, the men lived with the Deer, and the women followed the Bird. They waded across thends, meeting to trade stories about life in the sky, and life on the earth.


    Things were good for a time. Until the demons came. They poured over thend, consuming everything.


    There was but one safe haven; and thus, did the Bird pluck up the Deer in her talons, and carry him to her nest, while the women gathered the mentogether, they settled on Soaring Heavens Isle.


    The Deer crafted great wardsa wall of mist, and hid the isle from the monsters, creating a safe haven.


    But their wanderings came to an end.


    The Disciples of the Deer settled in the forests and the mountains, living a life of simplicity. The Deer taught them to be kind and respect all things; from the beasts they ate to the water they drank. Under his direction they crafted great fortresses, and defensive formations.


    The Disciples of the Bird imed the meadows and hot springs. They too lived simple lives, living off thend, and honing their bodies. In the blue sky, under the direction of the Bird they trained in the arts of war, honing their des, and learning songs with which to woo their male counterparts.


    And thus their life continued, with them only meeting to have children, and trade stories, as they had for so long.


    The Deer and Bird too consummate their rtionship, their Qi mingling to create all manner of little beastsall with their mothers beautiful wings and their fathers kind heart.


    But the men had a dream. They dreamed of being able to fight alongside their sisters. To fly as they did, and never be helpless again. They did not begrudge them their flightand so they went to their sisters, and shared with them their n.


    The women, so touched by their brothers desires and pleas, agreed.


    The men gave their horns unto the earth, and from them sprouted great trees. With their sisters, they sung them into shapeand then the sisters gifted the men their feathers, infusing them into the earth and the masts.


    And thus, the First Skyship was born.


    The Deer and the Bird were shocked at what the people had made and yet were pleased. For now the Deer too could fly in the sky with his beloved Bird, and they could truly journey together.


    For a time, they were happy. But the Demons boiled and seethed outside, and despite the Deers sublime skill even his wards began to fail.


    Demons slipped through, killing with abandon, poisoning, and consuming.


    The mood was grim. The Demons were many. And so, for their people, the Deer and The Bird made the ultimate sacrifice.


    They gave their bodies and souls to craft three weapons that would surelyy the demons low.


    Something grand. Something unprecedented.


    <em>The God-Ships</em>.


    The men, the stalwart defenders. The women, the zing sword. The children of the God Beasts, the fairies, infused the weapons and armor of all who could fight.


    The barriers fell. The demons poured in.


    And ughter followed them.


    The God Ships obliterated them in their millions. And yet, the demons were a devious, wily foe.


    Their infiltrators struckand even the God-Ships could fall.


    Two were destroyed. Thest one was boarded.


    The Disciples of the Bird, soaring through the heavens, were spared. The Disciples of the Deer perished nearly to a man.


    Thest ship was beached on purpose, a bastion where thest of the children remained.


    The screams of anger and anguish of a people who had lost all their fathers, their brothers, and their sons tore open the sky. So savagely did they fight to avenge them that the fabric of the world started to crackand then, at the firing of the <em>Heaven Breaker</em>, the Soaring Heaven Isle itself shattered.


    And thus, did the Disciples of the Bird have their victorya victory that tasted like ashes.


    The Bird and The Deer were dead. The only remaining boys were too young to have ever been taught the secrets of the ships.


    The desecrated meadows and burned forests were silent, the fairies having fought to thest.


    Yet from the ashes, arose a phoenix. A Crimson Phoenix, and his Cloudy Sword.


    He offered the Disciples of the Bird a chance. Join him. For <em>vengeance</em>.


    It was an offer they would never refuse.


    The Skyships rose once more, battered and beaten. But never broken.


    And thus, did the Demons learn <em>fear</em>.


    They warred for centuries. They warred until the demons fell, and were banished from this world.


    And then, they returned to their Isle. The Disciples of the Bird standing alone.


    They lived as the Bird had bid themkeeping to their own sex. Even torn in half, and without their counterparts, they were mighty.


    But the ships were never again as powerful.


    They tried to recreate what had been lost. But too much was gone. The men they chose, sheltering them in thest God Ship never did learn how to harmonize their souls with the Disciples of the Bird, and never did find the seeds that suited them, even as they nearly scoured the forest clean.


    They tried and they tried.. Until the practice petered out, lost forever.


    ===============================


    Then one day, the dregs of an Old Deers soul noticed another that was broken and repaired with gold.


    He traveled with a spirit of wind and fireand two Disciples of the Bird.


    His soul yearned for freedom; to soar high and free.


    The others burned with an earnest desire to help him achieve his dreams.


    He traveled the forest and gave thanks for each seed; Even his enemys spirit was freed.


    The ancient, spent Deer observed it and found it good.


    A Disciple he would be, of Stone and Wood.


    ==============================


    ===============================

 Dual Cultivation

    Dual Cultivation


    Even though I had everything we needed Well, I still didnt know what <em>exactly</em> I had to do to start growing this thing.


    Did I just nt em next to each other and start singing? What did I sing at all?


    Somehow I dont think busting out the few thrash metal songs I actually liked would produce the desired results.


    You got any ideas, bud? I asked Big D, and the rooster started to obviously ponder my question.


    It had been a bit of a shock when I suddenly felt his Qi ignite. At first I had been confused about what had been going on, but Bailu and Seiyu had been adamant that he was now a Spirit Beasta sapient, Qi Empowered animal, that was roughly as smart as a human.My little man hadnt actually changed, well, <em>at all</em> really. I asked him what he had wanted to do with his life, but he just hopped on my shoulder, crowed, and then started attacking bugs like always.


    Hey, if that''s what he wanted, that was what he wanted. Hells, he even refused his own bed and spot at the table, instead continuing to sleep with me, so he clearly <em>liked</em> spending time with me.


    He also seemed to have a sixth sense for when Bailu and Seiyu were doing something dumb again, and he always called me over so I could put a stop to it.


    I looked at the little man pondering my question, when Big D nodded, before he leapt off my shoulder. He looked back and hopped up and down, clearly wanting for me to follow him.


    So we went to the edge of the ind, where Big D hopped up onto arge rock and crowed.


    You tell em Big D. I said out of reflex, as I mbered up onto the rock beside him, and looked out onto the vast horizon.


    It was a beautiful view, the thousands of inds that made up Soaring Heaven Archipgo stretching out over a shimmering sea. The wind tousled my hair, and he spread his wings, as if to show me all of it.


    I mean, I still had no idea what to do, but A for effort, little man.


    I ended up falling asleep on that rock with my rooster, looking up at the stars above.


    ================================


    That night, I had a rather strange dream.


    I dreamed of a massive deer, as big as a house. His coat was a rich shade of brown, with a white underbelly. His hooves seemed to be made of stone, and his antlers were living, growing wood.


    What do you yearn for the most, child? the great deer asked me.


    I thought about the question, because it was a strange one. What did I yearn for the most? There were plenty of things I wanted. But what did I want the most?


    I wouldnt say I was content with my life, but right now, it wasnt a bad one. My belly was full, I had Bailu, Seiyu, Big D and Minyan to keep mepany.


    But I knew it couldntst forever.


    I had died twice, now, from circumstances outside my control. I was a person of interest for a sect that might kill me if the truth got out. I was locked to a tiny ind. Unlike other protagonists, I didnt even have a ring grandpa or a cheat system!


    I thought for an eternity, and an instant on the answer, before I finally spoke.


    I want I want to be free. I told the great deer. I want to see this great world, and everything it has to offer! I dont care about politics, or getting stronger! I just want to see what''s over the horizon!


    Freedom from the stifling feeling living on this ind gave me. Freedom from the fear of being found out I was a fraud. Freedom from the obligations and expectations.


    Freedom to live my life as I pleased, forging my own path.


    The Great Beast smiled at me.


    It is a good dream, little one. he told me, and he reached forwards with his nose to press it to my forehead.


    I blinked up at the beast, as it started to shrink, before it finally faded into mist, disappearing entirely.


    All that was left was an old scroll. And a strange feeling in my gut.


    ===============================


    Bailu had a conundrum.


    Her Young Masters ce on the rock looked supremelyfortable. Sleeping under the stars after a hard day and snuggled up to somebody would surely make her day.


    However, the bastard bird was still awake, and looking directly at her, promising death. Or at least waking their Young Master up and having him scold her if she tried.


    She frowned at the Spirit Beast but it stood firm. Grudgingly, and only in the sanctity of her own mind, she had to respect the little ball of piss and vinegar. Bailu knew cultivators in the spiritual realm who when faced with her intent or the mere thought of her displeasure had pissed themselves and ran for their lives. Yet when it came to her Young Master, the bird had stood firm against her intent every time, gritting his beak and nting himself, yielding not a single step back to either herself or Seiyu.


    It was good her Young Master had such a brave and loyal beast though it would have been a thousand times better if the little shit would stop standing against <em>her</em>.


    She sighed, and retreated. Maybe some other day she would have challenged the preening cock, but today. Well. <em>today</em>.


    <em>It''s bad luck to leave such destruction in your wake.</em>


    Bailu sighed as she reyed the words in her head. She had thought he waspletely over it but hurting him that badly had <em>clearly</em> left a mark. Stupid Bailu! Of course their Young Master was a conscientious soul, who, like one of the fairies of old, endeavored not to leave marks of his battles upon the world.


    Bailu winced slightly as she reyed every battle she had ever had in her head. She wasnt the Typhoon Wing for nothing. The shredding winds, blistering lightning strikes, and shing rain that characterized her cultivation style tended to leave more than a <em>bit</em> of destruction in her wake, and Seiyu wasnt any better.


    The Tsunami Wing had a habit of simply <em>pulverizing</em> anything that got in her way, and considering how often they fought together <em>well</em>. There may have been a few more mountains in the world before they got to them.


    Nobody had ever really said anything to them before, though, other than dont damage the sect which is why they had been in the abandoned isles to hurt the Young Master in the first ce.


    Bailu frowned. It was bad that they had hurt him but it was good that they met their Young Master.


    Bailu pondered this duality.


    She pondered it some more.


    She was just starting to get frustrated at herck of understanding when her Young Master abruptly stood, and began to Leak Qi. Bailu and Seiyu were instantly by his side, wary for some sort of attack.


    But instead, they instantly recognised the signs; the signs of an <em>enlightenment</em>.


    His eyes began to glow green; ethereal horns formed upon his brow; the seeds and core he had collected lifted into the air and began to whirl around his form.


    And then he looked upon her.


    His Yang Qi touched against her, questioning, but firm. Bailu flushed.


    Oh, Young Master~ How bold! How assertive! How like a proper Young Master!


    How could she deny him, when he was like this? His Qi ran up and down her own Yin Qi, like he was asking her to dance, and she could tell it was doing the same to Seiyu.


    It  felt right.


    Bailu gave herself over to Her Young Masters Qi, as did Seiyu, as their Young Master lifted the seeds, his Qi pouring off him.


    A second instance of Yang Qi joined the first, of wind and fire, and Bailu huffed that the chicken had a role to y, adding his own spark to the seeds and the core.


    But then it was her and Seius turn. She felt her Qi mingle with her young Masters as wings formed for a brief instant upon her back, and birdsong drifted in her ears.


    Her Young Masters voice rose in an ancient, nameless song without words, booming and deep; and their voices rose with his.


    Neither were the leaders of this song; neither were the followers. Yin and Yang worked and mingled in perfect harmony.


    The horns sloughed off his head; and the ground opened up to receive the seeds and the core.


    The wings fell from their backs, feathers absorbing into the earth.


    Her Young Master knelt, and gently covered the seeds.


    And then, she heard her him begin to whisper; it was some manner of poem, or oath, defiant and proud.


    <em>Take my love, take mynd, take me to a ce where I cannot stand; Take me out, far away, tell my mother, Ive gone astray; You can burn thend and boil the seas</em>


    <em></em><strong><em>But you cant take my sky from me.</em></strong><em></em>


    There was a pulse of Wood and Earth-aligned Qi and then all of them sagged. Bailu abruptly felt exhausted, and Seiyu was at their Young Masters side as he suddenly slumped.


    Her friend blinked sleepily, then eyed the rooster. This time, however, Bi De offered no screeching chastisements. He simply nodded and pointed with his wing up at the stars.


    .it looked like they got to snuggle up with their Young Master after all!


    They walked to the rock, without looking back.


    <em>And little green shoots poked up from the ground.</em>

 Cool Your Head

    Cool Your Head


    Lots of people said waking up next to a woman is the best way to wake up.


    Those people are fucking <em>liars</em>.


    Bailus arms were squeezing my chest like a vice. I could feel my ribs protesting her grip, and my chin was sore from where she had been shoving her foreheadst night.


    Not That Seiyu was any kinder. I hadpletely lost feeling in my left leg from where she had wrapped her thighs around it, and my robe was soaked from how much she had drooled on my chest.


    Big D, my normally erstwhile protector, was nowhere to be seen, and to top it all off? I was still tired as hell, and my head was all foggy from that weird dream.


    Really, what kind of dream involves a deer giving you a scroll?


    I was exhausted, sore, and <em>definitely</em> grumpy.


    Both my arms were locked down tight on ount of cultivator girlsying on me, and I shifted ufortably.


    That, thankfully, woke them both up.


    Bailu yawned, squirming against me<em>no, not pleasantly</em>, while Seiyu yawned cute<em>quietly</em>.


    Both of them looked up from their spots on my chest and smiled.


    Good Morning, Young Master! Bailu said with a dopey smile, her eyes still half lidded.


    <em>Ohayo</em>, Young Master. Seiyu said slightly after. She touched my chest, and with a flick of her fingers, I was dry again.


    Good Morning. Now <em>geddoff</em>. I grunted.


    Both of them pouted.


    Young Master, kicking us out of your bed after what we didst night? Bailu said, her eyes going wide and soulful.


    So cruel, Young Master. You performed Dual Cultivation with us, and you don''t even remember? Seiyu said, shaking her head.


    Wha? What are you talking about? I questioned, as a cold sweat broke out on my back.


    Bailu flushed and put her hands to her cheeks. <em>Iyaaa</em>, you were so forceful! Are you going to make this maiden say it?


    Ah, after you took us under your spell sopletely, you do not even remember our night of passion? Seiyu asked, as she wiped a tear away from her eye.


    Internally I was screaming. I was tired and sore and I remembered shes of something, cool Yin Qi


    I can still feel your lingering touch. Bailu said, sitting up, and cing a hand on her chest.It was wonderful!


    Seiyu gave me a gentle smile, as she too sat up. We went for so long. Such <em>stamina</em>!


    I was just on the edge of hyperventting. <em>Did I have some weird Xianxia trancest night and?!</em>


    That was when I noticed the slight mischievous gleam in their eyes.


    And just look. We definitely made some cute children! Bailu finished, starting to grin, as she pointed over my shoulder.


    I looked back, and stared upside down at the saplings sticking out of the ground, my rising panic cutting out. Big D was hopping around them, eating bugs.


    We should dance and sing together more often! Seiyu said, giggling.


    I felt a vein bulge in my forehead, as my neck creaked back into position so I could stare at these two idiots.


    I smiled pleasantly at them, sitting up. Both of them went from amused to worried as I felt my Qi start to bubble and churn.


    Bailu. Seiyu.


    Yes, Young Master? they both asked, suddenly unsure of their course of action. I ced my hands on their shoulders.


    Go soak your heads in the ocean and cool off. I ordered and then <em>pushed</em>.


    Both of them sailed off the rock and off the edge of the ind.


    Yes, Young Master~! they sang back, as they plummeted towards the ocean below, grins on their faces.


    Damn asshats had to give me a heart attack right in the mourning.


    I groaned and lifted my hand to my head, only to clonk my forehead with something.


    I blinked, and looked at the thing that was gripped in my hand.


    It was a scroll. The same scroll the deer had given mest night.


    I stared nkly at it


    Well. Maybe I was dreaming, still, and It wasnt <em>really</em> there?


    The scroll disappeared into motes of green light.


    I took in a deep breath, and let it out.


    Cultivation is <em>whack</em>, man.


    I thought about the scroll, and it returned to my hand.


    Well. dont look a gift horseor deer in the mouth, eh? I suppose I should read this.


    But after breakfast. I made the scroll disappear again, and got up from my rock, rubbing the blood back into my ribs and leg.


    I grumbled, still annoyed.


    ==================================


    Bailu and Seiyu were still smiling as they flew back up to the ind, their Qi drying their hair.


    Maybe they had gone a <em>bit </em>too far in teasing their Young Master. But the opportunity had been too good to pass up, and he had looked so funny! His face had gone all rubbery, and it looked like he was going to poop himself!


    It was almost as good as that time they had pretended to have brought back the wrong artifact for their Senior Sister. Instead of that special Jade pendant , they had put a counterfeit porcin doll in the padded box, and said they had gotten a good deal. Her face had been the most beautiful thing Bailu had ever seen! And it served her right for constantly being on Seiyus ass about her ent.


    <em>We speak proper Imperial here, barbarian.</em> Feh!


    Sure, they had spent the next month scraping Skyhook Barnacles off the bottom of the ind, but they had had thestugh. Their Senior Sister was still in the Spiritual Realm.


    And besides! Their benevolent Young Master would surely forgive them!


    They returned to the delicious smell of food, and Bailu was really hoping for a good breakfast. Last night had taken a lot out of her!


    Our heads are cool, Young Master! Bailu reported cheerfully as she opened the door and strode in.


    It was indeed bracing, and a fine way to start the morning! Seiyu said, as they sat down together and picked up their chopsticks.


    Their Young Master turned, his face stone. He looked them over.


    Your hair is dry. I dont believe you.


    Both of them froze, as they looked at his face.


    At that moment, they saw a bit of Elder Minyan in their Young Master. That re was something special.


    AhhahahaWell get right on that Young Master. Bailu said, grabbing the devastated Seiyu around her waist, her friend still holding her chopsticks and dragging her off.


    They went back into the water.


    ============================


    They came back with their hair soaking wet.


    Their Young Master, who was out in the garden, turned to them.


    I think a full body dip would be better. he replied.


    Seiyu''s raised chopsticks lowered despondently.


    =======================


    Their young Master pressed his fingers to their wet foreheads.


    Still hot. hemented. Maybe the water here isnt cold enough.


    Bailu was beginning to think they werent getting breakfast.


    ===================================


    Yutong yawned atop his mount, as the sure-footed goat trudged its way up the mountain. He wasnt looking forward to work. But when the nobles paid through the nose for fresh mountain spring ice well, you went and got fresh mountain spring ice.


    And thiske was the best and easiest ce to get it from. He and his crews crested the ridge, and he hopped off his goat and started to stretch. He was in the middle of getting fully warmed up, when one of his men called for him.


    Hey, boss, you seeing this? He asked.


    Seeing what? Yutong asked, ncing up at thekeand then doing a double take.


    Because sticking out of the ice were two sets of legs. Very nice, very shapely legs.


    <em>What in the hells?</em>


    ================================


    I think he''s mad at us. Bailu shouted through the water towards Seiyu, bubbles streaming from her mouth. She drummed her fingers on the sheet of ice they had punched through, their legs sticking up in the frigid mountain air.


    You <em>think</em>? Seiyu shouted back, her arms folded and pouting mightily.


    Bailu shrugged. There was no need for Seiyu to be so pissed off. This was way better than barnicle duty!


    They waited a few more minutes, and satisfied that her head was cold enough, she pulled herself out of the ice hole.


    And came face to face with a bunch of scared looking mortals.


    They stared at each other for a moment.


    There are no Spirit Beasts in the water. she told them confidently, putting on her best Fairy from Soaring Heavens Isle voice. That normally put mortals at ease!


    She turned to get Seiyu to reassure the mortals too, but Seiyu wasnt there.


    There was a sudden pulse, and the <em>thump</em> of Seiyus Qi from under the water.


    The head of an ice serpent smashed up out of the ice andnded with a thump beside her. Seiyu came out of the hole just after, carrying its body.


    ....there are no Spirit Beasts in the water <em>anymore</em>. Bailu corrected.


    The mortals, who had all fallen on their asses, nodded dumbly.


    What are you doing up here, anyway? she asked them.


    Collecting ice? he ventured.


    Bailu nodded. That was a good idea! They could show their master they went somece cold!


    Bailu ripped up a chunk of ice, and then turned to Seiyu, who was obviously considering whether or not she was going to eat the thing.


    Her friend nodded, and stowed it in her storage ring.


    Then they set off back home, though Bailu was a little worried that their Young Master was still annoyed about everything.


    ===============================================


    To their luck, he wasnt.


    Sorry for being an ass. he grumbled at them.


    And while they may have missed breakfast they got lunch.


    Truly, they had a most benevolent Young Master!


    And he liked the ice, too! He made them something called <em>Ice cream</em> and it was great!


    ================================

 Song and Dance

    Song and Dance


    The scroll had so much information on it it made my head spin. For how small it was, there was some spatial fuckery involved, because the words, well, <em>scrolled</em> across it as I read. In addition to the entire book on how to properly grow the ship, it had things on mountain carving, fortress making, how to correctly hold a calligraphy brush, how to make ropethere was even abat style.


    But I suppose that''s par for the course with a cultivation manual. The name [Arts of the Wandering Deer] echoed through my head whenever I looked at it.


    As I studied the scroll, meditated, and cultivated, I could <em>feel </em>myself get stronger and tougher. My endurance quickly ramped up to yes. I didnt actually feel physically tired no matter how much I exerted myself, and my stride started to change into something best described as fleet. As a cultivator I haven''t exactly been slow before, but there was an increasing <em>surety</em> to my steps as I cultivated the first style I had ever received.


    It was even showing in my spars.


    Before I met Bailu and Seiyu, I would have said I was <em>alright</em> at fighting. The part of me from this world certainly knew how to kick ass, and in the other ce he would have been a world champion MMA fighter or something if he didnt get disqualified for being too brutal. Gramps moves that he had taught me were geared directly forbat and killing, and had been refined by, I was beginning to think, an absolute master rather than a random hobo. The sports of mortals would have been crushed into paste underneath the vicious onught.


