《Music Of An Immortal》


 Prologue

    Lin Hua watched her daughter over the carved wooden balcony of her home, her fingers tapping along with the tune that her daughter played on her flute. She brushed her hair over her shoulder, feeling rather content with the music and the atmosphere of the garden. Lin Hua¡¯s daughter sat with her flute in the flower garden outside, playing a child¡¯s tune. The smell of spring flowed in the soft wind, causing Hua to close her eyes in comfort.


    Hua took a sip of her herbal tea, smiling at the sun. The woman was young, her face showing no signs of aging and her body lithe from a life of exercise.


    A female servant wearing the silver and white colors of the Lin family moved next to Lin Hua, pouring more tea into her cup.


    Hua smiled at the servant in thanks, lifting her tea to take another sip. She paused as a feeling came over her. It was faint at first, a slight echo traveling through the qi of the world.


    The cup fell from her hand, shattering against the floor. She felt a voice calling, a voice from long ago, nearly forgotten. Her world shattered with the sound. She knew what it meant. Her gaze moved to her daughter, her fingernails digging into her palms as she clenched her hands. Blood dripped through her fingers.


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    ¡°Lady Lin, are you alright?¡± The servant who had been standing nearby moved closer to her in worry.


    She ignored the servant, focusing on her daughter.


    The boundaries were still too strong for her to move through. Her physical body wouldn¡¯t be able to make it. But she must answer the call. An oath that must be kept and loyalties long left to rest left her no choice.


    She called upon the qi of the land, infusing her spirit and a small piece of herself with it. She looked down at the garden below, her gaze landing on the flute she had gifted her daughter, the flute her daughter loved with all her heart.


    She surrounded the flute with her power, her spirit, her qi and self. She refused to leave her daughter alone in this world. She wouldn¡¯t- she couldn¡¯t do that. A loving ache filled her as she etched the scene of her daughter into her memory.


    A spring morning, with soft music flowing from her daughter''s flute. Her too young, sweet girl sitting there, surrounded by budding flowers. It was picturesque.


    Hua cried. Tears fell down her face for all the days of her daughter¡¯s life that she would miss, for the girl she may never know. Hua cried as she separated her soul from her mortal form.


    The servant cried out as Lady Lin fell from her chair, collapsing to the ground.


    The little girl stopped her music at the cry, looking up to where her mother should be watching her.

 Chapter 1: Fleeing

    My eyes open wide and I gasp as I¡¯m shaken awake.


    Princess Shi Da puts her finger to her lips, telling me to stay silent. I look around, my eyes barely piercing the darkness. What little light there is comes from the moon shining through the curtains on my window.


    The Princess motions for me to quickly follow her. I hesitate for only a second, before slipping out of bed, only covered by the small lace nightgown my servant had put on me before I slept. She hands me a bag, filled with the few possessions I kept in the palace, including the flute my mother had given me.


    One of the princess¡¯s servants, a cultivator with their face covered by a veil, meets us right outside of my room. She hands the princess a cloak and the princess carefully helps me put the cloak on. It¡¯s too big, and I have to pick it up to not let it drag on the floor.


    ¡°Wha-¡± I start to whisper, only for Shi Da to raise her finger to my lips and shake her head.


    The palace is strangely quiet as we make our way through the hallways. The only servant I see is the one that accompanies the Princess, a stark contrast to the usually busy hallways.


    Even the guards that usually stand silently are conspicuously absent, something that could¡¯ve only been done by a direct order from the Emperor or Empress.


    The Princess leads me to a room I¡¯ve never seen before, where a familiar man waits for us. Chen Lian is a loyal servant of my father¡¯s and the caretaker of our estate while my Father is in his lands.


    He bows low to the princess and I, the lantern in his hand creating large shadows in the small room.


    The Princess turns to me, opens her mouth, then closes it. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, little Jia. I would do more if I could.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± I ask in a whisper. I turn to Lian, who remains silent in his bow.


    The Princess draws herself up, regaining the elegance I usually see her carry. ¡°You have to go back to your father. Servant Chen will make sure you arrive safely and I¡¯ll be sending one of my own guards with you. Don¡¯t forget what I taught you, and-¡± The Princess cuts off, her expression growing sad. She grabs me and pulls me into a hug, my head barely reaching her chest. ¡°I¡¯m not sure if I¡¯ll ever see you again, but I know you¡¯ll be strong.¡±


    My eyes tear up as it hits me that I¡¯m saying goodbye. ¡°I- I don¡¯t want to go.¡±


    The Princess pulls back. ¡°I know. But you are Young Lady Lin, so you will go, and you will go with your head held high.¡± She looks over to Chen Lian. ¡°Hurry now, I can only buy so much time before he realizes that she¡¯s gone.¡±


    Chen Lian nods, then walks over to the wall. He taps on several blocks, and the wall disappears, revealing a long dark path into the ground. He sets off, Princess Shi Da¡¯s servant a step behind.


    The Princess gives me a slight push, and I follow the servants into the depths. I look back as I step past the wall to see her standing straight, her eyes piercing through me with the inner strength she so easily wields. Not a hair is out of place, but I catch the slight tremble in her hand.


    The wall reappears between us, and I follow the two servants through the secret passage.


    The passage opens up in an alleyway outside of the palace, where three horses wait for us saddled with bags. Chen Lian offers me a hand, and I realize that he¡¯s helping me saddle. I accept the hand and have to leap slightly to mount the horse. Chen Lian adjusts the stirrups while the cultivator mounts his own horse.


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    We make a hard pace for the city gates, and I struggle to stay on, not used to riding. Thankfully the mare they got for me is gentle and well-trained.


    The guards at the gate to the city wave us through without a second glance, not even questioning the cloak I wear.


    We travel past sunrise and well into the next evening before we stop. Every muscle aches, but I keep the pain from showing in front of the servants. Chen Lian helps me down, and I can¡¯t stop my legs from giving out. Chen Lian doesn¡¯t comment as he picks me up and carries me to my bedroll.


    I sit on my bedroll and watch as Chen Lian prepares food and the cultivator walks in a circle around our camp, the faint wisps of qi barely noticeable to me. I might be unawakened, but I¡¯ve always had a sensitivity to the strange power of cultivators.


    ¡°Lian, what¡¯s happening?¡± I ask the servant.


    He looks up, surprised out of his thoughts. ¡°It¡¯s better if your father tells you, Young Lady Lin.¡±


    I bite my lip. I know that he won¡¯t say more, if he¡¯s already avoiding the question. That means a few things, whoever it is that they¡¯re protecting me from is someone you don¡¯t speak lightly about. Someone even Shi Da can¡¯t handle probably means it¡¯s someone high in the courts of the Emperor.


    I hug my knees to my body, ignoring the ache in my muscles. It¡¯s scary.


    My body is exhausted, and I fall asleep before I realize it.


    We leave before sunrise the next morning, our pace even faster than the day before.


    The cultivator riding with us speaks in hushed tones with Chen Lian and we increase our pace yet again. The horses sweat from the pace, but neither of the servants pay it much mind. I can feel their worry, and it makes me anxious, the sweat on my hand mixing with the horse¡¯s.


    Two nights later, I¡¯m woken by the familiar sound of steel on steel.


    I sit up in my bedroll to see both of the servants fighting against men cloaked in black.


    Before I can fully register what¡¯s happening, hands wrap around me, covering my mouth and drawing me back.


    I struggle against the arms, but I¡¯m powerless against an experienced soldier. The knife hidden on my thigh feels impossible to reach.


    Fear fills me, and I kick out, knocking over my bag. My flute rolls out, and calm returns to me. A gentle feeling touches my heart, and I follow it as it pushes through me, moving the qi that lay dormant in my body.


    The blockages of my first meridian release, and I break through to the First Level of Qi Awakening. It¡¯s not much power, but it¡¯s enough for my arm to break out of the strange man¡¯s grip, and grab the dagger.


    I pull it out and slash through the arm of the man. He cries out, letting me go.


    I run away from the man, and a second later the cultivator appears, cutting through the neck of the man who¡¯d tried to grab me.


    Chen Lian is there a moment later, clutching me to him. I bury my head in his stomach, and cry into his blood-stained shirt, my adrenaline fading.


    The smell of death and blood surrounds me, but it¡¯s easy to ignore when compared to the terror that had filled those brief moments.


    After I calm down enough to ride, we¡¯re on the horses again.


    The next few days are unending as we push the horses to their limit. The Cultivator¡¯s horse gives out, dying on the road, but he just starts running, keeping pace with our horses through the power of his qi.


    On the evening of the fifth day, we catch sight of a contingent of soldiers ahead of us. Both the servants are on edge, but when we catch sight of a familiar banner, they calm.


    A lone horseman rides out ahead of the contingent, galloping towards us. It only takes a moment for me to recognize the head of the Lin family, Lin Fang, my father.


    He jumps off his horse before it¡¯s fully stopped and runs up to me.


    I slide off of my own exhausted horse into his arms.


    ¡°Jiajia. It¡¯s alright. You¡¯re safe.¡± My father says as I hold onto him.


    I can¡¯t actually feel him under the stiff leathers and metal plates of his armor, but I don¡¯t care.


    I¡¯m with him. I am safe.

 Chapter 2: The Flowing River Sect

    Six Months Later


    I rock back and forth on my heels as I wait in front of our house. The nearby guard watches, unable to hide his faint amusement. I haven¡¯t seen Elder Zhu in forever, but I remember his stories. His stories of great beasts, strange plants and dreadful wars are as colorful now as they were when I first heard them.


    I glance at the guard next to me, trying to calm my beating heart. A young lady of the Lin family does not show her excitement. I repeat those words to myself, but still continue to rock back and forth on my feet.


    Four carriages showing the blue and white colors of The Flowing River Sect round the bend in the road. I take a deep breath, and put on the emotionless face Princess Shi Da had taught me.


    Elder Zhu and his four core disciples leave the carriage, walking with the grace of powerful cultivators. They carry a mystical air around them that is hard to define. Elder Zhu leads his disciples as he walks towards me, eventually stopping in front of me.


    I bow to the influential cultivator, giving him the customary greeting. ¡°Thank you for gracing our home with your presence, Elder Zhu Chen.¡±


    He bows in response, the disciples behind him bowing towards me as well. ¡°Your grace grows every time I see you, Little Miss Lin.¡± He says, his eyes dancing with a warm light.


    I smile at his words, then try to hide the smile with my hand.


    He rises from his bow, the disciples behind him doing the same. ¡°I see you have broken through and awakened your qi. The patriarch must be very proud.¡± His eyes look through me, seeing something mortals cannot.


    ¡°I believe that is the reason my father called you here, Elder.¡± I say, studying the man who had gone to battle with my great, great, grandfather. The Elder barely looks forty. His cultivation is so vast, that my years on this planet were barely a drop in the ocean compared to his. He is bald, but his brown beard reaches his chest. A scar decorates his forehead, and his eyes stare at me with a wisdom unmatched in any mortal gaze. ¡°Please, Elder Zhu, my father waits for you inside.¡±


    I lead the Elder into the house, and guide him to the room my father waits in. Our servants glance out of doorways and behind corners, trying to catch a glimpse of Elder Zhu. Everyone knows the name of the Elder of The Flowing River Sect.


    I stop in front of a sliding door and open it to a well lit room, all the candles were lit by the servants in preparation for the visit. My father, Lin Fang, bows to Elder Zhu from the center of the room.


    Father¡¯s gray hair is tied back in a loose bun, his grizzled and exhausted face showing a weak smile as he greets Elder Zhu. The room only has a single table, a small lantern, and small cushions arranged around the table. The room is filled with a serene aura, helped by the faint smell of lavender from incense burnt earlier in the day.


    Both men move to sit at the cushions while Elder Zhu¡¯s disciples arrange themselves outside the entrance to the room. They stand there in silence, ready to wait until the Elder is finished with his business.


    A servant walks over carrying a tea set and bows to me. She hands me the tea set and leaves the room.


    I kneel at the side of the table, and pour the tea for them. I then place their cups in front of them and back away. I kneel down behind and to the right of my father, my proper position as the first daughter of the Lin family.


    ¡°All of this ceremony, little brother Lin. Is it necessary?¡± The Elder asks as he takes a sip of his tea.


    The scene of the Elder calling a man who looks twenty years his senior ¡°little brother¡± seems out of place, but I would never dare correct him.


    ¡°This matter is of the utmost importance to me, Elder Zhu.¡± My father responds. He takes a sip of his tea. ¡°If a little ceremony gets me what I need, then I will not hesitate.¡±


    ¡°Then tell me, what do you want? Although I can guess, considering your daughter¡¯s presence here.¡± Elder Zhu says, his gaze meeting mine for a moment before turning back to my father.


    ¡°Elder Zhu, I beg of you, please take my daughter into your sect.¡± My father lowers his head, almost touching his knees. ¡°She has unlocked her qi and I wish for her to enter the world of immortals. I no longer have the ability to protect her.¡±


    I stare at my father in surprise. My father is the patriarch of the Lin Family, trusted general of the Emperor, and administrator of the western provinces. I¡¯d never seen him bow before anyone except the Emperor.


    But I don¡¯t want to go.


    Elder Zhu gazes into his cup, his eyes unreadable. ¡°I cannot guarantee her a place as an inner disciple. The outer sect is no place for a twelve year old girl.¡±


    My father raises his head before speaking, ¡°I believe in my daughter, Elder Zhu. I do not just speak with the pride of a father. My soldiers tell me her abilities in martial arts surpass her age and the royal princess herself commented on my daughter¡¯s grace at the imperial court.¡± I can¡¯t stop the small blush at my father¡¯s words. Thankfully, neither of the men are looking at me.


    ¡°Why would you wish to give such a beautiful flower to the sect, Patriarch Lin?¡± The Elder asks, worry in his voice.


    ¡°She has caught the eye of an Imperial Prince. Elder Zhu, the great sects are the only powers in the world with the ability to protect her from that man. Please, help me.¡±


    Elder Zhu looks into his cup, contemplating, before responding, ¡°Very well.¡±


    ***


    A few hours later, I find myself sitting in a carriage across from Elder Zhu.


    I stay quiet, not sure how to speak to the Elder. The carriage itself moves smoothly as we travel. Cushions line the seats, making it very comfortable. Elder Zhu sits across from me, his gaze lost in a scroll my father had gifted him.


    Everything was so¡­ sudden. I remember the way the Imperial Prince had looked at me, but I¡¯d never thought my father would be unable to protect me from him.


    Why would my father send me away? I know how terrifying the world is and my father has always been my protection. Why can¡¯t he protect me instead of the sect?


    ¡°What is it you hold in your arms, Little Miss Lin?¡± Elder Zhu interrupts my thoughts, pointing towards the bundle I hold.


    I look up at him, meeting his kind gaze. My arms tighten around the bound instrument protectively. ¡°It is the flute my mother gave me¡­ A Dizi.¡±


    ¡°Do you play it?¡±


    I nod my head. I unwrap it from the cloth surrounding it. ¡°I-I haven¡¯t had a chance to play it lately Elder Zhu, I may be a little rusty.¡± I hesitate as the full sight of my mother¡¯s flute is revealed. The wood is still as pristine as the day she gave it to me, without a single nick or stain along its length. What if I blow a wrong note in front of the Elder? I don¡¯t want to embarrass myself.


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    Elder Zhu smiles wide and my worries melt away. ¡°Then it is a good idea to practice, is it not?¡±


    I breathe deep, trying to control my emotions, then put the flute to my lips. The flute points to the side, so I scoot over to prevent it from hitting the carriage.


    I take an unsteady breath, then I begin to play. I start out slow, playing an old sad tune my mother had taught me. I change the song a little as my memory falters. Long drawn out notes fill the inside of our carriage.


    The music reminds me of memories I had promised myself to never forget, of my mother. Of home. Of a strange joy tinged with sadness. I feel hands hold my own, guiding my fingers with a soft touch as I play through parts I barely remember. I wonder why I chose this song. I know other songs by heart, but something had made me choose this one, the song I had heard my mother play so long ago.


    The sad notes reach their end, and the warmth of those hands on my own disappears. I put my flute down into my lap, only now noticing the tears running down my face.


    I had lost so much and now my father is gone too. I can¡¯t know if I will ever see him again.


    The feeling of silk on my face brings me back to the present. Elder Zhu wipes the tears away from my face with a kerchief. ¡°Don¡¯t worry Little Miss Lin. I will do my best to keep you safe.¡±


    The words comfort me, even if my tears don¡¯t stop. I like Elder Zhu, he is a kind man.


    We sit in silence for a while after that, Elder Zhu lost in thought, while I am too embarrassed from my crying to say anything.


    Eventually, I fall asleep, hugging my flute tight.


    ***


    ¡°Little Miss Lin. It is time to wake up.¡± Someone taps my shoulder, waking me from my dream.


    A small feeling of loss twists my gut. Faint memories of my mother disappearing as I wake up.


    I open my eyes to look at Elder Zhu. He smiles at me. ¡°Come on Little Miss Lin. Your father made sure you would arrive here in time for the testing.¡±


    I rub my eyes as I follow Elder Zhu out of the carriage, my legs unsteady under me after my unplanned nap.


    I look up, catching my first view of the Flowing River Sect, and my body stops.


    Waterfalls cascade down the side of a huge mountain, their paths having been carved through stone and rock over thousands of years. Small bridges cross the river, creating a framework of paths and connecting to lookout points. A long staircase stands out, rising above the rivers and waterfalls, leading up towards the gates of the sect. I can¡¯t see the buildings of the sect itself, hidden behind the gates and inside a valley on the mountain.


    It takes me a moment to notice Elder Zhu¡¯s entourage and I aren¡¯t the only ones arriving at the sect. Various groups coming from all over the continent speak to each other, all of them having at least one younger member with them. Most of the applicants are older than me, but a few are my age or even younger.


    Elder Zhu taps my shoulder and points towards a man coming down the stairs. The man wears the same blue and white robes as Elder Zhu, though not quite as ornate. The man looks a lot younger than Elder Zhu at around twenty five. His rare green eyes, with the round shape common in northerners, sparkle as he looks over the crowd gathered below him.


    He moves his arm out in a welcoming gesture, the whole crowd going silent at his movement. ¡°Welcome to the Flowing River Sect. I am Elder Yu and I will be judging whether you are worthy of entering through the storied walls of the sect.¡± He smiles down at the crowd, his voice enhanced with qi so all can hear. ¡°I am in charge of selecting inner disciples. If you would wish to enter the outer sect....¡± He points to another bored looking man wearing the robes of the sect. ¡°You can speak with Senior Disciple Wang.¡± He folds his arms back into the sleeves of his robe. ¡°For those who wish to pass the three trials, come to me.¡±


    ¡°Little Miss Lin.¡± Elder Zhu startles me as he speaks out from behind me. ¡°You must take the tests to be an inner disciple. If you wish, I can protect your instrument while you do.¡±


    I look down at the flute I am still holding. I pause, not wanting to give away the one gift from my mother I kept with me. But, I don¡¯t want it to get harmed in the tests.


    I hold it up to him, my arms almost resisting the movement.


    He grabs it, but I don¡¯t let go. ¡°Promise me you will keep it safe.¡± I look into his eyes, trying to tell him how serious I am.


    Elder Zhu looks down at me with a soft smile. ¡°I will.¡± He says, his words going so far as to send a shiver through my qi.


    I let go of my flute and bow to him. ¡°I will be back soon, Elder Zhu.¡±


    He nods to me. ¡°I believe you will.¡±


    I spin away from him. I take a deep breath, then with as much confidence as I can muster, walk towards Elder Yu. I have to become an inner disciple. Elder Zhu and my father have made that clear.


    I will become an inner disciple.


    With as much courage as I can muster, I walk up the stairs to Elder Yu. The crowd around me gets larger as applicants of all ages gather around the Elder. I find myself pulling away slightly, nervous from all the people I don¡¯t know.


    Elder Yu¡¯s stance exudes an unending patience as he waits for the crowd to gather.


    Strange looks are sent my way by the applicants around me.


    I don¡¯t know why.


    The stares make me uncomfortable and I feel my face reddening.


    A high pitched noise makes me look around in surprise as a girl around fourteen grabs my hands, ¡°Heavens, you are adorable. What¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°L-Lin Jia.¡± I answer, freezing in surprise.


    The girl is dressed in the simple dress of a commoner, but that doesn¡¯t stop her bright energy from showing through. She smiles at me, her soft brown eyes sparkling with joy. Brown hair falls down her shoulders in waves, surprising me with how silky it is. Commoners rarely keep their hair that clean.


    ¡°I¡¯m Xia Jing. I¡¯m glad I saw you! All the other girls here look¡­ well, they don¡¯t seem to like me much?¡± Xia Jing shrugs.


    I open my mouth, not sure how to respond. Her energy is strange, but she seems nice enough.


    Before I can think of a response, Elder Yu speaks. ¡°The first step of your trial is an easy one. I simply wish you to walk up these stairs and enter through the gates of the sect.¡±


    I look up at the stairs, then back at the examiner. The stairs are long, but not ridiculously so. Tests are never that easy, Elder Yu must be tricking us somehow.


    I watch the front of the group rush up the stairs. Immediately the applicants slow and in some cases completely stop.


    I knew it. Something is weird about the stairs.


    Xia Jing sends me a warm smile before she walks up the stairs. I take a deep breath and follow her.


    I approach the stairs, and place my foot on the first step.


    Nothing happens.


    I continue to climb.


    After twenty steps, I feel a strange pressure. Another ten steps and the pressure increases. I keep pushing forward, until I get halfway up the stairs. Then I stop to catch my breath. The pressure is so intense I have to inch forward. I glare at Elder Yu.


    He said this would be easy.


    No, that¡¯s not true. He said the first step would be easy.


    Pushing with all my might, I raise my foot and place it on the next step. I pause to catch my breath, then look around. I feel a little better as I notice the other hopeful disciples having just as much trouble as I am.


    I look forward, inwardly groaning. There must be at least another hundred steps. I turn my focus back to the stair right in front of me. I lift my foot up, resisting the force pushing me down and place it on the next step. Another ten steps and I fall to my knees. Growling with effort, I crawl forward. My father needs me to reach the end, so I will reach the end!


    My arms give out underneath me and I cry. I¡¯m going to fail papa and Elder Zhu.


    I-I can¡¯t do it.


    A soft touch on my arms interrupts me from the tears falling down my face. The touch guides the qi inside me to turn, circulating it through my system. Relief fills my body as the pressure decreases.