    Now I knew that I wasnt particrly good, even with my moves.


    Your rhythm is good today, Young Master. Seiyu praised me as she casually received blows that could shatter boulders. She had limited herself to my speed and strengthmaybe even below my speed and strength, but she was still deflecting and blocking everything with a soft, approving smile on her face. Youre adapting wonderfully to your new style!


    Some people might have their pride rankled that a girl half a foot shorter than them and maybe a third of their weight was casually dominating them while sandbagging so hard they might as well be the practise tool in a fighting game.


    I was just d both of the women knew what <em>restraint </em>was. I knew what their <em>all out</em> looked like, and it wasndscape rearranging.


    I sucked in a breath and stomped forwards, like a stag challenging a rival, and sent a punch into Seiyu that she obligingly gave ground before. The Wandering Deer was surprisingly aggressive, with explosive, powerful strikes that messed well with what I had already been taught. I fired a quick jab to keep up the pressure, Seiyu dodged another kick, and I tried to capitalize on her movements.


    Seiyu stepped into my next strike, sliding past my fist, and she was suddenly chest to chest with me.I knew instantly myst blow had been too wide.


    She bumped me. Thest time Seiyu had done this I had gone flying. This time I clenched my stomach, stood my ground, and mmed a knee full force into her thigh.


    It was like hitting a block of solid steel wrapped in a pillow.


    My fist then hammered into her face.. Or at least tried to. Seiyu deflected the blow flipped me over her head so that I hit the ground with just enough force to make my breath erupt with a <em>whuff</em>, and make sure that the lesson would stick.


    Seiyu crouched down , her elbow on her knees and her face in her hands. She smiled. Excellent recovery and improvement but making some space would have been better, Young Master. Your reach is a powerful tool.


    Thank you for the pointer, Senior SistSeiyu. I corrected before she could pout at me.


    I sat up and rubbed at the slight stinging in my arm, only for Seiyu to take over, her fingers making the soreness disappear.


    I carefully didnt think about the fact that I could really get used to this, and instead I looked at the other sparring match that was going on.


    Is that all you have? My, my, you crow and you crow but this is it?! Bailu shouted as she shed with a whirling dervish of feathers and wind des.


    I had no idea how this one started.


    Big D spat back a terrific crow.


    What was that, you bastard?! Bailu demanded.


    <em>Fufufufufufu. Cut that birds pride down to size.</em> I heard Seiyu mutter, and rolled my eyes. Really. They went from proper cultivators giving me pointers to having a rivalry with a chicken.


    I sat back to watch, while Seiyu shamelessly cheered for Bailu to win.


    Kick her ass, Big D! I shouted, lending my own support.


    <em>Young Master?!</em> Bailu turned to me with a look of absolute betrayal.


    And then took a rooster to the face, as Big D capitalized on her moment of distraction.


    ======================================


    Every day we did cultivator things, hung out, or learned about skyships, and every night we sang and danced around a tree.


    At first I had been stuck on sea shanties, but the scroll said anything was fine as long as it came from the heart.


    <em>Country Roads, Take me Home~</em> I sang.


    <em>To the ce, I belong!</em> Bailu and Seiyu shouted, their ents surprisingly not butchering the song.


    <em>Er-er-er-aaaaaa!</em> Big D yodled as he shook his tail feathers.


    <em>Mountain mama! Take me home, Country Roads!</em>


    I unleashed the majesty of John Denver upon the world.


    Bailu and Seiyu had just epted it when I said it was an obscure tribalnguage, and to my surprise, had learned the chorus real fast.


    And so the days rolled by.


    =======================================


    Bailu took a swig of her wine and watched as Seiyu ran ab through her Young Masters hair. It was getting back to a good length finally, after it had been mostly burned off during the well. <em>The ident.</em>


    That said he was looking a bit shaggy. Like a homeless mortal, or some vagabond. He had even wanted to just cut it off, but that was no good! A Young Master needed to have long hair, to show proper respect to his parents!


    Their Young Master had grumbled and moaned, but in the end he had given up and had told them to choose a good style.


    Bailu had tried a few braids, but nothing had clicked so far, and now Seiyu was. Doing his hair up like one of her people. It was <em>kind of </em>a topknot.


    Normally a man would shave the top of his head, so that he could properly wear his helmet! Seiyu exined.


    Their Young Master just looked amused.


    Oh? You have the guts to be putting Tianzhe Minyans sons hair up in that barbarian style? A voice interrupted them, and Seiyu instantly paled, while Bailu put away her wine and turned to bow.


    We pay our respects to Elder Minyan and Elder Song! Bailu said, bowing low. Both women had been hiding their presence, and one couldnt feel a true masters strength unless they allowed it.


    And both had clearly wanted to surprise them. Elder Minyan looked unconcerned, while Elder Song had a frown on her face.


    So? What have you to say for yourself, girl? The Elder asked, her eyes sharp.


    Seiyus eyes were on the floor, and she opened her mouth to take responsibility.


    I asked her to, Elder Song. Their Young Master spoke up instead, a disarming smile on his face. We were trying to find something that looked good, but we ended up running out of ideas. And this one is probably a no. I dont like the look of having the top of my head shaved.


    Hmph. See that you do not do it again. It''s improper. The woman dered, and her eyes switched to their Young Master. She blinked, and then looked slightly confused when Bi De looked up at her, and bowed low.


    Bailu sighed internally. That bastard bird disrespected them all day, but at least he had enough sense to be polite to the Elders!


    Leave us. We are here to speak with my son. Elder Minyanmanded them. And that was that.


    Bailu and Seiyu flew to where they had previously lived together, the manor still maintained by the servants.


    Phew! The Young Master really saved your butt, eh? Bailu asked, trying to lighten the mood.


    He did again. Seiyu whispered, her ent still missing. I really should stop being such a barbarian fool.


    Bailu raised an eyebrow.


    Nah. Bailu said, as she took a swig of her drink.


    Nah? What do you <em>mean</em>, nah?


    I like Seiyu as she is. And so does the Young Master. Bailu said simply, offering her wine.


    Seiyu stared at her. Her face went through a myriad of emotions, before she sighed and took the offered wine. Baka-Sama. She said fondly.


    Im kicking your asster for that. Bailu said, her eyes narrowing.


    You can try. Seiyu shot back.


    Neither of them could wait until they got back home. It was Bi Des turn to host the dance, and they wanted to see how the little dumbass messed things up. He had looked so panicked when the Young Master told him he was up next!


    ===================================


    Minyan kept her face impassive as Song red at Rou.


    Again. shemanded.


    The young man did as he was bid, pushing himself through the form even as sweat dripped from his body.


    Rou had <em>certainly </em>grown strong in just a few months.


    eptable, I suppose. Your technique.. It feels familiar, and yet not. Song said grudgingly. But I suppose that is to be expected, considering who your father is.


    It appeared their charade was holding.


    Thank you for the praise, Elder Song. Rou said, bowing.


    Hpmh. Treasure it. Song said, but the regal appearance was ruined by the fact that she was petting Rous cock.


    Song had taken to the Spirit Beast instantly, as the creature had bowed politely and tried to offer them tribute. Tiny Spirit Beast cores and other Qi filled seeds and rocks, utterly worthless to them, but things that would empower an Initiate greatly.


    It obviously reminded Song of her own childhood. It was one of the few tales of benevolent Spirit Beasts that Minyan knew, and the only reason why Bbi De was still alive. Most of the creatures were utterly violent beasts. Indeed, one of Minyans first missions had involved tracking down a monster that had ughtered an entire familyonly for that monster to turn out to be a duck, its flight feathers trimmed and its eye missing.


    But Songs family had once had a dog, Baubau, that had ascended. The old mutt had been thepanion of Songs cultivator mother, and had been nearly eighty. It''s only duty was to watch after the children, and Song had loved the beastbut that story also tied into the tale of Songs issues with the tribes.


    Because one day, when she ranged far with her beloved old beast, the mortal town she was visiting came under attack by a tribal people, with cultivators of their own.


    The dog had ced itself in between the tribals, Song, and the mortals, fighting like a demon to protect them. But in the end, Baubau had been in, barely buying enough time for Imperial reinforcements to arrive.


    Minyan knew not the name of that tribe, for Song refused to utter it and had removed every trace of that peoples existence from the world.


    As far as Minyan knew, she also still paid for the town to host a massive celebration for their guardian deity Baubau.


    Still, it was rather amusing to see the woman be all haughty whilevishing attention onto the rooster, her fingers having rendered the Spirit Beast into a state of near catatonia.


    Song was mostly bark anyway. Once one got past Songs thorns, her heart was as warm as a hearth. Even if she would never admit it.


    I am satisfied for now. Song dered as she rose. Be sure to be ready and have your hair properly set for the Rising Fairy Tournament next month. You have a seat of honour. Do not squander it.


    Yes, Elder Song. Rou said again.


    And so Song left. Minyan waited until she was high in the air, before she activated the wards to their fullest extent.


    Then little Rou sighed, and slumped forwards onto his face beside her, utterly shameless behaviour, but one that had Minyan smile with some amusement.


    She could have scolded him, but he had improved greatly. And there was something to be said that he waspletely open around her.


    It was nice.


    Think that tricked her? Rou asked, his voice muffled.


    You have indeed proven yourself. I shall praise you. Minyan replied.


    Thanks, Auntie. Rou said, and then sat up with a groan. He looked to Bi De, who was stilling back to awareness. Man, shes got magic fingers, eh? he asked.


    Songs massages are indeed the stuff of legend. Minyan replied, then frowned at the boy, deciding to bring up Mount Tai, that Minyan had been careful to keep Song from noticing. When were you nning to tell me about that? she asked, gesturing at the saplings that were growing nearby.


    Rou paused.


    When it actually worked. he said after a moment. I read that scroll you gave me and decided to give it a try. But I wanted results first.


    .he wasnt being <em>entirely</em> truthful to her, but she epted it. For some reason she wasnt angry that he was keeping some of the truth from her. Because if those trees did grow the entire Sect would be upended.


    Keep me informed. she told him, and then frowned. She reached out and dragged her fingers through Rous shaggy hair. That said, you<em> do</em> need to fix this. shemanded.


    I know. He sighed. Stupid tournament. Im not evenpeting, so what''s the point of me being there?


    You are my son and thus shall be with me for this important event. Minyan stated, as she pulled ab out of her storage ring, and set about fixing Rous hair.


    The boy grumbled slightly, but waited patiently as Minyan considered the style she wanted to impart upon it.


    It ended up in a rough and wild ponytail, of the sort that Minyan sometimes wore in her youth.


    I shall have your formal robe deliveredter. she told him. And Rou?


    Yes, Auntie?


    I do believe Shen Yu would be proud of your cultivation progress. She ventured.


    The expression on the boys face wasplicated.


    Minyan frowned behind her veil. Just what had Shen Yu done to the boy?


    ========================


    It took a while for Bi De to recover from the ministrations of the powerful hen who had visited his Great Master. Unlike the blue and the purple one, the two hens who had descended upon them were worthy only of respect. Their eyes shone with intelligence, and Bi De had to scramble to gift them proper tribute.


    But luckily, they had been pleased, and Bi Des worth as a servant had been recognised: good servants were indicative of a good Master, after all.


    Now, however, he had a much more important job.


    Bi De had the honour of leading the dance and the song that night. At first he had been at at lossand the two hens had clucked long and hard about Bi De putting on a sub-par performance.


    But with his Great Masters aid, his own nervousness and fears had beenid to rest. For his lord had taught him a sublime dance, and gifted Bi De a truly wondrous artifact.


    Two weeks ago he hadmissioned the Harmonic Wind Tines from a mortal smith, and the man had managed toprehend and craft this most interesting of instruments. His master had simrly made Bi De a brace of wood, so that he could y it.


    Thus did Bi De march out proudly, and stand before the doubting hens. He positioned his beak thusly, and blew, repeating the lyrics in his head as he began to dance.


    <em>This one is a bird</em>


    <em>His wings are majestic;</em>


    <em>His tail feathers divine!</em>


    He bobbed his head up and down. He pped his wings, showing off the brilliant red and blues. He did wiggle his rump in a manner that was surely most pleasing to females.


    Then he snapped his wings, cracking the air four times with the force, and hopped, turning to the side, to behold his Great Master.


    <em>This one is a bird</em>


    <em>His wings are majestic;</em>


    <em>His tail feathers divine!</em>


    His hands opened and closed three times like a great beak. He mimicked Bi Des majestic wingsthen he shook his rear too in a manner that the Blue and the purple hens stared at.


    Such was the face his master gave him! Acting like a bird!


    His Lord pped four times, and jumped, continuing the way around the circle.


    The hens looked at each other, shrugged, and then they too recognised their ce, joining in the nightly dance as was proper!


    <em>This one is a bird</em>


    <em>His wings are majestic;</em>


    <em>His tail feathers divine!</em>


    To Bi Des slight disappointment, his Great Master found himself entranced by the hens rumps as they shook them back and forth. Bi De forgave his Lord. The hens were well. Bi de had to admit they had pleasing rears. The purple one especially.


    But like the man of temperance and virtue he was, he tore his eyes away.


    Theypleted the circle, and then Bi De truly left loose, his wings freed to grasp the sides of the Harmonic Wind Tines.


    <em>Oh, the good ol Ha Qi game, is the best game one can name</em>


    <em>And the best name one can name is the good old Ha Qi game!</em>


    Bi Di didnt know what <em>Ha Qi </em>was, but it had to be powerful!


    =====================


    Hey. whatcha doing? Seiyu heard Bailu ask, and she flinched, cutting through the board.


    Learning how to cook. Seiyu replied.


    Bailu stared at her, then took a nce into her bottle. Is the world going to end or something?


    Seiyu huffed and turned away from the grin on Bailus face. Only for her friend to sit down beside her.


    Where ya at? I want to learn too. Bailu said. I heard a bunch ofdies say the fastest way to a mans heart was his stomach!


    Seiyu flushed.


    =========================


    We spared. We trained. Me and Big D both learned how to y the harmonica.


    Soon, the tournament loomed, and I was getting increasingly nervous about having to be in front of the entire sect.


    I was too nervous to cultivate properly, so I just ended up watching the girls as they cultivated. Bailu sat in the lotus position in the middle of a localized storm. Wind swirled around her, the air was charged with electricity, and clouds formed off her back only to drift away. Two ethereal, draconic horns had formed on her forehead as she breathed in and out. The bubbly woman I knew wasnt therethis was Lanlong Bailu, the Typhoon Wing of Soaring Heavens Isle.


    Beside her was Seiyu, in a simr state. The Tsunami Wing was sat on a pir of water, while liquid orbs the size of buses floated around her in perfect formation. Over her forehead floated what looked like a full moon, radiant and pure.


    Their Qi, additionally, seemed to mingle and feed off one another, in something that was almost dual cultivation. Or maybe it <em>was</em> dual cultivation?


    I thought that was supposed to be an intimate thing, but well, I hadn''t actually seen one go <em>anywhere</em> without the other.


    Maybe they were like that?


    Still, I sat and watched, and it took my mind off things for at least a little, until Seiyu opened her eyes. That seemed to be a cue, as Bailu stopped cultivating as well, yawning and stretching as the winds died down.


    So, Young Master. Did you have any insight from watching us cultivate? Seiyu asked, smiling.


    Sorry. I was just watching. I replied.


    Seiyu nodded. Worry not. The West Wind Evil Destroying Gale is hard toprehend! One must have a good understanding of the concept of flow to sessfully cultivate this technique. She exined. But perhaps your Seiyu can help you? First, what is flow, Young Master?


    I paused. Giving somebody insight like this was kind of a big deal, wasnt it? Still, I couldnt help myself.


    I felt my lips quirk into a smile Q=V/t, I replied. Man, it had been a while since those fluid dynamic courses


    Seiyu cocked her head to the side, looking utterly baffled. <em>Ara?</em>


    Flow rate is Volume divided by time. Or its Q=VA, where flow rate is volume times the cross-sectional vector area. Its why as the size of a pipe goes down, the water speeds upand why you can cut something in half with a thin and fast enough water de. I exined.


    Seiyu just stared at me. I was a little worried that I had taken it too far, when she turned to look down at her hands. Water manifested above them, growing to a ball the size of a small car, before it suddenlypressed.


    With a sound like a gunshot, Seiyu fired it offand it punchedpletely through one of the nearby uninhabited inds.


    Bailu gaped at it. The hells?


    Young Masteryoure a genius! Seiyu eximed.


    I scratched at the back of my head.


    =======================


    <em>Dokkoishou, Dokkoishou!</em>


    <em>Soran, soran!</em>


    <em>Dokkoishou, Dokkoishou!</em>


    <em>Soran, soran!</em>


    Bailu smiled as she watched her Young Master and Seiyu just absolutely let loose. Bailu may or may not have spiked the fruit juice their Young Master liked <em>juuust</em> a little. He was too tense!


    Their Young Masters face was flushed as he grinned, while Seiyus normally nk face was nowhere to be seen, instead bearing a massive smile as they sung what was apparently a <em>really</em> important song for Seiyus tribe.


    Their Young Master had all kinds of knowledge about tribal customs andnguage. It was weird, but Bailu couldnt say she minded it, especially with how into it Seiyu was.


    Maybe a little <em>too</em> into it. Seiyu was pretty sure you didnt have to get <em>that</em> close to someone while teaching them the proper dance. Really, Bailu was feeling a bit left out! She took another swig of her wine and stood.


    Oi, Seiyu, teach me too! she demanded.


    Seiyu whipped around, and her smile brightened. She practically tackled Bailu, and well, maybe she <em>did</em> need to be that close to teach you how to dance?


    Okay, now, my students, show me if you can do it together! Seiyu dered once Bailu kind of had it down. Seiyu spun Bailu around and pped her ass, sending her staggering into their Young Master. He caught her with augh and ruffled her hair.


    Then Seiyu slung her arms around their shoulders, and Bi Dended on their Young Masters head.


    Now, you gotta be close! Seiyu demanded. <em>Soran, Soran!</em>


    Well. What the hell!


    <em>Soran soran</em>! Bailu yelled, as they bounced around like they were on a storm-tossed ship.


    They didnt really notice the saplings bouncing with them.


    ==========================================


    ==========================================

 Foot in Mouth

    Foot in Mouth


    The day of the tournament came entirely too quickly for my tastes. Last week I received a box from Minyan containing my outfit, as well as what my role would be..


    Luckily, I wasnt really expected to do anything big. I wouldnt be fighting, I would just be sitting with Minyan with her and the other elders, and getting people used to me as Minyan put it.


    Apparently the sect was buzzing with curiosity, and now that I was healed I couldnt hide away much anymore.


    So. no big deal. Just sit around with a bunch of monstrously powerful olddies and also navigate the sect when literally everybody wanted to see Minyans son.


    <em>Yeah, I wasnt convincing myself either.</em>


    I sighed as I stood in my room, my arms out straight. Bailu and Seiyu were helping me get dressed. It was embarrassing as hell, but I had taken one look at what Minyan wanted me to wear and immediately called in the cavalry.


    Not only was it made of the finest silk I had everid eyes on, it was <em>Eight </emyers. God damn I hoped I didnt need to take a shit while I was wearing this.


    I had been expecting whites and blues; the kind of thing that Minyan wore. But instead, the robe I had been given was varying shades of green, expertly dyed, with grey trimlike a mountain covered in a forest. Gold thread sketched out clouds, leaves, and carved rocks, while on the back was the silhouette of a majestic deer.


    It took us half an hour to get me into it, and that was with the surety of Bailu and Seiyus fingers. The entire thing was capped off with a golden hair ornament thing that looked vaguely like interlocked antlers and <em>makeup</em>.


    Makeup with Qi in it, that covered my freckles perfectly. It even smoothed out my face a bit, and when they were doneI looked like an actual Young Master. It was <em>weird</em>. And doubly weird that with this stuff on I actually looked<em> vaguely</em> rted to Minyan.


    I sighed. Bailu and Seiyu, on the other hand, just wore their normal clothes, but their expressions were different. Bubbly Bailu was nowhere to be seen, and Seiyu seemed more elegant and formal than her normal look.


    Hold down the fort for us, okay Big D? I asked the rooster. The bird squawked and bowed.


    And then off we went. I would have liked to get more sailing practise in, but that wasnt allowed for this trip. Instead, I just had to sit in a throne-like chair while the girls took us towards the Sect.


    The massive wrecked ship, the size of a city, was on the highest ind. I would have expected it to be permanently covered in snow, because it was higher than Everest, but instead, it was bright and greenlike the ind had never been removed from thergerndmasses below.


    It may have been some kind of ward or formation, or it might have had something to do with the massive nt that was attached to the Ind. A truly <em>Jack and the Beanstalk</em> looking thing that connected Soaring Heavens Isle to thend far, far below. It was bright green and clearly flourishing.


    Any Mortal woman that managed to climb the nt was immediately inducted into the sectand I knew that because Minyan had told me how she joined up. Tianzhe Minyan had done it when she was <em>twelve</em>. She climbed eight near-vertical miles, up a magic nt that was home to aggressive Spirit Beasts. Where the weather changed at the drop of a hat, and the temperature regrly went below freezing.


    She had been mostly dead at the end of it, but the previous Matriarch herself had nursed Minyan back to health and took her on as a disciple.


    That had been an enjoyable evening, listening to her regale me with the story of her youth. She had meandered all over the ce, talking about her parents, and how they had fallen to an epidemic, and her brother who had raised her afterwards.


    Life over eight hundred years ago sounded pretty simr to life today, strangely enough.


    That said, the ind was approaching far, far too quickly for my liking. As was the rest of the sect. The air was full of little skiffs like the one I had, or people were just flitting around in the air. Without any visible support; they fluttered around like fairies, some chasing each other and performing aerial acrobatics.


    It looked utterly magical.


    I did get some nces, but we hauled away from the main gathering of women. They just flew into designated entrances, but I had to enter through the front gate.


    It was just a formality, but one that showed I was abiding by the rules.


    And what a front gate it was. There was an outer wall around this section of the shipright where a person would end up after climbing the massive beanstalk. The enormous red gate was the size of a ten story building. It was coloured a deep blue, with clouds floating on it, and the banner of the Soaring Heavens Isle Sect fluttered proudly from the walls. I noted that the ballisa that those banners were near were manneder<em>womanned</em>. Ladies wearing armor and with their eyes hidden by helmets that looked like stylized birds of prey scanned the skyzily, clearly not expecting any trouble.


    Wended at the designated spot, and I hopped off the ship. A couple of servant girls, who only stared a little moored our skiff, and I walked towards the gate, Bailu and Seiyu nking me, and one step behind me on either side.


    The whole production felt weird, but I soldiered on as I approached the gate.


    There were two women waiting at the massive gates, both of them fully armoured, and they red out from helms shaped like phoenix beaks. In their hands they held very fantasy looking Guandao, the polearms and wielding guandao. I approached the grim-faced women, and presented myself.


    Whoes before us, the Guardians of the God Ship? The woman on the right demanded.


    I ced my hands before me in the gesture of respect. This Shen Rou humbly requests entrance to the Soaring Heavens Isle Sect; he is here by the invitation of Elder Minyan.


    I unsped my hands and handed the woman on the left my invitation. She took it, gave one nce to the seal and the Qi that was within it, and nodded. Then she looked back up to me.


    Both womens eyes bored into me, and I could feel a bit of their intent, but it was nothingpared to Elder Minyans. I stood in front of them and waited for a response.


    The women actually looked kind of impressed. Both of them mmed their polearms into the ground, and then into their shoulders, so they too could p their hands over their fists.


    Shen Rou. You are expected. Please be weed into the Soaring Heavens Isle Sect, as our honoured guest!


    Both of them turned to the gates, and raised their hands, palm first.


    Synchronised, they pushedand the gate opened with just the air-pressure alone of their Qi.


    They turned back to me and bowed again. The one on the right spoke again. Our gates are open to you. Let none challenge your right to be here.


    Thank you. I replied, as their heads rose. The one on the lefts lips moved like she was talking, but no sound came out. She was looking at Bailu and Seiyu.


    I felt a bit of Bailus Qi, which I was more used to sensing, move behind me, and both the guards seemed a bit taken aback before little smiles formed on their faces.


    Be careful in there, Young Master. The one on the left said, seeming to decide to dispense with formalities. The girls are going to be <em>rowdy</em> today.


    If theyre anything like these two Ill be praying for survival. I replied, jerking my thumb back at Bailu and Seiyu.


    Young Master! Bailuined, while Seiyu grumbled. The guards actually barked outughs, the hard looking womens eyes no longer so stern and judging.


    It was a pleasure to meet you, Young Master. the guards intoned and bowed their heads.


    I took a small breath, and entered the gate.


    What stretched out before me was something amazing. I nearly took a step back at the sight of it, but managed to keep my stride.


    It was a great hall of marble and wood. Massive pirs stood on their side of it, carved with images of women doing battle, or ships firing beams of ravening light. Crystals floated in the air, providing light, and keeping the temperaturefortable.


    But the most eye-catching thing was at the end of the hall. At first I had thought the carving was an actual bird, but it was simple skill that made the graceful bird seem almost alive. It had a long neck, a small, dainty beak, and a long train of tailfeathers that were every colour of the rainbow. It was no bird I knew, but it was stunningly beautiful all the same.


    Its head was bowed, and it was weeping diamonds over the corpse of a great deer, adn thend around it was littered with demonic corpses. In its talons it clutched an armored demon, broken in its grasp.


    I paused for a moment to simply admire the carvings but eventually, I did have to go.


    Our path took us deeper into the definitely high-fantasy skyship. Random things just floated in the air. A giant formation in one room projected what looked like a holographic map of the entire Soaring Heaven Archipgo, and more often than not there were young women flying through the halls above us.


    They were also starting to take notice. Onedy got so distracted by me she flew into a wall and thumped to the ground.


    And then, we got to our biggest hurdle. We had to travel through a courtyard. One of the main courtyards the sect used, that was currently packed with the disciples of Soaring Heavens Isle.


    <em>Everybody</em> turned to look at the neer in their midst.


    <em>Is that the Young Master?</em>


    <em>Elder Minyans son?</em>


    <em>He''s kinda cute</em>


    <em>Hmph! A man on our Isle? Whats Elder Minyan thinking?</em>


    <em>It''s the Storm Wings! My Senior Sister told me about them</em>


    I kept as calm as I could as I strode forwards, my head held high and my stride assureduntil I found my way blocked.


    There were several gasps.


    <em>Shes doing it!</em>


    <em>I cant believe her.</em>


    <em>Only the Young Mistress has the guts to get in his way.</em>


    So. Youre Elder Minyans son? Hmph, I expected more, A haughty, arrogant voice proimed as a woman nearly a full foot shorter than me stepped into my way. She was a kind of ssical beauty, with dark hair and dark eyes, and her entire bearing seemed to ooze self satisfaction.


    She also had a posse of other women who descended beside her, all of them looking me up and down. You are merely in the Profound Realm but you are older than Ihow shameful, but I suppose we cant all be as talented as I. Worry not though. I, your Martial Aunt, shall allow you to bow and greet me properly.


    I stared nkly at the well, not quite yet a woman, she couldn''t have been older than sixteen, as she smirked at me. She was intentionally putting herself above me in the hierarchy. <em>Martial Aunt </em>meant she was the <em>direct</em> disciple of an Elder.


    There was just one problem.


    Im sorry, <em>who are you?</em> I asked.


    The haughty young womans face turned an interesting shade of puce, as her eyes bugged out.


    WhaBuhhow do you not know me?! I am Baishi ChunhuaElder Lilis niece! She eximed angrily.


    I looked at the girl. Really looked at her, and realised that this was basically a yground dick waving contest. She could probably kick my ass and then Bailu and Seiyu would tear her in half for trying, if I was reading their Qi right. It was bubbling even as they smiled.


    So.<em> Deesction it was.</em>


    Forgive this Rou. He is still new to the Soaring Heavens Isle, and he has not had the time to learn about its disciples. It is nice to meet you, Banshi Chunhua. I replied, and bowed. Please treat me kindly.


    The girl was clearly knocked off her game, as she started floundering. Ah-of course! I am your senior in cultivation, after all!


    <em>Wasnt he really badly injured, and smashed down to the Initiates realm?</em>


    <em>He''s </em>already <em>back in the Profound Realm, more like. My Sisters friends aunts cousin was near the medical Pavillion when Elder Minyan brought him in. Said he was nearly dead, and it was the Storm Wings that did it.</em>


    <em>No!</em>


    <em>He bargained for their lives, and forgave them for itso they swore their eternal fealty for his benevolence.</em>


    <em>Such a benevolent Young Master!</em>


    The girls face twisted again as people gossiped. You are indeed my senior in cultivation. I said truthfully, And who are these pretty sisters with you?


    The other women blinked, clearly not expecting to be addressed, but they all introduced themselves to me. Honestly I wasnt entirely paying attention, but Bai, Fang, Feifei and Ling seemed nice enough as they formally bowed.


    They seem like a fine bunch. I informed Chunhua. It''s a good thing to havepanions to walk with.


    The girls posse flushed. They are good sparring partners. Chunhua said, and the blush on the other girls deepened.


    Are you participating in the tournament, Senior Sister? I asked.


    O-of course I am! she dered. I smiled as she started to regain herposure.


    Then I wish you luck. I have no doubt that you will do well. I replied, and pped her on the shoulder.


    Hmph! I shall win the whole thing, just you watch! She said, crossing her arms.


    Have a nice day, Chunhua.


    Youyou too!


    Bai, Fang, Feifei, Ling. I greeted her posse as I walked past them. They parted for me, and bowed.


    Time Bomb defused, it was time to make my exit.


    =====================================


    The rest of the courtyard stared as the Young Master walked away.


    <em>Did he just do that to Chunhua?</em> somebody whispered.


    Look at her. She''s smiling like she won! another replied.


    The Young Master is a dangerous opponent.


    His back is <em>niiiice</em>. And those pants do wonders for his a


    Sei!


    What, it''s<em> nice</em>.


    No, hey, look, he''s getting away, we need to pay our respects too! somebody interrupted the spate of whispers, and the rest of the onlookers realised that was true. They were missing their chance to speak with the calm, controlled Young Master!


    The entire courtyard surged forwards, and several opened their mouths to call out


    The Storm Wings, who had been acting like leashed, tamed dogs, turned back around, and the entire room froze as their intent was made known.


    He''s busy. Bailu said simply, her [Voice on the Breeze] ensuring all heard her. Bailu was smiling slightlyexposing canines that were twice as long as a normal womans. Her pupils were slits, and veins bulged in her forehead around invisible horns.


    The Young Master has an appointment. Seiyu said, her voice dead. Unlike Bailus draconic mein, Seiyus eyes had no pupils at all. They had be portals to the ck depths of the oceana sucking void ready to draw them in and crush them. If you wish to meet himter it will be when you are polite anddy-like, <em>not as a mob</em>.


    Thedies of Soaring Heavens Isle all took one step back.


    And then the Storm Wings were smiling properly, and they continued after their Young Master.


    <em>He tamed the Storm Wings?!</em>


    Truly, he is Elder Minyans son!


    Oh, he can tame me, if you know what I mean.


    <em>Sei!</em>


    Dont <em>Sei</em> me! Ive seen the filth you read!


    =====================================


    That probably went as well as things could have gone, if Im honest. Im d I managed to diffuse the situation. I was expecting to get mobbed, but the cultivator girls of Soaring Heavens Isle probably didnt do anything that uncouth.


    I was actually in a fairly good mood as I approached the corridor Minyan had told me toe to. There were no guardsjust an odd feeling as I stepped through some kind of formation.


    The door opened on its own. I paused at the entryway, and bowed low.


    Shen Rou pays his respects to his mother the Elders. I said.


    You may enter. Really Minyan, why are you teaching him to be so formal to his Aunts? The amused voice I recognised as Elder Lilis beckoned me in.


    Formality is the mark of a gentleman. Minyan sniffed. But I suppose he doesnt have to be so formal. Come in, Rou.


    I entered at Minyans words, and all of a sudden there was intent. Minyans eyes roved over my body before she nodded in approval.


    Oh? You look...presentable. Good job. Elder Song said, from where she was lounging on a couch. She had no armour today, and instead was in a red robe. Her eyes roved over my shoulders.. Before she seemed slightly disappointed. I noticed she had a bowl of seeds in front of her, and a small rag for polishing nails,


    That is Song for you look very nice, Young Man. Elder Lili tittered. But where are our manners. Dongmei still has business in the South East; so Her First Disciple will be with us today.


    I turned to thest person in the room, as the woman stood. I had to do a double take.


    This one is Wuting Xiaobao. She greets Elder Minyans son. I looked up as thest woman rose, and sped her fist into a martial salute.


    I, for the first time since I arrived here,id eyes on somebody taller than me.


    Xiaobao, <em>Little Treasure</em>, was like no female cultivator I had ever seen before. She had to be seven and a half feet tall. The woman had zing red hair, was absolutely covered in scars and even had an eyepatch.


    But what caught my attention the most were her muscles. The woman was absolutely ripped. Shredded. Her physique was a body builders wet dream, sculpted to perfection.


    I was nearly stunned into silence. But I was amongst the Elders, so I had to make a good impressionI ended up blurting out the first thing that came to mind.


    <em>Your physique is incredible!</em>


    The powerful cultivator blinked at me, and I felt my face redden.


    Foot, meet mouth.

 Wuting Xiaobao

    Wuting Xiaobao


    <em>Your physique is incredible!</em>


    As soon as those words were out of my mouth I knew there was no going back. The entire room had frozen. Minyans eyes were wide. Elder Lili had an eyebrow raised. Elder Song grabbed some of the seeds that were in her bowl and put them in her mouth.


    Now, Im not actually into muscle girls. I generally like women Bailu and Seiyus size. But that didnt mean I couldnt respect the amount of work that went into a body like thatespecially because she managed it without being grotesque like some body builders. On her the bs of muscle lookedpletely and utterly naturalbeautiful, even<em>and my eyes were on her abs again.</em>


    I looked back up.


    Xiaobao hadn''t moved. She was just standing there<em>and her face was slightly tinted red ho shit.</em>


    Did she think I was mocking her or something? She probably got it a lot, honestly. A bastion of womens rights this world wasnt.


    I felt slightly sick to my stomach, and I tried to make it clear I wasnt being a douche.


    That is to say, I can tell how much effort youve put into refining yourself. Your definition is magnificent, and your proportions are perfect! I blurted out.


    Fuck, <em>shut up shut up!</em>


    Of course, I didnt.


    =======================


    Baishi Lili, the Crane of the South Wind, had been prepared for many reactions out of Rou when Xiaobao introduced herself. Her appearance did always provide true insight into a man.


    There were several standard reactions. The smart ones apologised for staring. The foolish ones well. Lili had seen some men scream in fright. Others had run.


    All of those men were worth nothing.


    Lili hadnt, however, expected the babbling stream ofpliments. A lesser cultivator might think Rou to be mocking Xiaobao.


    <em>That is to say, I can tell how much effort youve put into refining yourself. Your definition is magnificent, and your proportions are perfect! </em>


    Yet everything told her that he was telling the honest truth. He was off center, and babbling as some did when panicked. But every word he spoke had not a hint of mockery, but instead genuine admiration.


    He was <em>impressed </em>by Xiaobaos appearance. The womans slight blush deepend.


    This was the first time something like this happened, as far as Lili could tell. Xiaobao had always been an enormous girl. Lili had thought her to be in her teens when she firstid eyes on her sisters Disciple, all those centuries ago. Yet Xiaobao had towered over Lili at <em>eight</em>. Her muscles, bones, and organs just kept growing and without cultivation the constant growth would have eventually killed her. Sister Dongmei had spent quite a lot of resources simply keeping her massive disciple alive, until she managed to refine her body and stop the uncontrolled growth.


    But instead of bing smaller, or more traditionally beautiful as most women did, she had remained the same giant.


    <em>This is my path, and my duty. I shall be a shield for my sisters, and for the sect.</em> Xiaobao had said. Lili was touched by the womans devotion to the sect, and at the same time pitied her. In Lilis opinion Xiaobao was unlikely to ever ascend with her current outlook on life.


    Still, she was an invaluable member of the sect, Soaring Heavens Isles Indomitable Condor. She fulfilled her oath as a living bastion. Their enemies broke upon her like waves upon a rock. Her massive body took punishment that would have shattered her smaller sisters with ease. And when men would not get the hint, Xiaobao would rise to her full height, looming over anyone foolish enough to push at their girls.


    Those men would shout about the ogre as they fled, if they didnt have to be broken first for continuing to press.


    It must have been a truly difficult journey. But a cultivator is both the sculptor and the stone. And a<em> true</em> artist doesnt just blindly follow othersthey can create something special and unique with any material they are given. The young man continued, as he looked directly into Xiaobaos eyes.


    <em>Oh? A cultivator is both sculptor and stone? That''s actually a good saying</em>. Lili mused.


    From the top of her chest to the tips of her ears, Xiaobao was as red as her hair. The boy swallowed thickly.


    And Shen Rou pays his respects to Wuting Xiaobao! the boy finished, bowing properly, and finally managing to stop himself from talking.


    Ah. Yes. It is a pleasure to meet you. Their dear condor said, before turning to Lili. She could almost see little swirls within Xiaobaos pupils, so off bnce was the disciple. Excuse this one Elder, she must go. see to some security concerns!


    Nobody called out the tant lie.


    She nodded to Rou, and walked past him, and past the shocked and despairing Storm Wings. There was a crack as the woman leapt into the air and sped off.


    Lili grasped the strands of wind, and listened closely.


    <em>Maaaaaaaassssstttttteeeerrrrrr! What do I dooooooooo?!</em> the stoic Xiaobao wailed, as she shot towards her house.


    Lili returned her attention to Rou. The boy was fretting, and he turned to Minyan. I didnt insult her, right? She''s not mad?


    <em>He hadnt even noticed</em>.


    Minyan sighed, and shook her head. It was <em>fine</em>, Rou.


    That boy doesnt know what hes done. Well, at least you wont have to search for a wife for your boy, Minyan. Dongmei shall have them wed as soon as she gets back. Song whispered to both her fellow elders, Qi taking her words. Lili hid a smile, while Minyan looked up in rm.


    She will most certainly <em>not</em> be. Minyan hissed, her fingers suddenly tight on the armrest of her chair. Minyans eyes bored into Songs, a tiger protecting her cub.


    Lili chuckled, and took mercy on Rou, who was still standing there, looking a bit confused. <em>Something to distract him </em>Rou. Your Aunt has something you can do for her. she said, and produced a ream of paper, a brush, an ink block and an ink stone. All were of the finest qualities. <em>A cultivator is both sculptor and stone</em>. It is a good saying, write it out for me, I wish to see your calligraphy.


    Indeed, his words did have value, so Lili would give him the honour of actually meditating upon them. Both sculptor and stone. She dare say she might even begin using it.


    This did the trick, and Rou nodded,tching onto the line she had thrown him.


    Of course<em>Aunt Lili?</em> he ventured.


    She smiled indulgently, but it didnt reach her eyes. She was still not <em>entirely</em> convinced of this, but things were adding up in a way that seemed to support Minyans words.


    The young man took the paper, clearly relieved at the distraction, and he sat down.


    Then, a change seemed toe over him. A certain calm suffused his body, as he began the steps of a calligrapher. He examined the paper with an experienced eye, searching for any imperfection. There would be none on Imperial Jade paper, yet he performed the step anyway. Sometimes, imperfections could add to a piece, but Lili had given the boy a nk canvas. He touched the corner to feel its grain, clearly experienced with how paper absorbed ink, and nodded.


    From there he considered the brush at length, adjusting himself to the feel of it. That brush had been a gift to her from Song, ages ago now. Its handle was Skywood, iid with jade, and its hairs were taken from a rampaging dragons tail.


    Finally, he picked up the inkstone. Seiyu. he requested, and the woman startled, so engrossed was she in watching him work. She conjured the young man some water so he could turn the solid ink into its workable form.


    Soaring Heaven Seal Ink was notoriously finickyYet Rou seemed to know his way around it as he mixed the ink to its proper consistency.


    Once he was satisfied, he began his work. He wet his brush, filled it with ink, took a breath, and then began.


    He was sure and certain in his strokes. Hisrge frame was surprisingly graceful as he formed the characters. They were big and bold, yet with surprising depth.


    And though they were his own Lili knew instantly who had taught him, for some of the flourishes were identical.


    If the tales of putting piss in his wine was not enough, here was absolute proof that the boy had been taught by Shen Yu.


    Lili had five of his pieces hanging on the wall of her meditation room, each one a masterpiece.


    Rou finished, his brush dragging out the final character, and then he let out a breath.


    <em>Be both Sculptor and Stone. </em>The courtly characters read.


    It was not what Lili considered a masterpiece. That was reserved for greater works than this. But it was a very, <em>very</em> fine piece. Lili wanted to have Rou do this again, but with arger brush for a wall scroll.


    There was silence as Rou sat back to examine his work.


    Not bad, boy. Song said.


    A fine piece. Minyan dered, her eyes disying a hint of pride as she looked at Rou.


    You are well practised in this art. Lili mused.


    Yes. Reading and writing are some of the most important things a man can learn. Rou said with conviction. I practised whenever I could.


    Lili nodded. That<em> was</em> a Shen Yu thing to say. He may have been a street rat at one point, but Shen Yu treated characters with proper respect and consideration.


    I shall praise you as well. Lili said, and picked up the paper, the ink eptably dry.


    She didnt miss how Minyans eyes followed it. Or the intensity with which she was looking at it.


    Minyan <em>wanted </em>this. She <em>wanted</em> the piece of calligraphy. Like how Lilis niece had coveted Chunhuas first messy scribbles.


    Minyans eyes were the eyes of a mother, at that moment.


    Lili, with a smile on her face, provoked her fellow Elder.


    Thank you for this piece, Rou. she dered, putting it inside her storage ring.


    Minyans eyes narrowed into slits. Her freezing intent pressed against Lili, who just smirked back.


    Rou, however, seemed a bit calmer now, and started talking to Song about his day.


    It took a while to get everything on, but I got it in the end. I didnt want anybody to swarm Bi De, so I asked him to guard the house instead. He looked really happy, but if its calmer tomorrow, and it isnt too much, could I bring him?


    Yes, I shall allow it. Song said instantly. Lili didnt even know who this Bi De man was, but if Song was so eager to have him here, who was she to argue?


    Minyan eventually contented herself to sulking and ring, and then there was peace in the room, as they waited for the tournament setup to beplete.


    Or at least almost peace.


    The Storm Wings, the fools, were attempting to perform body refining where they stood, their Qi repeatedly circting in their abdominal muscles, biceps, and backs.


    <em>It was distracting.</em>


    Bailu. Seiyu. If you continue to do that in my presence I will use you as fishing bait for Ship-Stealer Squid. Lili said, her voice carried to them alone. Both of them knew it wasnt an idle threat. They had been her fishing bait before. Getting eaten by a Ship-Stealer wasnt exactly threatening to them, but both women hated getting covered in the slime and digestive juices.


    The Storm Wings pouted at her promation, and a spark of defiance entered their eyes. They may have stopped now, but they would be back at it again as soon as they could.