    I look around, only to see none of the other disciples near me.


    I refocus on the circulation of my qi, and groan with effort as I stand up. I take another step forward. I send a prayer to my mother as I wipe the tears from my face with my sleeve. The makeup the Lin family servants had made me apply must look like a mess.


    I sniffle and smile at the thought. I walk forward until the pressure increases to an unbearable level only ten steps away from the gates. But this time I will not falter. I will not fall to my knees like a common beggar.


    The circulation of my qi increases, straining against the boundaries of my meridians. I step forward until there are only five more steps. The temptation to fall overwhelms me, but I refuse. I take another step, the pressure turning to pain.


    A slight whimper escapes my mouth as I take yet another step, trembling as the pain almost makes me fall.


    Another step, cracking sounds come from my bones, but I do not falter.


    Another step, a snapping sound is heard from my right leg, I do not fall.


    The final step, I put one foot forward stepping onto it, then I bring my broken leg up.


    The pressure disappears, but I do not stop like many of my fellow disciples. The words of Elder Yu had been clear, you must climb up the stairs and enter the gate.


    Pushing forward, the pain of my injuries still beating through my body, I walk through the gate.


    I reach the other side and relief fills my body. Then everything goes black as I fall to the floor.

 Chapter 3: Second Test

    I wake up to find Elder Zhu leaning over me, his qi flowing through me and relieving the pain. I feel as the bone in my leg sets itself. ¡°Congratulations Little Miss Lin, you have cleansed your heart meridian and broken through to the Second Level of Qi Awakening. Very impressive.¡±


    ¡°Did I pass the test, Elder Zhu?¡± I ask, worried. Maybe I had taken too long to get up the stairs. Maybe-


    ¡°Yes, Little Miss. You passed the test. You even impressed Elder Yu and I. Very few people can remain standing on those last steps.¡± The Elder retracts his qi and pulls out a bottle of water, then lifts my body up to help me drink. ¡°The second test will begin in a few hours. Rest until then.¡±


    I nod. I wiggle my broken leg, surprised at how easily it moves. ¡°Thank you, Elder Zhu.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Little Miss Lin. Think nothing of it.¡± Elder Zhu stands up and walks away to talk to Elder Yu. The both of them move away from the rest of the hopeful disciples, their words impossible to hear.


    I study the inside of the sect. Small huts line the outside of the pavilion I am resting in, filling my view. I sit up and can just make out larger buildings peeking out over the huts. Streams flow everywhere through the sect grounds, small statues built around the places where the streams intersect.


    ¡°Little Lin!¡± A familiar voice calls out. I sit up and into the lotus position as the girl I had met at the bottom of the staircase runs over to greet me.


    ¡°Xia Jing.¡± I greet her, smiling at her excitement.


    She sits on her knees in front of me, smiling wide. ¡°I was worried you wouldn¡¯t pass when I saw you fall.¡± I freeze at those words ¡°Who would¡¯ve thought you would walk up the final steps! It was amazing to watch.¡±


    My smile falters when I realize she saw me fall. How embarrassing. How many other people saw that? I¡¯ll never live it down if the entire sect saw me on my knees crying. ¡°How¡­ how many people saw me crying?¡± I ask in a whisper.


    ¡°Oh, um¡­ I¡¯m sure no one else noticed.¡±


    I look around at the other disciples, most of whom are resting and talking in small groups. ¡°Hopefully.¡± I say.


    Xia Jing is quiet after that and I start to feel awkward about the silence, knowing it¡¯s my fault.


    ¡°So¡­ How¡¯d you do on the test?¡± I say, coming up with anything to keep the conversation going.


    She sighs, leaning back on her hands in an unladylike manner. ¡°I crawled up the final steps, but I made it. And I¡¯ll make it through the rest of the tests too. I have to.¡±


    ¡°You have to?¡± I tilt my head.


    ¡°Mhm. If I don¡¯t make it here, I¡¯m not going to any other sect.¡± She brushes a strand of hair behind her ear.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    She pauses, her face flashing with darkness for a moment, before her smile comes back full force. ¡°The Flowing River Sect has the only female matriarch in the six great sects. It¡¯s a much safer place for girls like us.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± I say in response. I look at her, a small pit of sadness settling in my stomach. In a way, I came for the same reason.


    Xia Jing grabs me and hugs me with an inescapable squeeze. I freeze in surprise, not sure how to respond. ¡°What about you, Little Lin? Why are you here?¡±


    ¡°My father sent me here, and Elder Zhu is here to protect me.¡± I answer, flustered at her closeness, as Xia Jing admires the hairpin my servants had me use.


    ¡°You know Elder Zhu? How lucky of you.¡± She pauses, then turns my head to face her. ¡°Your makeup is running, would you like me to help you clean up?¡±


    I still, then feel heat rise to my cheeks as I realize how hideous my face must look. I cover my face with my sleeves and nod at Xia Jing.


    She smiles. ¡°We¡¯re lucky there are so many streams in this sect.¡±


    ¡°Xia Jing? Is that you?¡± she stiffens as a male voice speaks up from behind us.


    ¡°Lu Gang.¡± Xia Jing turns to the boy. She puts her fist in her palm as she bows. The bow of a martial artist, not the bow of a servant. However, she doesn¡¯t rise from her bow.


    I peek through my sleeves at the boy. Lu Gang. It¡¯s a name I happen to know. The Lu family is a minor noble house under the Lin family. Lu Gang is the middle child of Lu Heng, the patriarch of the Lu family.


    I¡¯d seen him once before, when my father had gathered all the houses bound to him, for my mother¡¯s birthday. He had been ten years old then, which makes him fifteen now.


    His face is very angular, a common trait of the Lu family. His clothes are well kept and the two boys behind him are servants of some kind.


    Wait! Why did another noble have to appear when my face is looking hideous? If he were to see it now, my father¡¯s reputation would be ruined!


    ¡°I am surprised you would dare show your face here Xia Jing, after what happened with the Wei family.¡± Lu Gang interrupts my internal screaming with those words.


    The Wei family? They were a powerful noble family to the east. What does Sister Xia have to do with them?


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    ¡°I am a free woman, Lu Gang.¡± Xia Jing responds, still not rising.


    ¡°We will see how long you can keep saying that.¡± Lu Gang laughs. ¡°I wonder what would happen if you were prevented from joining the sect?¡± A smile appears on Lu Gang¡¯s face. The smile twists my stomach in a familiar way, making me want to throw up.


    Xia Jing rises and hides her hands behind her back. I notice a small trembling of her closed fists.


    How dare he? The thought penetrates my mind with a fury. My back straightens as I feel the blood of a Lady of the Lin family rush through my veins. Xia Jing is one of mine! How dare he threaten her?


    A sharp smile comes to my face as I remember the veil the servants placed in the pocket of my dress. I will have to remember to reward them when I get a chance.


    ¡°Of course I might find it in my heart to help you. If you bow before me.¡± He says.


    Laughter bursts out of me as I finish putting my veil on.


    Everyone turns their attention to me.


    ¡°My my, Lu Gang.¡± I cover my mouth with my palm. ¡°You sound just like the villain from a bad play. How the mighty house of Lu has fallen.¡±


    ¡°Who are you?¡± He asks with caution.


    ¡°You don¡¯t remember me? I guess that makes sense. It has been five years since we last met after all.¡± I wish I had some kind of fan to complete my appearance. Every proper lady in the imperial court has a fan. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to tell my father, Lin Fang, the middle son of the Lu family, is resorting to threats in order to get girls to do what he wants.¡± I put my finger to my chin in thought, ¡°I wonder what he would think if I told him you had threatened me.¡±


    ¡°Lady Lin.¡± Lu Gang bows to me, the two men behind him following suit. ¡°How could I not recognize a beautiful figure such as yourself. Forgive this lowly one for his mistake.¡±


    I turn to Xia Jing with a smile. ¡°Sister Xia,¡± I start, telling the impudent noble that she is one of mine by talking to her with familiarity. ¡°You may ignore him. Lu Gang is not worthy of such respect.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ Sister Lin.¡±


    Lu Gang pauses, looking at Xia Jing then back to me with a contemplative look.


    ¡°Do not follow us Lu Gang and if I catch you doing such things again, I won¡¯t hesitate to tell my father. You would not enjoy his wrath.¡± I turn away from him and motion towards the stream, ¡°Let¡¯s continue Sister Xia.¡±


    I walk to the stream with my chest puffed in pride. No one threatens those allied with the Lin family. I showed him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think that was wise Lady Lin. I¡¯m not the kind of person one such as you wants to be associated with.¡± Sister Xia says as we arrive at the stream, her voice filled with an annoying amount of distant respect.


    She lifts my veil to wash my face, allowing me to see her troubled look.


    I frown at her words, my chest deflating. We were just starting to become friends. I don¡¯t have many of those. ¡°Do not call me Lady Lin. Please call me Sister Lin.¡±


    Xia Jing pauses with her cloth on my cheek, then nods, a smile spreading across her face. ¡°It was fun to watch that boy squirm when he realized who you are, Sister Lin.¡±


    ¡°He was being a bully.¡± I answer.


    Sister Xia laughs, dipping her cloth back into the water.


    ¡°What?¡± I ask as I close my eye for her cloth.


    ¡°For a moment there, I forgot how young you are.¡± Sister Xia finishes her last touches and puts the cloth into a pocket of her dress.


    ¡°I¡¯m twelve years old.¡± I say with a small pout.


    ¡°Exactly.¡± Sister Xia responds. ¡°Maybe I should start having you call me Senior Sister Xia.¡±


    I frown up at her. ¡°Maybe I should have you call me Senior Sister Lin.¡±


    Sister Xia just chuckles.


    An hour later, the second test for entry into the inner sect starts. We line up as Elder Yu pulls each of us aside to talk to us one by one. It isn¡¯t long before it¡¯s my turn to speak with him.


    His questions are hard, but nothing compared to the lessons of Princess Shi Da.


    I answer every question with ease, until one particular question makes me pause, ¡°Disciple Lin, the sect expects loyalty from its inner disciples. What will you do if your father requests help when the sect forbids it?¡±


    ¡°Can I help my father?¡± I ask.


    ¡°You could.¡± Elder Yu replies.


    ¡°Then I would ignore the sect¡¯s order.¡± I answer. ¡°I am a daughter of the Lin family.¡± What kind of a question was that? Of course I would help my father.


    My thoughts must have shown on my face because Elder Yu smiled, ¡°If you betrayed the sect, you would never be able to return.¡±


    I furrow my eyebrows at him. ¡°And¡­? I would never betray the sect, but my father is my father. And I am a daughter of the Lin family.¡±


    ¡°Your father is lucky to have such a loyal daughter.¡± Elder Yu nods his head. He folds his hands inside his robe and studies me.


    ¡°Are you truly twelve?¡± Elder Yu asks.


    I nod, feeling a little shy at the question. ¡°I am.¡±


    ¡°Tell me, Disciple Lin, how did you unlock your qi so young?¡± Elder Yu asks.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± I pause to consider the question. ¡°I think mother helped me. She showed me what to do.¡±


    ¡°Your mother?¡± Elder Yu tilts his head ¡°How did she help you?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. It was just a thought.¡±


    Elder Yu doesn¡¯t speak for a moment, just studying me. ¡°I see.¡± He moves over to me and pats me on the head. ¡°Congratulations Lin Jia, you have passed the second test. Please wait with the others behind me.¡±


    In the end, twenty three of the forty disciples pass the second test.


    What was Elder Yu testing? I know some of the answers I gave were not the answers Elder Yu wanted, but he let me pass anyway.


    Elder Yu turns to the disciples who passed and says ¡°We have tested your perseverance.¡± He motions towards the stairway we all climbed. ¡°The path of cultivation is not easy, but you have proven you have what you need to pursue this difficult path.¡± He brings his arms back and folds them in his sleeves. ¡°We have tested your body and your mind. The final test is one of honesty.¡± He motions with his hand, causing a blue line to appear in front of him. ¡°All you need to do is cross this line.¡±


    The disciples stare at the line, everyone uneasy.


    ¡°But be warned.¡± Elder Yu¡¯s face darkens. ¡°If you wish harm to this sect, you will die as soon as you cross this line.¡± The darkness disappears as if it never existed, showing a bright smile on the Elder¡¯s face. ¡°If you wish, you may skip this test and stay an outer disciple.¡±


    No one moves, until a boy a few years older than me bows to Elder Yu, fist to palm. ¡°Elder, I wish to skip this test.¡±


    Elder Yu nods. ¡°Very well.¡± With a flick of the Elder¡¯s hand, the boy is thrown away from the group and out of the gate.


    No one moves after that.


    ¡°Lin Jia, if you would go first?¡± Elder Yu asks.


    I hesitate as the other disciples look around their group, not knowing who I am.


    After a deep breath, I step forward. ¡°O-of course Elder Yu.¡±


    I walk forward until I am right in front of the line.


    I close my eyes and take a step.

 Chapter 4: Rules Of The Sect

    I open my eyes, sighing with relief at my health. I let out a small smile as I walk over to Elder Yu. I turn around to watch the next person walk the line.


    A cloud passes overhead, shading the courtyard in darkness. Most of the disciples look more confident now that I¡¯m over here. Xia Jing catches my eye and gives a supportive smile.


    Once the sun comes back out, Elder Yu speaks, ¡°Yu Guan.¡±


    A boy of sixteen, one of the older disciples trying to enter the sect, steps forward. He bows to Elder Yu, his body language confident. ¡°Elder Yu.¡± He greets.


    Despite his body language, I notice him sweat as he approaches the line.


    He studies the line for a moment, before glancing up at me.


    With one large step, he crosses the line. A breath of relief escapes him as nothing happens.


    My eyes widen as blue mist leaves the line, flowing towards the boy. He walks towards us, not noticing the look on my face.


    He turns around, only to stop moving as the mist enters his body through his nose and mouth. He stands there frozen, before a loud snapping sound comes from his body. He falls to the floor, his eyes rolling up into his head.


    A collective breath is held by the disciples as we study the dead boy.


    ¡°You were all warned.¡± Elder Yu waves to some nearby servants to pick the boy up. ¡°And you may still refuse the test.¡±


    I don¡¯t process the Elder¡¯s words as I stare at the dead boy. The smell of blood fills my mind as I remember the clash of steel and my own struggles against the arms holding me.


    I raise a hand to my neck, shuddering as I realize how easily the person lying on the ground could¡¯ve been me.


    The servants cover the boy in a white cloth, and I force myself to focus back on the other disciples. The sun is out, and it¡¯s not night. I¡¯m safe here. The servants carry the boy off, and I can¡¯t stop myself from watching them go.


    ¡°Da Qiao, you¡¯re next¡± The Elder says as if nothing morbid had occurred.


    After the death of the disciple, four more requested to not take the test. One more was killed upon crossing the line, a girl this time. I can feel my heart racing from shock at the casual death.


    My gaze narrows in on the line until Xia Jing crosses. Her hand holds my arm, and the warmth is enough of a distraction for me to focus on what¡¯s happening.


    A lady doesn¡¯t show her fear. A lady of the imperial court is composed, like Da Shi, like Elder Yu.


    Elder Yu turns to the sixteen disciples who had crossed the line safely. His gaze travels over all of us for a moment before speaking. ¡°Every inner disciple receives four low grade spirit stones a week and a cultivation manual from the library. If you do well, your rewards will increase, if you do poorly, well¡­ You don¡¯t want to do poorly.¡± He motions towards a scholarly young man, ¡°This is Senior Disciple Wang, he will guide you through the inner sect and to your new homes.¡±


    The Senior Disciple bows to Elder Yu, then turns to us with a curt ¡°Follow me.¡±


    No one objects as he starts walking, all of us following close behind. We are led past the pavilion and through another gate.


    A disciple next to me gasps in amazement as we enter the city-like outer sect. I also can¡¯t help the small sound of amazement I make.


    It¡¯s like a small city in and of itself. Thousands of men and women wearing the robes of the sect walk, argue, and barter with each other along hundreds of different roads and pathways. More bridges than I can count cut over streams and rivers in architecture that rivals the capital of the Empire. Merchants from our sect and beyond hawk their wares on the edges of these paths, holding strange items, crystals, and scrolls out to any interested in buying them.


    A ring of disciples surrounds two outer sect disciples, making me halt for a moment to peek over the crowd at the event. They bow to each other, then move fluidly into a fight I can hardly follow. The fight is over quickly as one of the fighters falls to the ground gasping for air. A series of boos and yells echo out from the onlookers as spirit stones and items exchange hands. My eyes catch on a pair of Spirit Beasts, two wolves who walk next to one of the more powerful disciples in the crowd.


    ¡°Amazing, isn¡¯t it?¡± Elder Zhu says from behind me.


    ¡°Elder Zhu!¡± I spin around to see the Elder watching me with a smile. I¡¯m pretty sure he hadn¡¯t been in that spot a moment before, but a powerful cultivator like him can appear and disappear in ways I can¡¯t imagine.


    ¡°Congratulations, Little Miss Lin. I knew you would pass the tests.¡± Elder Zhu says, his eyes dancing with playfulness. ¡°Now all that¡¯s left is for you to become the most powerful cultivator in the sect. I¡¯m counting on you.¡±


    I nod, ¡°You can count on me.¡± I study the Elder, then frown ¡°Where is it?¡±


    Elder Zhu smiles. ¡°What could you be talking about?¡±


    I put my hands on my hips. ¡°You promised.¡±


    He nods, ¡°I did.¡± With a wave of his hand, my cloth-wrapped flute appears in his hand.


    I take the flute back from him and clutch it to my chest. ¡°Thank you Elder.¡±


    He pats me on the head, ¡°Of course Little Miss Lin.¡± He looks up at the disappearing backs of my fellow disciples. ¡°You¡¯d best hurry along and catch up. I will make sure your belongings arrive safely in your room.¡±


    I look over to the other disciples, only now realizing how far from the group I¡¯d gotten. ¡°Thank you Elder!¡± I say, then turn to run. I stop halfway, then spin around to wave goodbye to Elder Zhu. He smiles at me, the disciples of the sect creating a small space around him.


    I turn back and continue my run to catch up with Senior Wang and the inner disciples. We pass through another set of walls to arrive at the inner sect, at which point Senior Wang directs us toward a large ornate building. This is where the few girls among the inner disciples and I stay. I manage to pick a room next to Xia Jing and another girl I don¡¯t know.


    Senior Disciple Wang hands each of us a jade bracelet


    ¡°This is your key to this building and to your room. Don¡¯t lose it.¡± With that said, Senior Wang leaves us, taking the male inner disciples with him.


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    Xia Jing waves at me before disappearing into her room.


    I find myself alone in the corridor. I take a deep breath and open the door.


    As I enter my room, my joy disappears. This is my new home. And I won¡¯t get to see papa for a very long time.


    I look at the bed where my inner disciple robes wait for me. The robes are blue, with white lines going down the sleeves. The flowing design of a river on the cuffs mark me as an inner disciple of the sect.


    I push the robe aside and fall onto the bed, cuddling with my flute as tears well up.


    I sniffle as I rub my eyes with my sleeves. ¡°You¡¯re an idiot Lin Jia.¡± I whisper to myself ¡°Always crying too. You won¡¯t ever be a strong cultivator if you cry all the time.¡± I laugh at myself as I rub my eyes with the blanket under me.


    A knock on the door interrupts me. ¡°Sister Lin? Are you in there? We¡¯re going to the library and I thought you might want to come.¡±


    ¡°One moment!¡± I call out, wiping my face with the blanket on my bed. Then hurry to put on the sect¡¯s robes.


    I glance at my flute and wonder what I should do with it. I don¡¯t feel safe leaving it here. I grab it and place it in one of the long pockets of my robe. It fits perfectly... ¡°Thank you Elder Zhu.¡± I say, clasping my hands together.


    I open the door to see Xia Jing and another girl. I stiffen as Sister Xia pulls me into a hug. ¡°Everything is going to be alright.¡± she says.


    ¡°Sister Xia. You¡¯re squishing me.¡± I say quietly, but I still bury my face in her shoulder.


    ¡°Sorry.¡± She responds, not loosening her hug one bit.


    She moves away from me, ¡°Do you feel better now?¡±


    I nod.


    ¡°Good.¡± She says. She steps aside, motioning to the other girl with her. ¡°This is Senior Sister Lai Ming. She¡¯s in the room next to mine.¡±


    Lai Ming bows to me in greeting. Her strange purple eyes study me, ¡°Junior Sister Lin, I¡¯m already hearing stories about your talent.¡±


    I bow, and study her in return. She wears the clothes of an inner disciple, but the fact that she calls me Junior Sister tells me that she has been in the sect for at least a year. Her brown hair flows in a ponytail across her right shoulder and she stands on the balls of her feet, like the warriors working under my father.


    ¡°I¡¯m no more talented than any other disciple, I¡¯ve just had good teachers.¡± I respond, remembering the noble lessons drilled into me since I could speak. Humility and respect, the cornerstones of etiquette, according to Shi Da.


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Senior Sister Lai smiles, breaking the atmosphere. ¡°Either way, I¡¯m happy to be showing you our sect¡¯s library. It is one of our greatest treasures.¡±


    I nod and follow as sister Lai leads us out of the building.


    We are led through the streets of the sect, the outer disciples making way for the three of us. ¡°There are a few things you should know as inner disciples.¡± Sister Lai says as we walk over one of the larger bridges, the river below us meandering down the mountain. ¡°One of the main things you should know is that the new disciples will be ranked by the Elders at the end of the month. If either of you are doing too well, then you¡¯re likely to be challenged.¡±


    ¡°Challenged? What does that mean?¡± Sister Xia asks.


    ¡°Other disciples can challenge you for your ranking. There are rules around challenges and you can refuse if you want. But, it is frowned upon to refuse a challenge.¡± We arrive at the steps to a large building, at least four stories high and with beautiful artistry carved into the walls. I can feel the qi around the structure soothing my meridians.


    I stare at the building, my eyes wide.


    ¡°That said, fighting is not allowed until the end of the month.¡± Sister Lai steps in front of us, making sure she has our attention. ¡°I would recommend not making any enemies before then.¡±


    I pause at her words.


    Who would I make angry? Aside from Lu Gang. But he doesn¡¯t count, he was being a bully.


    Lai Ming snorts, almost as if she can hear my thoughts, then leads us into the beautiful building.