    Lili sighed internally. This was why men were annoying. They could get normally rational women like Minyanor herself, if she was honestto do spectacrly stupid things for them. It went the other way too of course and that was why their ancestors lived separately. To stop stupidity from urring as much.


    And the Storm Wings were hardly rational. They were willing topletely resculpt their body because of an off handment and


    <em>Oh, there was an idea.</em>


    An artist that blindly follows another is no artist at all. Lili quoted Rou, and the Storm wings instantly ceased their foolishness. Do not be so quick to make yourselves into miniature Xiaobao.


    <em>And then</em> it was peaceful.


    Lili took a sip of her tea, leaning back into her seat. A moment to sit and rx, and then a tournament for entertainment. It was shaping up to be a better day than she imagined and most of her suspicions about Rou wereid to rest.

 Good Luck! Flasher-Chan!

    Good Luck! sher-Chan!


    I got the Spirit Wine and baodont grab, you assholes! Shilong Seireishang, or Sei to most, shouted as she bullied her way to her seat, her friends handsAnd some random ass who wanted a free mealgrasping for her bounty. Sei kicked the freeloaders hand away, and the crowd jeered at the yelp. Sei had drawn the short straw, and had gotten sent on the snack run.


    She hip-checked Xishi, who had her nose buried in a scroll again, and the smut-lover went sprawling as Sei mmed into her seat.


    Her stick in the mud friend hissed in irritation, and red back at Sei only to catch a bao to the face.


    Theyre starting soon, right? Sei asked one of her otherpanions, as she shoved a pork dumpling into her mouth.


    Fi minit Ahd reckon. Jingyi said in her thick Wind Song Crag ent, the woman taking a bottle of wine. Her arm was covered in arge tattoo of The Bird, the fierce deity flying free. ents weremon; Soaring Heavens Isle recruited women from all over the continent, and they had the widest recruiting pool of any sect.


    Sei took a pull of booze and looked around the Skypeak Arena. The stands were full of disciples, each one organized into their respective wind. The North, South, East and West Wind stands were things of beauty, rising above the arena. But there was a fifth standone that was a bit closer to the action, and a bit less opulent. A stand Sei was currently upying.


    The face Soaring Heavens Isle presented to the world were the girls of the Four Winds. Women with high potential to cultivate thebat arts of Soaring Heavens Isle. They were the ones that took missions outside the floating archipgo, and they were the ones who went to tournaments outside their home.


    The rest of them? They were Midship girls. While the Four Winds won the glory, the Midships did the maintenance and construction of the Skyships, as well as most of the menialbour. They were the outer sect that other sects had.


    While the Four Winds fairies were normally beautiful, elegant, ethereal creaturesthe Midships decidedly <em>werent</em>. They probably acted more like mortal sailors than a proper woman. But thats just how the Isle did things. They were a rowdy bunch, the Midships, and Sei wouldnt have it any other way.


    Though, the only reason they were allowed to be so slovenly right now is because the Rising Fairy Tournament was more a private affair, with only the most trusted allies in attendance.


    It wasnt like being in the Midships was shameful. They still had ess to most of the sect, and their Senior Sisters asionally ran seminars Orid down thew when they got too uppity.


    And while it was hard work, they all had the opportunity to advance. The Storm Wings Or the <em>Disaster Wings</em> as they had once been called, Drunken-Fist Bailu and Seiyu the Maw, were their two currently most famous members. They rose up from the bottom and attracted the notice of Elder Minyan. There were still legends of the two of them, even though they had been part of the East Wind for Forty years.


    And now they were servants of the Young Master. Talk about moving up in the world. Elder Minyans own flesh and blood, who had disarmed Chunhua in less than a minute. The brat went from demanding to be called Aunt to the man patting her on the shoulder like she was his junior sister. Sei wouldnt mind serving under a man like that.


    In<em> both</em> ways. He was a <em>big</em> boy, and Sei liked.


    Sei sat back and rxed. She wasntpeting todayshe had tried her luck thest time and gotten stomped into the dirt in the first round. Today, she just got to heckle and cheer with the rest of them.


    And then.. Then it was time to start. The giant drums started pounding. Slowly at first, then picking up speeda sound every girl who lived on this isle knew.


    <em>Beat to Quarters. </em>A call to action. A battle was about to begin.


    The Midships began pounding their fists into the stands, while the Four Winds rose to their feet.


    Fireworks shot into the air, sparkling and thundering with every colour of the rainbow to form into a massive bird; <em>The</em> Bird. The progenitor of their Sect. The whistling bang of fire was its cry, and it pped its mighty wings as it ascended, turning into a brilliant ball of mes as bright as the sun.


    A squadron of four cultivators shot over the top of the arena, cracking <em>booms</em> in their wake as they shattered the very air with their passing.


    And then, from the sky, descended Senior Sister Shuling, Master of the Watch. Her bright pink hair was as vibrant as cherry blossoms, as was the grin on her face, but every Midships girl felt their posture straighten.


    <em>Nothing</em> got past The Master of the Watch when she came down for inspection.


    Soaring Heaven! Fly Free! She shouted.


    Fly True! Sei and the rest of the Midships roared back.


    Shuilings smile brightened. We gather once more my sisters, on this auspicious day Shuling began, but Sei mostly tuned it out. It was the same every time. Praise the Bird, Praise Soaring Heavens Isle Sect, remember the sacrifices of our forebears. The responses were pretty rote, the drums rolling in time with the shouts.


    ...and now, we get to the main event! The Rising Fairy tournament! A chance to be noticed, and rise! Will the Midships catch an Elders eye, and produce a new star? Will the Four Winds rise ever higher? Now is our chance to find outfor the Four Winds, and their Guest are watching!


    That got Seis attention, as the Elders stepped from their box into open air.


    You all know them! Tianzhe Minyan, the Falcon of the East Wind!


    She was the very epitome of icy beauty, Elder Minyan. Her eyes roved over the crowd, searching for the worthy. Everybody wished they could be so beautiful and strong.


    Han Song, the Hawk of the West Wind! The fiery womans face was a stern mask, judging them all. Her aura was a fierce hawk, a predator ready to pounce.


    Baishi Lili, the Crane of the South Wind! The calm, whimsical smile of Elder Lili was inscrutable to them all, but seemed especially amused. She was a woman who did as she pleased when she pleased.


    The Eyes of the North Wind! The Indomitable Condor, Wuting Xiaobao!The massive form of Wuting Xiaobao, was a step behind. The chosen Disciple of Elder Dongmei. The womans face waspletely stone today, her broad arms folded across her chest.


    And finally, our most esteemed guest! The son of Tianzhe MinyanShen Rou!


    And then and then there was him. The Young Master.


    He stood on top of a cloud, his hands behind his back, and his hair waving in the breeze. Hisplexion was like soft resin, his skin seemed to glow, and his eyes observed them kindly.


    <em>Heavens he looked good up there</em>.


    The crowd, especially the Midships, erupted. Most of them went <em>nuts</em>. They wanted a reaction. They wanted him to look at them.


    Young Master! Over here!


    Young Master! Show us your chest!


    Whats your favourite food, Ill make it for you!


    Young Master!


    Take me as your concubine!


    The Young Master looked mildly amused as his eyes roved the crowd, and the Midship girls tried to get his attention, shouting and jumping.


    Sei was right there with them, jumping and hollering, but he hadnt paused to look at anybody yet. She needed something big! Something bold!


    And then she got an idea. The Young Masters eyes were over her section.


    Sei grabbed the top of her robe and pulled down. Young Master! she shouted.


    Shen Rous eyes widened, and he looked directly at her. Ha! She had won! Of course, a bunch of other girls started to copy her as soon as they saw what Sei had done, but she was the<em> first.</em>


    <em>Sei!</em> Xishi shrieked, fumbling to pull Seis top back up, but she had done it, she had his eyes


    And then, she realised, the eyes of somebody else.


    Because <em>Tianzhe Minyan</em> was looking directly at her. And she did not look amused.


    Sei Sei had just done this in front of his<em> mother</em>


    <em>Shit</em>.


    She let Xishi pull her top back up, and averted her eyes immediately.


    Disciple Shilong Seireishang. Elder Minyans voice whispered directly into her ear.


    Y-yes, Elder Minyan? <em>Oh, doom, oh doom on her she was absolutely fucked</em>.


    That was a gross breach of decorum. Report for punishment detail. Swabbing the deck. Sei felt a surge of relief flood her body, that wasnt too bad <em>All of the decks</em>. Your punishment isplete when you are.


    Sei copsed into her seat. The Godship was sixteen Li long, four Li wide at its widest point, and had thirty decks. That was that wasnearly <em>two thousand Li squared of swabbing</em>.


    Sei felt her soul start to leave her body.


    ===============================================


    The entrance ceremony had been<em> awesome</em>. The best fireworks show I had ever seen in my life, the equivalent of jets flying overhead the works. It was hard to not be excited for the things toe.


    The only nerve wracking part hadnt been too bad either. Just step out onto a cloud, and greet the crowd. Granted, I hadnt expected one of the girls to sh me, but wellI had managed to avoid reacting too much. Sure, the girl had been really hot, but eh, I had no chance.


    The other surprising thing had been Elder Lili conjuring a copy of Xiaobao out of water just before we stepped out, and dismissed it as soon as we stepped back in. The woman still wasnt back yet, something Elder Lili seemed to find absolutely hrious.


    I hoped that security thing wasnt too bad.


    Youre doing well. Minyan said, as the firstpetitors got ready to fight. You handled yourself with decorum even in the face of<em>well</em>.


    I could see the annoyance in her eyes, and said a silent prayer for sher-Chan.


    After the introduction, there was a big ceremony, where everybodypeting measured their power levels with a giant ck stone. It swirled with colours as it measured their cultivation. Most girls were in the Mid-Profound realm, with a few outliers like Chunhua in Spiritual. This tournament was for the younger women, or for the Midships to get noticed by the Elders.


    Presenting! The first bout! The pink haired woman shouted. From the Midships! Lei Ya! And also from the MidshipsChang Hong!


    I leaned forwards to watch the tournament, as two women wearing rougher looking clothes stepped out and bowed to each other. One simply had her knuckles bandaged up, while the other had what looked like an oar.


    And so the battle began. The first one probably would have surprised me with its brutality if I hadnt spent a few months with my idiots. The normal girls in Xianxia normally just shat magic at people, or elegantly swung swords. These women simply smashed into each other in an orgy of violence. They were undeniably skilled: Lei Ya would have obliterated any boxer she came across, while Chang Hong wouldnt have looked out of ce in a musou game, smashing through entire armies of goons.


    Yet.. they did seem kind of slow to me. Compared to sparring with Bailu and Seiyu, I saw so many openings I didnt get why this was going on for so long. They could have ended it way earlier, but failed to capitalize.


    In the end, Lei Ya got too close, knocked the oar out of the way


    [Crashing Waves!]


    and then started Dempsey rolling the<em> shit </em>out of the other woman. Her fists sounded like a machine gun as she rocked from side to side, until with a final haymaker, and a sickening crack, Chang Hongs jaw broke.


    The Midships cheered, and there was some polite pping from the other stands. Lei Ya raised her fist in victory, then bowed to her opponent, and then bowed to the Elders.


    Unskilled. Elder Song stated, looking bored.


    Nothing interesting. Minyan agreed.


    What do you think, Bailu, Seiyu? Elder Lili asked.


    Lei Yas breathing was off. It reduced her strikes timing. Seiyu stated clinically.


    Id say Hong was more interesting, but she needs a few years of refinement. Bailu said.


    And you, Rou? Elder Lili continued.


    Too many openings unpunished. I said, and the women nodded.


    I looked back at the arena. Chang Hong was back on her feet, and merely looking annoyed by her defeat. She pulled something from her pouch, put it against her jaw, and then snapped it back into ce.


    She worked it for a couple seconds, as the rest of the bruises and scuffs littering her body healed.


    And then the next bout began.


    =====================================


    The day continued like that. Some of the fights were better than others, and after each the Elders would critique the performance. I was surprisingly involved, and gave the best answers I could.


    Some of the women got noticed by their Elders. Some of them got a make a note for Sister Dongmei.


    Chunhua fought near the end of the day, and crushed her opponent in a single move. I ended up smiling and waving at her, and the girl puffed up with pride.


    Oh? Going after my niece? Elder Lili teased. Truly, you are the son of Shen Yu.


    My intentions are pure. I refuted, my face flushed, and Elder Liliughed. She is skilled for her age, though.


    Mmmm. My great, great, <em>great </em>niece, isnt bad, but shes still wet behind the ears. Elder Lili said.


    She just introduced herself as your niece though? I asked.


    Too many greats is just a mouthful. Elder Lili replied.


    The first day ended just before dinner, and then I was back at home. Bailu and Seiyu were back to their normal selves, which was nice, and Big D Big D had prepared us dinner.


    I mean the roasted worms were better than the rats I ate in Crimson Crucible City.


    ====================================


    The second day, I brought along my rooster. We did the whole song and dance of entering the gate, though I got waved through this time quickly. This time I did stop and talk to some of the girls, asking how they were enjoying themselves, before heading to the box.


    Xiaobao was back today, but her face turned crimson as soon as she looked at me, and refused to talk to me all day.


    It was a little worrying, to be honest.


    At least Elder Song was happy. Her eyes lit up as soon as she saw Big D.


    So this is the man you were so happy to see? Elder Lili asked as Elder Song swiftly defeated my cock. The rooster copsed,id, under her ministrations.


    Is he not a magnificent, obedient beast? Elder Song demanded. Ah, you are taking care of him well, Rou. The luster of his feathers is very nice! You have my praise!


    Elder Lili justughed.


    =============================


    And that was how the rest of the week went. We watched the tournament, ate some pretty good food, and discussed thebatants. The Fights definitely got more intense as the tournament went on, with techniques starting to fly.


    At the end of the second day, I got to see where they made the Skyships in the bowels of the Isle. Honestly, it looked a lot like a mortal ship building operation save for the fact that the trees they used were harder than steel, were reinforced with formations, and had a big hunk of rock in the center of them.


    They mostly used hand tools, powered by cultivation, and the slipway exited into open sky.


    A bunch of women also had to put their shirts back on when they realised I was thereSawing through the massive trees was evidently hot work.


    It was interesting, but I could definitely see the limitationspared to a grown ship. Thebat skyships needed a lot of energy to keep running.


    ==============================


    And then, it was thest day of the tournament. I had actually gotten a one word answer out of Xiaobao when I asked about a technique one of the contestants used, and then the woman instantly looked away from me and refused to speak again.


    The finals were Chunhua versus a really good woman from the East Wind, Zou Lin. Their battle looked like something ripped out of dragon ball, with how they zipped around andunched thousands of attacks a second. Both of them could fly, and their swords were blurs.


    But in the end, Chunhua lost, being forced to the ground at sword point by the much more mature looking woman. Zou Lin had dark blue hair and was <em>stunningly</em> beautiful.


    And with that, the tournament was over. The winner was raised on a tform to stand before us, and was congratted on her victory. She got some pretty standard tournament rewards. A bunch of pills, a cultivation manual, time in the special library the works.


    In addition to these rewards, per the Rising Fairy Tournamentspeak to us. What does your heart desire? Minyan asked, her voice projected all over the arena.


    Zou Lin was the epitome of ethereal fairy cultivator as she bowed. This one would request a pointer from each of the Elders, in the nature of the de. the woman said, her head low.


    Minyan and Lili nodded in approval. Elder Song, however, huffed. You are part of my Wind; That you shall receive such after your victory is self-evident. I shall allow you to choose an additional reward. Elder Song dered.


    Lin looked surprised, and seemed at a loss for what to choose, her eyes flicking over us and thennding on me.


    She blushed slightly, then turned to Minyan.


    Elder Minyan, this one humbly requests thepany of your son to tonights celebrations. She saidwait, was she asking me out on a date?


    Bailu, Seiyu, and Xiaobao all whipped their heads around to stare at the woman, their intent exploding off their bodies.


    Zou Lin looked like she was about to piss herself, and was frozen in ce but surprisingly, Minyans own power pushed them aside. She looked annoyed.


    Minyans eye twitched. I see. That is a <em>fine </em>request, delivered like a properdy. Rou. Apany the winner of our tournament.


    The crowd below erupted at Lins audacity and victory, while Lin smiled tentatively. I just felt a bit confused at the fact that I had apparently just been pimped out.


    And that was how the tournament ended.

 A Boring Night

    A Boring Night


    Zou Lin was on top of the world, as she watched the party unfolding from the head table. The entire world had an odd glow to it, and the lights sparkled just a bit brighter.


    She had just won the prestigious Rising Fairy Tournament, defeating many powerful opponents. She was sure to advance another stage in her cultivation after the resources she had just received. She was going to receive pointers from all three Elders who had been present.


    She had done it. All her hard work had paid off.


    The party was a massive affair; the tables were groaning with howden they were with food; the sect had hired a Spiritual Chef to make everything, and all of it was utterly delicious.


    Ganbei! one of her sisters shouted, as she poured Lin another cup of wine. Three cheers to our sister!


    The rest of the fairies roared with approval, as Lin smiled.


    Ganbei. The man beside her said, and held out his cup. They clinked their vessels together, but Lin couldnt quite meet his eyes.


    She still couldnt believe Elder Minyan had said <em>yes</em>. She was spending the evening with Tianzhe Minyans son! The cultivation arts of Soaring Heavens Isle trended towards producing female offspring. Most men did not have enough Yang to counteract their potent Yin energies which was probably for the best. No man was allowed to live permanently in the Sect and any sons would be rmended to other sects.


    But here was Shen Rou; son of one of the greatest women to ever exist. Naturally, he was allowed to bend the rules a little. A handsome Young Master, just like the stories! Granted, she didnt really know how this worked outside those stories, but he had been polite, he was handsome and charming, and he hadnt looked once at the other girls who kept trying to get his attention. He only responded to the ones that were polite when they came up, and congratted her on her victory.


    He had asked her about her past and kept the conversation light, but she was fairly certain she had told him a bit more than she normally told other people. That that was a good thing, right?! That meant he liked her? It was going well, right?!


    That meant they were going to get married, like the stories, the rising star of the sect and the Young Master challenging the heavens together andno, no, she was getting ahead of herself! This wasnt one of <em>those</em> stories.


    Lin took another gulp of wine to soothe her nerves, and basked in the atmosphere. This was the best day ever!


    ================================


    Honestly, the party was surprisingly boring.


    Well, boring for me at least. My date was clearly having the time of her life being the center of attention, basking in the glow of her victory. Everybody kept on congratting her, pouring her drinks, or cheering.


    Lin could hold her booze. She was knocking back bottle after bottle like a champ.


    In between those interruptions, I made kind of general smalltalk with her. She was from far to the North East, from a ce called the Blind Forest in ck-White Grove. It was called the Blind Forest because the spores from the trees would render any non-native well <em>blind</em>. The province itself was apparently <em>entirely</em> monochrome, due to some trick of the light that bleached everything. Blood looked ck, the sun white, and the sky was some shade of grey. Lin hadn''t even known what colours were until the Soaring Heavens Isle Skyship exited the province. And she had been left like an ink painting, her body all in ck and white.


    Now her hair was dyed blue, and her clothes were bright greens, reds and pinks. Her lips were painted red. The only thing of that ce that remained was her literal whiteplexionlike baster, or marble.


    I focused on those small details both because they were interesting and because it was better than the alternative.


    Young Master! Young Master, over here!


    You know the worst part of being surrounded by girls you can''t touch? You can''t touch them.


    Even when all of them are screaming for your attention and want to get to know you better.


    A part of me wished that it was all real, and not because they thought I was somebody I wasnt. I knew what they wanted but I couldnt.


    Because I wasnt Shen Rou, son of Tianzhe Minyan. I was <em>Jin Rou</em>, street rat from Crimson Crucible City, and some guy from Canada.


    Minyan had protected me. She faked a bit of motherly concern for me out of whatever respect she had for gramps. But I didnt want to see how long that protectionsted when I started taking liberties with her subordinatesand if, or <em>when</em> people found out about our deception Id rather not have any of <em>that</em> counting against me.


    So, I did nothing. I yed dumb though I have to admit some of it wasnt just me ying dumb. It was easy when people were obvious like this, but fuck man, how did normal girls actually <em>work</em>? I wasnt some casanova, damn it!


    Neither half of me had figured that shit out in our eighteen years of life. FuckI had been supposed to go to university next year.


    The thought instantly sobered me. I hadnt really had time to think of the other ce but I hoped my family were alright. And the boys at the wastewater nt. It was a shitty job (heh) but somebody had to do it.


    I nearly called for Bailu and Seiyu so I would have a more familiar face around but Minyan had told them to go home after they had spent the hours waiting for the feast to finish, constantly radiating killing intent.


    So I was stuck here. I did have at least one friendly face though. I smiled at Xiaobao when I saw her looking down at us from the Elders table. Minyan had told me yesterday that she wasnt angry at me, just embarrassed. Me spilling my spaghetti all over her when we first met was pretty cringe. That said, she did look absolutely awesome. She had even shared some exercise tips with me yesterday.


    And then the Elders made it a bit worse.


    We, the Elders, shall be retiring for tonight. Elder Minyan announced, as they rose. Be at liberty, with our eyes no longer upon you but do not be at<em> too much</em> liberty.


    Her sharp gaze did nothing to stop the cheers, nor the predatory looks as everybody else downed another cup of wine.


    I looked up at Minyan who seemed conflicted over something.


    Enjoy your night, Rou. was all she said.


    <em>.the fuck did that mean?</em>


    A sea shanty started up from the girls, tables were cleared, and people started eyeing me more as people started dancing. I was grateful for the couple sets of women who found dark corners to start making out inthey were the ones who werent looking at me like I was a piece of meat.


    It was stifling. Even Lin started to look a bit ufortable with how many people were looking our way.


    Well, her reward was to have mypany for the night


    What do you say we try and get out of here? I asked Lin. The woman nearly choked on her bottle of wine before she nodded eagerly and downed the rest of it.