    The first thing I see upon entering is a young man sitting at a desk stationed between us and the deeper ends of the library. He writes something down as we approach, not noticing our presence. The young man doesn¡¯t wear the normal sect clothes, but rather, a simple brown robe. He looks up as Sister Lai clears her throat in front of him.


    ¡°Yes?¡± He says, setting his brush down.


    ¡°My juniors are here for their things.¡± Sister Lai says.


    ¡°Bracelets?¡±


    Xia Jing and I both hold up our arms, showing him the jade bracelets we had received when we got our rooms.


    He studies the bracelets for a moment before marking something down in a ledger. Pulling open one of the drawers in his desk, he pulls out two pouches, and hands one to each of us. He stands up, stretching his back from the perpetual slouch we¡¯d found him in, and opens the doors to the library for us, ¡°You may have one cultivation manual from the first floor. You are not allowed to travel to the second floor. Please be out of the library by the dinner bell.¡±


    Lai Ming bows to the scholar. Xia Jing and I follow her lead a moment later. Lai Ming turns with the grace of a dancer and leads us into one of the most breathtaking rooms I have ever seen.


    Books everywhere. The library at the imperial palace was large. But certainly, it could not compare to this. Even my father¡¯s collection pales in comparison.


    Tall oak shelves are filled to the brim with books, creating a labyrinth of knowledge beyond anything I¡¯ve ever seen. A staircase in the distance tells me that this is only the first floor, and I wonder what kind of secret knowledge is hidden on the upper levels.


    ¡°Beautiful.¡± I whisper, barely noticing as the two girls giggle at my amazement.


    ¡°Come on, the manuals are this way.¡± Sister Lai heads to the left, her steps purposeful. I stay still until Sister Xia grabs my arm and pulls me with them.


    Sister Lai leads us to a cozy corner of the library, with cushioned seats and a few tables. She sits down at one of the tables, pulling out a book that I hadn¡¯t seen her grab. ¡°I¡¯ll wait here while you two search the shelves. Take your time and don¡¯t choose rashly.¡±


    I look at the young female cultivator, then back to the shelves of books. Taking a deep breath to motivate myself, I take my first step into the stacks. Books sit on shelves reaching at least twice my height on either side of me. I glance over to Xia Jing, who is already sitting down with a stack of books and looking through them one by one.


    I turn my attention to the books I¡¯m passing by, and drag my finger down the spines of the nearest books, waiting for something to call out to me.


    Flowing River Sect¡¯s Way of the Rivers


    The Way of a Thousand Cuts


    The Rules of an Emperor


    Ha. No.


    None of these appealed to me. I continued through the section for another few minutes before a set of different texts caught my eye. Each one looks similar, but markedly different from each other, combining music with the element involved.


    The Twelve Notes of Fire


    The Twelve Melodies of Wind


    The Twelve Songs of Water


    The Twelve Beats of Earth


    The Twelve Ballads of Darkness


    The Twelve Requiems of Illusion.


    I stare at the Cultivation manuals transfixed, as my hand goes down to the flute hidden in the pocket of my robes.


    Maybe¡­ I¡¯d never heard of a cultivator using music in their cultivation, but something about the books called to me.


    But which one to take? All of them call to me in different ways, call to different parts of me. But we¡¯re only allowed to take one.


    I hold my hand over the Cultivation manuals, feeling for one that calls me over the others.


    Taking a deep breath, I grab the one I know I really want.


    The Twelve Requiems of Illusion

 Chapter 5: The First Requiem

    I look down at my choice of The Twelve Requiems of Illusion, tracing the cover with my finger. It is a thin book, maybe a hundred pages, but the leather bound cover shows its age, despite how well it has been kept by the library.


    With gentle movements, I open it, reading the first few lines.


    Cultivation is the art of learning the unfathomable and seeing the invisible.


    What is shrouded in more mystery than the art of music? Music can make you cry, it can make you laugh, it can be a powerful force thrumming through your body, and it can haunt your every thought. This manual will show you how to produce more than feelings. Music will let you show people their greatest desires, their greatest fears. Or you can simply show them a story, as music was created to do.


    The Twelve Requiems of Illusion will take strength to learn, but its words will teach you things you have yet to imagine.


    I close the manual, a grin on my face.


    I look over to see Xia Jing is still caught up in her search. Holding my new book close to my chest, I walk over to Sister Lai.


    I tap her on the shoulder, distracting her from the book she¡¯d been reading.


    ¡°Done already?¡± She asks.


    I nod, then look at the rest of the library. ¡°Can I explore?¡±


    She smiles. ¡°Go. Just don¡¯t harm the books in any way, don¡¯t even fold a page. If you do, the librarian will have you dusting shelves and scrubbing floors for the next year.¡± she looks to the side, making me wonder if she¡¯d faced that very punishment. ¡°Any one of these books could be a priceless treasure.¡±


    I take heed of the warning, but my excitement takes over and I lose myself in the shelves. I find books on topics from martial arts, to medicine, to philosophy.


    My father had thought of making me a scholar because of my love of books. My mother had insisted I learn the ways of a noble house. Some days, I wish my mother hadn¡¯t insisted so hard, after all, there are so many worlds waiting to be found in books.


    In the end, neither of their plans had worked. I¡¯ve started my path to cultivation. A long and perilous journey, or so everyone tells me.


    I wander through the shelves, enjoying the simple atmosphere of the library. If a book calls to me, I pull it out and start it.


    I¡¯m not sure how long I wander before I find myself in a small corner of the library, reading a children''s book. It tells the story of a man who had made a study of Great Spirits, creatures or animals having cultivated their way into the intelligence of humans.


    I sit cross legged, turning the pages slowly as I enjoy the illustrations the author had included of the creatures he had met on his journey.


    ¡°Hello there.¡± A woman¡¯s voice calls down to me.


    I look up from my book at her.


    Three books are stacked on her head, unmoving despite the angle of her head as she looks down at me. I turn my gaze away from the books, noticing her light brown hair and eyes. She gives me a soft smile.


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    ¡°You are one of the new inner disciples, yes?¡± She asks. She kneels down to meet my eyes, the folds of her plain brown dress lightly wrinkling. The books on her head stay perfectly balanced.


    ¡°Y-yes.¡± I answer.


    ¡°I believe your friends are looking for you.¡± The woman says.


    I pull myself up at her words and look around for The Twelve Requiems Of Illusion, my brain still moving out of the fog it enters when I read for a long time. I find the manual without issue and tuck it into my robes. I find the children¡¯s book, close it with care, then put it back in the spot I had found it.


    I turn back to the woman who had found me and bow to her. ¡°Thank you for telling me.¡± I say, ¡°If I may know Elder Sister¡¯s name?¡±


    She chuckles, ¡°My name is Qiu Tai. May I know my Junior Sister¡¯s name?¡±


    ¡°My name is Lin Jia. Thank you again.¡± I turn around to hurry towards where I last saw the other girls.


    ¡°Ah, one moment.¡± Elder Sister Qiu says.


    I pause, turning to look at her.


    ¡°I can see your love for books. If you would like to spend more time here, ask for me at the front desk tomorrow.¡±


    I brighten at her words. I bow to Qiu Tai again. ¡°Thank you! Again!¡±


    She smiles wordlessly as I turn away and hurry to find my fellow disciples.


    Xia Jing had found her book and was hiding it with her sleeve. Their conversation stops as I turn the corner, both of them turning to me.


    ¡°Did you enjoy your time in the shelves?¡± Sister Lai asks.


    I nod enthusiastically.


    Sister Xia grabs me and squeezes me before I can move away. ¡°Aww. You¡¯re too cute.¡± She lets me go and I have to turn away to hide my embarrassment. ¡°Are you ready to go?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Sister Xia.¡±


    ¡°What manuals did you choose?¡± Sister Lai asks as we move towards the exit of the library.


    I open my mouth to respond, but Sister Xia puts a hand on my shoulder to stop me, then bows to Lai Ming ¡°Forgive me, Senior Sister Lai, we are both grateful for your help, but it would be naive for us to tell you something so valuable so soon after we met.¡±


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    Sister Lai smiles and nods towards the still bowing Xia Jing. ¡°I take no offense, you are right to be careful. I simply wished to give you guidance as a senior. I hope you do not read too much into my words.¡±


    Xia Jing rises from her bow. ¡°Thank you.¡± She says, motioning for Sister Lai to continue walking.


    I hadn¡¯t thought of that, but I¡¯m glad Sister Xia stepped in before I could say something.


    The three of us walk in silence, the sounds of the sect growing louder. The streams nearby provide a constant bubbling, and outer disciples walk past us with quiet conversations.


    I look between the two girls, the silence wearing down on me. ¡°What is it like? Being an inner disciple?¡± I ask.


    Both of them turn to me.


    ¡°I-I mean, what are our responsibilities? What do we do as inner disciples?¡± I pull on the edges of my robe, ¡°None of this was actually explained to me.¡±


    Xia Jing laughs, while Sister Lai looks at me with puzzlement.


    Sister Lai¡¯s expression softens, ¡°You are still young, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not a kid. I am twelve years old.¡± I respond.


    ¡°I did not mean any offense Junior Sister.¡± Lai Ming pauses in thought, causing the outer sect disciples to walk around us, like a rock in a stream. ¡°As an inner disciple, you are expected to be... well, better. You receive the personal instruction and guidance of the Elders, and you are given the resources of the sect.¡± She steps forward. ¡°Keep yourself to a high standard, and remember you are a representative of the sect. You don¡¯t need to worry about anything else.¡±


    ¡°For now?¡± Xia Jing asks.


    Sister Lai nods, looking up at the sky with a thoughtful gaze, ¡°As your cultivation grows, so do the expectations of the sect. Inner disciples are mediators, leaders, and ambassadors for the sect.¡± We arrive at the building with our rooms, but Sister Lai doesn¡¯t seem to notice. Her gaze is sharp, but it isn¡¯t directed at us. ¡°We are pawns really.¡± She looks at the both of us, ¡°But... pawns have their own importance, and someday they may become queens or leave the chessboard altogether.¡± She shakes her head and smiles at the both of us. ¡°Don¡¯t think too hard on it. For now, simply try your best to improve. No one can ask anything more of you.¡±


    With that said, she nods to the both of us ¡°I have some things to think on. I¡¯ll see both of you again soon.¡± Then she walks off to her room.


    I look at Xia Jing sideways. She looks at the closed door, lost in her own thoughts.


    ¡°What a strange friend you have, Sister Xia.¡± I say, startling her from her thoughts.


    ¡°Hm?¡± Her eyes focus in on me. ¡°I¡¯m not certain she is a friend¡­.¡± She smiles at me, ¡°But she certainly is strange.¡±


    I shrug, leaving the conversation at that. Taking out the bag the librarian at the front desk had given me, I study it. ¡°What do you think is in here Sister Xia?.¡±


    ¡°Low grade spirit stones probably.¡± Sister Xia responds. She reaches into her pocket to touch her own bag.


    ¡°Cultivator money?¡± I ask.


    Xia Jing pats me on the head, giggling ¡°Spirit stones are more than money. They hold tiny amounts of qi in them.¡±


    My eyes go wide, a small ¡°Oh.¡± escaping my mouth.


    ¡°Exactly. I doubt the outer disciples ever see more than a few of these at a time.¡± She says, taking out one of the crystals from her pocket, it glows with a soft green color. She looks at me with a frown, ¡°Don¡¯t keep these on you and make sure to keep them safe.¡± Her eyes hold in a serious gaze. ¡°Don¡¯t tell anyone where you keep them, not even me. You understand?¡±


    I nod.


    ¡°Good. And use them wisely. You only get four a week.¡± She pats my head again. ¡°I am going to my room to cultivate, I suggest you do the same.¡±


    I bow to her, ¡°Thank you Sister Xia. I¡¯m glad I have a friend like you.¡±


    She pulls me into a hug. ¡°You¡¯re too cute!¡±


    I sigh, but can¡¯t stop a small smile.


    She lets me go and walks to her room.


    I slide open the door to my room and walk in, closing it behind me. I take the cultivation manual out from a pocket in my robes and look it over.


    I open the book, and am immediately caught by the words written inside.


    By the time I finish reading, the sun is already disappearing in the sky.


    A servant taps on my door before entering.


    She bows to me, then lights a lantern in my room. She bows to me again as she leaves.


    I open the book to one of the first pages in the book. Musical notes cover the page.


    The First Requiem: Field of Blood.


    I reach into my robe and pull out my flute. I slowly unwrap the flute, placing the cloth that had wrapped it on my bed.


    I put the flute to my lips, closing my eyes. The notes on the page stay fresh in my mind, as if I could still see them.


    I breathe.


    The song is deep and dark.


    A remembrance of the dead, that is a Requiem.


    As I play, the sounds of battle come from all around me, the screams of men as they die, the screech of metal against metal. A single man yells out, defiant, refusing to die. His blade enters flesh, taking the life of another. His defiant yell turns to a sorrow filled one as yet another blade takes his life.


    I open my eyes, my fingers moving to the next notes with care. I look over a bloody battlefield, only two swords still clashing against each other.


    Tears fall down my face, as my fingers slow down, almost stopping the song. But something pulls me to finish and I know.


    I know I cannot end it here.


    The smell of blood hits my nose as I play a long dark note.


    I no longer see the book, but the song is imprinted in my mind.


    The two swords refuse to stop, a deadly dance between powerful men, their comrades dead around them.


    I feel a sense of foreboding as the song comes closer to its end, the dance moving faster, becoming deadlier, following the beat of my song.


    The last note plays out as both of the men stab each other, blood spraying out around them.


    No one lives through this battle.


    The last note ends.


    The scenery disappears. I find myself back in my room, the soft lantern light illuminating my bed and a small table.


    I place my flute in my lap and cry.


    Why? Why was I forced to watch such brutality? Why did I have to see the lives of men end in such a way? How could one man do that to another?


    My heart aches.


    I look down at the cultivation manual, tears blurring my vision.


    Nothing could have prepared me for what I witnessed.


    I throw the book onto the bed, and stare up at the ceiling. My heart thunders in my chest and my breath comes in short bursts. My hand holds my flute in a death grip, refusing to let it go.


    I hate it!


    I hate watching people die, and I hate that there¡¯s nothing I can do.


    I close my eyes, and take deep breaths, calming myself. My heartbeat slows and I reopen my eyes. A large part of me wants to return the book to the library and take one of the others, maybe then I could find peace.


    But what would I do when I next encounter death? When I watch people I know die? The world is not a peaceful place, and cultivators even less so. My gaze moves to the book on my bed, and I carefully pick it up.


    I open it, looking at the next requiem.


    The Second Requiem: Remembrance


    Maybe¡­ maybe there is peace to be found here. I don¡¯t want my heart to explode every time I see death. Something tells me that despite my hesitance, there are answers in this book, a way towards peace.


    Taking a deep breath, I bring my flute back up to my lips.


    My fingers don¡¯t want to move, and my eyes stay frozen on the first note of the page. I blink a bunch to clear my vision, then steel my heart.


    I take one more deep breath, and I play the first note.

 Chapter 6: Requiem Of Rememberance

    The notes start out soft this time.


    My tears slow to a stop, the drops disappearing into my robes. The tension flows out of me with the melody of the music. It is a memory of good things, with a tinge of sadness buried beneath it.


    I play a soft and hopeful tune. The sound of two people whispering to each other reaches my ear.


    One of them, a young girl, laughs at some joke the other made.


    I blink away my tears to see a couple leaning against each other. They look out on a lake, reflecting the setting sun in a thousand hues of orange and purple.


    The woman playfully slaps the man¡¯s shoulder. Laughing as he says something. Then she gives a happy smile and leans her head against him. The whispers turn softer, more caring.


    The sweet fresh air reaches me as I watch the two hold each other.


    The requiem changes, becoming more upbeat, and the scenery changes with it.


    Men laugh all around me as servants hurry to serve them more ale.


    One of the men sings, his words are in a different language, but still match the flute¡¯s music.


    The rest of the men join in the song and I notice the same woman from earlier, now wearing black, sitting next to the men.


    Next to her sits a drawing of the man who was with her in my first vision.


    Tears flow down her face as the whole tavern sings a song of remembrance for the man who had passed away.


    As the song comes to an end, the man who had first started singing raises his mug of ale. Everyone in the tavern joins him and they finish the song with cheers. Even the woman gives a small cheer as tears stream down her cheeks.


    I place my flute down, a small smile on my face, replacing the tears I¡¯d just had.


    I am not sure how to feel.


    It takes me a second to notice there is a noticeable change to the qi flowing through my body. Its very essence changes with the Requiems. My qi increased a small amount as well.


    I sigh, looking out of the small window in my room. It is deep into the night. I can¡¯t say how much time has passed. My visions felt instantaneous, yet the darkness outside shows more time had passed than I thought.


    I stand up and blow out my lamp.


    I can¡¯t handle the emotions flowing through my body, so I¡¯ll deal with them tomorrow. Definitely. Probably. Hopefully.


    ***


    ¡°Senior Disciple, please wake up.¡± I am woken by the maid who lit my lantern last night. Her blurry face is barely visible through my tired eyes.


    ¡°What?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Sister Lin! Don¡¯t be late!¡± Xia Jing calls from outside my room.


    What is she doing up so early?


    I shake my head, stumbling out of the bed. The maid offers me some robes. These ones are different from the ones I wore last night. They look lighter and easier to move in, they also don¡¯t have any pockets or folds.


    I frown, then yawn into my hand. ¡°I liked my old robes.¡±


    The maid sighs. ¡°These robes are better for martial arts. Now please, Senior Disciple, put them on.¡±


    ¡°Martial Arts?¡± I ask, trying to get my brain moving again. The servant puts my robes on as I think.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    I nod once, then walk towards the door of my room.


    ¡°Senior Disciple!¡± The servant calls out before I can open the door. ¡°Your hair!¡±


    Heat comes to my face as the servant runs up to me. She pulls some twine from her pocket and ties my hair up.


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    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°There is no need to thank me, Senior Disciple. But you should hurry, you do not want to be late.¡± The servant pushes me out the door, where Xia Jing and Lai Ming wait for me.


    ¡°Why do we have to get up so early?¡± I rub my eyes, ¡°The sun isn¡¯t even out yet.¡±


    ¡°Because the Elders have decided that early morning is the best time for training¡± Sister Lai responds, ¡°Hurry up, you don¡¯t want to be late on your first day.¡± She doesn¡¯t wait for a response as she starts walking.


    Xia Jing smiles at me before following Sister Lai.


    I glance back at my room longingly, the two Requiems had kept me up late into the night and I hadn¡¯t been exaggerating when I¡¯d said that the sun isn¡¯t even up.


    I rub my eyes and pinch my nose, trying to wake myself up. I open my eyes to see the last of the other disciples leaving the building.


    I don¡¯t know where I¡¯m going. The thought drifts through my head for a moment, before I realize what it means.


    I run towards where I¡¯d seen the last of the disciples, my wooden sandals clacking against the floor.


    I stop running when I leave the building. I don¡¯t want my cheeks to be flushed when I arrive to my training.


    Straightening my robes I look for the other girls. They are on their way to a large courtyard. I hurry to catch up to them, trying to not run.


    Xia Jing looks at me, amused by something. Sister Lai doesn¡¯t even look at me, her eyes lost in thought.


    We walk into a large courtyard along with the other inner disciples. Eight men and two women wait for us wearing black robes. Two Elders stand behind them, Elder Yu from the entrance tests and a woman I don¡¯t recognize.


    The senior disciples create orderly lines in front of the men and women, leaving a meter of space in between each disciple in the line.


    Following the senior disciple¡¯s examples, Xia Jing and I find our own spots.


    All of the disciples bow to the men and women. The instructors bow back.


    One of the instructors, a man with a long, slightly curved blade strapped to his back, steps forward after his bow. ¡°We are masters of the sect, you will treat us with the respect you would show an Elder.¡± His voice booms over the crowd, easy to hear despite the distance.


    The man directs the newest disciples, including me and Xia Jing, to gather in front of two of the masters. One of them, a woman, wears a curved blade at her waist. The second master, a wry elderly man, wears two swords clasped to his hip, my gaze catches on the end of his swords, where the blades curve into hooks.


    ¡°Master Meng An.¡± The elderly man introduces himself with a smile.


    ¡°I am Master Wan Chao.¡± The woman introduces herself.


    After their introductions, they lead us through a series of exercises, forcing us to circulate our qi through our bodies in order to keep up with them.


    Having made it to the Second Level of Qi Awakening, I find myself pulling ahead of most of the class, which just makes the masters work me all the harder.


    When I feel like collapsing, they choose to make us move through the flowing movements of martial arts.


    We don¡¯t use any weapons, but at times I can see the shadow of a weapon in the movements they teach us.


    I had been taught some martial arts by my father, as all noblewomen are expected to have at least basic training. A tradition from when war and assassination were far more common.


    I notice how different the style I had learned from my father was, compared to the sect¡¯s. My father¡¯s style was all about strong swift blows. The sect teaches us fluid, almost dance-like motions. When practicing the sect¡¯s martial arts, I never stop moving, I use my momentum, or the momentum of an imaginary opponent, to keep the fight flowing.


    At least, that¡¯s the idea, I¡¯m not sure if I am doing the movements correctly.


    By the end of the practice, I lie on the grass of the courtyard. I control my breathing to help me circulate my qi and to stop me from passing out. The sun is just beginning to rise above the mountains, and I welcome its rays with a tired smile.


    I turn my head to look at the other disciples. They don¡¯t look any better than I do. Some of them are passed out where they lie. I grin at having stayed conscious longer than them.


    Groaning, I sit up. My vision blurs, making me regret moving. Thankfully, the sensation passes.


    Every muscle aching, I stretch my legs. I had been taught to stretch after every training session by one of my previous instructors.


    Old habits are hard to break.


    The masters and Elders are talking in a small group, their conversation quiet enough, I can¡¯t catch any of it. I ignore them in favor of my aching muscles.


    None of my muscles were left alone by the grueling workout the sect masters had put me through.


    It¡¯s an effort to stand up, but after a few dizzying seconds I find myself on my feet, stretching out my arms. A few of the other disciples do the same thing, stretching out their weary limbs.


    Sister Lai enters the courtyard, flushed from whatever workout she had been doing.


    She sees Xia Jing first and walks over to where she is lying down. They say something I can¡¯t hear and Xia Jing pushes herself to her feet.


    It takes them a moment to spot me. As soon as they do, they walk over to me. Xia Jing has a slight limp, but it doesn¡¯t look serious.