    Now. The question was, just how were we going to leave when we were the center of attention


    Luckily, I didnt have to think of one.


    Little Sisters, you have all shown the might of our Isle today. Xiaobaos voice was surprisingly soft, and had the perfect timbre to send shivers up my spine as she walked in front of the crowd. She wasnt an Elder, and seemingly included in the whole let loose and have fun order. I am proud of everypetitor.


    From her body, a massive aura formed; a giant red bird, its Qi reaching out to Qi to envelop the girls in a protective embrace. Everybody looked at her, as the older woman smiled warmly at them.


    Lady Xiaobao!


    Senior Sister!


    Go. Make your escape. Xiaobao said, her single eye turning to me for a moment. Man, she was just like an awesome Big Sister.


    Thank you. was all I said, as I slipped out the back door with Lin.


    ===============================


    A couple minutes of going down random hallways found us on a balcony underneath the stars. The sounds of music had faded a bit, but at least nobody was staring at me anymore.


    I sighed happily, as I leaned against the railing, and looked up at the moon.


    Nice night tonight, eh? I asked Lin, as I turned back towards her. She was staring at me, her face flushed.


    <em>Huhuhu</em> this is <em>juuuuust</em> like the stories! This is amazin! she slurred.


    I blinked. Two hands mped over my wrists, and I stared into the hazy eyes of Zou Lin.


    I was wrong. She couldnt hold her drink. The woman was <em>sauced out of her fucking mind</em>.


    She giggled and huped.


    Thizzz thiz is the part where we dual cultivate, right? You fell in love with me an were gonna dual cultivate an im gonna be Elder Minyans sessor and were gonna get married and ascend and <em>Im gonna be the best at everything</em>.


    Shit. Her eyes werepletely gone, focused on some unknown future.


    Ah, Lin, Im sorry, but I think there''s been a misunderstanding I started


    She leaned in to try and kiss me. I managed to dodge, and she giggled.


    Hard to get~ she singsonged, as the pressure of her grip increased, and with surprisingly swift and sure movements she shoved us both over so she was on top of my hips. Two Young Masters are better than one. <em>Hic</em>!


    Her eyes had crossed.


    I tried to get my wrists out of her hold but she was a full realm ahead of me, and <em>very</em> much determined to not let go.


    Wouldnt this be better on a bed? I tried. If she let go I could have a chance to leg it or with how fucked up she was she would conk out before we got there.


    <em>Nuuuuuuuu</em>. Moon! Like the stories! she dered, alcohol sweet breath hitting my nose. She bit her lip.


    You know, this was kind of hotbut she was drunk as a skunk. I sighed internally. This was going to turn into a fight, and I was going to have to fist fight a woman so she wouldnt do something I <em>very much </em>wanted her to do.


    Lin. we really shouldnt I tried again.


    Lin was giggling and starting to lean down again when somebody mmed a bucket over her head. Water poured over both of us.


    Young Master! Ill save you! a voice criedand then with a sound like a machine gun, the mystery woman started <em>bashing the hell</em> out of the bucket with her mop.


    I could only imagine the hell that Lin was experiencing under there.


    Lin fell off me, iling, but the mystery woman kept going at her. Divine punishment! <em>Divine punishment!</em> Touching the Young Master like that, you dare?!


    She looked absolutely enraged, tears in her eyeswait, I knew this girl!


    Miss sher? I asked, and sher-Chan froze, her rage turning into mortification.


    <em>Miss sher</em>?! she asked, her vengeful mop going limp.


    Lin managed to pull the bucket off her head, which was producing water from a crystal in its bottom.


    She then promptly hurled, and then copsed face first into it.


    At least we could probably keep this quiet, with only one witness


    Young Master, are you well? I felt your Qi ring Xiaobao trailed off, as she looked at me soaking wet, mop-girl, and Lin passed out in her own vomit. She looked very concerned. Is this how oneys with a man? she asked.


    I pinched the bridge of my noseand then pulled out my transmission stone.


    Hey, Bailu, Seiyu? Could I have a hand, please?


    =========================================


    For the first time since I had met them, my ostensible maids did maid things. They were actually <em>very</em> good at getting vomit off people.


    They started carrying Lin back to her room, with myself, sher-Chan, and Xiaobao following after. The bigdy looked rather troubled. The ship was quiet but we didnt dodge everybody. A very prettydy with the most impressive set of tits I had ever seen on a woman, and I had just had too shitty a day to be polite even in my own head. Her figure was positively <em>lush</em>, and she had both a mature face and a kind of motherly aura about her. She had been on night watch, instead of at the party.


    She took one look at us and sighed. Lady Xiaobao. Senior Sisters.


    Liusei! Youll give us a hand, right? Bailu asked. The woman raised an eyebrow.


    I never should have told anyone I had a daughter. the woman grumped but picked up Lin with practised ease. Good evening Young Master. This one is Yangtze Liusei, of Yellow Rock teau. Ill get her to her room...though I will have to report this.


    Everybody winced.


    Um could you make sure everybody knows this wasnt her fault? She was <em>really</em> drunk, and I might have identally given her the wrong idea. I said.


    The woman bowed. I shall tell Elder Minyan.


    Also, can you put in a good word for Miss sherer, uh, Im sorry, whats your name? I continued. Miss sher wilted. Bailu and Seiyu looked like christmas hade early.


    Shilong Seireishang, Young Master. sher-chan replied. Wow. Her name was a <em>mouthful</em>. And I already knew Seiyu, so shortening it to Sei would just get confusing.


    Well, thanks, Rei. Yeah, She helped me out, so she sould get some credit. Rei perked up at the nickname.


    I will do so, Young Master. Liusei replied, giving me a warm smile.


    Oh, yeah, did the courier you hirede back yet? Bailu asked, as we started walking down the hall again.


    No. I shall likely have to send another but maybe it is fate, that my letters are not arrivingor my Little Orchid is refusing to answer. Liusei responded.


    You could just go yourself. Bailu said with a shrug, but the woman grimaced, and didnt say anything else.


    We eventually got Lin to her room.


    Thank you, Liusei, Rei. I said.


    Yeah, thanks Liuliu, Miss sher. Bailu said cheerily.


    Goodnight, Liusei, Rei the sher. Seiyu said too.


    sher-chan looked like she wanted to curl up and die.


    We walked to the docks, the four of us. I didnt really know why Xiaobao was still here but she seemed nice enough. She had helped me out, and had that cool big sister feeling around her.


    I have had a really shitty party. I dered. So now I have to have a fun party. Senior Sister Xiaobao could I request the pleasure of yourpany?


    The big woman blinked in confusion, but nodded her head.


    ====================================


    Wuting Xiaobao didnt know what she was doing here, as she flew alongside the little skiff. Part of her said it was to make sure nothing else would happen to the Young Master, seeing as it had been her fault he was in that predicament to begin with.


    The party had been painful. Feelings of jealousy that she had thought she hadpletely conquered had reared their ugly head as she watched Zou Lin interact with the Young Master.


    Foolish, she had been. Utterly foolish. He hadplimented her. He had called her beautiful, and that was no world of a lie but that did not mean he saw her.. Like that.


    Of course he would most certainly prefer thepany of younger, prettier fairies. He was a young man.


    So stupid, she had been. But his words had warmed her heart, so she had decided to lend him a hand in escaping the party. It was the least she could do, for the first man who had ever made her feel like an actual woman.


    And then it turned out her action had nearly led to him being


    Xiaobao shook the thought away.


    And yet instead of being angry, he had invited her to have a more private party with him. On his private ind.


    Thanks for helping me slip out earlier, Senior Sister. he said, and his voice startled her out of her introspection. Im kind of d it ended early. It was pretty boring.


    You do not enjoy thepany of such fairies? She asked.


    Nah. Id rather spend time with Bailu, Seiyu and well, you. You guys dont make me feel ufortable.


    And just like that, Xiaobao felt her face starting to go red again. Her heart pounded in her throat.


    The rest of the night was a blur of alcohol, and dancingespecially dancing around a little tree. It was a strange thing, with three trunks all connected at the bottom but it felt nice.


    She even slept there and when she woke up, it was with her arm around the Young Masters shoulder, and with him resting partially on her chest.


    He looked up and smiled at her. There was no shock or revulsion in his eyes.


    Youre <em>way</em>fier than Bailu and Seiyu. he dered.


    Xiaobaos face turnedpletely crimson.


    She had no idea what to do but her master would know.


    Xiaobao resolved to find her adoptive mother, and beg her for the secrets of men.


    =============================================


    Zou Lin moaned as she snuggled into her covers. Her head was pounding like a drum and she felt like shit. Just what had happenedst night


    Her eyes shot open. Her white skin somehow paled even further.


    She was up and out of bed, not bothering to change out of her simple robe, and sprinting for Elder Minyans mansion as fast as she could run. The wards were down, and the woman was sitting outside on a rock, looking out over the horizon.


    Lin jumped, tucked her legs in, and skidded on the gravel thest half a li, until she stopped in a perfect kowtow before the woman.


    Elder Minyan! Please kill me! She begged.


    And yet she was not killed.


    She was spared by the grace of the Young Masterthough she did have a punishment detail.


    She dly took the mop from a simrly happy Midship girl, who<em> didnt </em>have to mop the rest of the Godship.


    Thank you for stopping me, Sister sher. Lin said earnestly.


    Sister shers bright smile turned brittle.

 Escape Attempt

    Escape Attempt


    And so the days rolled on. There wasnt that much aftermath to the tournament for me, other than Lin looking like she wanted to die when she was brought to apologise to me for her actions.


    But the tournament had only solidified my desire to leave. I started getting called into the sect a bit more often, for simple things, and each time it was stifling, as the novelty hadnt quite worn off for the girls.


    I didnt want to have to walk on eggshells around people. For that I was grateful to Bailu and Seiyuthey never judged me. They never cared. They may not have been the smartest girls, but they were my friends. My big sisters.


    ==================


    I chewed carefully considering what I had put in my mouth and then delivered my verdict.


    It tastes good. Youve gotten a lot better.


    Yes! Bailu cheered, and then hugged me. See! Not far behind you, Seiyu!


    <em>But still behind</em>. Seiyu singsonged back. Indeed. Seiyu had gotten better at cooking quite a bit faster than Bailu had.


    Still, the jab didnt seem to diminish her spirits, as she stuck her tongue out at her friend. Well cook dinner tonight, Young Master! Bailu promised.


    Oh? Looking forwards to it. I said.


    If I had known what was going to happenter, I wouldnt have been optimistic.


    Because when I opened the door, I nearly fell back out of it.


    Would you like dinner? A bath? Or maybe <em>us?</em> my two idiots chorused, bowing low.


    My eye twitched. For some reason the depraved people of Wa had already invented the naked apron.


    Big D. Imanded, and my rooster hopped onto my arm. Both Bailu and Seiyu froze, suddenly looking a lot less mischievous.


    Uh, well get dressed right away They began.


    <em>Sick em.</em>


    My rooster meted out divine retribution and managed to pull out a couple of their hairs.


    ===================================


    Objectively, I could say my life was a good one. A great one, even. I got to be a Young Master, I got training from cultivators I never should have gotten. I was privy to secrets I should not have heard. I was taken care of. I met powerful people, oversaw tournaments, and acted as Tianzhe Minyans son.


    I even went on a few adventures, pulled along by Chunhua, the bratty yet oddly earnest Young Mistress wanting to spend time with her fellow descendant.


    ===========================


    Big D let out a call and pointed with his wing, his sharp eyes locking on to our quarry.


    There she blows! I shouted, almost hysterically, as we shot towards a flying shark as big as an eighteen wheeler. I had stuck it with a harpoon tied to the ship, and it was dragging us along clouds so thick they were acting like actual water, moving faster than Chunhua could fly outside of short bursts. My knuckles were white on the rudder, as I used every ounce of skill to keep us from capsizing. I dont know why I had agreed to this, but Chunhua had been adamant about hunting this maneater down.


    The beast shall not escape us! Chunhua shouted, grinning. She was standing on the bow, her arms crossed as we were shaken like a dog. Ill skin it as a gift for Aunt Liliand you can have the teeth! Bailu and Seiyu were both flying beside us and slightly behind, but were content to let us handle things. Ill show you why I came in second in the tournament


    It''sing around! Hit it, you little idiot!


    Eh?! she screamed. Im not an idio<em>eeep!</em>


    The shark had turned, and now all we could see was a massive maw, open wide to swallow us whole.


    We should have bought a bigger boat. I groaned, as I grabbed another harpoon.


    The ship was nearly shattered, but we ended up winning that day.


    I made a ne out of the teeth, and gave it to Xiaobao. She had been helping me recently, showing me some tricks of her own training.


    ==================================


    And yeteverything here was a lie. A sweet lie. A lie that maybe came close to being true, as I spent more time with Minyan. I liked calling her aunt. I didnt mind calling her mother, for everything that she had done for me. I didnt know if she felt the same.


    I could feel the sky calling louder with each day. The horizon seemed to be closer with each moment.


    Thus did five months pass, and there was an anniversary. A year since my death, and my rebirth. A year and three months since Rou had first been sent to the Sect. It was an anniversary only I celebrated, in the sanctity of my own mind.


    Gramps never sent me any letters.


    ===============================


    Their Young Master was silent today, as he stared into the mes. Normally, Bailus Lord and Master was a vital force, his stamina impressive for his cultivation. He always seemed to be doing <em>something</em>, amusement dancing in his eyes.


    But today, he hadnt been. His smile was gone. His movements were lethargic. He hadnt even reacted to either of them when they tried to get a reaction, inviting him to bathe with them.


    It took them entirely too long to figure out that it had already been a year. A year since they had crashed into this ind, and be their Lords servants.


    Bailu could safely say she had thoroughly enjoyed her year of service. The Young Master was fun. He learned Seiyusnguage. He trained with them, and taught them how to cook. He acted annoyed by their antics and yet he never outright told them to stop. He moaned andined but he treated them like they were truly like they were family, rather than his servants. Rather than the women who had nearly killed him.


    With how they normally were it was all too easy to forget how badly they had hurt him.


    Was that it? Was that why he was so morose? Was he remembering a time before all this?


    Bailu knew she and Seiyu werent the smartest of women. The heavens knew <em>everybody</em> told them that enough, even though they were always surprised when they found out just how strong they were. But she liked to think she was a bit perceptive, even though Seiyu was better at this kind of thing.


    It was their actions that had dragged their Young Master out of hiding. And Elder Minyan <em>had</em> been hiding him. Now, he was basically a part of the sect and he hated every moment of it.


    Neither of them knew why he hated the attention so much. Only that he did.


    And it was their fault.


    Young Master. Would you like us to leave you today? Seiyu asked, putting voice to Bailus thoughts that it was them causing this reaction.


    Their Young Master turned to them. He opened his mouth like he wanted to tell them something before he thought better of it.


    Though he trusted them there was always onest barrier. Something small, and hidden, thatst piece of separation between them. A secret, between him and Elder Minyan.


    Finally, however, he spoke. <em>Please stay.</em>


    It was quiet. It was lonely.


    Bailu was on the log next to him in an instant, and Seiyu was the same on the other side. Bi De jumped up onto their Mastersp, the rooster looking concerned.


    Rou smiled at the bird, and ran his fingers through his feathers.


    What''s the matter? Can we help? Bailu asked, and her Young Master turned to look at her.


    <em>It''s nothing</em>. Im being dumb. he lied to them.


    It was something that was obviously hurting him. Bailu wrapped her arms around his shoulders. Seiyu did the same, and they stared into the fires together.


    And then, Their Young Master spoke.


    Hey. I think I feel like dancing. he told them.


    And so they did. It was slow, rocking, almost, to something invisible.


    Bailu. Seiyu. Their Young Master whispered. <em>I want to be free.</em>


    Bailu hugged him tighter, her and Seiyus Qi wrapping around him protectively.


    And there, that night, they witnessed a miracle, as their Qi linked. Supporting each other.


    ===========================


    <em>I wanted to be free.</em>


    The embrace was warm. It wasforting, as we simply stood there before the saplings.


    It was a sudden thing. A massive surge of Qi, as it suddenly exploded in size.


    The Oak sapling twisted and curved, yet somehow condensed, as it formed the keel, a sturdy spine for the rest of the ship.


    Teak grew from the spine, first in ribs, and then, they grew branches that looked like nks, crisscrossing to form solid walls, and a small cabin.


    And finally, out of the center of the ship, the maple reached for the skies. The teak and oak wrapped around it, as it rose, tall and proudand from it grew leaves. Great sheets of leaves that started green before deepening to a brilliant red, as the ship <em>grew its own sails</em>.


    The ship rose slightly into the air, its roots slithering out of the hole in the ground, and formingnding gear as it settled back down.


    I felt a connection immediately. A connection to the ship. I felt a touch. <em>Excitement. Wonder. Curiosity. </em>


    My hand reached out, shaking, as I touched the hull. It was warm, and alive. Bailu and Seiyu were right beside me, their eyes just as wide as mine.


    <em>And the desire for a name.</em>


    Ningjing. <em>Serenity</em>. I said, nearly without thinking, as my fingers traced the courtly characters into the side of the ship.


    Maybe it was a bit too on the nose to a certain showbut that was what I felt, as I stared up at the ship. A ship with unlimited flight capability. A ship that could go<em> anywhere.</em>


    And yet I had been willfully ignorant. Or willfully blind.


    Because I had spent every day wondering how I would leave on my ship and not thinking about how, with how I had made this thing the sect would never let me leave.


    Incredible. Minyan said, seeming to appear out of nowhere. Her eyes were wide. Her veil was off. <em>You actually did it</em>.


    Her voice was full of wonder and hope.


    We <em>have</em> to replicate this. Rouyou are confined to this ind until further notice, so we may study this, and you, and find out what we were missing. Hopefully, in a couple of decades, well have it. A return to glory.


    And just like that it all truly came tumbling down.


    I didnt even get my first flight.


    Maybe it was stupid of me, what I did next. But I felt an itching in my soul. Amand. A <em>demand</em>.


    I had to go. I had to go <em>now</em>.


    ===================================


    I asked Bailu and Seiyu to go to town for me, because we were almost out of things for dinner. I nned to pack some provisions and just go but my two idiots knew me better than that.


    Young Master. What are you doing? Bailu asked.


    I froze in the middle of packing, standing on top of the ship.


    Bailu and Seiyu were looking at me, their heads cocked to the side.


    Im going. I said simply to them. Honestly. They deserved that much, even if they were going to ground my ass


    Okay. Seiyu said simply. What else do you need?


    I stared in shock, as the Storm Wings smiled and then joined me in packing.


    Were supposed to obey<em> you</em> above all others. A bit of shoddy wording on the Sects part, huh? Bailu said cheerfully.


    It was wrong. I knew she didnt have to help me do this. I knew neither of them did.


    But they did it anyway. We packed the ship to the gills, and I could feel the excitement radiating off Ningjing as we loaded her.


    We cast off from the ind, my hand on the wheel. Wind filled crimson sails, as we hauled to the north wind, blowing off the ocean below.


    For a brief moment, it once more seemed like things would work out.


    And then we felt it, the intent approach, as Minyan noticed what we were doing. Big D let out a warning cry. Bailu and Seiyu chuckled nervously.


    Both of them turned to the sudden feeling of cold and ice. I felt my breath catch in my throat, as Tianzhe Minyan stood there, floating in the sky before us.


    Not even an hour ago, I tell you youre confined to the ind, and you try to leave? Minyan demanded. Is this how you repay me, for everything Ive done for you?


    I swallowed thickly. The itching in my soul was getting worse. The panic at being grounded. The feeling that everything was going to be exposed, right here and right now and yet, despite all that, I felt my heart grow calm.


    Yes. Im thankful for everything youve donebut I need to leave. I told Minyan. I <em>have</em> to leave.


    Minyans eyes narrowed. Is that so? She asked.


    Youve had your adventure. You have your story. You grew strong because you could spread your wings and fly and now youre going to deny me the same. If I dont go now, youll <em>never let me leave</em>. I replied. Ill stay on this ind forever as each experiment you do fails, because the ship needs something that you cant give.


    Minyan flinched slightly, and her frown deepened. Return to your ind, Rou. The world is a cruel ce. In the sect youre guaranteed to survive. I promise you, youll want for nothing.


    Survive? Survive? That was what I''ve been doing for so long. <em>Surviving</em>. I dont want to just survive! I want to <em>Live</em>! I shouted. I want to see it! This world, in all its glory and all its horror! I want to be more than I was. More than I ama caged bird living on <em>handouts</em>!


    I could feel my Qi rising, resonating with something. I didnt know what it was. Maybe it was the inds around me. Maybe it was with Ningjing.


    It felt like wings. Wings to take me high above. Wings of Freedom.


    In the end, it was onest gasp of defiance, from a man already defeated.


    Are you trulymitted to defying me? Minyan asked. Her power so vast I felt like I was drowning. Bailu. Seiyu. Are you supporting this foolishness?


    That was when I heard Bailu snort, and Seiyu chuckle.


    ==========================


    Well. I guess we got enough out of our borrowed time, eh, Seiyu? Bailu asked, as she cracked her neck.


    Seiyu smiled at her friend. A year was more kind than we deserved.


    Seiyu and Bailu had died a year ago. Minyan had nearly in them on the spot. They had been saved only by the man they had nearly killed. It was the act of mercy and benevolence only a true Lord would think to have.


    He brought them their time. But it was just that. <em>Brought</em>, and the heavens would always have those who had been fated to die eventually.


    There was a word for what they were, in Seiyus tribe. <em>Corpse warriors</em>. The dead who had not yet died, carrying on until they fulfilled their purpose.


    And their purpose was clear. To protect and serve. After all: <em>duty was heavier than the sea, and death, as light as its spray.</em>


    Their <em>Arujis</em> eyes widened, as they stepped off the ship. Wait, what are you do


    Bailus finger touched their Arujis lips, silencing his protests. His eyes were full of worry. Of concern, as he realised what they were going to do.


    She could see it in his eyes. He was fine with the consequences to himself for his defiance but not if they were dragged into it too.


    <em>He was willing to stop his own dreams and ambitions, if it meant they would live on.</em>


    And that was exactly why he deserved this. Bailu winked at him.


    Good luck, Master. Seiyu said simply. Get as far away as you can.


    With their Qi, they pushed Ningjing away. The little ship was confused. Such a cute, dutiful child, who deserved to fulfill its purpose.


    They turned back to Elder Minyan. Elder Minyan, who had seen their talent. Who had elevated them. Who had cared for them.


    But all sweet things came to an end.


    Bailus horns ripped free from her skull; her teeth sharpened into draconic tusks. Her fingers became ws, and a tail sprouted from her rear, coated in deep blue scales.


    The Typhoon Wings bones let out sickening snaps as they rearranged. Bailus power flooded the world, as the child of a Dragon ripped loose the shackles around her ancestry, and became a beast of the heavens.


    Seiyu was not the child of a dragon. A member of an old temple. She was a daughter of the seathe people of Wa, and their wind-sted, mountainous archipgo.


    The sea was the one thing cultivators could never im to tame. It was too vast. It was too deep. And in that darkness, was the primordial power of this world.


    <em>Seiyu cracked the dam, and let the Abyss in.</em>


    The full moon formed on her brow, as her eyes turned ck. The luminescence of the deep formed on her arms, her chest, and her cheeks. She could see the things that lived in the depths. The <em>titans</em>. An eye as big as the Godship drifted past, uncaring of the ant that was using a drop of its domans power.


    The heavens cracked. The sea surged. Seiyu reached out her Qi to Bailu. Her best friend. Her Sister. The person who she swore to live and die with.


    They met halfway between them. They gave freely to each other.


    The Heavens mingled with the Abyss, as the sky turned ck with clouds.


    Sorry, Elder Minyan. Bailu said.


    Forgive us, but we shall be betraying you now, Elder Minyan. Seiyu agreed. Even if we onlyst but a secondthats a second were helping our Young Master.


    And the Storm Wings let loose.


    ========================


    In that moment I realised they were willing to die for me. Just so I would have a few more seconds of freedom.


    No, dont! I began.


    And then the first raindrop fell. It was a barely visible streak in the sky. It clipped an indone of the small, uninhabited ones.


    A crater the size of a Volkswagen appeared on it, and punched the floating ind down a full meter.


    And then the rain turned into a <em>deluge</em>.


    It put every war movie of massed artillery toplete and utter <em>shame</em>. Those inds around us simply <em>disintegrated</em> under the onught. Thunder rolled like a titanic drum. The wind howled like an enraged god.


    For a brief moment I almost worried for Minyan. But there was no need to.


    She still stood there, in the air,pletely untouched. The artillery shells of rain directed towards her froze, then shattered into snowkes. The sky above her was a peaceful, serene grey, like the day of the first snowfall instead of the churning cauldron that Bailu and Seiyu were making.


    Bailu and Seiyu, seeing that their attacks were doing nothing, shot forwards. They spiraled around each other, their Qi feeding and drawing on each other in a massive wall of white shredding wind


    A <em>hurricane</em>.


    <em>Enough</em>. Minyan said.


    And the world was silenced.


    The clouds dispersed. The rain all turned to snow. She plucked Bailu and Seiyu out of the air like unruly kittensand then froze them both in blocks of ice.


    My idiots had bothsted less than a second.


    She left them floating there, as she descended, and I stood up, as tall as I could, to meet her.


    We stood there for a moment, looking into each other''s eyes. For the first time since I had seen her Minyan looked <em>old</em>.


    Foolish boy. She said, and I knew it was over.


    ===================================


    How had things gone so out of control? Minyan wondered to herself, as she looked into Rous eyes.


    Green eyes, that even now, challenged her. That even now saw her as an enemy.


    It hurt.


    Minyan, when she first met Rou, had known that she would never get attached to him. That had been something simple, to her mind. Rou was a boy that Shen Yu had asked her to look after, and that was all.


    She met with him sparingly at first, and the boy had been polite to a fault. An eptable ward. One that wouldnt bother her too much. And then one day, out of curiosity, she asked him about his Life with Shen Yu.


    The answer had indisposed her for the better part of half an hour.


    She started visiting him more from then on. He truly was Shne Yus son, even if he did not have the man''s blood. He was mischievous. He had managed to resist her face, and not fall into madness. He was dutiful.


    And then he nearly died to the Storm Wings. She had originally just been worried because of Shen Yus reaction. She was not attached to him. But a slip up on her part had plunged them both into a lie.


    That they were mother and son.


    Some may have tried to take advantage of itknowing that Minyan would never admit to such a damaging lie. But Rou had not. He maintained their rtionship after the ident, even though he was different. A bit more skittish, but paradoxically kinder.


    He managed to take the Storm Wings in hand, and somehow won their loyalty, simply by being himself.


    Minyan found herself coveting the calligraphy he had produced. She found herself offended that Dongmei would attempt to steal Rou away for Xiaobao. She felt annoyed, when her fairies lusted after the only male some of them had ever met.


    She had been utterly furious when she found out what Lin had nearly done until the rest of the story was presented to her, with Rou taking responsibility for misleading the poor girl.


    It was then Minyan realised she was growing attached.


    She was growing attached, and she found herself not entirely minding, as the days rolled on.


    Maybe it was the way he seemed to be rediscovering their lost arts.


    Maybe it was the way heid flowers on her brothers grave, when she had invited him to her home. It hadn''t been at her promptingshe had left him alone, and hade back to him paying his respects.


    <em>Your sister has been very good to me, and Im very thankful for her protection.</em>


    Maybe it was because he got his rooster to find out her birthday, so he could give her a gift. It was a simple thing, a carved stone pendantyet it resonated with her all the same. She wore it in her hair tie, every day.


    Maybe it was the way he made up a song for her, when they met in private on New Years EveFor Old Times Friends, he called it, and sung it for her. It had been beautiful. He had not the best singing voicebut neither did Shen Yu, and it was pleasing to her ears all the same.


    Maybe it was his bright green eyes and his wide smile that reminded her of her brother.


    Maybe it was the loss hidden in his eyes, as he talked about a family butchered by disease.


    Maybe it was the way he spoke of getting up, and walking forwards anyways.


    Maybe it was when she had told him to show her his full power. He had fought bravely and intelligently, even slightly surprising her with his final move. Rou truly gave it his all, and copsed.


    She caught him, his head resting in the crook of her shoulder.


    It had felt right. He had been too big, when she shifted him to carry him on her hip. It had probably lookedical.


    <em>But it had felt right.</em>


    Her visits went from once a week to twice a week to most days, even just for five minutes, to check on his progress.


    She watched him with the Storm Wings, as they acted like siblings.


    She watched him with his pet rooster, as they tended to the fields and the growing trees together. They made quite wonderful mealsbetter than Minyan herself could make.


    She watched him as he asionally trained with Xiaobao, when the woman worked up the courage to speak with him. Rou hung onto her every word, and called her Big Sister, much to the red haired womans delight.


    She watched him interact with others in the sect. His look of exasperation as he ignored the obnoxious girls. How Lin fled from him on sight. How Seireishang twitched violently whenever she heard the word sher. He joked with Liusei about taking care of children, and the older woman remarking that Rou reminded her of her husband.


    <em>They both have beautiful eyes.</em>


    She remembered waiting with Lili, her intent burning, as he and Chunhua came back from the Tyrant Skyshark hunt she had dragged him off on. The young woman looked sheepish, when they finally got back, while Rou had been utterly exhausted, and had teeth marks all over him.


    Yet he had spoken with sparkling eyes about the trip to the hunting grounds, how the clouds had acted like waves, as they plunged into them after the man-eater.


    She didnt know when she started brushing his hair out of his eyes. She didnt know when she started sitting closer to him.


    She didnt know when he changed from <em>Shen Yus</em> boy to <em>her</em> boy.


    Time always moved strangely, when one got to be as old as Minyan. The years seemed like days sometimes, and that was finebut every day now felt worth something.


    Even as she noted his difort. Even if she could tell he was yearning for something else. Everything would turn out fine.


    In the blink of an eye, a year and three months passed after she first received that shock introduction; Rou had done it. He hadpleted the thing they had been trying to do for thousands of years. He hadpleted a grown Skyship. Even from just looking at it, Young as it was, it was everything she had dreamed of.


    It had a soul. It flew under its own power. It would grow stronger and stronger as the days passed.


    She had been so happy. Happy with <em>her boy</em>, for what he had aplished.


    And then, she received another shock.


    Rou climbing into his skyship, defying her orders to stay. Rou, trying to flee.


    She had been enraged. And yet did she have the right to be?


    He was right. Rou was a geniussomething that Shen Yu had never recognised, and had luck beyond normal men. Confining him for as long as they needed to figure out the skyship might take a mortal lifetime.


    Would Minyan have turned out the way she did, if she had been permanently stuck in the Sect? Would Shen Yu be Shen Yu, living in a gilded cage?


    Dont just survive, Minyan. <em>Live!</em> her brothermanded her, as he ced himself in front of the Spirit Beast. Dont be sad at my death! Laugh! Fall in Love! Climb as high as you can, for both of us!


    Why do I cultivate? To live! Her Master said, her rainbow eyes sparkling, as she took Minyan on her first flight. The First Lady of Soaring Heavens Isle was passion incarnate, despite her frozen looks. That is what the bird taught us! To live in a world without limits, and see it all! And this, I gift to you, Minyan. Rise. without limits!


    I dont fight to survive. I fight to live! To be more than what I was yesterday! Shen Yu dered, his grin manic as he faced down the demonic hordes. The world shall hear me roar! I am Shen Yu! <em>And I am here!</em>


    I dont want to just survive! I want to Live! Rou shouted, his green eyes zing. I want to see it! This world, in all its glory and all its horror! I want to be more than I was. More than I ama caged bird living on <em>handouts</em>!


    He wouldnt back down. He wouldnt back down, and neither would the foolish Storm Wings.


    Minyan.. Minyan wouldnt have backed down either.


    He stood tall and proud, ready for any consequences that might havee.


    What a foolish boy.


    A year ago Minyan wouldnt have hesitated. In the space between heartbeats Rou would have been chained; the Entire Isle and every Lady would have agreed with her, and damn the consequences of provoking Shen Yu. She would have hardened her heart, and tried to find the secrets Rou now had.


    Shen Yu knew him for but a short time. He could get another orphan to train.


    It was cold and callous. It was for the good of their sect.


    And yet she could hear Rous voice on the breeze, singing a song for every friend Minyan had ever lost. She could see him giving it his all, his eyes shining.


    She could feel her thumb dragging along his cheek as he slept, a feeling that she had never felt before in her breast.


    She stepped towards him, and he didnt flinch as she grasped his chin, and angled his head down slightly. Almost like she was forcing him to bow


    And ced a kiss on his forehead.


    <em>Her boy was truly foolish</em>.


    ============================

 Soaring Away From Heaven

    Soaring Away From Heaven


    Bailu awoke to the sound of somebody picking at the strings on a pipa, and the sound of her Young Masters Harmonic Wind Tines. It was a slow, almost mournful thing, he was ying.


    <em>...Well all raise our voices, a song in our hearts</em>


    <em>And set our eyes on distant shores, with wind in our sails once more.</em>


    She liked the song. It was peaceful, and it was good because her entire body hurt. Which was no wonder because she had fought Elder Minyan


    Bailus eyes snapped open, her heart in her throat. She wasying on an unfamiliar bed, in the cabin of Ningjing. The moon shone through the porthole, and she could see a floating ind nearby. They were still in Soaring Heavens Archipgo.


    Ah. <em>They had failed. </em>So that was why the Young Masters song sounded so mncholic. Bailu felt bile crawl up her throat. She couldnt do anything right, could she?


    She was somewhat surprised when she felt aforting touch of Qi on her own, Ningjing brushing against her. It was kindness andfort she ill deserved, when her Young Master was clearly going to suffer.


    Bailu slowly sat up, her head spinning. Using her full power always made her feel like shit after, but Elder Minyan had frozen her before she could start using her Vital Qi.


    She was a little surprised she wasnt in a dungeon, if she was honest. Or dead. That had been the expectation, after all.


    Beside her, Seiyu groaned, sitting up as well. Young Master, she whispered, her eyes full of shame.


    <em>There''ll be cheering and calling.</em>


    <em>No more squabbling and brawling</em>


    <em>When we have the wind in our sails.</em>


    Through some unspoken signal, both of them stood, walking towards the open cabin door. They walked through, one after the other, into the night. The moon shone brightly, and a gust of wind teased Bailus hair, blowing off the ocean to the north.


    And there, sitting with his legs dangling off the bow, was her Young Master. His back was to them, as he yed his song, Bi De upon his shoulder but Elder Minyan was nowhere to be seen.


    Were at the edge ring? Seiyu whispered, as she looked at where they were and Bailus own eyes widened at the orbit of tiny floating rocks, most no bigger than a fistthe outer boundary of the Archipgo.


    <em>There''ll be feasting and pleasure.</em>


    <em>No more rationing and measure.</em><em></em>


    <em>When we have the wind in our sails.</em>


    The song slowly petered out, as their Young Master took a breath, and then turned.


    Bailu. Seiyu. he greeted them, sitting on the edge of the ship. Bi De hopped off his shoulder, and to Bailus surprise, the rooster bowed to them both.


    Young Masterwhat happened? Bailu asked. Were they to be imprisoned? As things stood right now, nothing made sense.


    The young man smiled, slightly amused. He put his pipa down, and took a breath. Well. After you got frozen, some stuff happened and Elder Minyan exiled me from the Sect.


    Bailus mind screeched to a halt at his words. <em>Exiled?!</em> But. but that meant


    We arent allowed toe back until we have a treasure worthy of lifting our punishment. So we have to go looking, long and far, for something like that. Across the world, I would say. Their Young Master mused, as he smiled, the wind tousling their hair. His smile was radiant.


    <em>That meant they had actually won. </em>They had stood against Elder Minayn and done it. Bailu looked towards her friend. A wide smile was crawling across Seiyus face. Something happy and bubbly rose in Bailus chest. <em>They had actually done it!</em>


    Bailu and Seiyu threw their arms up in the air and cheered, hugging each other andughing. Their Young Master was free!


    So? Where are we going? Phoenix Rest ins?! Bailu asked, as she grinned.


    Or perhaps the Glittering Sea? Seiyu asked, her eyes sparkling. The horizon just seemed so big all of a sudden.


    Both of them turned to their lord, expecting his destination. But while he was still smiling at them, it looked brittle. He was clearly nervous, and he swallowed thickly.


    There''s something you both need to know, before anything else. The truth. You deserve that much. He said, as he looked away from them both. Im not Tianzhe Minyans son. My actual name is Jin Rouand my grandfather asked her to take care of me.


    Bailu and Seiyu froze at those words.


    He told them a story. A story of an orphan boy, who caught the attention of a wandering cultivator, who trained him and then sent him to Minyan, trusting her to take care of him.


    He was hidden away, and was meant to stay that way until two fools smashed into his ind, and nearly killed him.


    Through their words they forced Minyan to im him as her son.


    It certainly exined a lot. How he wasnt very Young Master-like at all. His kindness, and his willingness to put up with them. How he refused to take advantage of anything.


    And yet he was their Young Master. Bailu and Seiyu had lived with him for a year, and she was certain his personality, what he was like, wasnt an act. He was their kind Young Master. He put up with their antics. He had managed to help Seiyu with her cultivation.


    Every night, they danced with him, and sang with him and Bailu wasnt even sure if this revtion waspletely right.


    While he may not have been Elder Minyans bloodShe had stopped for him. She had forgiven him for attacking her. She had let him go.


    And most of around their Young Masters neck was a pendant that hadnt been there before she had gotten frozen. Bailu had seen around her Ladys neck. It was a constant fixture, the one thing on her that wasnt absolutely elegant and refined, and made of the basest of materials.


    From a chord ne hung a small chunk of quartz, inexpertly worked, and polished lightly; A gift Elder Minyans brother had given to her, the year before he died.


    He wasnt Minyans blood. But he <em>was</em> more than some orphan.


    Their Young Master was still their Young Master. No matter his past.


    He was looking away from them when he finished.


    Young Master Seiyu whispered, clearly at a loss for words.


    Resolve suddenly came over him, and he looked back up at Bailu and Seiyu.


    Elder Minyan gave me onest thing, before she left. He said, and reached into his pocket to pull out something they were both familiar with.


    Our servitude contract? Bailu asked, seeing the open scroll. Ten thousand years of indentured servitude, for nearly ying their Young Master. Signed in their own blood at the bottom.


    Bailu. Seiyu. Their Young Master addressed each of them. My wish was for freedom, and you were both willing to die for that. To hold you in bondage after that is wrong.


    The contract was ripped in half in a single stroke.


    Thank you for everything youve done. I truly appreciate the time we have spent together. He told them earnestly, and he lowered his head so that he was bowing to them. But on this journey Im about to go onI dont need people who say theyre living on borrowed time. I dont need anyone who cant enjoy the world were about to see to its fullest.


    Bailu didnt know what to say, as their Young Master rose to his full height from his bow. Did... did this mean he didnt want them toe with him? Was this the end of their time together?


    What I<em> do</em> need is a crew and some friends, to share the journey with. People whoe along not because they have to <em>but because they want to</em>.


    Bailu felt the smile start to form on her face. He cared for them. Just as they cared for him.


    Bailu had never been the best priestess. The lectures and the sermons about the Dragon Ancestor were so boring. But there was one thing she knew, that the old spirit of the Dragon liked to say:


    <em>Some things were fate.</em>


    What else could she say to Rous question? After he put his trust sopletely in them?


    Bailu got down on one knee, and put her hand over her fist. Beside her, Seiyu did the same.


    Lanlong Bailu pledges her allegiance to her captain.


    Wakokukin Seiyu pledges her allegiance to her <em>Senchou.</em>


    Your wings will follow, wherever you may fly. they chorused.


    He was their captain; he was their young master; he was their little brother.


    And theyd follow him until the end.


    Rou turned to look at them, the wind making his ponytail dance in the breeze. His eyes were full of relief, and affection.


    The dawn broke behind him, illuminating him in gold.


    Then let''s go! The wind wants us to the north! Let out the sail, and haul to it! he shouted.


    <em>Yes, Captain!</em>


    They did as he bid, Ningjing releasing her roots from where she had anchored herself to a small ind. The wind surged, bringing the promise of freedom.


    =============================


    Minyans eyes were on the horizon, the Thousand Li view letting her watch the Ningjing depart. There was no sound, by Minyans design. What was said on that ship was private, and between Rou and the Storm Wings yet she couldnt help but smile slightly, as the girls embraced Rou, the contract disintegrating now that its purpose was fulfilled.


    Well. A true man was never a hypocrite, and it was good that her Rou wasnt.


    Well. I suppose thats one way to do things. Lili mused from her seat. Song just had her arms crossed, while Xiaobao looked at the slowly disappearing skyship.


    The Storm Wings and Minyan certainly hadnt been<em> subtle</em> during their battle. Half the Sect had to be cated with Minyan telling them it was just a training exercise.


    Her fellow Elders had needed a bit more cating, however. Song and Lili had both been utterly furious that she had just let the ship go, and it had nearlye to blows. Yet they had allowed her to exin, and after she was finished, some of the fire had faded.


    Minyan let out a little sigh, as she remembered her conversation with Rou on the ship.


    ==============================


    She was seated beside Rou on the side of the ship, both their legs dangling off the side. Rou was petting Bi De, the rooster having nearly lost consciousness from her mere presence, and was only just now reawakening. The bold little beast had still tried to get in front of her and Rou, but while his Spirit had been willing, a single step forwards had sent him sprawling.


    Her boy had won the loyalty of the Storm Wings, who Minyan had thawed and put to rest, as well as a Spirit Beast.


    She returned her attention to Rou as he spoke. Their shoulders were touching slightly, and Rou kept stealing nces at her, even as he exined to her why he had chosen to run.


    She had obviously surprised him at the endyet his eyes had softened, and the look he had given her made her feel quite warm, even if she would never show it.


    So. It <em>needs</em> freedom? she asked, and Rou nodded.


    I probably could have exined things butit was overwhelming. I <em>needed</em> to go.


    Minyan knew well cultivation-enforced actions and urges. To feel ones soul cry out was not something easily disregarded.


    And if he hadnt shocked her so, she probably wouldnt have examined her own heart.


    We likely wouldnt have found out or epted your reasoning until monthster, even if you had told us. Minyan admitted. This is far too valuable to simply ept at face value.


    Rou nodded. Well, I mean, maybe this could help? Even If I leave, you could test things.


    He opened his hand, and then something settled in his palm. Minyan couldnt see it. That was the most surprising thing. She couldnt perceive what he had in his hands, until she concentrated, and then, slowly, a scroll faded into existence.


    Rou then opened it. See. This has everything Ive been learning.


    He turned it to her, and Minyan raised a brow.


    Because the only thing on the scroll was a stylized deer, sticking its tongue out at her. Minyan raised an eyebrow at the sheer cheek, at first thinking Rou was ying some manner of prank on her, like he had done to Shen Yu. But his eyes were pure and he was clearly reading something she couldnt see.


    She opened her hand, and he let the scroll drop into it. It disappeared instantly into motes of green light.


    Rou blinked at it. Im sorry Ill try He started, but Minyan shook her head.


    It''s fine. This is something I am not supposed to have, I think. she said, and then looked up at the sky.


    Theypsed into silence.


    Please dont be too harsh on the Storm Wings. he whispered.


    Minyan let out a little breath.