    ¡°You don¡¯t look very tired.¡± I say to Sister Lai.


    ¡°I went through a different kind of training.¡± At our curious looks, she continues. ¡°And I¡¯m more exhausted than I look.¡±


    I lie down in the grass, my eyes narrowing in disbelief.


    Sister Lai shakes her head, ¡°I came to get you because food is being served in our rooms. Our next four hours are free for us to use as we wish.¡±


    I feel a twinge from my stomach at the mention of food, but my mind catches on to the last part. ¡°Is there more of this?¡±


    Sister Lai smiles, ¡°Yes, but not today. The Master Scholars will be teaching us in four hours.¡± Sister Lai motions for us to hurry and follow her. ¡°Come on, the food won¡¯t stay warm forever.¡±


    We eat breakfast in Sister Lai¡¯s room, where she tells us about the sect. The fighting rings for outer disciples, the rivers filled with water Qi and the hall of history, where all of the sect¡¯s greatest accomplishments are shown.


    I listen to her with a curious ear. Life in the sect is so different compared to what I am used to.


    It¡¯s magical.


    A tiny seed of excitement grows in my belly. It is a strange feeling, I am no longer the Lady of the Lin family. I am just Lin Jia, inner disciple of the Flowing River Sect, cultivator of the Twelve Requiems Of Illusion.

 Chapter 7: Spirit

    After breakfast, I wash myself, grab my flute and change into my usual robes. Sister Lai offers to show us both around the sect, but memories of the library convince me to refuse.


    Sister Xia looks conflicted, so I convince her to go with Sister Lai. I don¡¯t think she¡¯d have much fun with me in the library.


    Walking through the sect by myself is a novel experience. Everyone in the sect is so exotic.


    I look behind me on my way to the library, feeling a gaze on my shoulder. I see a few outer disciples watching me, but they look away when they notice my attention.


    The same brown robed disciple is at the desk leading into the library. He doesn¡¯t notice my approach, distracted by a book.


    Should I interrupt him? I don¡¯t want to be rude, but I also want to get into the library and see Senior Sister Qiu. He looks really into his book¡­.


    I look up at the disciple again, hoping he will notice me. I sigh as he keeps an intense gaze on his book.


    I can wait. Patience is a valuable trait amongst cultivators.


    Getting into a meditative position on the floor, I close my eyes to examine the qi flowing inside of me.


    It only takes a few minutes before my fingers start fiddling with the Dizi flute in my robes.


    A quick glance around shows no one but the brown robed disciple. I can play quiet enough to not bother him.


    I pull the flute out of my robes and put it to my mouth. I hesitate as I consider what I want to play. This isn¡¯t the time for one of the requiems, and my heart is drawn towards another piece my mother used to play for me.


    Bright notes flow out the flute, bringing light to the dimly lit entrance to the library.


    It is a happy song, something playful my mother would play when she was in a good mood.


    My eyes widen as a small flower blooms in front of me, bursting into color with the beat of the song. Two small birds cheerfully fly over the flower. The images are obvious illusions and they lack the power of the requiems.


    The birds dance to the joyful song, playing with each other as they swoop and fly through the air.


    The song ends on a high note, the birds flying out the windows as it does, the flower disappearing as if it was never there.


    The sound of clapping brings my attention away from my cultivation. While my gains weren¡¯t the same as when I play one of the requiems, I can still find myself gaining some insights.


    Senior Sister Qiu smiles at me as the group of inner and outer disciples who had gathered around me disperse. Even the disciple who had been busy reading had closed his book to listen to my music.


    I smile, my cheeks heating up as I realize that I¡¯d created a scene.


    I get up, and bow to the group in thanks.


    ¡°I am glad I invited you to return.¡± Qiu Tai says, walking up to me as the gathered disciples disperse. ¡°Your music is a treat to hear.¡±


    She motions for me to follow her as we walk towards the entrance to the library. The disciple at the desk bows to her as we pass into the library.


    ¡°Thank you, Senior Sister Qiu, but I still have much to learn.¡± I respond, my gaze getting distracted by the towers of books filling the library.


    ¡°Is there anything you would like me to show you? I know this library better than I know myself.¡± Qiu Tai points at one of the bookshelves and a book comes off of the shelf, floating to her. She opens the book to the first page as she walks.


    I follow behind her as she walks, considering her question. What do I want to know? ¡°I¡¯m not sure. I would appreciate any insight you might have.¡±


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    Qiu Tai smiles at my answer. She closes her book with a snap and flicks her wrist towards the stacks. This time it takes a moment for the book to float over. She hands the leather covered book to me. Only one word is on the cover.


    Spirit


    ¡°This is a book from the top floor. I believe it will be quite valuable to you.¡± She pauses, turning to me. ¡°This book is quite unique, do not lose it or give it away. I am trusting you Junior Sister Lin, don¡¯t let my trust be misplaced.¡± Qiu Tai looks into my eyes.


    Recognizing the depth of her seriousness, I bow to her. ¡°I will guard this book with my life.¡±


    Qiu Tai bursts into laughter. ¡°Don¡¯t go that far. The book is not worth the life of a promising disciple. Merely keep it as safe as you can. That¡¯s all I ask.¡±


    I nod.


    ¡°I have some things to attend to. Let the disciple at the front know when you are done, and I will find you.¡± Qiu Tai gives me a warm smile, before turning away.


    She walks off, placing the first book she grabbed on her head, balancing it there. As she walks, she pulls more books from the shelves, opening them briefly before putting them onto the slowly growing stack of books on her head.


    I find a cozy corner of the library. Few people roam the library, mainly brown robed disciples, and a few other new disciples who are picking up their cultivation manuals.


    Once I¡¯m comfortable, I open the first page of the book. I let out a small gasp as my qi circulates in a strange pattern from reading the words on the first page.


    Spirit is all around us.


    Spirit is life.


    Those who cultivate spirit understand life.


    Those who cultivate spirit understand themselves.


    Only those four lines are written on the first page. But when I¡¯m finished reading them, I can feel my qi circulating through my body in a strange way. Contracting and expanding in my unlocked meridians.


    I meditate with the sensation. I am on the brink of a breakthrough, I can feel it.


    I turn the page. A strange diagram of the human body fills the page, qi pathways similar but not the same as meridians flow through the diagram. A single line is written on the top of the page.


    For those who are ready, take the next step.


    My qi moves through my body so fast I can¡¯t control it. I Immediately enter into meditation, sweating as my qi breaks open my two opened meridians. I expect pain, but instead, I feel relief as the qi flows through another network of my body. The same network drawn on the diagram.


    Still deep in meditation, I do my best to prevent my qi from doing actual harm to my body as it tears through the new pathways.


    ***


    A gentle hand on my back brings me out of my meditation. I look up to see Qiu Tai smiling down at me.


    ¡°Congratulations on starting your path of the spirit. I apologize for interrupting you, but your classes with the master scholars start soon. The master scholars tend to get grumpy with late disciples.¡±


    I stand up, bowing to her as I hand her the book she¡¯d given me. ¡°Thank you Senior Sister.¡±


    ¡°Please, come see me again soon.¡± She says, hiding the book in her robes.


    My mind is distracted as I make my way back through the streets of the sect. A strange new sense seems to examine everything around me. It¡¯s quite distracting actually. I can feel the lifeforce, or spirit, of everything around me. The sense isn¡¯t very specific and it¡¯s hard to understand what it is showing me.


    A presence of spirit in front of me makes me stop on my path and focus.


    It takes me a moment to notice that it¡¯s an outer disciple standing in front of me. He smiles down at me. ¡°Senior Sister, what a gift it is to see you here.¡±


    I stare at him, surprised by his sudden appearance. ¡°Do I know you?¡±


    The outer disciple wears robes dirty from constant use, has short black hair and a dimple appears as he smiles at me.


    ¡°Of course, how silly of me. The Elder sent me to help you. They thought you might have some trouble keeping yourself safe from those who would wish you harm.¡± The young man motions to a sword at his waist.


    ¡°The Elder did?¡± I ask, surprised Elder Zhu Chen would do such a thing.


    ¡°Of course. I will accompany you back to your home to keep all those who wish you harm away.¡± The young man motions his arm in the direction of the inner sect¡¯s rooms.


    A dainty hand grabs the shoulder of the young man, as Lai Ming appears from out of the crowd. ¡°Which elder did you say that was?¡±


    The young man deadens. ¡°Well-¡±


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t be trying to trick my Junior Sister, now would you?¡± Lai Ming asks, her voice cold.


    ¡°O-of course not-¡±


    ¡°Because if you were, I¡¯m afraid I¡¯d have no choice but to spend every effort to have you killed.¡± I stare in surprise at the cold way she says it. She couldn¡¯t mean it, right?


    The young man drops to the ground, his head touching the floor as he kneels. ¡°Please, forgive this foolish one. This one had eyes but could not see.¡±


    Lai Ming holds out her hand. ¡°Give them to me.¡± She says.


    The young man¡¯s face pales. ¡°I¡¯m not sure what-¡±


    Lai Ming¡¯s face grows cold, ¡°Don¡¯t make me ask again.¡±


    The young man reaches into his robe and hands Lai Ming something.


    ¡°Good. Now get out of my sight.¡±


    The young man disappears so fast I almost can¡¯t see him move.


    Lai Ming watches him as he goes away, her gaze carrying something that makes me shiver.


    Lai Ming turns to me and softens her expression. ¡°Do not trust the words of others so easily.¡± She says turning away towards our rooms. ¡°Now come on, we don¡¯t want Junior Sister Xia to worry.¡±


    I notice a small amount of her qi attach itself to the young man, following him as he disappears into the crowd.


    I glance at the disappearing young man before following Lai Ming.

 Interlude: Qiu Tai

    Qiu Tai watches the young girl as she consolidates her new breakthrough. She wasn¡¯t sure the book would react to the disciple, but it seems that her instincts were right.


    Qiu Tai¡¯s aura floods the library, letting all the disciples know they shouldn¡¯t enter. Only her most trusted disciples stay in the library, making sure no one disturbs them and the Elders don¡¯t interfere with her business.


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    The small formation she¡¯d set up should keep those old masters from observing.


    The threads of karma connect her to the girl in strange ways.


    Qiu Tai can¡¯t help but wonder why.


    The girl has decent cultivation for her age, but aside from that, she doesn¡¯t seem special at first glance.


    Qiu Tai wasn¡¯t looking deep enough. The girl¡¯s background is far from normal. Those who have the constitution and mentality to cultivate spirit are few and far between. Qiu Tai looks forward to seeing if the girl is able to fully comprehend the gift she¡¯d given her.

 Chapter 8: Roars Of The Ruinous Dragon

    ¡°How did you know where I was?¡± I ask Lai Ming as we walk.


    ¡°I knew you were at the library. I happened to find you on the way there.¡± Lai Ming responds as we walk into another pagoda. Small tables litter the floor in front of a stage where three men and a woman wearing Master robes sit writing on parchment. Lai Ming leads me over to Xia Jing, who greets me with a smile.


    I grab Lai Ming¡¯s hand before she leaves for her own class. ¡°Thank you Senior Sister.¡± I bow my head to her, thankful for her protection.


    Lai Ming slips her hand out of my grip and pats me on the head. ¡°Of course Sister Lin. We disciples must look out for each other.¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡± Xia Jing asks as Lai Ming walks away.


    ¡°Nothing important.¡± I answer, smiling up at her.


    Xia Jing doesn¡¯t believe me, but the movements of one of the Masters stops her from questioning me more.


    He steps forward, and I realize that he is wearing the robes of an Elder, not a Master. His presence is so quiet that I hadn¡¯t noticed him until he stepped forward. His back is hunched from long years spent poring over documents and scrolls, but his eyes are sharp, and shine with a yellow light. His beard is long, but well maintained and his hair is a dreary gray. All of the Elders have been around for hundreds of years, but this one is the first one to actually show that age, his skin wrinkled and his movements slow but purposeful.


    ¡°Good afternoon.¡± His voice is strong and clear as he addresses the group of new inner disciples, ¡°I am happy to see so many talented disciples join our sect. I am Elder Cai and I will be instructing you with the assistance of Master Wang and Disciple Deng.¡± He motions to the other two people in the room, who bow as they are mentioned. ¡°Cultivation is more than just the improvement of oneself, it requires an understanding of the very daos of creation. We are here to educate you so that you can seek to understand these daos. Disciple Deng, if you may.¡±


    The disciple steps forward, he looks to be twenty years old, his features common, with brown hair and brown eyes. He bows to the Elder before sitting in front of us, his eyes closing. Twelve streams of light glow as they flow through his body, all of them flowing through a center of light in his lower stomach.


    ¡°These,¡± Elder Cai continues, ¡°are your meridians. Disciple Deng has awakened all twelve of them, allowing qi to flow through them freely and coalesce into his dantian.¡± He motions towards the center of light in his stomach. ¡°If you would, Disciple Deng.¡±


    The light accelerates through his body, gathering and transforming the qi in his dantian, solidifying the edges of the spiritual organ.


    ¡°Disciple Deng is now showing you how one enters the realm of Foundation Establishment. He is establishing the place of power within himself, creating walls to hold his inner core and palace. This foundation is likely to take decades, if he is lucky. You may stop, Disciple Deng.¡±


    The disciple slows down the flow of qi within himself and lets out a breath as the light of his qi fades. With the light gone, I can see the sweat covering his face.


    ¡°Once the foundation is fully established, cultivators can attempt the creation of their core with the whispers of their chosen dao, entering the realm of Core Formation.¡± Elder Cao smiles, ¡°But all of you are some distance and many hardships away from that point.¡±


    The Elder continues for a while by talking about how one awakens their meridians, before leaving and turning things over to Master Wang.


    Master Wang moves over to the basics, educating us on our calligraphy, reading and a surprising amount of philosophy.


    By the end of our lessons, I feel just as exhausted as I did in the morning from the martial arts.


    ***


    Over the next month, I settle into a routine. I get up in the mornings to practice martial arts, I eat lunch with Xia Jing and Lai Ming, and I use my four hours of free time to study spirit cultivation or otherwise read at the library. Qiu Tai would occasionally help me in my studies, but her visits were rare. After the library, I¡¯d join Xia Jing to learn from the Master Scholars. I finish the day with the two requiems I could perform, the next requiem in the manual requiring me to go through my third meridian awakening before I could perform it.


    In the entire month, I only advanced one more page in the spirit manual. The third page was about recognizing the spirit inside of me. Qiu Tai said I am in the spirit forming stage of spirit cultivation, the very first step.


    I sit on my bed, thinking about the third page and trying to look within myself to see my own spirit. It¡¯s near impossible to find underneath the power that my qi radiates, it¡¯s a subtler thing and somehow infinitely harder to find in myself than when I look at someone else.


    My fingers feel the wood of my flute without thought as I bite my lip. After another few minutes of attempting to look inside of myself, I decide to take a break and do something else.


    I look down at the flute in my lap, then smile.


    Bringing the flute to my lips, I begin The First Requiem. The world transforms around me; bodies cover the rocky floor, red and brown from the color of dried blood. The battle continues on, matching my song, until only the two warriors are left. Their blades dance, their bodies moving with the beat of the requiem.


    Inspiration hits me, and I pause in my music, the battle stopping as the two warriors stare at each other.


    My voice sings out. The words of the song are unfamiliar to me, but The Twelve Requiems of Illusion glows, opening to a single blank page. I sing the unfamiliar words, and the two warriors bow to each other, their dance becoming deadlier. I begin to see spirit in the warriors. The song ends, but this time, one warrior kills the other without dying. The surviving warrior turns to me, bowing before the song ends.


    My mind is in a dream-like trance as I find myself in the training hall, my hand grasping the leather of an old sword¡¯s handle, the scabbard of the sword is gray with age.


    I know I can choose to break the trance here, but decide against it, curious to see what will happen.


    Reverently, I draw the blade from the scabbard. The music of the requiem surrounds me, as the surviving warrior appears in front of me.


    He bows to me, then draws his own bloodied sword from the scabbard at his waist.


    My body bows back to him, before it turns, revealing the dead warrior, who still has a gaping sword wound in his chest.


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    The surviving warrior lifts his sword arm in a ready stance, pointing towards the dead warrior and my body copies his. The dead warrior also enters into a ready stance.


    The requiem pauses for a brief moment.


    Then the requiem continues, and the dead warrior slices at me with his sword. The surviving warrior moves to counter, my body copying him. The deadly dance continues, except this time, I am the one fighting on the bloody battlefield.


    I feel no true danger, so I do not break from the trance.


    My qi reserves complain, nearly empty from whatever illusion I have created around myself.


    The requiem ends with my sword piercing the dead warrior''s flesh, right where the previous sword wound was.


    A hint of a smile appears on the dead warrior''s face, before he disappears. The surviving warrior bows to me again, then disappears as well.


    Words solidify in the spirit within me, glowing with a bright red fury; the name of the sword technique being taught to me.


    Roars Of The Ruinous Dragon


    I drop to the ground in meditation as my qi roars my body. Breathing out, a strange mist leaves my body as I cleanse my third meridian, breaking through to the Third Level of Qi Awakening.


    My qi doesn¡¯t stop contracting and expanding, and I don¡¯t stop cultivating. To my surprise, my fourth meridian opens as well.


    I don¡¯t know how long I sit in the training hall, an unsheathed sword in my lap, but when I open my eyes, I am in the Fourth Level of Qi Awakening.


    ¡°Well, that was fun to watch.¡± A chipper voice says from behind me, startling me from my thoughts.


    I hurry to stand up, turning around to see a young man watching me. He is dressed in martial robes which don¡¯t tell me his position in the sect. Straight short black hair, and a relatively handsome face don¡¯t give me any clue as to who he is. But the air around him is sharp, and I can feel from the spirit in him he is much more powerful than I am.


    I bow to him, ¡°I apologize if I disturbed you.¡±


    He smiles at me, shaking his head. ¡°You didn¡¯t disturb me. It¡¯s not every day I get to watch someone cleanse two meridians at once.¡± His gaze drops to the sword and scabbard I am holding in my hands.


    I hurriedly sheath the sword, holding it out to him. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have taken this without permission, I apologize.¡±


    The young man laughs, waving away the sword. ¡°No need to be so polite, you did nothing wrong. Something powerful brought you to the sword, and the sword seems to like you. You can keep it.¡±


    I look down at the shabby old sword, wondering at how it could like me. Shouldn¡¯t it be the other way around? ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± The young man says, turning to walk towards the exit. ¡°It is almost time for your martial training with the masters. I suggest you hurry if you don¡¯t wish to be late.¡±


    I pause, groaning as I realize the whole night had passed me by, again.


    They say once you reach a high enough cultivation level, you can go months or years without sleep.


    I am not at that cultivation level, which means I have a rough day ahead of me.


    Xia Jing greets me with a smile as I arrive at the training grounds, and I wave at her.


    Her smile turns to a frown as she studies me, ¡°Are you alright, Sister Lin?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± I shake my head, too exhausted to explain.


    She looks at the sword I¡¯m holding, ¡°Where¡¯d you get that?¡± she asks.


    ¡°Someone gave it to me.¡± I answer a little sharper than I intended. I turn my gaze to the ground as I continue, ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t get much sleep.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re fine,¡± Xia Jing says. She grabs me and pulls me into a hug.


    I flush, still embarrassed at how easily she hugs me.


    Soon, I¡¯ll hit my growth spurt and she won¡¯t be able to grab me so easily. I¡¯m sure of it.


    The martial masters walk out and take us through our training. Master Wan Chao picks up on my increased ability, and pushes me even harder, leaving me with a bone weary tiredness as we approach lunch.


    Instead of the masters dismissing us like they usually do, the young man I spoke to earlier walks out in front of us.


    I sit up, beginning my stretch routine on the grass. The weather is starting to cool, and a cloud passes overhead as the young man looks over the group of new inner disciples, myself included. He winks at me, making me halt mid stretch, but his gaze has already continued past.


    ¡°Good morning disciples. I am Elder Li Quon.¡± The young man smiles as everyone¡¯s attention fully centers on him. ¡°I am here today to tell you about the disciple rankings and challenges. The disciple rankings have been posted in front of your rooms as judged by Elder Yu. This means you are now able to issue challenges to other disciples. Don¡¯t do so lightly, you may have more to lose than to gain.¡± Elder Li takes one last look over the crowd, before smiling. ¡°Good luck.¡± he turns around and walks away.


    I share a look with Xia Jing, surprised at the short speech.


    With the Elder¡¯s dismissal, everyone disperses. Lai Ming and Xia Jing greet me for lunch at a table in the dining hall. Xia Jing gives me a worried look, while Lai Ming nods to acknowledge my presence before her attention turns back to the scroll in her hands.


    ¡°Is something wrong?¡± I ask, seeing Xia Jing¡¯s strange expression.


    Lai Ming sighs before handing me the scroll. I unfurl it, wondering what could be making them act so strangely.


    Inner Disciple Rankings


    Lai Ming points to a certain heading.


    First Year Disciple Rankings.


    <ul>


    <li>


    Bun Lei, Age 15, 4th Level Qi Awakened


    </li>


    <li>


    Lin Jia, Age 12, 4th Level Qi Awakened


    </li>


    <li>


    Hai Fun, Age 15, 4th Level Qi Awakened


    </li>


    <li>


    Lu Gang, Age 15, 3rd Level Qi Awakened


    </li>


    <li>


    Xia Jing, Age 15, 3rd Level Qi Awakened


    </li>


    </ul>


    ¡°Do you see the issue now?¡± Lai Ming takes a bite of her food.


    ¡°Not really?¡± I respond, folding up the scroll to hand it back to her.


    ¡°You are so young everyone will be thinking they can challenge you and win.¡± Lai Ming says, ¡°But they are not the issue. The issue is you have become a target for every ill-intentioned suck-up outer disciple in the sect.¡±


    ¡°When did you reach the Fourth Level of Qi Awakening? Weren¡¯t you just at the second?¡± Xia Jing interrupts.


    I squirm in my seat, adjusting the sword at my waist. I¡¯m still not used to having a weapon on me. ¡°Last night.¡± I respond.


    The both of them share a look before looking back at me. Lai Ming coughs before continuing, ¡°you need to be extremely careful now. People like to prey on rising stars, using them to raise their own status.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡± I say, lowering my head as I begin to eat my rice.


    Xia Jing walks around the table, laying her hand on my shoulder. ¡°We are here for you.¡±


    I smile at her. ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°Lin Jia!¡± Someone calls and all three of us turn to see a young boy around my age standing in front of us, his chest puffed up with bravado. He wears the robes of an outer disciple. ¡°I, Bai Long, outer disciple of the alchemy pavilion, challenge you to a duel.¡±


    The dining hall goes quiet at the declared challenge. The boy¡¯s face flushes at the attention.


    My breath catches. There is proper etiquette for this situation. For cultivators, it is rude and dishonorable to deny a challenge issued. I look at both of my friends, who are equally surprised I received a challenge so soon.


    I can¡¯t just deny my first challenge, right?


    I look at Lai Ming, but she¡¯s just staring at the young man with her mouth open.


    With no help from her, I continue. ¡°I- accept your challenge?¡± Lai Ming¡¯s eyes snap to me, telling me not to, but it¡¯s already too late. ¡°SInce you¡¯ve made the challenge, you make the wager, right? What are you challenging me for?¡±


    ¡°Your position as an inner disciple.¡± Bai Long responds.


    ¡°Oh.¡± I had expected it to be something simple to prove his capability as a cultivator, not something threatening my very position in the sect. I look at my friends for help.


    Lai Ming sighs, covering her eyes with her hand. After a moment, she coughs loud enough to gather the attention of everyone around. ¡°Do you have something of equal value to offer?¡± She asks. She moves her hand to glare at Bai Long.


    Bai Long pauses, his body going stiff.


    After a long drawn out moment, Lai Ming continues, ¡°If you don¡¯t have anything to-¡±


    ¡°My life!¡± Bai Long interrupts. ¡°I¡¯ll owe you a life debt.¡± Bai Long stares at me with fire in his eyes.


    Lai Ming frowns, then looks at me.


    I frown as well. I can¡¯t take back my acceptance of the challenge, but I have no desire to wager my position as an inner disciple.


    Bai Long smiles, ¡°Since you have accepted, then let us go-¡±


    This time, knowing that I cannot let him continue, I interrupt him by saying, ¡°I¡¯m tired from my cultivation breakthrough last night. Our duel can wait till tomorrow, right?¡±


    Bai Long frowns, but nods. ¡°Very well, our duel will be tomorrow morning.¡± Bai Long twirls around, his outer disciple robes fluttering as he walks away.


    I stare at his back as he walks away, my mind racing. I¡¯ve never fought someone before! What if there¡¯s an accident? What if he is stronger than me and wins the duel? I know being an outer disciple is not a safe position for someone like me. I¡¯m a little¡­ naive when it comes to the ways of commoners and those in lesser positions.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have accepted the challenge without hearing the wager.¡± Xia Jing says.


    ¡°I know!¡± I yell, frustrated with myself and the boy¡¯s attitude. Seeing her troubled expression, I turn away embarrassed about my outburst. ¡°Sorry.¡±


    I don¡¯t wait to hear her response as I turn away, stand up, and run back to my room.

 Chapter 9: The Third Requiem

    I arrive at my room frustrated. I can¡¯t believe I accepted like that right after they warned me. Am I stupid?


    I fall onto my bed and grab my pillow, then I scream into it.


    After a couple seconds of screaming, I feel better.


    I turn over in my bed, my gaze landing on my flute. I must¡¯ve set it down on my bed last night during my trance.


    I sit up in the bed, grabbing the flute to distract myself from my emotions. The Twelve Requiems of Illusion, responding to my desire, opens to a new page. I¡¯d gained access to another two requiems with my advance in cultivation. I think it¡¯s time to see what kind of gains the requiems can give me.


    I place the flute to my lips, pausing for a moment as I read the notes on the page of the cultivation manual.


    The Third Requiem: Murder


    The music is slow and haunting, each note almost ethereal as it flows into the next.


    The world changes around me, my empty bedroom turning into a wealthy home. Ornate paintings line the walls and smoke flows from incense.


    The smoke flows and twists with the music through the air.


    A young woman in a silk dress walks through the smoke, her movements matching with the notes as the music becomes crisper, less haunting.


    An older man smiles at her, his eyes focusing on her.


    The woman smiles back at him, her hand resting on the sword at her waist, moving up to him as she kisses him.


    My stomach knots and I want to look away from embarrassment, but something keeps my attention to the scene.


    A long, drawn out note comes to a stop as the woman backs away from the man, breaking the kiss and still smiling playfully.


    For a brief moment, there is silence. Then a dark, discordant note comes from my flute.


    The woman draws her sword, chopping through the man¡¯s neck in one strike.


    My mind freezes as my fingers and breath continue to play the notes of a haunting melody.


    The man¡¯s body falls to the ground, his head still connected by a thread of skin. Blood spurts out, covering the beautiful woman¡¯s dress.


    The woman turns to me, my melody becoming softer and darker.


    Again, I set my flute down, words whose meaning I do not know coming from me as I start to sing. My voice hurts at the darkness of the words, but I don¡¯t stop.


    The woman reaches for her sword.


    I stand up, entering the same position she had, my sword still at my waist. The eerie music continues around me, as I copy her movements.


    Again I am taught swordsmanship, but this time it is darker, malevolent. Each slash of her sword is meant to kill and draw blood. It is not meant for the killing of a battlefield, but the silent and swift murder of others who can not defend themselves.


    Words solidify in my spirit, glowing with a dark light; the name of the technique being taught to me.


    Whispers Of The Silent Raven


    I collapse onto my bed, sleep instantly finding me.


    ***


    I wake up, my head turning to the evening sunlight that filters through my window. The light feels nice on my skin, warming me up with its heat. It is around the time I should be meeting with the master scholars for lessons, but my mind and body feel exhausted.


    I get up from the bed, and open the door to my room, looking both ways. The servant who lights the lanterns for my room is dusting the painting in the hallway. Her black hair is pulled back into a bun, and her eyes show a hint of a smile as she hums to herself. Her body is lithe and thin, her servants robes giving her plenty of room for movement.


    I clear my throat to get her attention. She turns to me, bowing when she recognizes me. ¡°Forgive me young miss, I did not sense your presence. What can this servant do for you?¡±


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    ¡°Could you bring me some soothing tea?¡± I ask, my voice sore from the usage of the third requiem.


    ¡°Of course young miss.¡± She responds.


    I close the door, and return to my bed. I look out at the sky through my window, my thoughts aimless.


    I grab my flute, putting my lips to it as I stare at the sky. Soft sounds come out, turning into a song my mother used to play for me as a child.


    I¡¯d seen killing before, but it was never like that. She kissed him, and then¡­.


    I play a wrong note, so similar to the discordant note I had played when she used her sword to chop through his neck.


    My mind refocuses on the song my mother played, focusing on the soft and playful notes.


    There was no remorse in her eyes at the man¡¯s death. Only a hardness that scares me.


    A knock on my door interrupts my thoughts and my music.


    The servant enters my room with a tea set. She pours the tea with a practiced hand.


    I thank her and she bows to me before leaving the room.


    The tea soothes my throat, and brings some peace to my mind. The sunlight coming through the open window warms my skin, reminding me not all is dark in the world.


    My gaze wanders to the darkening sky through my window.


    Another knock on the door breaks me from my thoughts.


    I gulp down the rest of the tea in my cup, hoping it¡¯ll help me swallow the lump in my throat.


    ¡°Come in.¡± I say, adjusting my hair which had been messed up from my unplanned nap.


    A servant I don¡¯t recognize opens the door, bowing to me as she enters the room. ¡°Master Qiu Tai wishes to see you.¡± The servant says, her head still bowed.


    I look at the servant in surprise, ¡°Did Master Qiu Tai say why she wanted to see me?¡± She has never called for me before, instead seeing me in the library when I chose to visit.


    ¡°Master Qiu Tai did not tell me the reason for her summons.¡± The servant replies formally, her expression not revealing any of her thoughts.


    I frown, trying to place what her reason could be for calling for me. Something to do with my cultivation of spirit perhaps? It is what most of our meetings are about after all. But, I don¡¯t understand why she would need to summon me for that. Maybe she heard about my challenge.


    I place my flute in my robes, then stare at the sword given to me by the elder. The sword now lies in its sheath on the bed. Images of a similar sword cutting through a man¡¯s throat flash through my head. Shaking my head, I grab the sword and tie it around my waist. The servant waits as I prepare myself.


    Once I feel presentable enough, I turn to the servant, motioning for her to lead the way. She bows again before leading me out of my room.


    The sect is quiet today, with less disciples on the paths. Most are in their lessons given by the master scholars, as I would be if I had chosen to attend them.


    I notice more gazes on me than usual, whispers coming from the few people still on the paths. The servant ignores those we pass, not even glancing at them as she leads me down a path I haven¡¯t traveled before.


    My hand drops to the sword at my waist as I realize we are walking down an unfamiliar path. Sister Xia and Sister Lai¡¯s words of caution echo through my mind. My gaze locks on the servant guiding me. What proof do I have that she is leading me to Senior Sister Qiu Tai?


    Fewer people walk the path we are on as we leave the main buildings of the sect, and enter a forest grove. A small stream flows along the side of the path, the noise of the brook sounding almost like music to me.


    My grip tightens on my sword. The servant appears to be at the same cultivation level as me, but if I strike her using The Whispers Of The Silent Raven, she would be dead before-


    I shake my head, loosening my grip on my sword. There¡¯s no need for that kind of thought. I have no proof she isn¡¯t a servant of Qiu Tai¡¯s. No need to think of killing until it is needed.


    The path gets narrower until we reach a beautiful clearing, sunlight shining down on an array of flowers and a lone woman watching something I can¡¯t see. A breath of relief escapes me when I realize Qiu Tai is standing there, her arms behind her back in a thoughtful pose and her master¡¯s robes flowing slightly in the wind.


    Qiu Tai glances up as we enter the clearing. The servant bows to her before leaving back down the path.


    Qiu Tai¡¯s eyes flicker to the sword at my waist before looking back at my face. She lifts an arm, motioning me over, before turning back to what she was studying.


    I move to where she stands, looking at the thing that has caught her attention.


    A faint shimmer in the shape of a doorway stands above the ground, blurring the tree behind it.


    Questions fill me at the strange sight, but I stay quiet, waiting for her to speak.


    She continues with her silence, and I notice something strange about the shimmer. The spirit of the doorway is different compared to all the spirit of the forest around it.


    ¡°Why is the spirit so strange?¡± I ask before I can stop myself.


    ¡°It is the spirit that fills the land of wherever this portal leads to.¡± Qiu Tai turns her gaze to me. ¡°Tell me, what is so different about the spirit you sense through this portal?¡±


    I frown, trying to place what it is. ¡°It feels¡­ harsher. Darker? I don¡¯t really know, but it reminds me of¡­ a battlefield.¡±


    Qiu Tai nods. ¡°The spirit from the other realm is tainted by death and blood, much like a battlefield.¡±


    ¡°Another realm?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Indeed. Wherever this portal leads, it is not within this realm. The Elders and I closed it before anything on the other side could come through.¡±


    A flash of fear fills me as I think about what kind of person would come from a world filled with so much death.


    Another minute passes as Qiu Tai and I watch the portal.


    I glance at her, noticing how she still gazes at the portal intently. ¡°What are you looking for?¡±


    ¡°A reason.¡± Qiu Tai responds, her gaze not leaving the portal. ¡°Portals like this don¡¯t just come out of nowhere. They are created. And I want to know why.¡±


    I nod. ¡°Why did you have me come here?¡±


    Qiu Tai smiles as she looks at me. ¡°All the Elders are busy while I am left to guard this portal. I thought you might make some gains in spirit cultivation from studying the strong spirit leaking out of this portal.¡±


    ¡°Thank you Senior Sister.¡± I bow to her before sitting down in a lotus position. My spirit sense expands around the portal as I study the dark spirit coming out of it.

 Chapter 10: The First Duel

    I stay at the site of the portal for a few hours into the night, gaining insights into the nature of spirit as I do. Unfortunately, my duel tomorrow prevents me from staying longer.


    I bow to Qiu Tai who acknowledges it with a nod, before returning to my room.


    The usual servant smiles at me, lighting the lantern in my room as I enter it. I thank her and she bows to me before leaving.


    Exhaustion fills me as I unbuckle my sword and lean it against the bed. My muscles ache from the two unexpected sword lessons and the usual martial arts practice the sect has us go through. That, combined with my lack of sleep from the previous night, means I barely manage to disrobe and set my flute aside before falling into my bed and drifting off.


    ***


    A knock on my door the next morning rouses me from my dreams. Sister Xia¡¯s voice calls my name repeatedly, forcing me to stumble out of my bed.


    ¡°One moment.¡± I mumble. I slap my cheeks in an effort to wake myself up.


    My old robes were replaced with clean martial robes during the night. It takes me a moment to put them on, my mind still working slowly from lack of sleep. I wrap my sword around my waist and put my flute into my pocket.


    Now that I feel presentable enough, I open the door to reveal Sister Xia and Sister Lai waiting for me


    The rest of the morning passes slowly as my mind fills with worries about my upcoming duel with Bai Long. On the bright side, my exercise routine for the morning was lessened by the martial masters due to my duel.


    During breakfast Wan Chao, the martial master who uses a single short sword, approaches the table where Xia Jing, Lai Ming and I sit at.


    ¡°It is time for the duel between Lin Jia and Bai Long, please come with me.¡± I bow my head to her in acknowledgement. Then I stand up to accompany her, leaving my half eaten bowl of rice at my table.


    Master Wan Chao leads me to an open field, with a large circle of packed dirt in the middle. On one edge of the circle sits the outer disciple who had challenged me. His closed eyes open as I approach, his hand moving to rest on the sword at his waist.


    Quite a few inner and outer disciples form a small crowd around our match. Xia Jing and Lai Ming join the growing crowd, but I can feel their supportive gazes.


    I tense as I realize so many people will be watching our match.


    What if I lose? What if he easily outmatches me?


    What if he kills me?


    I shake my head, trying to ignore those thoughts as I move to the opposite side of the circle from him. There is no death allowed in these duels, the qi of the masters would stop it before it even became close.


    Master Wan Chao moves to the center of the circle, her gaze looking over the whole crowd.


    ¡°Outer Disciple Bai Long of the alchemy pavilion has challenged Inner Disciple Lin Jia, wagering a life debt in exchange for the position of inner disciple.¡± The master says, her voice carrying over the crowd. ¡°The rules for this duel are simple. The first one to draw blood wins. If one of you steps out of the ring, you forfeit the duel.¡±


    I close my eyes as she speaks, breathing in and out to calm myself from a rush of anxiety.


    ¡°Lin Jia, are you ready?¡± Master Wan Chao asks.


    I open my eyes, and nod to her.


    She turns to my opponent, ¡°Bai Long, are you ready?¡±


    He nods as well.


    The Master steps out of the dirt circle. ¡°You may begin.¡±


    Bai Long draws his sword and charges at me. Flame wraps his feet, giving him a burst of speed and allowing him to cover the distance in an instant.


    My body stills. I watch as he draws closer to me, his sword in an arc towards my neck.


    No thoughts flash through my head in that moment. I don¡¯t regret anything, no memories fill my mind. Instead, my mind is strangely empty, only one thought passing through my head.


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    I will not die.


    Whispers Of The Silent Raven.


    My sword slides from its sheath as I block his blow with one movement. I immediately realize his blow will overpower mine, so I dance out of the way, using my sword to redirect him away from me.


    He stumbles from the change in momentum, nearly stepping outside of the circle. He turns to face me, a newfound wariness clear on his face.


    I sing, the song deep and dark, but still nearly inaudible. The ground around us turns the color of blood as the sound of steel on steel fills the air. The grotesque shapes of bodies lie on the ground.


    An outline of the surviving warrior stands next to me.


    The First Requiem: Field Of Blood


    The surviving warrior raises his sword, and I follow his movement, my body switching stances into The Roars Of The Ruinous Dragon.


    The warrior strikes, and my sword follows, seeking Bai Long¡¯s throat.


    Bai Long stumbles back, dodging my attack by a hair¡¯s breadth.


    He looks scared for a moment, but flame wraps around his feet again. He bursts forward towards me, flame wrapping around his sword and increasing the speed of his strike.


    The surviving warrior steps to the side, and I easily dodge the swing. The soldier kicks and I follow the motion. My foot lashes out, hitting Bai Long in the back and kicking him out of the ring. This time his momentum and the power of my kick carries him out of the ring. He buries his sword in the ground to stop his momentum.


    I stop my singing, my voice still sore from my use of the third requiem last night.


    Bai Long stares at his buried sword in shock. The flame around his sword scars the wound in the earth black.


    ¡°Lin Jia has won the duel, as witnessed by myself.¡± Master Wan Chao says. The surrounding disciples burst into conversation.


    Nervousness fills me as I realize all of their attention is still on me. I sheathe my sword and gasp in surprise as Xia Jing grabs me, squeezing me to her.


    ¡°That was so cool! I didn¡¯t know you were so skilled with the sword. You defeated him in three moves!¡± I hide in Xia Jing¡¯s robe to hide my embarrassment.


    No one other than Bai Long and I could see the illusion I¡¯d created.


    ¡°It was impressive, but Bai Long¡¯s ineptitude is what people will see more than your skill.¡± Lai Ming says from somewhere, Sister Xia¡¯s robe blocking my vision.


    ¡°Don¡¯t take this moment away from her, Senior Sister Lai!¡± Xia Jing says in my defense.


    After my nervousness has mostly disappeared, I push Sister Xia away from me. ¡°Thanks. It was... a little terrifying.¡± I laugh a little.


    Xia Jing nods, before noticing the crowd around us. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go back to our rooms.¡±


    Lai Ming glares icily at the disciples approaching, and they quickly back off, letting us through.


    Both of the girls follow me into my room, and I feel grateful for their company as Xia Jing continues to talk animatedly about the duel.


    When there¡¯s a pause in the conversation, Lai Ming reaches into her robe and hands me a bag of spirit stones. ¡°These are some of my winnings from the match.¡± She says, handing them to me. I open the bag and stare at the insides with awe, before handing it back.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who won these.¡± I say.


    ¡°Keep them. I have plenty saved up, plus I¡¯ll soon have all the spirit stones I want.¡± Both Xia Jing and I stare at her.


    Lai Ming looks away, ¡°Elder Wu Li Mei has accepted me as a core disciple.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s amazing!¡± I say, Xia Jing echoing me with even more enthusiasm.


    Lai Ming looks away from the both of us, a faint rose tint on her cheeks. She clears her throat before continuing. ¡°Anyway, we should celebrate your victory. You haven¡¯t been to the market yet, have you?¡±


    I shake my head at her. ¡°No, not yet.¡±


    ¡°Good! You¡¯ll like the place we¡¯re going then.¡± Xia Jing says, clapping her hands together.


    I look between the two of them, then look down, grateful for the both of them.


    A knock turns my attention to the door.


    ¡°Come in.¡± I call, and a servant opens the door.


    She bows to the three of us. ¡°A message from Bai Long of the Alchemy Pavilion.¡± She hands a fancy looking scroll to me.


    I take the scroll and unfurl it.


    I, Outer Disciple Bai Long of the Alchemy Pavilion, owe you, Inner Disciple Lin Jia, a life debt. I apologize for underestimating your ability during our duel, next time I will treat you with the respect you deserve. If you ever need anything from me, come to the alchemy pavilion and I will do whatever you desire to the utmost of my ability.


    ¡°What is the Alchemy Pavilion?¡± I ask both of them. I look up to see the both of them shocked. ¡°I mean, I know what alchemy is, and I know what a pavilion is, but why is it attached to Bai Long¡¯s name every time he introduces himself?¡±


    Lai Ming frowns, ¡°I suppose it¡¯s my fault you don¡¯t know. There are many pavilions in the sect, they¡¯re the places of education and power centers for outer disciples. The Alchemy Pavilion, the Crafting Pavilion, The Scholar¡¯s Pavilion and the Martial Pavilion are all important names. Bai Long must be quite a talent to already be in a pavilion. He¡¯s probably richer in spirit stones than you too.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± I glance at the scroll in my hands before rolling it back up and placing it next to my bed. ¡°I¡¯m looking forward to seeing the market.¡±


    Xia Jing smiles, taking my hands in hers as we stand up. ¡°You¡¯re going to love it. It¡¯s quite the sight to see.¡±


    We set out and they lead me to a path I hadn¡¯t been on since we entered the sect. The energy around us changes as we walk down the road and it fills with outer disciples going about their business.


    My eyes catch on the many Spirit Beasts. They follow disciples and pace in cages at market stalls, some of the more exotic ones catching my eyes.


    Lai Ming spits in disgust at the spirit beasts trapped in cages. ¡°Barbaric.¡± She says, loud enough for the merchant and those shopping to hear her.


    They just bow after seeing her inner disciple robes, ignoring her insult.


    She doesn¡¯t pay any more attention to them as she continues walking. I speed up to keep up with her and Xia Jing.


    ¡°Those creatures aren¡¯t mindless beasts.¡± Lai Ming says to the both of us, not looking at us.


    I look back at the cages, wondering what it would be like to be trapped in such a small metal box.


    An impressive building with soft music coming out of it distracts me from such thoughts. Two tall and well-built outer disciples stand guard, looking at jade bracelets before allowing people through.


    ¡°Welcome to the staple of any powerful sect.¡± Lai Ming says, her frown from her earlier comment turning into a smile. ¡°The Merchant House.¡±

 Chapter 11: The Merchant House

    We show the guards of the merchant house our bracelets and they let us in. Immediately my sight is caught by one of the stalls, a merchant selling sparkling gems, some of them holding strange spirit energy.


    It doesn¡¯t take long for my gaze to move on to the many wondrous products being sold all along the sides of the merchant house. Strange glowing artifacts, pills holding mysterious auras and statues so expertly carved they look alive all beg for my attention.


    ¡°Amazing, isn¡¯t it?¡± Lai Ming gives me a smug smile. ¡°Occasionally there are auctions holding even more rare and interesting items.¡± She walks up to the stall full of gems I had originally looked at. ¡°The twenty spirit stones I gave you won¡¯t buy you anything too out of the ordinary, but I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll find something you want within your price range.¡±


    I look over at Xia Jing, noticing a strange, wary look on her face. She notices my attention and smiles to cover it up. ¡°Once you decide on something, Senior Sister Lai and I wanted to take you to this amazing restaurant! I¡¯ve never tasted anything like their food.¡±


    ¡°That was supposed to be a surprise.¡± Lai Ming frowns at Xia Jing.