    The Storm Wings have been punished enough. Minyan dered. You, on the other hand you have raised your hand against me, and defied me. Rou tensed.


    Thus you shall be exiled. Until you bring back a treasure worthy of readmittance.


    Rous jaw dropped. Minyan looked into his green eyes. Despite his shock, they were positively dancing with life.


    Minyan.. he breathed.


    But you shall return. This Imand of youand this shall be proof of our promise.


    Minyan untied her ne from around her neck. The chord had been reced a thousand times over the centuries, but the tiny piece of worthless, polished quartz remained.


    She tied it around his neck. He remained still as she did, and she avoided looking in her eyes as she pulled back


    And <em>this</em> is Bailu and Seiyus servitude contract. Their master should be the one to hold it, and do with it as he pleases.


    Minyan rose and turned away.


    You may go, Rou. I shall smooth things over with the other elders. She rose into the air.


    Minyan! Rou shouted. She didnt turn, but paused. Really, calling her Minyan


    Jin Rou pressed his forehead to the deck of the ship.


    Thank you, for everything youve done for me! he shouted. She could hear his tears dripping onto the deck, and her heart spasmed slightly. She would have to meditateter, and calm it.


    Minyan stayed facing away from him.


    Raise your head. No child of mine bows so low to somebody. was all she said instead. You may use the name Tianzhe, should you wish.


    His tears didnt stop, as he raised his head, looking at her back.


    Then <em>Ill see you soon, mom.</em>


    Minyans heart spasmed again, and a feeling of warmth spread through her cold limbs. She continued flying away.


    How hasnt that old bastard <em>leapt</em> at the chance to marry you? she heard Rou whisper. Minyan blushed slightly.


    Truly, her boy had good vision, to see things that Shen Yu was blind to.


    =======================================


    They arent allowed toe back until they have a treasure worthy of lifting their punishment? Lili asked, an amused smile on her face. So they cane back with the ship whenever? Thats not something Id expect from you, Minyan! Lili said, her smile fully on her face. Her fellow Elder was certainly amused by the whole situation.


    I still dont agree with this. Song said, her face twisted into a frown.If this has to happen, he should have better guards. Xiaobao, go


    Themand was cut off by Minyan. They need to be there with his consentor he would see it as a leash. He needs freedom to properly cultivate this method. Minyan replied. The Storm Wings are strong enough to protect him, in any case.


    Song huffed, while Xiaobao looked almost forlornly after the ship. Heavens, that woman had it bad.


    Lili justughed. Either hell revive the arts, or things will stay the same. Either way, things work out for us.


    Song grumbled, but was outvoted at least for now.


    Xiaobao. Go see what Dongmei thinks about all this. Maybe she wont be so foolish, and let this prize slip away from us. Song said, ring at the retreating ship.


    Are you talking about the ship or the chicken? Lili jabbed, her fan unfolding in front of her face.


    The ship of course! Song instantly repliedonly for Lilis finger tosh out, and touch Songs storage ring.


    She came away holding a pouch of seeds. Songs face turned crimson.


    Qi exploded off them both, while Minyan rolled her eyes.


    May the Heavens Favour you, child.


    ==========================


    I was on top of the world, as we danced through the sky for the entire day, heading north, and towards Phoenix Rest in; and as the sun set, We anchored to a mountain top.


    That night, instead of being our normal boisterous dances, we were simply quiet, staring up at the stars.


    It was wonderful, and it was beautiful. Though, when we went to sleep, we did find a problem.


    There was only one bed.


    So. What are we doing on the bed, captain? Bailu asked cheerfully.


    I felt my eye twitch at the smugness in the words.


    But I grabbed Bailu and Seiyu around the neck, and pitched forwards onto the waiting mattress.


    <em>Sleeping,</em> I dered.


    My Storm Wingsughed.

 Riding the Storm

    Riding the Storm


    Some people say be careful what you wish for. It''s a cautionary idiomthat the thing you want most may have drawbacks you never considered, or the wish itself may be cursed.


    Me? Im blessed to say my wish was turning out just fine.


    Alright! It''s time to put this into practice! Bailu, Seiyu, only step in if Ningjing is in danger, okay? I asked, as I took my ce at the wheel. Ningjing had a more modern set up than I had been expecting, a proper wheel instead of just a tiller. Maybe that was some contamination from me, but Bailu and Seiyu hadn''t seemed confused about anything, so the bigger boats probably had something simr.


    Aye Aye, Captain! my Storm Wings called, as we approached a truly apocalyptic-looking storm. The cumulonimbus pierced into the sky like a cknce, punching up into what looked like the bloody stratosphere. It was a wall of darkness, and lightning shed like a strobe light from its titanic depths. I could <em>feel</em> the Qi coursing though it. It was a great beast that blocked our way north. We could have gone around it, or waited it outbut to hells with it. We could skirt the edge, so thats what we were going to do.


    Big D, Youre on the watch, let me know what you see, and help us with the currents!


    A determined crow answered me from my shoulder.


    I took a breath, and let the feeling of serenity wash over me. You ready, Ningjing? I asked our final crewmate.


    <em>Happy, happy! Determined!</em>


    I smiled as Ningjings consciousness brushed against mine. She didn''t exactly embody her name. Ningjing felt like an excitable puppy with the way she expressed herself; emotion and feeling, rather than any higher concepts.


    I had only known her for a weekbut a week was enough to fall in love with the little ball of sunshine.


    A week. It had been a week since we had left Soaring Heavens Isle, and set off over the open ocean.. Or technically speaking an absolutely <em>massive</em> bay that came up from the southern ocean, and split the continent into two southern lobes. Lobes that were <em>each</em> probably as big as africa, with half the pacific ocean in between them.


    It had been a meandering course at first, as we got used to Ningjing and sailing her; practicing on the open skies, and resting anchored to sea stacks, or the asional wandering Isle that had drifted away from the main Archipgo.


    I have to say, the week had been the best time of my life, as we shot along with gale winds and skimmed the ocean waves; the feeling of freedom had been absolutely wondrous, as Ninjing got louder and louder in our heads.


    We were headed towards the hearnds of the Empirea meaning course towards Phoenix Rest in, with our ultimate goal being Crimson Crucible City. The ce where I had grown up.


    The destination had just seemed right.


    After all, I had to pay respects to my birth parents.. And pick up a whole load of the tea I remembered loving. After that? Who the hells knew?


    I took another breath as we got closer and closer to the storm. It was a gods damned <em>monster</em>. I could <em>see</em> how fast the wind was thanks to Ningjingand just skimming along the edge of the storm would have us getting sted by wind that was sixty-five knots. A hundred and twenty kilometers an hourhurricane-force winds in a wooden sailing ship but I knew Ningjing was more than equal to the task with a bit of proper handling.


    Youve got this, captain. Seiyu said, her voice carried to me. Her encouragement was simple, and full of faith. Bailu, on the other hand, was just standing on the prow, her arms crossed as she stared down the beast.


    I was <em>so</em> d they had decided toe with me. My girls had been surprisingly chill after the first day, and we had settled into a great routine. They hadpleted my skyship sailing instructionhow to sail into the wind, how to ride out storms, which we were about to put into practise. They had also been greatpanions. They had pulled back a bit on the teasing and innuendo, and instead well, they were fully on board with treating this like the adventure it was, both of them as eager as I was to see whaty beyond the next horizon. Even the single bed wasnt really an issue. I must confess I spent most nights underneath the stars,ying on a hammock Ningjing had grown for me.


    Have I mentioned my baby is awesome yet? Because she''s awesome. I checked on things onest time. The sail was reffed and tightened for the beginning here, so the winds wouldnt rip it off. Everything wasshed down. Seiyu nodded at my diligence.


    And then it was time.


    I took another breath as the darkness loomed. <em>Here ites!</em>


    My grin split my face as we hit the edge of the storm, our keel touching down on clouds dense enough to act more like water than what they were. Rain immediately began tosh us, and the wind screamed. A normal human would have been absolutely <em>wrecked</em> by what we were experiencing as the rain rammed into us faster than most cars could move. Thunder shed and boomed, and the turbulence shook us like a dog.


    But we were cultivators, and made of sterner stuff.


    We crested the plume we were on, and I decided to follow the cloud contour instead of trying to bridge the gap. We pitched sixty degrees straight down and plummeted with the natural formation.


    My grip was white knuckled on the wheel. Ningjings rudder strained. Her sail was taught, and she was reinforcing her ropes with Qi. I kept my eyes on the wind currentsbut while I could see them, I had a crewmate that was a lot better at interpreting them.


    Big D shifted on my shoulder, his eyes peeled. I followed his movements, dodging patches of turbulence that we could have hit if I had remainedpletely in controlincluding a spectacr ripper that would have possibly ripped our sail open.


    My heart thundered in my chest. The world contracted into this single moment.


    It was beautiful. It was <em>perfect</em>.


    We carved along the cloud, rising to the peak of the next plume, where we had but a moments respite.


    And then it began again.


    <em>Yeeeeaaaaaah!</em> I howled, as we shifted to avoid a bolt of lightning. Big D crowed; Bailu and Seiyu cheered. It was like we were on the mother of all roller coasters.


    For two whole hours, we battled the worst of the stormbut I was once more reminded that this was a world of cultivation. My eyes widened as masses of skyfish burst out of the ck clouds beside us but there was something chasing themmy jaw dropped, as their predator followed them.


    Manta rays.


    <em>Flying manta rays as big as 747s.</em>


    They were the colour of the storm, grey tops and white underbellies. They burst out of the clouds, scooping masses of flying fish and soaring shrimp into their vast maws, before falling back into them.


    I had gone whale watching once, in the other ce. This blew that experience out of the water.


    I couldnt help butugh in shock and wonder.


    And then Bailu shouted.


    Captain! <em>Look!</em>


    I followed where she was pointing. Pointing at the storm far in the distance, the lightning shing so often it was electric blue instead of ck


    I did a double take.


    A massive shadow, one with giant horns and a grand mane streaked across the ripping storm.


    <em>A dragon?</em> I breathed.


    How auspicious. Seiyu dered, her voice perfectly hearable above the rolling booms of thunder.


    The great shadow spiraled and swirled within the cloud, like the great beast was dancing.


    And then it was gone, and the cloud turned back to ck. A massive gale of wind rocked us, and Ningjing hissed a slight warning.


    I tore my eyes away, and redoubled my concentration.


    For five hours we battled the storm; and then, we cleared the turbulence, and shot into the open sky. The wind was behind us. South-southeast. Slightly offset and perfect for heading north, the heavens aiding our way.


    Seiyu! Are we still on course? I asked. Seiyu nced at the sky, and then nodded. Then let fly the sail! Well make it to the coast by nightfall!


    I could feel Ninjings almost feral glee as we undid the reefs. A continuous gust of a much calmer forty knots.


    <em>Ningjing still hit forty five.</em>


    We glimpsed the coast as the sun set, mountains rising high into the sky.


    I was tired and sore, and so was Ningjing.


    But we had a little party anyways, as we anchored to the mountain peak.


    ===============================


    <em>The word is truly vast and wide, </em>Bi De noted, as he stood upon Ningjings mast. He could see forever from this location; across the sea of clouds, and to the endless horizon. The wind currents swirled pleasingly around his body, and the sun warmed his feathersafter the storm yesterday, it was nice to bepletely dry again. His Great Master had dubbed the top of the mast the roosters nest in honour of Bi De sitting there so often. It was a wonderful location. The leaves that made up the ships sail were fragrant, with a smell that was Ningjings own.


    The sights and smells soothed him, and allowed him to meditate properlyfor he had been disturbed as ofte.


    Bi De sighed as he once more reflected on the battle against the Great Hen Minyan; though it could hardly be called a fight.


    Most of what he could remember was the overwhelming weight of her soulher Qi suppressing him even while she was holding her might back. Bi De had managed a single step forwards before, to his shame, <em>falling unconscious</em>.


    When he awoke again, it was to his Lord having won a war of words with the powerful womana feat that was worthy of his Master. To be able to convince Great Hen Minyan was surely no easy feat.


    Minyans power, and his own Masters sublime skill had revealed the true vastness of the heavens to Bi De and he could not help but be humbled.


    Well, humbled for a second time. The first had been earlier in the fight.


    He nced down to the spot where they were anchored. Justst night, they had reached the maind after traveling north over Phoenix Bay. Ningjings roots grasped tightly to the mountain peak, and held her fastwhile the people he was searching for were performing their own morning meditations.


    Bailu and Seiyu sat side by side as they always did, the storm around them slowing to a halt as they finished their meditations. Truly, now they were Bailu and Seiyu, rather than the blue one and the purple one. They had stood before Minyan despite courting death; and they had done so with a smile on their faces; then they had pledged themselves to him, when all of their shackles had been taken off.


    To continue to degrade them when they had done that would be truly shameful. They were proud warriors, and deserved his respect.


    He gazed at them with soft eyes as they began to discuss their cultivation.


    You gotta push more, Seiyu! Bailu dered.


    I am going at a reasonable speed; it is <em>you</em> who is throwing us off!


    Bi Des smile became strained as they mmed their foreheads together, ring and muttering foul curses at each other.


    <em>They deserved his respect.</em> He thought firmly.


    You two ready to go? A voice cut through their budding argument, as their Master made himself known, and both women ceased their foolishness.


    Only for, as soon as Seiyu was distracted, turning to greet their lord, Bailu reached forwards, and grabbed the tribal womans skirts.


    Seiyus face turned crimson, as her buttocks were exposed to the cold mountain air. Bailu started cackling.


    Bi De amended himself. They deserved his respect <em>sometimes.</em>


    Their Masters hand met his face.


    Seiyus hand met <em>Bailus</em> face, and the Tsunami Wing performed an advanced grappling maneuver. In one motion she spun the dragon woman around until she was pulled over Seiyus knee, removed one of her slippers, and hiked Bailus dress up.


    The sound of slipper meeting rump echoed over the mountain, along with Bailus screams.


    At least until they caused an avnche, and then both of them were off fixing their mess..


    Bi De stared, taking deep, even breath, and focused on their beautiful charge against the Great Hen.


    They sort of deserved his respect, <em>sometimes,</em> when they were not being fools.


    that was probably the best he was going to get.


    Bi De sighed, and shook his head Even as he felt a brush of amusement from Ningjing.


    They finally got moving when it was nearly noon.


    ===============================

 Soaring Heavens Isle 17: Phoenix Rest Plains

    Soaring Heaven''s Isle 17: Phoenix Rest ins


    After the pulse-pounding adventure in the storm yesterday, the more rxed atmosphere today was wee. Instead of rushing forwards like a rollercoaster throughshing rain and cold wind, we sailed forwards steadily on a warm breeze; Thend below was covered in a gentle nket of mist. Ningjing was scenting the air like an eager puppy, and my hand on her wheel was rxed. I was letting her drift just a bit, catching the air currents as she pleased. Big D was on my shoulder, and all was right with the world.


    It lulled me into a better mood in the aftermath of having to stop Bailu and Seiyu. I mean it <em>had</em> been kind of funny watching them squabble, but I put a stop to it before they could start cracking bits off the coastal mountain we had anchored at. They had pouted a bit about it, but their own moods couldntst as we basked in the glorious day. Bailu wasying on the roof of the cabin, humming as we sailed along, while Seiyu was going over a couple of charts and navigating for us.


    It was also our first day overndrealndsince we had set out. And the Provence we were in was the very beating heart of the Empire. The <em>capital</em> province.


    The Phoenix Rest ins.


    Well, the name Phoenix Rest <em>ins</em> was actually kind of a misnomer. While <em>most </em>of the province was a massive expanse of grasnd, the province itself was slightly over half the size of the United States. And had other biomes andndforms to match. It had mountains, karsts, steppes, enormous forests, and titanic cave systems.


    Still, the ins were the thing that everybody talked about. It was captured in poetry and immortalized in a hundred thousand paintings and murals. I was honestly curious if it lived up to the hype. I had only really seen the seedier parts of Crimson Crucible City, and bits of Soaring Heaven Archipgoconsidering gramps had done something to me, and all of a sudden I woke up in front of Minyan.


    I grimaced, and forced the thought away. Instead I focused on the world around me as the light mist cleared with the sun


    And my breath caught in my throat.


    Just the expanse of it was mind-boggling. It was ordered into regr square plots by what had to be the millions, because as far as the eye could see were farms and little farming viges, sitting in surprisingly orderly plots.


    Compared to the sect they were quaint, small things, to be sure, but I was utterly enraptured by the scenery. It was what I had imagined, months ago, when I idly had thought of running away to be a farmer. The whole thing just looked inviting. The walls here seemed more for decoration than true defense, and were covered in edible berry vines that turned them green too. Animals gamboiled in paddocks and in coops, and the only real noise was that ofpeting roosters. Big D red down at thend from on my shoulder, and then sniffed imperiously as he listened to their cries, before ignoring thempletely.


    We dipped a bit lower from our lofty perch as we continued, so I could get a better look atl the lush, verdantnd. It was about the middle of summer, and the crops were well underway. I could smell the loamy soil and the greenery; it was a wonderful scent, that mixed with the smoke of cooking fires.


    But more than the verdant scenery was the people. They moved with little urgency. I caught smiles on faces as the people tended to their crops, or drove little carts up and down the well-maintained roads. Children were already racing around the fields and vige squares, and while some of them were working a lot of them simply seemed to just be being<em> kids</em>. There were even asional visible guard patrols, but the people obviously didnt fear them, as the guardsmen waved to the people, or engaged them in conversation.


    It was a scene of pastoral bliss, as far as I could tell.


    Yet thend held only part of the splendor.


    To our right was the truly spectacr Phoenix Tears River, one of the longest and widest rivers in the known world. Its waters were practically sparkling, and from the air we could see the vast schools of fish and breaching pink dolphins that cut in between the hundreds of ships plying its surface. From tiny fishing boats to massive trade junks, they sailed up and down the river, busy with their own business.


    It was... peaceful. <em>Exceedingly</em> peaceful, and that was one hell of a statement, in a world where literal monsters roamed the countryside.


    Three degrees east please, Captain. Seiyu requested, and I did as she asked, tilting Ningjings wheel slightly. The course would take us more over the river.


    Though I did see the reason for that peaceand it was the reason we were actually taking a route, instead of sailing wherever we pleased.


    Flying directly over another sectspound was considered the height of discourtesy, after all. Even for the Soaring Heavens Isle Sect.


    For the settlements around here, in addition to the g of the phoenix, flew another banner. A banner with a star and an upraised sword.


    I turned to where there was a gap in the expanse of farms. The homes of mortals stopped, and the home of cultivators began.


    I locked my eyes on a small mountain range in the distance. They very nearly looked artificial, due to their sudden existence on the ins, and due to the fact that they looked picture perfect out of a martial arts manhua, shrouded in mist and greenery as they were.


    However, we could see what was on top of the tallest peak, the thing that proimed dominion over thisnd a <em>massive</em> pagoda. It looked like a cross between a fortress and a monastery. Its tile roof was green, and it was built from stone, with impressive artistic gilding on many of the surfaces. Massive red pirs iid with gold lined its front. Banners that had to be nearly a <em>kilometer</em> long floated seemingly by themselves in the air, proiming the fortress to belong to the Sovereign Sword Sect. Each one was a stunning mural-tapestry, depicting scenes of stars raining down on cowering demons.


    While they werent on the level of the Cloudy Sword Sect or Soaring Heavens Isle, they were still mentioned when one spoke of heroes of the Empire. I could even see a couple of cultivators on flying swords circling around the top of the fortress.


    I watched them with just a little wariness. The Soaring Heavens Isle Sect were not <em>enemies</em> with them, but they were technically our rivals. Mostly because most of them could fly as early as a Soaring Heavens Isle cultivator, surfing around on their swords.


    Nobody came from the fortress to challenge us, though, so we continued on our wayat least until my curiosity got the better of me. I could see some people setting up stalls and festivalnterns in a riverside town. When I judged we were far enough away from the fortress, we descended into the river. We caught a few nces from other ships as we touched down, but again, nobody seemed to pay us <em>too</em> much attention.


    <em>Nice! Warm! Different than ocean!</em> Ningjing projected with satisfaction, as she settled in the water. I stuck my hand in and it was a pleasant temperature,pared to the <em>much </em>colder ocean. She adapted quickly to the new experience, and I guided her towards the docks. I looked around, and spotted what looked like a civil servant who had just epted a coin from another man who had just gotten off his own ship.


    Excuse me, sir! I called out. Where might we dock, and what is the fee?


    The civil servant turned to us, and then his eyes widened slightly. Bailu floated down beside me, while Seiyu stood.


    The man immediately bowed. Master Cultivators! This way please!


    =============================


    We were guided to another section of the vige, paid the small fee, and signed a document.


    The man looked a bit confused when I thanked him but smiled tentatively.


    With the formalities out of the way, I turned to my two crewmates and smiled. Let''s see what the party is all about! I dered.


    <em>Yeah</em>! Bailu and Seiyu shouted, while Big D crowed. Ningjing seemed amused but not actually sad we would be leaving her at the docks. Instead, I just felt a part of her settle into us, so she could be here too.


    Iughed at the enthusiasm, and we set off into the town, my eyes roving over everything.


    While its base appearance was something out of medieval china there were certain obvious cues that made it very clear this was a world of cultivationand we were in the richest province in the Empire.


    It was the crystals. Instead of a well, there was a giant crystal in the center of town, constantly pouring out fresh water. Instead of stoves and wood, some of the bigger food carts around us were using small crystals to cook. There were even a couple of people with ice-boxes that had crystals in them to keep everything cold.


    It was like the richer parts of Crimson Crucible City that I remembered,


    The town was also <em>incredibly</em> clean and well orderedthere were even koi living in the pristine gutters.


    The people though, gave us a wide berth, moving out of the way and dipping into half-bows as soon as they noticed us. They looked a bit wary.


    Well, we <em>were</em> three unknown cultivators, one with a chicken on his shoulder, walking through their town.


    I was wondering what we should do first, when a smallmotion caught my attention.


    Li, you idiot, why did you have to throw it like that?! one kid shouted to another. Both looked to be on the verge of tears, and the small gaggle of kids around them were simrly annoyed.


    I didnt mean to! the other child whined.


    I nced up at the roof, and sure enough, there was a ball quite high up, stuck atop it.


    With a shrug, I jumped onto the roof, and picked it up, then hopped back down.


    The kids gaped at me as Inded.


    This yours? I asked, and they nodded their heads dumbly.


    I gently tossed the ball to the one who looked the most upset. He fumbled, the ball bouncing from hand before he managed to catch it.


    They seemed at a loss for words.


    So. What''s this celebration about? I asked them, as I started walking towards a food stall.


    The kids were only too happy to tell us.


    =========================================


    Ganbei! Seiyu shouted in time with Bailu, her friends smile wide and bright. Seiyu was, naturally, more reserved, but she couldnt help her own lips from turning up as they linked arms and knocked back the drink.


    It was a sweet rice wine, and obviously made by mortals, but it wasnt bad. Their Senchou had purchased it for them, so that meant it was even better. He had considered a great many vintages from this town, searching for something that he knew Bailu would like before gifting it to them.


    Seiyu appreciated it and Bailu <em>definitely</em> approved, given that she was actually trying to taste the drink, rather than chugging it and then dering that booze was booze.


    She was making all manner of amusing faces while smacking her lips, before she nodded.


    This is good wine! she decided. One of my favourites!


    Seiyu chuckled and turned to her own gift. The aroma was heady, and her Senchou definitely had paid attention to their preferences.


    The thought made her stomach churn happily, as she reached down and daintily cracked open the shell of the ck pepper crab, the sulent meat within calling to her. She was about to take a bite when she noticed Bailus eager eyes.


    Seiyu sighed, and handed off the cracked open crab to the begging dragon. Bailu grinned and leaned back against the roof with her prize, taking bites between sips of wine.


    Seiyu finished the rest of the tter before Bailu could get anymore ideas, and then started on her third.


    <em>It really was delicious</em>, she mused as she stared out over the town from their rooftop perch.


    The Mortals midsummer party celebrating the foundation of the vige was in full swing. Lanterns bedecked the little vige, people were cheering,ughing and cooking, there were dragon-boat races on the river, and the music was upbeat and cheerful.


    Especially cheerful, considering their Senchou had taught another man how to y the Dueling Pipas Song, and they were both just going at it as the other mortals stomped and pped their hands to the tune. Even Ningjing, nearby, seemed to be swaying to the beat.


    Seiyu let it all in, sitting on the roof, and watching as her Senchous hands danced over the pipa, the mortal trying to keep up. The children they had aided before were all dancing and making fools of themselves, following behind Bi De as he led the entire circling dance, shaking his rump for all he was worththough they were finally gging.


    The little ones were already quite exhausted from chasing Seiyus water constructs around, trying to juggle after Bailu had shown them, and mbering all over their Senchou like he was a tree.


    Seiyus face flushed slightly at that memory. <em>Rouughing as he yed with the mortal children, his smile the widest and brightest she had ever seen on him.</em>


    She sighed with contentment as she looked back down at the square. He looked good. More animated. More rxed. Seiyu tapped her foot to the beat. She passed Bailu another piece of crab, as her friend enthusiastically hummed along to the song.


    It was good. Seiyu had long since learned to enjoy the smaller moments in life. To find happiness where it could be found.


    She was, after all, <em>technically </em>a political prisoner.


    Forty years ago, an overeager Imperial General had been thirsting for glory, conquest, and vengeance after Seiyu had politely declined his hand in marriage.


    The man hadnt taken the denial well, and returned to the court of Shipbreaker Coast to rally them against the barbaric pirates.


    Nevermind that they hadnt <em>really </em>been pirates for centuries. Trade was much more lucrative, and <em>safer </em>than attacking a ship that might have a cultivator on it, or draw an Imperial response. The only ships they <em>did</em> attack were pirates themselves.


    Unfortunately, the man had found fertile ground with his visions of glory, and a grand fleet was assembled. Raiders had been dispatched, and the coasts of Wa burned. The peoplemented, and despaired.


    It was a battle that they were sure to lose.


    And then the bastard had blundered.


    Such was his arrogance that he tried tomand a recruitment ship from Soaring Heavens Isle to assist him in his conquest.


    This had enraged <em>Senchou</em> Lu Liang, the only person Seiyu respected more than Elder Minyan, and the woman immediately set about trying to undermine him. She traveled to Wa herself to see these wicked pirates,nding directly in their capital and demanding an audience with her father.


    When she got the whole story, the woman was even angrier but Senchou Liang and her father had a <em>n</em>.


    A weekter, the Bastards ship was caught in a storm, and sank. The General drowned, and the look of shock and horror on his face as Seiyu held him under the water was one of her fondest memories.


    The next day, Lu Liang announced the Empires Victory. And the terms.


    The Wa would offer up their cultivating princess to serve the Empire, and forever give up piracy. They would bow their heads as an Imperial autonomous region.


    Wa had been saved. If she somehow went back to the past, Seiyu would dly and willingly pay that price again. She was loyal and thankful to the sect for preserving her people. They had kept their end of the deal, so she would serve until she died.


    But it had its own share of downsides. Seiyu had been tant and <em>proud</em> of her tribal heritage, and the rest of the girlswell, they took poorly to the barbarian bitch.


    All except one.


    Seiyu smiled at Bailu, her friends eyes closed as she bobbed her head to the music.


    It was good that they were all together, even after the revtions that Rou had given them. She knew she didnt have to be concerned about Bailu being upset. Her dearest friend lived in the moment, without a care, and Seiyu found it admirable. She loved Bailus free spirit, and the way she just adapted to their new circumstances with a smile.


    As for herself? How did she feel about serving a street rat from an imperial city?


    Honestly, it was a foolish question. The kind of questions some of their sect mates would ask, like how they told Bailu she would never advance with her attitude, only to be left in the dust by them both.


    Seiyu was content.


    She was free to sail once more, as a proper woman from Wa, as an honoured friend.


    It was funny how life worked out sometimes.


    She let out a breath, andid down on the roof tiles next to Bailu.


    The stars were shining. The wind was warm.


    Their Senchou finished his song, and hopped up onto the roof to join them.


    The night was perfect.


    Seiyu wished for many more nights like this in the future.


    =================================

 Chapter 18: The Noodleshop

    Chapter 18: The Noodleshop


    We awoke bright and early the next day, waved goodbye to the kids, and then set off on Ningjing¡ªour girl was eager to get going.


    Ninjing wanted to spend some time in the water, the river still being a new experience for her, and I had no reason to refuse. It was an interesting change of pace.


    We unfurled her leaf-sail, and got to it, tacking left and right upstream under Seiyu¡¯s direction. There was quite a lot of traffic on the river, but it was so wide here that didn¡¯t really <em>mean</em> much¡ªwhen a river reached nearly fifty kilometers in diameter at its widest, a boat had plenty of space to maneuver.


    For a little, Ningjing acted like a normal ship¡­ before she got distracted by a school of pink dolphins.


    <em>Friends? Friends? Funny sounds! Ningjing likes!</em>


    Man, she was eager. Like a dog straining at her lead, I pushed the wheel in the right direction.and then with a small pulse of Qi, our girl was off, the wind a bit more of a suggestion than something we had to obey.


    Of course, the dolphins didn¡¯t actually like the sudden speed and cheerful approach of our girl, scattering away from her advance instead of sshing around her like they did to the other ships.


    The first part of the day we spent in the water, Ningjing tacking left and right, caring little for the river¡¯s current. She wanted to y with the dolphins. The pink river dolphins were pretty cute, but didn''t seem to like the ship speeding after them, wary of us.


    I chuckled, feeling Ningjing¡¯s pout through our connection.¡°They dare, they dare run away from our Ningjing, they have guts!¡± Bailu fumed, shaking her fist at the fleeing dolphins.


    ¡°They dare, they dare! Shall I get them for you? They shall be more agreeable when I catch them!¡± Seiyu huffed, patting the hull of our sulking ship, and giving the scared animals the stink eye.


    Big D just looked like he was chortling from his position on the crow¡¯s nest.


    Neither of them were<em> really</em> angry, but insteadmiserating with our ship as she did the equivalent of a child crying to their older sibling.


    That said, my Storm Wings certainly <em>weren¡¯t</em> above catching a bunch of dolphins for our ship.


    ¡°You came at them too fast, hun. They can¡¯t see very well, and you scared them. See how small their eyes are?¡± I exined to Ningjing brushing up against our connection. Our ship perked up at my voice. ¡°Theymunicate through sounds. It''s called echolocation¡ªone sec¡­ <em>there</em>, you feel that against your hull? That''s how they use sound, like those Qi waves you use to check how far away the ground is. Try singing to them. Some things like a happy greeting, some things you have to greet gently.¡±


    Ningjing paused, obviously considering my words.


    Big D let out a melodious call, underscoring my point¡­ and the fearful dolphins paused at this new sound.


    <em>Ningjing understands!</em>


    Her anchor roots shifted and twisted below the waterline¡­ and then a high pitched whistle sounded in the water, humming along to one of the sea shanties we had sung, singing a slightly off-key duet with our own feathered maestro.


    The curious dolphins came back. They chattered and squeaked and spyhopped, even though they didn¡¯t have very good eyes, cking excitedly about this new creature in their river.


    Ningjing used her Qi to shoot forwards, and this time, the dolphins followed. They pressed up into our wake, some of them speeding in front so they could catch Ningjing¡¯s bow-wave.


    They leapt out of the water and danced, much to our ship¡¯s glee¡­ and then, of course, Ningjing got an idea.


    If we hadn¡¯t been cultivators, the sudden leap our airship did would have spilled us all out.


    As it was, it was merely a good time¡ªAnd the looks on the sailor¡¯s faces on a ship we passed were<em> hrious.</em>


    Northwest we went, following the river. The sun was hot, and the spray of the river was just cool enough.


    It truly was a beautiful sight. I just took it all in. the massive trading ships, the little fishing boats, and the thousands of little viges, their docks sticking into the river.


    Eventually, however, we took to the air again, soaring through the clouds¡­ though this time my subordinates enacted mutiny.


    ¡°Captain, we¡¯ll take it from here. You need to spend time cultivating!¡± Bailu dered, and forced me off the wheel. My subordinate took my greatest joy with a smile on her face¡­ but it wasn¡¯t like cultivating was too bad.


    I got to feel the wind in my face, and feel Ningjing beneath me, her excitement and contentment radiating from her. With Big D on my shoulder, I let myself just go, the purest meditation I had ever had. My Qi circted like a dream, gusting and leaping like the winds, yet steady as the earth below my feet, each mile we traveled seemed to only make it cycle <em>faster</em>.


    It got fast enough that I was worried¡ªbut there were no hints of instability I could detect. It was just¡­ a perfect cycle.


    So I let it flow. The sun crossed the sky, and the light of morning was changed to the glow of afternoon.


    There was a pulse of Qi. I opened my eyes, and let out a breath.


    ¡°Congrattions, <em>Senchou</em>.¡± Seiyu said. I turned, to find her on one knee, with her hands sped in martial salute. Beside her was Big D, also paying his respects.¡°The Third Stage of the Profound Realm¡ªso fast!¡±


    ¡°Our Captain is truly skilled!¡± Bailu called from her position. I blushed slightly at their praise. ¡°Let''s drink and celebrate!¡±


    Well. We <em>were </em>sailors. Who was I to deny them?¡¯


    We found a ce that smelled good near the river, docked, and headed on into Xing Chun¡¯s Noodle House.


    It was obviously a nice ce, two stories, with warm wooden paneling, and a fine tiled roof. We headed to the top floor, ced our orders, and settled in.


    =========================


    ¡°Drink up, Captian, drink up~¡± Bailu cheered, shoving a bottle to my lips while hanging off my shoulder. I took a draught, to Bailu¡¯s cheer and huping giggle, then took another slurp of noodles that Seiyu had done up for me. Man, she had an eye for the sauce ratios, and this sesame paste was to die for.


    ¡°These are damn good noodles.¡± I said, and Seiyu nodded, bringing her bowl to her lips and slurping down another set. These were<em> damn</em> good noodles. I was warm and happy, and man, I should breakthrough more often if this was how we celebrated. No pretentious shit, just find some ce good and get to chowing. Big D was tearing into a bowl of mixed grains and greens, and the window was open to the river, letting Ningjing enjoy the smells while she had a musical duel with a different set of dolphins.


    ¡°Are the honoured customers satisfied?¡± The owner of this joint asked, checking in on us. He had a big grin on his face, and he had been personally serving us our food. He was a very, very nice host¡­ though the reason why was obvious.


    We were splurging like hell.


    Bailu had three entire jugs of wine empty at her feet¡ªthe ones that were three feet tall, used for bulk storage, and the amount of bowls stacked beside Seiyu could only be described asical.


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    I mean, I was no slouch myself. I could have never eaten this much in the Before, but my body was handling it just fine. Still, we were good for it. That was one thing I refused to do. My parents here had been inn owners, and even thinking of pulling a dine and dash made a wave of revulsion fill me.


    ¡°Yeah, this is great.¡± I said with a smile, and the man beamed when I paid off this ¡°round¡± his eyes staring at my silver with glee.


    ¡°Another two jugs please uncle~!¡± Bailu said with a cheery smile, and the man smiled back before pausing and looking worried.


    ¡°We¡­. only have one more, honoured customer.¡± the man said with a bit of nervousness.


    ¡°That''s fine, that''s fine~ I¡¯ll take that one, uncle, and then Bailu won¡¯t be any more a bother~!¡± She simply sang back.


    ¡°And I¡¯ll have the congee. Four orders, if Bailu¡¯s done.¡± Seiyu asked.


    The man nodded and went to fulfill our order.


    ¡°Heh-heh. It''s kinda fun to be able to let our hair down like this! Being exiled is fun!¡± Bailu mused, leaning back in her chair.


    I raised an eyebrow when Seiyu nodded. She noticed my interest. ¡°A fairy of one of the four winds mustport themselves in a certain manner.¡± She exined. ¡°Bailu wasn¡¯t allowed to drink and I was only allowed four bowls whenever we were officially deployed.¡±


    ¡°Yup, yup~ Bein all cold and above it all is kinda boring.¡± Bailu grumped, chewing on some smoked squid tentacles. ¡°It''s real fun eating in the restaurant instead of on the ship!¡±


    ¡°Well. Eat and drink to your heart¡¯s content¡ªas long as you dont pull a Lin, it''s all good. I don''t have Miss sher around to save me this time.¡± I joked.


    We allughed at the memory.


    ¡°To Sister sher, the legendary guardian!¡± Seiyu cheered.


    ¡°Sister sher!¡± We toasted. I made a mental apology to the woman.


    It was just a good time¡­ and goodpany. But there was one concern that I had.


    I had to take a leak.


    I excused myself from the table, and ambled down the stairs towards where I remembered seeing a public toilet¡­ which was a thing this close to the capital. Surprisingly, it didn¡¯t smell too bad.


    ¡°What do you mean,<em> you¡¯re out</em>?! You¡¯re carrying one right now!¡± A voice snarled, and I paused. The scene took a moment for me to register.


    A man who could only be a cultivator, with his fine robe and sword demanded of the uncle in charge of the noodle house. He had his posse with him, three more guys, and all of them looked not very happy.


    ¡°Honoured customer, I apologize, but a table has already purchased this jug¡ª¡± the man tried.


    ¡°And I''m sure they won''t mind being given the honour of handing that over to a member of the Phoenix Tears Sect.¡± one of the guy¡¯sckeys said, his face twisting into a smile. ¡°We victorious heroes just finished defeating a rampaging Terror Beak. Surely you can give up some tribute to your protectors.¡±


    I frowned as the mortal started to flounder. The rest of the establishment seemed to be inching towards hitting the deck. The Phoenix Tears Sect¡­ well they weren¡¯t exactly weak, but neither were they strong. Honestly, the main thing they had going for them was the fact that they were a Phoenix Rest ins Sect¡­ but these guys weren¡¯t too strong.


    A sentiment somebody obviously agreed with because one of the patrons decided it would be a good idea to scoff derisively.


    ¡°Who dares?¡± the main guy demanded, his eyes locking on to the person¡ªa woman¡ªbefore the sneers froze on their faces.


    Thedy who had scoffed was really, really pretty. She was wearing a travelling cloak with the hood up, which was just a bit suspicious. Her sword was against the table beside her.


    The instant I saw the way she was sitting, my entire body tensed. I had lived at the Soaring Heaven¡¯s Isle Sect for a year. I could tell by the way ady <em>sat</em> if she was strong.


    She was <em>definitely</em> strong.


    The idiot squad, however, only saw a pretty face. The main guy swaggered up with hisckeys.


    ¡°Oh, a beautiful flower with thorns, eh?¡± the man asked, obviously going to try and flirt, badly, with a woman who was rather obviously considering using that sword on him.


    The owner too looked like he was about to shit his pants.


    Man, this had been such a good day, and I didn¡¯t want to end it by seeing a bunch of losers get chopped up. That would just be a drag.


    So I interrupted by purposefully hitting the stairwell when I exited it, and let out a contented sigh and a loudugh, ying up my drunkenness.


    ¡°Hey, uncle, Bailu said she''s had enough, you can cancel thest order, yeah?¡± I slurred, a big, dopey smile on my face.


    The idiot squad turned again, happy smiles on their faces.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re the one that drank all the wine, huh?¡± The dumbass said, thinking he senses weakness.


    ¡°Yup. Uncle has good booze.¡± I said, my eyes on the actual danger in the room.


    The dumbass started to square up, puffing out his chest as he looked me up and down.


    Now, I don''t particrly <em>like</em> fighting. But one half of me was a dude trained forbat to be his way of life¡­ and the other half was a hockey yer.


    Needless to say, there was no way I was going to be backing down.


    And thisdy was good enough to butcher every man in front of her. And the way this altercation was going, I might get a front row seat.


    ¡°You can pay for our meal, and thisdy here can keep uspany.¡± the man dered.


    The woman put her hand on her sword.


    <em>Well.</em>


    I sighed, walked past them, and opened the door.


    ¡°How about we take this outside like gentlemen?¡± I asked.


    Thankfully, they took my invitation.


    Their Qi red as we got out onto the street. All of them, Profound Realm. The main guy started monologuing, but I tuned it out, and set my stance.


    ¡°¡ªyou can kowtow ten times and beg for this daddy¡¯s forgiveness.¡± he finished pompously.


    Seriously, who talked like that?


    Instead, I raised my hand, and beckoned him forwards. Veins bulged out in his face, and heunched towards me, flowing like a river.


    Honestly, not bad. Unfortunately for them, my sparring partners were Bailu, Seiyu, and Xiaobao. The guy looked like he was moving in slow motion. My fingers curled into an antler.


    The prongs smashed through his guard and took him in the gut.


    ¡­man, it was really nice to hit somebody who didn¡¯t just shrug off my best then say it was a good blow with a chipper smile.


    ¡°You bastard! Get him!¡± one of the other guys yowled.


    It didn¡¯t help. A kick took his legs out, and a fist like a descending hoof smashed him into the ground, unconscious. The Arts of the Wandering Deer ran roughshod over the men, trampling and goring them.


    It felt oddly satisfying. The power flowing through my body, and the rush of victory, when they went down.


    ======================================


    Xieren raised an eyebrow when the wild-looking man walked back into the noodle shop after dealing with the trash. That¡­ hadn''t taken long. Mildly impressive, considering what she felt of his Qi.


    She was more concerned with the signatures on the top floor, when they had moved to the window, but the two unknown Earth Realms had watched the fight, then gone to sit back down. They felt oddly familiar to her, for some reason, but she had no true care to go and confront them. She was, after all, undercover at the moment.


    The man looked at her, and began to approach. Of course, he was going toe to her table, and ask about her, now that he had seen her beauty¡ªthe only reason why he had interfered in the first ce.


    So predictable. If he thought there would be fertile ground after he had ¡°saved¡± her, he was as much a fool as the others.


    The man stopped before her. He was wearing fine clothes in greys and greens, like a forested mountain, and his wind-tousled hair was tied back in a ponytail.


    He was actually rather handsome. Tall, and lithe, but the freckles were a bit unfortunate.


    And then, he did something unexpected.


    He bowed, sping his fist in martial salute. ¡°This Jin Rou thanks you for your restraint, Miss. Cleaning blood up off the floors is a time consuming process for mortals, and if the wood isn¡¯t sealed right, impossible.¡±


    How observant of him, to notice her strength. But the other part¡­


    ¡°You interfered to stop them from bleeding on the floor?¡± Xieren asked, amused.


    ¡°Yes, Miss. You would have obviously defeated them in an instant, but it''s rude to make ady swat flies¡­ and doubly rude to make uncle clean up his floor, after we drank all his wine.¡±


    Xieren couldn¡¯t help it. Sheughed. ¡°I shall ept your reasoning.¡± she allowed. ¡°Not going to ask my name?¡±


    ¡°A powerful expert giving their name is up to them.¡± The man stated simply. What a polite one. He reminded her a bit of her cousin. ¡°By your leave?¡±


    ¡°Of course. I shall thank you for... <em>swatting the flies</em> for me.¡± She said,mitting Jin Rou to memory. She couldn¡¯t exactly ask him to join her sect when she was undercover, now could she?


    ¡°Yes, Miss.¡± the man said, and set off back up the stairs. Cheers met his arrival, andughter sounded out¡­ and then, not muchter, he and the two Earth Realm signatures left.


    How¡­ <em>interesting</em>.


    Shouxian Xieren, Young Mistress of the Sovereign Sword Sect, hoped she would run into the man again.


    ========================================


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