    ¡°Sorry. I¡¯m just looking forward to it a lot.¡± Xia Jing looks away.


    Lai Ming sighs, rolling her eyes as she tries to hide her smile.


    I laugh at their interaction. ¡°Thank you.¡± I say. My gaze is caught by something and I walk towards a random table before they can see my smile of pure joy.


    I¡¯m glad they are my friends.


    The table I happened to walk towards holds all sorts of strange artistry on scrolls.


    The merchant at the table continues to focus on his newest artwork as I study the scrolls, his straw hat hiding his face. His cultivation level is impossible to tell, but I¡¯m sure it¡¯s higher than mine just from his spirit.


    ¡°What are they?¡± I wonder out loud.


    To my surprise the man answers ¡°Talismans.¡±


    My eyes widen in surprise. I¡¯ve heard stories about talismans, but I know they are incredibly rare.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen a talisman before.¡± I look closer to study the strange designs on the many talismans.


    ¡°The art of making them is a closely guarded secret. A secret which few craftsmen remember.¡± The man says, setting his brush down as he holds his newest creation in front of him. ¡°I would be surprised if a young lady like you recognized them.¡± He sets the scroll down, showing a surprisingly young face with only a scar across his cheek marring it.


    I look closer at the designs on the scrolls, trying to tell what they do. ¡°Why don¡¯t you label them?¡± I stare at one particular piece that looks like a burst of flame reaching towards the sky.


    The man shrugs, ¡°Those who know their worth will buy the Talisman they are looking for. Those who don¡¯t know their worth, can spend their money on other useless things.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t seem like a smart way to earn money.¡± I say.


    ¡°It works for me.¡± The man says.


    ¡°How much does this cost?¡± I pick up the scroll I had been studying.


    ¡°That scroll costs however many spirit stones you have in that pouch in your robe.¡±


    I pause, surprised by his bluntness. ¡°What does it do?¡±


    The man shrugs. ¡°I forget.¡±


    I narrow my eyes at him.


    The man chuckles, ignoring my stare. ¡°I can tell you it is worth far more than the amount of spirit stones you have in your possession.¡±


    I almost decide to walk away, but my spirit sense stops me. The spirit in the scroll. It feels ancient in a way I can¡¯t quite place.


    With a sigh at my own foolishness, and knowing both of my friends will be giving me a lecture when they find out, I pull the pouch out of my robe and place it in front of him, grabbing the scroll.


    I give the merchant a slight bow, ¡°Thank you for your generosity, senior.¡±


    The merchant turns away from me, waving his hand in response.


    Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    When it becomes clear he isn¡¯t going to verbally respond, I walk away.


    It takes me a moment to find Xia Jing and Lai Ming. The two of them are immersed in staring at rolls of cloth. Lai Ming says something to the merchant and he bows in response, leaving as the two girls turn to face me.


    ¡°Are you done shopping?¡± Xia Jing asks as I approach.


    I nod.


    Xia Jing clasps her hands together. ¡°Wonderful, we¡¯re done with our business as well.¡± She glances over to Lai Ming, and Lai Ming nods. ¡°So we can go to the place a little earlier than planned.¡±


    ***


    The food at the restaurant is as good as they said it was.


    Lai Ming¡¯s face turns red when she drinks more of the alcohol than she had originally planned and Xia Jing has a lot of fun teasing her for it.


    I return to my room with a smile on my face, placing the scroll I bought in a pocket of my robe.


    A knock on the door surprises me, and a servant I don¡¯t recognize opens the door.


    ¡°The Master wishes to see you.¡±


    I nod, adjusting my sword and the flute in the pocket of my robe. Qiu Tai must wish to see me.


    The servant leads me down the same path as last night, and I see someone in Master¡¯s robes waiting by the portal.


    My steps slow as I realize it isn¡¯t Master Qiu Tai. They¡¯re too tall, and their shoulders are too broad.


    My hand wanders towards my sword, but I stop myself. There¡¯s no way I could fight someone at a Master¡¯s level. They¡¯ve likely already cultivated to Core Formation, they might even be on the verge of reaching Nascent Soul in their cultivation.


    The servant leads me to the master, where we stop.


    I bow to the man¡¯s back, ¡°Junior Inner Disciple Lin Jia, greets Senior.¡±


    The man turns around with a soft smile. ¡°Greetings miss Lin. I am Master Zhao Chung of the Alchemy Pavilion.¡±


    I rise from my bow as he introduces himself. I stay quiet, knowing it is polite to wait for him to start the conversation.


    Flashbacks of a situation so similar to this come to mind. An official of the imperial palace had called me to his study, asking me about my feelings towards other politicians and what I would tell my father.


    I knew what was happening then, just as I know what is happening now. Politics. A man of power I don¡¯t know has a servant bring me to a place where no one else is. One of Princess Shi Da¡¯s earliest lessons comes to mind, her words as clear today as they were back then.


    Her posture was perfect as always as she stared out the window. ¡°When an official brings you to them and you are alone, they want one of three things. The first of those things is unspeakable, and I hope this never happens to you. If it does, I want you to immediately tell me and your father, do not hide it, that only makes things worse.¡±


    I knew what she was saying. I¡¯d heard stories of the men and women who harmed those under them from the other noble girls.


    She turned to look at me, her piercing eyes watching me. ¡°The other two things are much easier to deal with.¡± She stood up, her presence drawing all of my attention to her. ¡°The second thing an official might want is a deal or bargain. Never, and I mean never trust a deal made without the supervision of others. No one will hold the other party to their word, and so such deals are dangerous.¡±


    The princess brought out her fan, holding it in front of her mouth. ¡°The third thing an official will want in this situation is the most valuable thing you have.¡± She moves her fan away from her face, showing a slight smile. ¡°Information. Never give it away freely. Even the smallest of comments could mean the downfall of you or your father.¡±


    ¡°I heard you defeated an outer disciple of my pavilion. Bai Long, I believe.¡± Master Zhao Chung speaks, breaking me from my memory.


    ¡°Yes, he was a strong opponent.¡± I try to keep my answer as brief as possible while still being polite.


    ¡°That is not what my students tell me.¡± The Master says, his smile still kind as his attention turns back to the portal, ¡°They say you defeated him easily.¡±


    ¡°Your students are too kind, Master Zhao Chung.¡± I focus on breathing calmly and keeping my heart rate even. A master of his level can likely hear such things, and I have no desire to show how nervous I am.


    ¡°They can be.¡± He says, his attention still on the portal. I turn to watch it as well, noticing the slight ripples in it, almost as if it was the heat from a fire.


    I practice my breathing, dearly wishing I could bring my flute out and play it to soothe myself.


    ¡°I also hear from my students this is not the first time you have seen this portal. I believe Master Qiu Tai had you brought here.¡± He waves in a wide motion, encompassing the whole clearing.


    Since he didn¡¯t ask a question, I stay quiet. It has been a while since I¡¯ve needed to practice the etiquette and intrigue I¡¯ve been taught since birth. I¡¯m scared I might say something that could hurt Senior Sister Qiu Tai.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure her lessons here helped you in your duel with Bai Long. Perhaps you could share your lessons with me and I could offer some insight as well? I do enjoy helping my Junior Sister with teaching her students.¡±


    I freeze, unsure what to say.


    He notices the hesitation, but waits for me to talk.


    ¡°Master Qiu Tai has been quite helpful with the manual I picked from the library.¡± I say, trying to come up with an excuse for not telling him. Something close to the truth comes to mind. ¡°Forgive me Master Zhao Chung, but I¡¯m not sure if I¡¯m supposed to talk about my lessons. You should ask Master Qiu Tai, I¡¯m sure she can offer more insight into her teachings than I can.¡± My heartbeat increases, in spite of my efforts to keep it calm.


    ¡°That¡¯s quite understandable.¡± Master Zhao Chung says, his brown eyes watching me. He smiles that kind smile again. ¡°I look forward to speaking with you again, miss Lin.¡±


    At the obvious dismissal, I bow. ¡°I look forward to our next meeting as well.¡±


    I do my best not to quicken my steps as I walk away.


    Once I¡¯m out of the clearing, I stop, causing the servant guiding me to stop as well. I close my eyes, going over every part of the conversation and trying to memorize the exact words. Shi Da was very specific about doing this, and I want to tell Senior Sister Qiu Tai everything that happened.


    After a deep breath, I open my eyes and continue walking, the servant matching my pace.


    Maybe I¡¯m overthinking things, perhaps Zhao Chung simply wants to help me with my learning.


    But I don¡¯t know for sure, and the feeling I got when I entered the clearing was too similar to my time at the imperial court.


    Senior Sister Qiu Tai will know whether I am overthinking things. She can tell me Zhao Chung just wished to help me on my path of cultivation.

 Chapter 12: The Fourth Requiem

    When I reach my room, I lean against the wall, taking a moment.


    Once I feel in control of myself, I look for the servant who usually works near my room. I find her quickly, and she agrees to show me the way to Master Qiu Tai¡¯s room.


    A short walk and a soft knock later, Qiu Tai opens the door to her room. I pause, surprised to see her with her hair down.


    ¡°Junior Sister Lin,¡± Qiu Tai says with surprise, her gaze becoming cautious. ¡°What brings you here?¡±


    ¡°Master Zhao Chung called me to speak with him.¡± I say, some of my worry leaking into my voice.


    Qiu Tai¡¯s eyes sharpen. ¡°Come in.¡± She says to me, before turning to the servant who brought me. ¡°Thank you for bringing her to me.¡±


    The servant bows, ¡°Of course, Master Qiu Tai.¡± She says, before turning to leave.


    Qiu Tai watches as the servant leaves before closing the door and turning to me ¡°What happened?¡±


    I tell her the entire conversation as I remember it. She sits quietly as I recite what we discussed, her expression not showing any of her thoughts. When I¡¯m finished, she exhales in relief.


    ¡°You worried me, Junior Sister. From your expression, I¡¯d thought something horrible had happened.¡± She says, her expression softening into a smile. ¡°I suppose I have been showing you quite a lot of attention lately, I¡¯m not surprised Zhao Chung became curious.¡±


    Her nonchalance is reassuring, and as I look back at our conversation, I realize Master Zhao Chung hadn¡¯t actually done anything wrong.


    ¡°Your response to his question was perfectly reasonable. You shouldn¡¯t be telling anyone you don¡¯t want to, your cultivation arts.¡± Qiu Tai continues. ¡°In fact, I would recommend not telling anyone you don¡¯t trust with your life.¡±


    ¡°So I was just overthinking things? I don¡¯t need to be wary of him?¡± I ask her, feeling a little embarrassed about my overreaction.


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Qiu Tai starts, ¡°Master Zhao Chung is not someone to take lightly. Him and I, we both want the same thing. We will both go to great lengths to achieve what we want.¡±


    ¡°What do you both want?¡±.


    ¡°It¡¯s not exactly a secret.¡± Qiu Tai pauses, her eyes seeming to weigh me and who I am. ¡°We both want to be the next Elder of the sect.¡±


    I look down into my palms, thinking. In other words, by supporting Qiu Tai, I¡¯ve chosen a side in a political battle. Zhao Chung is not a person I can trust.


    I nod, looking back up at Qiu Tai. ¡°I understand.¡±


    Qiu Tai smiles, holding her hand out to me.


    I hold her hand as we both stand up.


    ¡°Good. You should get to sleep then. I¡¯m sure you have much to do tomorrow¡±


    ***


    I spend the next few weeks practicing my spirit sense, solidifying my current cultivation and continuing to learn the art of the sword from the first Requiem. After two weeks, I feel comfortable enough to play the third requiem again. This time, I cry after watching the woman murder the man.


    A month later, and a week before my thirteenth birthday, I feel myself become ready for the next step.


    The Fourth Requiem: Sacrifice


    Every Requiem brings with it emotions I find hard to handle. The very sight of the page where it is written, twists my heart.


    I sit in my room, my flute in my lap and The Twelve Requiems of Illusion open in front of me.


    I close my eyes, breathing in and out as I prepare myself to play.


    I bring the flute up to my lips. I open my eyes to see the manual floating in front of me.


    Softly, I play.


    Each note starts out strong before fading.


    Low, soft notes play out, somehow filling the room.


    The world shifts around me.


    My warmly lit room twists into a cold room surrounded by stone walls and lit by torch light.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    A man holds a woman there, both swaying to the beat of the music.


    A loud drum starts to beat as the sounds of shouts echo down the hallway into the room.


    The man leans forward, whispering into the woman¡¯s ear.


    Then he pulls away from her.


    She reaches for him, her hand tugging on the back of his shirt.


    He turns to smile at her.


    He holds his hand out, qi gathering within him.


    Shadow bursts from him, gathering around her until only the wall behind her can be seen and she is invisible.


    The drums draw closer, their beat growing louder with the notes of my music.


    Each note of my flute sounds loud with the drum, before fading with it.


    Humans in bloodied armor burst into the room.


    The man calls to them, yelling at them before running.


    They follow him and my vision follows him as well.


    Eventually, he turns, drawing the sword at his waist.


    He fights bravely, his strikes following the music of my song.


    Soon he dies, a sword through his heart killing him.


    A look of triumph, however, never leaves his eyes.


    My vision is brought back to the woman.


    She leaves the shadow long after the battle, and she sees him.


    He lies there, dead, but with a smile on his face.


    I know why he smiles. He smiles because she lives.


    The song fades, and I set my flute down. This time, it wasn¡¯t what I expected. I stare at my flute. A single tear streams down my face before I wipe it away with the sleeve of my robe.


    It¡¯s strange, witnessing death over and over again. I can¡¯t really describe the feeling, but it no longer gives me the burst of emotion it used to. Instead, I feel this deep sorrow to the core of my spirit.


    The man died for that woman.


    Would I do the same for another person?


    I don¡¯t know. I want to think I would do the same.


    I leave my room, walking out of the building to stare at the star filled sky. I stay there for the rest of the night, only the sound of the flowing water from a nearby stream to accompany me.


    ***


    The morning of my thirteenth birthday is a normal day. Very different from my birthday last year where my father had thrown a large party, inviting every influential person he could to attend.


    I lay in bed for a moment, having woken up earlier than usual. I feel a small ache in my heart from remembering my father. I wonder how he is doing? First mother, and now I, have gone from his life.


    I get up slowly from my bed, opening the shutters of my window to show the sun is just starting to rise in the sky.


    I pull out my flute, playing softly on it. Another song my mother taught me, almost gone from my memory now.


    It will be at least another two years before I¡¯m allowed to leave the sect. When I do, I hope to check up on my father. I wonder if he¡¯ll recognize me? I¡¯ll have grown so much by then.


    A bird lands on the tree outside of my window, looking almost as if it is listening to my music. The small creature hops on the branch, another bird joining in the fun a moment later.zhu


    I try not to smile as I watch the birds dance. Eventually, I can¡¯t help it and I have to set the flute down to laugh at the playful creatures.


    ¡°It seems your morning is going well.¡± An elderly voice says from behind me.


    I turn around with a large smile ¡°Uncle Zhu! It¡¯s been so long!¡± I say, hugging the old man. I pull away, frowning as I look up at him. ¡°Have you gotten shorter?¡±


    ¡°Bah!¡± Elder Zhu gently pushes me away, trying to hide a happy smile. ¡°I¡¯ve been busy, and you¡¯ve been growing taller Little Miss Lin. My height hasn¡¯t changed.¡±


    ¡°Maybe¡­¡± I tease him, my good mood from the birds impossible to hide.


    Elder Zhu sagely ignores my comment. ¡°I¡¯ve been hearing good things about you, Little Miss Lin. Already at the Fourth Level of Qi Awakening, handily defeating another cultivator in a duel¡­. You¡¯re making quite the name for yourself.¡±


    I shy away at the compliment, fiddling with my flute to hide my embarrassment. ¡°What brings you here this morning Uncle Zhu?¡±


    He raises an eyebrow at me, ¡°How could I miss your first birthday in the sect?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised you remembered.¡± I look back out the window at the birds, a small smile on my face in spite of my next words ¡°I thought no one would remember.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure those two friends of yours already have something planned.¡± Elder Zhu says.


    I look back at him, jumping up and down a little bit as I change the topic. ¡°What¡¯d you bring me?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you mean.¡± Elder Zhu looks away from me.


    ¡°Oh,¡± I say, looking down.


    ¡°Now that you mention it, I do have this ring¡­¡±


    I jump up, grabbing the ring from his hand to look at it. It looks like a plain bronze ring, but I know better than to judge items by their appearance. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°A ring of protection. It¡¯s designed to save your life from a fatal attack up to the nascent soul level. ¡° Elder Zhu says smugly.


    My eyes widen as I stare at the ring, then back to Elder Zhu, then back to the ring. ¡°This is more than I ever expected. Thank you Uncle Zhu.¡±


    Elder Zhu scratches his beard, trying to hide his embarrassment from being thanked. ¡°Think nothing of it. I promised your father I would keep you safe, and that¡¯s what I intend to do.¡±


    ¡°How is my father? I¡¯ve been worried.¡± I place the bronze ring on my finger and study it on my hand.


    ¡°He¡¯s been busy with the news of the dying Emperor.¡± An expression I can¡¯t read flashes over his face before he continues, ¡°He asked after you the last time I saw him.¡±


    ¡°The Emperor¡¯s dying?¡± I ask, surprised I hadn¡¯t already heard the news.


    ¡°Indeed. Every royal in the imperial palace is vying for favor and power. There will likely be war soon.¡± Elder Zhu walks over to stare out the same window I¡¯d been looking through.


    ¡°What will the sect do if there is war?¡±.


    ¡°That is up for the matriarch to decide. Whatever she decides, the Elders will follow and so will the rest of the sect.¡± Elder Zhu lifts his hand and the bird I was watching earlier flies over, landing on his finger. He turns to look at me, the bird still perched happily. ¡°No matter what, no harm will come to you, I will make sure of that.¡±


    ¡°What of my father?¡± I know the answer, but I ask anyway.


    ¡°He is his own man. He decides his own fate.¡± The Elder¡¯s words carry weight with them, and the bird flies off of his finger.


    The room is quiet as we watch the sun rise above the horizon.


    ¡°The sun will rise every morning and set every night¡­ and yet, no one knows what the future might hold, Little Miss Lin. Things always change, anyone who claims to know what changes are coming is a fool.¡± Elder Zhu looks off into the distance. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I must leave. Enjoy your birthday little one, and do not let this old man¡¯s words weigh heavily on your heart.¡±


    With those words, Elder Zhu disappears from my room.


    I set my gaze out my window, watching the sky brighten until a knock on my door reminds me of the world outside my thoughts.


    ¡°Sister Lin! Are you awake yet?¡± Xia Jing asks through the door.


    ¡°One moment,¡± I grab my sword and adjust my flute. ¡°I¡¯ll be right out.¡±

 Chapter 13: Travelling

    I open the door, finding Xia Jing jumping up and down with barely contained excitement, and Lai Ming who looks exasperated with our friend¡¯s energy.


    Neither one is dressed in their martial robes. Instead, they are both wearing the higher quality robes of an Inner and Core disciple respectfully.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t we supposed to meet with the martial Masters?¡± I ask them, looking down at my own martial robes.


    Xia Jing clasps her hands together. ¡°Nope. Go get your other robes on, we have a surprise for you.¡±


    I nod, closing the door so that I can change into my other robes. After a second of thought, I grab the talisman I¡¯d gotten from the merchant.


    Once I feel ready enough, I reopen the door to see both of the girls whispering to each other. Xia Jing turns to me as I leave my room. She grabs me and squeezes me in a hug, ¡°You¡¯re as cute as ever Sister Lin.¡±


    I push her away, embarrassed by the hug. Despite my recent growth spurt, I still stand a full head shorter than both of my friends.


    ¡°Come on you two, we should get going.¡± Lai Ming says to the both of us, motioning down the hallway.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± I ask, breaking free of Xia Jing to follow Lai Ming.


    Xia Jing opens her mouth to tell me, but Lai Ming shoots her a look. ¡°Like Junior Sister Xia said, it¡¯s a surprise. I¡¯m sure it won¡¯t take you long to figure it out.¡±


    Maybe we are going back to the Merchant House? I always enjoy my time there. We could be going to the waterslides, a place where the stream had worn the rock into a flat surface perfect for sliding down into a swimming hole. It¡¯s quite the popular spot for inner disciples.


    We take a left on the path, leading away from the waterslides and making me unsure of our destination. We enter the living area of the Masters and Elders of the sect.


    Standing in front of a small hut is an Elder I¡¯ve only seen once before.


    Xia Jing and I bow, ¡°¡°Greetings to Elder Wu Li Mei.¡±¡± we both say.


    Lai Ming bows a moment later. ¡°Student Lai Ming greets Elder.¡±


    The Elder is a beautiful woman. Her hair is done up with two pins shaped like butterflies, and the lower half of her face is covered with a purple veil, similar to the style of many noblewomen. Her robes are luxurious with the images of rivers sewn into them, seeming to flow with every movement she makes. An ornate fan rests in her palm as she watches us, her eyes not showing any of her emotions.


    ¡°Is this all of you then?¡± The Elder asks.


    ¡°Yes elder.¡± Lai Ming responds.


    ¡°Wonderful.¡± Her expression is hidden by the veil, but her eyes flash with good humor as she takes one of the hairpins out of her hair.


    The pin expands into a crystal platform still in the shape of a butterfly, but large enough for the four of us to sit comfortably.


    Elder Wu Li Mei steps onto the front of the platform and motions for us to join her. Once we are all on, the platform rises up.


    I gasp at the lack of resistance as we move into the air, almost as if we aren¡¯t moving at all.


    My breath catches as I look down onto the world so far below us.


    I hear a soft laugh, but when I turn, I only see Elder Wu Li Mei watching me.


    Lai Ming sits in a lotus position as we move through the air, Xia Jing and I follow her actions a moment later.


    My attention stays on the ground as it passes underneath us, the height making me anxious. It takes me a full minute to realize we¡¯ve left the sect behind. Rivers, forests, roads, villages. They all pass underneath us as we travel. Occasionally I catch glimpses of the great beasts roaming the land, or a merchant caravan traveling down the road.


    ¡°Do you like your birthday present?¡± Lai Ming asks.


    ¡°Of course!¡± I look up at her. ¡°I¡¯ve never even imagined something like this. Thank you Sister Lai.¡±


    Lai Ming looks away, the faintest of smiles visible.


    Xia Jing looks over, then giggles when she sees the older girl¡¯s expression, ¡°We thought you might enjoy getting out of the sect. Lai Ming managed to convince the Elder to take us with her on their next outing to the mortal city.¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately,¡± Elder Wu Li Mei says, her smooth voice bringing our attention to her. ¡°There are some rules you both must follow on this trip.¡±


    Xia Jing and I share a glance.


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    ¡°First, both of you must stay with Lai Ming or myself. There are many dangers in cities such as this one, especially for young cultivators like yourselves.¡± Wu Li Mei¡¯s eyes fix on me as she speaks. ¡°Second, do not seek out confrontation. The mortal city is neutral territory, and many minor sects send their disciples there for various reasons. Defend yourselves if you must, but try not to worsen our relations with any sect.¡± Wu Li Mei¡¯s eyes wander over to Lai Ming as she says that, causing my friend to look away embarrassed. ¡°And finally, remember nothing is a coincidence. If you see something out of the ordinary, tell me. Can you follow these rules?¡±


    ¡±Yes, Elder Wu.¡± I say, Xia Jing echoing me.


    ¡°Wonderful.¡± The Elder says, closing her eyes.


    I panic, wondering how she can know where we are going with her eyes closed. The panic fades as I think about how much her cultivation outstrips my own. She probably knows where we are through some form of qi connection with the ship we¡¯re traveling on.


    The three of us continue to talk as the Elder rests and we travel. Every few minutes, my gaze is drawn to the ground passing below us, witnessing things both mundane and fantastical as we travel.


    Not too long into our travels, I catch sight of a glistening city with high walls. The city rests on the edge of the ocean. Golden arches of the more ornate building reflect the sunlight, while wooden houses populate the majority of the city. I see many boats, both large and small, on the coast of the city.


    I¡¯d never seen the ocean from this perspective, and my breath catches for the second time that day at the sight of the endless water, stretching out far into the horizon.


    ¡°Welcome to Yuan City.¡± The Elder says.


    Mortals entering the city stare up in awe as we pass overhead.


    A man wearing the robes of an official comes out to greet us as we arrive at an important looking building.


    The Elder waves the three of us off as she goes to speak with the official.


    ¡°Where do you want to go first, Junior Sister Lin?¡± Lai Ming asks. She holds her hands behind her back as she tries to look serious.


    I open my mouth to answer, but my stomach rumbles, causing me to halt in embarrassment.


    ¡°Breakfast it is!¡± Xia Jing grabs my hand as she starts walking towards the exit of the building.


    Lai Ming sighs at the two of us before hurrying to catch up.


    The two of them lead me to a busy street. The crowd parts as we pass, bowing in fear of getting in a cultivator¡¯s way. Lai Ming doesn¡¯t seem to notice, but I feel Xia Jing¡¯s hand tightening around mine.


    I squeeze her hand, giving her a smile when she turns to look at me. She smiles back, her grip loosening.


    It doesn¡¯t take long to find a delicious food stand selling meatballs wrapped in dough.


    We move over to a fountain, away from the majority of the crowd. Lai Ming and Xia Jing discuss the different cities they¡¯ve been to as we eat our food.


    I watch everyone pass us by with curiosity. I¡¯d never been in a city just to¡­ be in a city. I was always meeting some important family, or attending an official party with my father.


    The people of the city keep a respectable distance from us as they go about their business, but I still see many things I¡¯ve never seen before.


    A boy dressed in rags steals a pouch from a passing woman. Two dockworkers get into a friendly argument as they walk, their hands moving to and fro as they make wild gestures. A beautiful woman rests her hands on the arm of a wealthy young man. Three cultivators our age walk down the street, the people keeping a similar distance from them.


    My attention stays on the cultivators, I¡¯ve never interacted with the disciple of another sect. These cultivators wear orange robes and keep their heads high, reminding me of the officials of the imperial palace, too busy with their own work to pay attention to those around them. The first of the boys, the leader of the group, walks with a confident gait. He looks to be four years older than me. The second cultivator wears a lazy smile and looks to be about the same age. The third and final member of their group walks quickly to keep up with them and looks to be my age, if not a year older.


    The pickpocket moves up to the dockworkers, his fingers nimble as he reaches for the pouch of the shorter one. The taller of the dockworkers notices the boy trying to pickpocket them, and shoves him right into the way of the passing cultivators.


    The cultivators stop as the boy sprawls out in front of them, splashing into a puddle and wetting the bottom of their robes. The cultivators look at the boy the same way one might look at a bug.


    Two words I never thought would be uttered for such a situation come from the lead cultivator''s mouth.


    ¡°Kill him.¡±


    The boy looks on in terror as the youngest cultivator draws his sword. The crowd around the cultivators comes to a stop as everyone watches. Even my sister disciples turn to look at the commotion.


    But neither of them make a move.


    I realize the boy is going to die.


    The cultivator moves slowly, taking his time with the execution of the boy.


    Before I can think about my actions, my own sword is drawn from my waist as my body is enhanced with qi.


    My body moves faster than it ever has before as I use Whispers Of the Silent Raven to appear in front of the descending sword, blocking the leisurely strike.


    The clang of the metal is the only sound on the road, as everyone simply watches the spectacle.


    The three cultivators turn their attention to me, and my adrenaline fades as a deep nervousness fills me.


    I drew my sword on a cultivator from another sect.


    May Elder Wu Li Mei have mercy on me.


    I send a small prayer to the Elder as I do my best to steady myself. My qi flows through me, steeling my nerves.


    A burning question comes to me, and I know I need to know the answer. ¡°Why do you take a life so easily?¡±


    There is complete silence after my question, the cultivator who drew his blade backing off, and raising his sword into a ready position.


    I keep my sword lowered, waiting for an answer. A similar question has plagued me ever since I started cultivating The Twelve Requiems of Illusion. How can people take lives so easily? Why do those warriors kill each other in the field of blood? Why did the woman murder the man she kissed? Why did those warriors kill the man who sacrificed himself for his lover?


    Why do people in this world place so little value on life, as to take it on a whim?


    I have accepted that people do die, and sometimes you must kill to protect those who matter to you. Still, life is never something to be taken lightly.


    My question burns inside of me.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± The lead cultivator lowers his hand to the sword at his own waist as the second, quieter cultivator also reaches towards the sword at his waist.


    I frown, frustrated they didn¡¯t answer my question.


    ¡°This is none of your business.¡± The lead cultivator says. ¡°Stay out of it, and leave your betters to their business.¡±


    I look down at the boy, still lying on the ground terrified. He only looks to be eight years old or so.


    I look back up at the lead cultivator, only a few years older than me and say the first thing that comes to mind. ¡°You are truly disgusting.¡±


    The lead cultivator pauses, taken aback by my direct insult. Then he draws his blade, the second cultivator following his lead.

 Chapter 14: Cultivators Of Another Sect

    I stare at the three cultivators with their blades drawn, a bead of sweat dripping down my back. But my hands do not shake. I have seen murderers far scarier than these three.


    The lead cultivator raises his sword, and a dainty hand grabs the blade, stopping its movement. ¡°Let¡¯s not be too hasty now.¡± Lai Ming says, ice forming around her hand and traveling down the blade, holding it in place. For the first time, I get a glimpse of her cultivation, already in the middle stage of Foundation Establishment. It outstrips all three boys and anyone else her age by a mile.


    Xia Jing also arrives beside me, her hands folded in front of her as she stares at the other cultivators.


    ¡°I was willing to let my Junior Sister fight her own battles, but three on one seems quite unfair to me, don¡¯t you agree?¡± Lai Ming says. Her voice sends shivers down my spine, colder than I¡¯ve ever heard it.


    The lead cultivator freezes in fear before his body recovers ¡°She insulted me, and in doing so, insulted my sect.¡±


    Xia Jing speaks up, ¡°Didn¡¯t you insult her first by claiming you were her ¡®better¡¯?¡±


    Lai Ming smiles, her expression holding no warmth. ¡°Indeed, I seem to remember you saying that¡­. Does that also mean you meant to insult The Flowing River sect?¡±


    ¡°Of course not.¡± The cultivator says through his teeth.


    ¡°Good.¡± Lai Ming says, her ice completely covering the blade of the lead cultivator. ¡°That would be quite unfortunate.¡±


    Lai Ming twists her hand, and the blade shatters onto the ground.


    ¡°Still.¡± Lai Ming continues, ¡°All three of you pulled a blade on my Junior Sister, I don¡¯t think that should go without punishment, do you?¡±


    ¡°Senior,¡± The lead cultivator starts, a tinge of fear and forced respect in his voice, ¡°She gave insult to us, how could I not respond?¡±


    Lai Ming glances at me. My sword is still lowered as I stand ready in front of the pickpocket.


    ¡°Senior Sister Lai, he says the truth. I insulted him.¡± I say. ¡°I believe I called him disgusting trash that dirties the earth he stands on¡­¡± I pause, ¡°or something along those lines.¡±


    Xia Jing laughs, and Lai Ming warms slightly.


    ¡°I see¡± Lai Ming says, ¡°then it is only right they seek to save face by challenging you¡± Her gaze focuses on the youngest of the three. ¡°You. Why don¡¯t you face my Junior Sister in a duel? If you win, I will forgive your brothers for raising their weapons against her. If you lose¡­ I will expect compensation.¡±


    The youngest cultivator looks at their leader. The lead cultivator looks conflicted before giving a nod of his head.


    The youngest cultivator raises his sword towards me.


    I bow to my opponent. ¡°I am Inner Disciple Lin Jia of The Flowing River sect.¡±


    ¡°I am Core Disciple An Ma of the Roaring Beast sect.¡± My opponent responds.


    He strikes at me, his blade moving before his words reach me.


    I move backwards, dodging the strike.


    I start to sing.


    My voice carries across the road, the people still watching able to hear me as if I were right beside them.


    The world changes for my opponent and I.


    The ground beneath us runs with blood. The screams of those killed and dying surround us.


    The First Requiem: Field Of Blood.


    My body enters the first stance for The Roars of The Ruinous Dragon.


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    My opponent takes a step back in fear.


    I don¡¯t let him run as my sword strikes, thirsting for blood.


    He blocks the first strike, but a second soon follows, and a third. A dying man¡¯s scream distracts him, and he falls, slipping on a patch of bloodied ground.


    My sword goes for his throat.


    Then I stop singing, and the illusion disappears.


    A single bead of blood forms, pooling around the indent the tip of my sword makes in his neck.


    ¡°I still want an answer.¡± I say to him, ¡°Why do you take a life so easily?¡±


    He gasps for air, fear in his eyes.


    When I realize he isn¡¯t going to respond, I pull my sword away, wiping the blood off on his robe. Then I sheathe the sword and turn away from him.


    Lai Ming, Xia Jing and the other cultivators stare at me, shocked.


    ¡°I won our duel.¡± I say to them.


    Murmurs spread through the crowd of onlookers. I look at the pickpocket, who looks back at me in awe.


    I rub my arms in agitation as I realize how many people are watching us. The crowd had grown since this all began. Primal fear enters me as I catch the eyes of Elder Wu Li Mei standing next to an older man wearing the orange robes of the other cultivator¡¯s sect.


    Please let me leave the sect grounds again before I turn into an old woman.


    My sisters and the other cultivators look to where I¡¯m staring. Lai Ming and Xia Jing freeze, while the other three cultivators hurry to bow down in front of the orange robed older man.


    Elder Wu Li Mei holds out her hand to the orange robed cultivator, her eyes sparkling with amusement.


    He grumbles ¡°He just wasn¡¯t ready.¡± before placing a large pouch in her hand.


    She places the pouch into her robes before walking towards us. She doesn¡¯t say anything as she motions for us to follow her.


    Had- did- was she betting on our match? I stare at Wu Li Mei as she gives me a wink outside of the vision of my sisters.


    I stare at her, my view of the Elder shattering.


    I hurry to follow them, glancing back to see the pickpocket somehow disappearing into the crowd.


    ¡°It seems.¡± Elder Wu starts as we return to the building we had originally landed in. ¡°That the three of you have already broken my rules.¡±


    Lai Ming looks down at the floor, while Xia Jing opens her mouth before closing it several times.


    Elder Wu stops, turning to the three of us. She observes us quietly as we all look away.


    ¡°I do not blame you, Lin Jia, for saving that boy¡¯s life.¡± The Elder says, her eyes on me. ¡°It is good to see you still care for the lives of others, even with the power you have gained.¡± She turns her attention to Xia Jing and Lai Ming, ¡°Nor do I blame either of you, for protecting your Junior Sister when they drew their swords against her.¡±


    She pauses again, watching as we all turn to look at her with hope in our eyes.


    ¡°However, you are very lucky Huang Jun and I have known each other for many years, and our relations with the Roaring Beast sect were not harmed. There will be punishments for your actions, no matter how righteous they may have been.¡±


    With that said, she turns away from us and leaves.


    We all stay quiet for a moment.


    ¡°That went better than I thought it would.¡± Xia Jing says.


    Lai Ming puts her head in her hands. ¡°I won¡¯t ever be allowed outside of the sect again.¡± she moans.


    ¡°She bet on our duel.¡± I say to the others.


    Both the girls turn to look at me.


    I giggle.


    Both girls stare at me. Lai Ming giggles and soon we are all laughing.


    ¡°You were so cool, Senior Sister Lai.¡± I say after a moment.


    Xia Jing nods emphatically. ¡°When you shattered his blade, I thought he would wet himself!¡±


    Lai Ming turns away, hiding her face, ¡°I was just angry.¡±


    ¡°I thought the coolest moment was when you stopped his sword with your bare hand.¡± I add, smiling at her.


    ¡°And when you asked him if he insulted our sect!¡± Xia Jing continues, ¡°The look on his face was priceless.¡±


    ***


    The rest of our trip to the city is uneventful with Elder Wu Li Mei keeping an even closer eye on us. She has us repent by making us do all of the menial chores for her. We cook food for her, clean her clothes, and warm the water for her bath. She especially likes me to play the flute for her, saying it has a calming effect. I try not to create any illusions with the music, thinking it might be best to let the music work on its own.


    After three days, we return to the sect with Elder Wu. The flight is just as exhilarating as it was the first time and ends too soon for my liking.


    The other girls walk off but Wu Li Mei calls out, ¡°Disciple Lin, if you would stay for a moment, I wish to discuss something.¡±


    I look into her eyes, trying to guess what she wants. Her veil hides most of her expression and her eyes don¡¯t give anything away.


    The other girls look back at me with curiosity, before walking away.


    The Elder watches them as they walk away, waiting until they are out of sight before speaking to me. ¡°You are young, and much is forgivable.¡± she starts, ¡°But you must be aware every action of yours has a consequence. Although they are young, each one of those boys will grow to be powerhouses in their sect. None of them will treat you kindly when they see you next.¡± She stops speaking, her eyes watching me as she waits for some kind of response.


    ¡°I acted before thinking, Elder.¡± I lower my head.


    ¡°Would you do the same thing, if offered the choice again?¡± She asks.


    Our flying ride shrinks back into her hairpin as I think. She places the hairpin into her hair, her gaze waiting for my response.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± She says, her eyes wrinkling as she smiles beneath the veil. ¡°One must not let horrors happen simply because of what consequences may come. You may leave, Lin Jia.¡±


    I bow to her.


    As I turn away she speaks, ¡°One more thing.¡± I turn back to look at her. ¡°If Qiu Tai is unable to take her position as Elder and make you a Core Disciple, know you will always have a position at my side.¡±


    I bow again, recognizing the power of the offer she gives me. Then I leave, caught in my thoughts as I wander down the road.

 Chapter 15: The Portal

    Most of the disciples filter out the Master Scholar¡¯s classroom, brushing past me as they do. I watch Elder Cai, his gaze distracted by the calligraphy we had prepared for him. My hand rests on the wall, considering if I should approach him or leave.


    He looks up, his wizened eyes watching me. ¡°Is there something I can do for you, Disciple Lin?¡±


    I pause, considering what I want to ask. Finally, I settle on a question, ¡°How does your cultivation change you?¡±


    He tilts his head, urging me to continue.


    ¡°Last week I watched Senior Sister Lai shatter another cultivator''s sword with her hands. He couldn¡¯t even fight back. Does cultivation make you that much stronger?¡±


    Elder Cai nods thoughtfully, ¡°Disciple Lai is very talented, and far too confident in her own abilities.¡± A small smile appears on his face before it disappears behind his thoughtful expression. ¡°Despite everything, no cultivator is truly immortal. We can use qi to reinforce our skin, or change who we are, but at our core, we were all once¡­ human.¡± He motions over toward a painting on the wall ¡°Our vulnerability is our power and life is a balance that is never meant to be completely overturned. What do you think happens when one reaches the pinnacle of cultivation? The pinnacle of power?¡±


    I walk up to the painting he pointed at. It shows the death of a man in a field of flowers, his qi seeping out of him into the world around him. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°The cultivator¡¯s body dies. Their dao enhances the spirit and qi of all the realms, perhaps even creating a new realm so that life can flourish once more. The cultivator¡¯s spirit then moves on to the world of true immortals.¡± Elder Cai looks up at the ceiling, almost as if he were looking beyond it. He looks back at me with a smile, ¡°But you wonder what the difference between each level of cultivation is, don¡¯t you? Whether there is some unfathomable gap between Awakening, Foundation and Core.¡± The Elder shakes his head, ¡°No gap is unfathomable, and no obstacle is impossible to overcome, which is why we teach every disciple martial arts. You will not be helpless, even if there is a difference in power.¡±


    I look away from the painting, then nod. His answer doesn¡¯t feel right- no, it doesn¡¯t feel complete, but I can¡¯t say why. I think for a moment longer, then shake my head.


    I say goodbye to the Elder and head back towards my room.


    ***


    I sit in my room, my flute held close to my mouth. The Twelve Requiems of Illusion lies open in front of me, its music inviting me in as I carefully breathe in and out.


    The Third Requiem: Murder


    The notes are low and haunting, filling my small room with its music.


    The world changes around me, a different vision this time.


    Three men whisper around a campfire, the forest silent around them except for the music of my song.


    Soon they fall asleep.


    The same woman from my usual vision appears, her movements silent as she walks through the campsite.


    She raises her sword above the neck of one of the men.


    Her eyes meet mine as she looks at me.


    Then a long drawn out note comes to an end.


    A discordant note plays out.


    Her eyes stay on mine as her sword cuts the throat of one of the men.


    The other two don¡¯t notice as the man dies instantly.


    She walks to the second man, her eyes meeting mine again.


    Another discordant note plays out.


    Her eyes stay on mine as her sword cuts the throat of the second man.


    Finally, she walks to the third man.


    My fingers want to stop.


    My breath wants to stop.


    I know what comes next.


    Her eyes meet mine again.


    A third discordant note plays.


    Her sword slices through his neck.


    The song isn¡¯t over.


    She walks to me, her movements still completely silent.


    I place my flute down, and sing.


    The words burn my throat as my body copies hers again.


    Words solidify into my spirit, their letters glowing a dark red color.


    Movements of The Silent Monster


    I gasp as the song ends, my throat hurting from pain. My hands shake as I reach for a pitcher of water.


    She looked at me. She saw me and knew that I looked at her.


    What if she came looking for me?


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    I gulp down water, gasping for breath when I¡¯m done.


    No. She is just an illusion created from my music. It¡¯s not-


    I pause as the Qi in my body rushes through me.


    I sit down in the lotus position, trying to guide the qi rampaging through my body.


    Knowing what this is, I do my best to guide the qi to one of my blocked meridians.


    It''s an agonizing process, and I know qi rampages like this can destroy the cultivations of unprepared cultivators. Keeping my hold on my qi strong, I guide it to one of my meridians. The qi rages against the blockage, causing me flashes of pain which nearly break my concentration. I keep at it, refusing to give up.


    I don¡¯t know how much time passes before I open my eyes.


    Relief fills me as I feel the strength of my qi.


    I am now a Fifth Level Qi Awakened at the age of thirteen.


    The power flowing through me is a good distraction from the vision I had just witnessed and I focus my mind completely on it.


    Standing up, I stretch my body, giddy with the power flowing through it.


    Once my qi calms, my mind inevitably returns to the strangeness of the illusion. I¡¯ve never seen a Requiem change like that one did.


    Looking over at The Twelve Requiems of Illusion, I consider immediately playing the fifth requiem. Maybe it could give some insight into why the third Requiem changed?


    Something tells me that isn¡¯t the best idea. It¡¯s best to let my qi settle before playing a new requiem.


    I grab my sword and place it around my waist, then leave my room. The sky is cloudy today as we get closer and closer to winter. My steps lead me to the clearing the portal resides in.


    A Master I don¡¯t recognize meditates near the portal. He opens his eyes, observing me.


    I bow to the master, and he nods his head in response and closes his eyes.


    I sit down in a lotus position, observing the portal with my spirit sense. Wisps of the death filled spirit still escape from the portal, weaker than they had been. I haven¡¯t been focusing on cultivating my spirit, instead focusing on making progress in the Requiems.


    Qiu Tai has gotten much busier with political positioning and cultivating herself, so she hasn¡¯t had as much time to personally speak to me.


    I don¡¯t mind. I understand the more power she has, the more it benefits me.


    Small droplets of rain fall, more of a mist than a rain. I appreciate the sensation on my skin, the cold not bothering me with the warmth my qi provides.


    A sudden change in the spirit coming from the portal catches my attention. It¡¯s subtle and I can¡¯t quite place my finger on it.


    I look over at the Master to see him still meditating.


    The spirit seems¡­ stronger all of a sudden, its presence becoming more obvious to my senses.


    A crack appears in the portal. The Master is at my side in a moment, blocking my vision of the portal. A staff of light appears in his hands, his full attention on the portal as he yells at me ¡°Run!¡±


    I don¡¯t hesitate to follow his instruction, the spirit coming from the portal making me feel an instinctual fear.


    The sound of shattering hits my ears and a wave of force sends me sprawling off the path and rolling into a creek.


    The death filled spirit fills the forest and I instinctively activate my newest technique.


    Movements Of The Silent Monster.


    My movements become softer, not quite as silent as the woman in my illusion, but nearly unnoticeable.


    I crawl out of the creek and hide behind a tree. I shiver, my technique preventing me from moving my qi to warm myself up.


    I peek around the tree to look at the portal.


    The unknown master picks himself off the ground, disoriented from the blast. His staff returns to his hands from where it fell as he moves into a stance.


    A black boot made of leather steps out of the portal.


    The master attacks the foot with his staff, but a blade writhed in shadows swings from beyond the portal, blocking the strike.


    The blade carries enough strength to push the master back.


    A man walks out of the portal, his clothing of a different make from anything I¡¯ve ever seen. He wears a black cloak, the hood covering his face.


    ¡°Where is this?¡± The man asks, the voice carrying qi with its very presence. I cower away from the qi, glad to see it travels over me without seeing me, my technique masking my presence.


    ¡°This is the Flowing River Sect. You are trespassing on our grounds. Please leave.¡± The Master¡¯s voice is firm, but I hear a slight echo of fear.


    ¡°So you are the one with the courage to swing at me.¡± The man says. His sword flashes, and the head of the Master falls to the ground, separated from his body.


    My breath catches at the sight, disrupting the technique hiding me. My body trembles with fear as I realize what I¡¯ve done.


    The man turns his head towards me, stepping forward into my direction.


    My body freezes.


    A spear of light, moving faster than I can see, hits the ground where he stands. The man moves just as fast, appearing several steps back from where the spear landed.


    Four Elders appear around him. The Martial Elder Li Quon, Elder Zhu Chen, Elder Wu Li Mei, and a final elder I don¡¯t recognize. I watch in surprise as a woman I recognize only from her description forms out of the very water of the creek I fell in.


    Matriarch Wang Hua steps forward out of the creek, her clothes dry and her movements elegant beyond compare.


    She moves first to the dead Master, the other Elders silent.


    She bows to the dead Master, whispering something I can¡¯t hear, then turns to the man who caused his death. ¡°Why did you kill him?¡±


    The man shrugs his shoulders. ¡°He swung at me first. I simply replied in kind.¡± The qi in his voice is more cautious, like a snake waiting to strike.


    The rain becomes heavier, turning into a true downpour.


    ¡°You broke the seal my Elders placed on your portal. He was right to strike first.¡± The Matriarch says. Rain gathers in her hand, forming a long elegant sword. ¡°You have trespassed, and you have been warned. Now, you will die.¡±


    The cultivators move in a flash, and it¡¯s over before I can process what¡¯s happened.


    The Matriarch¡¯s sword pierces the heart of the strange cultivator, while a shallow cut appears on her own stomach. Elder Wu Li Mei hunches over another cut in her side, her face grimacing in pain.


    The Matriarch draws her sword from the body of the strange cultivator, watching carefully as he slumps to the ground. After a moment of the man not moving, her weapon dissolves into mist.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± The Matriarch looks directly at where I¡¯m hiding.


    I pull myself together, then move out from behind the tree. ¡°I-I think so matriarch.¡±


    The other Elders turn to look at me in surprise.


    ¡°Good.¡± She turns to look at Elder Wu Li Mei, ¡°And you?¡±


    ¡°I will be fine, I was simply careless.¡± Elder Wu Li Mei responds. Her hand stems the blood flowing from her side.


    The Matriarch turns back to me, her expression impossible to read. ¡°It¡¯s best if you head home, I will have someone come to speak with you later.¡±


    I realize I am still shivering and cancel my technique to warm myself up with my qi. I bow to the matriarch. ¡°Of course.¡±


    I walk back to my room, letting the rain pour over me.


    Xia Jing is waiting at my door with a smile on her face. The smile disappears as she takes me in.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± She moves next to me in worry.


    I nod to her, feeling a little dazed from everything. I open the door to my room, continuing to walk forward.


    ¡°You don¡¯t seem alright.¡± Xia Jing places her hand on my arm to stop me.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to feel.¡± I say, frowning.


    Xia Jing looks into my eyes, after a moment, she pulls me to the bed and sits me down. ¡°Tell me what happened while you dry off. You¡¯re soaking wet.¡±


    I don¡¯t know where she finds a towel, but I accept it gratefully. ¡°I decided to go outside after my latest advancement.¡± I start, continuing to tell her everything that happened


    Xia Jing watches me with worry as I finish telling her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why I¡¯m like this. I see people die all the time.¡±


    Xia Jing frowns, ¡°We¡¯ll talk about that another time. Jia, what was different this time?¡±


    ¡°I- I was scared.¡± I whisper the last word as I start sniffling. ¡°He- he terrified me.¡± My emotions spill out as I cry.


    Xia Jing pulls me into her arms, holding me close as I sob into her shoulder.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You¡¯re safe.¡± She says, humming a little song as I cry. ¡°Everything¡¯s alright.¡±

 Chapter 16: Teachers

    I focus on keeping my breathing even as I move through the movements of The Roars Of The Ruinous Dragon. My sword cuts through the air, its movements strong and forceful.


    I understand enough of the two arts to practice on my own, not needing my teachers from the Requiems to go through the movements with me. Still there are things that elude me, minor movements that don¡¯t feel right


    After some time with that technique, I switch into The Whispers Of The Silent Raven. I pay careful attention to the shifts in balance and stance the two different sword styles have. Each strike of my sword now moves through the air quietly, its movements unpredictable and swift. My feet constantly move so I am never easily reached by any opponent I might face.


    I slow my movements down, reaching the end of what I¡¯m comfortable practicing on my own.


    I sheathe my sword and look up at the gloomy sky, rain not looking too far away.


    I¡¯ve taken to practicing in the field where the Master and the man filled with death spirit had died. Maybe I want to face the experience that created so much fear in me.


    I look at the portal which has been resealed, ethereal blue chains covering the door sized entryway.


    Master Qiu Tai sits next to the portal, watching me as I practice. She is one of the few guardians of the portal who don¡¯t mind my presence here. Those who don¡¯t know me watch with a less friendly eye.


    I stare at the portal, losing myself to the thoughts of the spirit beyond it.


    ¡°Have you made any progress in cultivating your spirit?¡± Qiu Tai asks.


    ¡°I am on the brink of Spirit Recognition, Senior Sister.¡± I respond. I shake myself away from my thoughts and walk over to my waterskin. I close my eyes as I take a sip of fresh water, enjoying the moment. I open my eyes with a frown, frustration entering my voice. ¡°But I can¡¯t break through the barrier to that realm.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± Qiu Tai says, ¡°That is only natural. Cultivating your spirit is not like normal cultivation and your growth is already monstrous.¡±


    ¡°I feel¡­ weak.¡± I walk over to the portal and sit in front of it.


    Qiu Tai stands up and walks over to me. She sits down in front of me and grabs my hand. She looks thoughtful and a little sad as she watches me. ¡°It¡¯s not an easy feeling to live with.¡± She says, ¡°Don¡¯t let it force you to move too fast. You are still young, and too much power at too young an age causes more harm than good. You will destroy yourself if you move too fast.¡±


    I look away from her warm gaze, not wanting to cry again.


    ¡°Come on.¡± Qiu Tai says, standing up and pulling me up with her. ¡°Someone has come to take over my guardianship and you need a break.¡± She smiles at me cheekily.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± I ask, watching as another master descends from the sky to sit next to the portal.


    ¡°To the hotsprings of course.¡±


    I stiffen. I¡¯m still not used to other people seeing me naked. In fact, I¡¯ve avoided the hot springs out of embarrassment. I was always given privacy for when I changed or cleaned myself while in the Lin family and I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever seen anyone aside from my mother naked.


    With Qiu Tai dragging me behind her, we arrive at the portion of the sect reserved for women.


    The sounds of the other women having fun and chatting reaches my ears as we arrive at a small pavilion.


    Qiu Tai begins to undress and I do the same. My gaze wanders to her body, and I pause my own undressing when I see a series of scars running down her back.


    She notices my staring and gives me a soft smile.


    The pain they must have caused her is hard to imagine. Who would do such a thing to another person? I raise my hand to touch one of the scars.


    ¡°It¡¯s polite to ask before touching.¡± Qiu Tai says as she finishes her undressing.


    I pull my hand back, embarrassed at how close I was to touching her.


    ¡°It¡¯s ok.¡± Qiu Tai says, her hand resting on one of the scars on her side. ¡°I¡¯ve healed from the wounds they caused me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t apologize, little Jia. You have nothing to apologize for.¡±


    Heat rises to my face as I realize how naked we both are, and Qiu Tai smiles at my embarrassment.


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    ¡°Come on. We both need to relax.¡± She says. She motions me to follow her as she walks past a curtain.


    I follow Qiu Tai towards one of several small pools carved out of the stone. Other women notice us entering but ignore us in favor of chatting.


    Qiu Tai sighs as she steps into the bath, her entire body loosening.


    I follow her in, submerging into the water until just my nose is above the water.


    It doesn¡¯t take long for the heat of the water to loosen my own muscles and force me to relax in ways I didn¡¯t even know I was tense.


    Qiu Tai opens her eyes from her own enjoyment of the bath, her attention focusing on me. ¡°I¡¯ve noticed you haven¡¯t been playing your music as much lately.¡±


    I don¡¯t look at her as I answer. ¡°I¡¯m scared of what I will see when I play.¡±


    Qiu Tai closes her eyes as she tilts her head up. ¡°That¡¯s too bad. I always love listening to you play.¡±


    Something about her words shake me. My mom always talked about how much she loved listening to me play. It was one of my happiest memories growing up.


    I still love to play. Nothing could take that away from me. I love it when people enjoy my music.


    I sigh, closing my eyes to enjoy the bath. It¡¯s time. I¡¯ve been putting it off, but it¡¯s time for me to play the fifth requiem.


    The sound of two familiar voices joining us makes me open my eyes. ¡°Sister Lin! I didn¡¯t think you liked the hot springs.¡± Xia Jing says as Lai Ming and her wade through the water to us.


    I try to sink even lower into the water. My eyes flicker to both of the girls before looking at the water.


    Xia Jing giggles as she notices my reaction and Lai Ming turns away to hide her own smile.


    ¡°I had her come.¡± Qiu Tai says, startling both of the girls, neither of whom had recognized her presence. ¡°She needed to relax.¡±


    ¡°Master Qiu Tai¡± Both girls nod their heads in greeting.


    Qiu Tai waves at them, her eyes only half open from the pleasure of the hot springs. ¡°No need to be so respectful. In here, I¡¯m just another woman.¡±


    The girls look to me for guidance, but I shrug, still unable to look at them for longer than a second.


    Xia Jing slides right next to me while Lai Ming sits across from me.


    Everyone takes a moment to just settle in and enjoy the heat.


    I¡¯m glad I have so many friends. Life was lonely before I joined the sect. Other girls my age at the imperial palace were always scheming something, or pawns for those who were. Shi Da made it clear to me I couldn¡¯t trust them.


    ¡°Weren¡¯t you supposed to leave the sect with Elder Wu?¡± I remember Lai Ming mentioning something along those lines.


    Lai Ming sighs, ¡°The Elder asked me to look over some things here while she was away.¡±


    Xia Jing grins like a predator, ¡°In other words, The Elder is punishing her for hitting the core disciple of another Elder.¡±


    Lai Ming coughs, looking away. ¡°I may have overstepped slightly.¡±


    ¡°You should have seen the look on the pompous ass-¡± Xia Jing¡¯s gaze flickers to Qiu Tai, who still rests against the edge of the pool. ¡°the respectable older brother¡¯s face when he got hit.¡±


    ¡°Why¡¯d you hit him?¡± I ask.


    Lai Ming¡¯s gaze sharpens, filled with fury ¡°He seemed to think just because he was a core disciple to an elder, he could get anything he wanted.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± I say. ¡°Good thing you hit him then.¡±


    Lai Ming snorts as she meets my eyes, then looks away. ¡°I might have gone a little too far.¡± She says after a moment.


    ¡°You hit him that hard?¡± Would Lai Ming actually hit someone enough to¡­ yeah. She would, wouldn¡¯t she.


    Xia Jing snickers, ¡°It¡¯s less about how hard she hit him, and more about where she hit him.¡±


    I look at her, confused about what she means.


    She motions towards her groin. I look down, then hurriedly look away flustered as I realize where I am looking.


    ¡°Oh.¡± I say again.


    Xia Jing bursts out laughing at my expression, both Qiu Tai and Lai Ming joining in a moment later.


    *****


    I arrive at my room refreshed from the hot springs. Qiu Tai was right to bring me there, no matter how embarrassing it was.


    With a deep breath, I renew my resolve and walk to the window, pulling my flute out of its pocket in my robes.


    I close my eyes, just playing an easy melody to calm my mind. The simple tune brings a sense of simple joy with it.


    I open my eyes, and The Twelve Requiems of Illusion floats in front of me, its pages flipping open until it reaches the latest Requiem available to me.


    The Fifth Requiem: Peaceful Death


    The world shifts around me.


    The simple walls of my room become ornate and finely decorated.


    Twelve men and women surround a bed where an elderly man rests.


    The man¡¯s chest rises and falls with the notes of my song.


    It rises and falls, rises and falls, until my music stops.


    The man dies.


    No more music appears on the page of the requiem.


    ¡°So, you are my successor.¡± An elderly voice says to me.


    I turn in surprise to see an ephemeral version of the old man who lay dying, watching me.


    I glance back at the page of the Requiem, hoping more notes will appear on the page.


    They don¡¯t.


    Panic rises in me as I look back at the old man who still watches me.


    I lower the flute from my lips. ¡°Who are you?¡± I ask, trying to not show my panic.


    ¡°I,¡± the man says, a proud smile forming. ¡°Am master of the seven halls, first of the Lanxing Wordsmiths, disciple to the immortals, Master Musician to the Sects of Shanping, and the creator of The Twelve Requiems of Illusion. Who are you?¡±


    I gulp, and bow deeply to the man, ¡°This lowly one is Inner Disciple Lin Jia of the Flowing River Sect.¡±


    ¡°One of the minor sects of the Shanpo region I suppose?¡± The man folds his arms with a grace and confidence that speaks of his power.


    ¡°I-I don¡¯t know, Senior. I simply know I reside in the empire of Shi.¡± I reply, still not raising my head in a show of subservience.


    The man frowns, then shrugs his shoulders. ¡°I have never heard of it, but it doesn''t matter. Tell me, which of my disciples has deigned to teach you the arts and techniques of my craft?¡±


    I don¡¯t say anything, worried anything I might say could get me killed by the powerful cultivator.


    ¡°You aren¡¯t a disciple of one of my disciples, are you?¡± The man says after a moment.


    ¡°No, Senior.¡± I respond, unable to see his expression with my head lowered.


    ¡°I see. Then you were chosen by the spirit of the book itself.¡± The man muses to himself.


    I peek up at him to see him weighing me with his gaze.


    ¡°I wonder why it chose someone from such a minor realm?¡± The man continues, walking around me to study me from all angles.


    I do my best to stay steady as he moves out of my vision.


    ¡°It doesn''t matter. The spirit of the book has chosen you as my successor, it must see something I do not. ¡° The man finishes his loop around me. ¡°Very well. I, Zhu Teng, name you Lin Jia, as my successor. May you reach the realms of immortality with grace and elegance.¡±

 Chapter 17: A True Disciple

    I gasp for air as the illusion around me breaks. I fall against the wall of my room, dropping my flute to the floor. I use the wall for balance as something changes within my spirit.


    After the feeling within my spirit passes, I lean my back against the wall and close my eyes.


    Even the Matriarch hadn¡¯t come close to the power I felt within that man. It was inexhaustible, terrifying, and truly magnificent. Part of me is in awe, while the rest of me wants to run as far away from it as possible.


    I hug myself as I focus on my breathing. As my breathing eases, so does the rest of my body, my muscles loosening and my heartbeat slowing to a normal pace.


    Zhu Teng, the creator of The Twelve Requiems of Illusion, made me his successor. I know what that means, but something tells me there is more to it beyond the obvious. His words had an effect on the spirit within me, but I am not skilled enough to tell what the effect is.


    I take one last shuddering breath in, then out. I open my eyes, and step away from the wall, picking up my flute from where I¡¯d dropped it.


    I examine it, checking for any damages. I wouldn¡¯t be able to forgive myself if I¡¯d harmed my instrument.


    I sigh with relief as I hug the unharmed flute to my chest. It was my mother¡¯s last gift to me, and I think something inside of me would¡¯ve broken if I¡¯d harmed it.


    Still holding the flute to my chest, I fall into my bed.


    I close my eyes as I try to remember my mother¡¯s face, her laughter and her own beautiful music.


    I fall asleep with a small smile.


    ***


    I stretch in my bed as I wake up the next morning, enjoying the feeling of the covers on my skin.


    I leisurely get my martial robes on, feeling better than usual.


    Once I¡¯m dressed, with my sword at my side and my flute in the pocket of my robe, I open the door to leave my room.


    The servant who stays near our rooms is sweeping the floor with an old broom. I nod to her as I pass her by, startling her.


    I don¡¯t go towards the Martial Masters for training, instead continuing on down a now well-worn path.


    Qiu Tai meditates next to the portal. I bow to her as I enter the clearing.


    She opens her eyes, observing me thoughtfully. ¡°I¡¯ve been speaking with Elder Wu Li Mei.¡± She stands up. ¡°We have been speaking of your position as my unofficial disciple, and I fear that I have been failing you.¡±


    I look at her in surprise. ¡°You haven¡¯t been failing me, Senior Sister. Without your guidance, I wouldn¡¯t have made any progress with Spirit Cultivation.¡±


    Qiu Tai shakes her head. ¡°I haven¡¯t been giving you the attention or training you deserve.¡± She holds out her hand, and qi flows into one of her rings, creating a small black portal to her side. She reaches in, and pulls out a blade with writing going down its length. The blade looks to be made of¡­ paper?


    ¡°You have been practicing your sword arts here in this clearing. Let me see what progress you have made.¡± She says, her sword held to her side.


    I hesitate, before bowing again. ¡°I look forward to your guidance.¡±


    Qiu Tai smiles, her eyes taking on a sharp look I¡¯ve never seen from her before. ¡°Come.¡±


    I draw my sword and enter a stance for The Whispers of The Silent Raven. I step forward, my movements as quick as I can make them,


    She blocks my first strike, twisting my sword away until the tip of her blade is at my throat. ¡°You use two very different sword styles, Junior Sister.¡± She says as my eyes focus on the blade still at my throat. ¡°The style you just used is meant for tricking and quickly killing your opponent, but you use it too forcefully. I could read your movements as if they were an open book.¡±


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    I step back, thinking on her words. I switch to a stance from The Roars of The Ruinous Dragon. My strike is powerful, and doesn¡¯t open up my defenses.


    She steps to the side, her sword catching mine and moving the force of my blow away from her. Her sword moves, the flat side hitting my arm and forcing me to drop my own weapon.


    ¡°You are an amateur of both styles, Lin Jia, do not switch between them until you are confident in your abilities in both.¡± Qiu Tai picks up my weapon and holds it out to me. ¡°Return to the style you first faced me with. Once you are decent with it, we can move to the other style.¡±


    ¡°Thank you Senior Sister.¡± I say, grabbing my weapon.


    ¡°Hard times will come for you Junior Sister.¡± Qiu Tai says as I get into a stance from The Whispers of The Raven. ¡°When those times come, I want you to thrive in them.¡±


    I lower my head in thanks before moving forward again, my movements swift.


    Qiu Tai easily blocks my every move, criticizing my technique and telling me what I¡¯m doing wrong as I do. Every time she attacks, the flat of her blade hits me, reminding me of what could be my death every time.


    After a long time of this, Qiu Tai calls for a break and motions for me to have the water I¡¯d brought with me.


    She puts her sword back into the strange portal, and I sheathe mine.


    I gulp the water I brought with me.


    A motion from Qiu Tai brings my attention back to her.


    ¡°It is time I ask you this.¡± Qiu Tai says as I rest in the grass. ¡°What technique do you cultivate, Lin Jia?¡±


    Xia Jing¡¯s warning about the dangers of telling those you don¡¯t trust about your cultivation technique comes to mind. I look at Qiu Tai, who looks back at me with infinite patience.


    ¡°I cultivate The Twelve Requiems of Illusion, Senior Sister.¡±


    Qiu Tai furls her eyebrows in thought, before activating her ring with qi and reaching back into the strange portal. She pulls out a book and flips through the pages.


    I walk closer, curious what she¡¯s looking for. With a snap, she closes the book, a strange look in her eyes as she looks up at me. ¡°It seems, you have gotten your hands on quite a treasure. The Twelve Requiems of Illusion is not listed as a cultivation manual at all, it was supposed to be in the music section of the library.¡±


    I frown, ¡°What does that mean?¡±


    ¡°It means your cultivation technique was able to hide itself even from the matriarch¡¯s eyes. Can you use one of the spells from it on me?¡±


    I nod, and grab my flute. I look at her, waiting for her permission before I start one of the Requiems.


    The First Requiem: Field of Blood


    My song is deep and dark, it¡¯s notes filling the air around us with weight.


    Blood covers the ground as men and women kill each other.


    Qiu Tai observes the illusion with a quiet calm, her sword appearing in her hands almost by instinct.


    As the battle draws to a close, the two last warriors fighting each other and dancing to my music, Qiu Tai speaks.


    ¡°Have them fight me.¡±


    I pause, the illusion almost shattering.


    Then the music continues as I try to follow her orders. One man kills the other, then turns to Qiu Tai, raising his sword. Qiu Tai meets him, her sword matching his blow for blow. To my surprise, the man deflects her sword and goes for a killing blow.


    Qi bursts out of Qiu Tai, throwing the man and I back, breaking the illusion.


    Pain fills me as the requiem is destroyed, my qi burning from the disruption.


    Qiu Tai appears at my side, holding me as I grit my teeth from the pain. ¡°Forgive me little one. I went too far.¡± She says, her qi soothing the rampage of my own qi.


    I close my eyes, my breath ragged.


    She hugs me, the pain beginning to fade.


    I bury my face in her robe, trying to endure the last of it.


    When my qi is once again calm, I let out a breath of relief.


    ¡°I-I am sorry.¡± Qiu Tai¡¯s voice catches.


    I wrap my own arms around her and hug her to me, my face still buried in her robe.


    She holds me and I don¡¯t want to leave her embrace. Her smell reminds me of my mother.


    After some time, Qiu Tai pulls away. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have used my qi like that. I¡¯m sorry Junior Sister.¡±


    ¡°I-it¡¯s alright.¡± I respond, wiping tears away from my face. ¡°Now I know what happens when a Requiem is forcefully broken.¡±


    ¡°It isn¡¯t alright.¡± Qiu Tai says, placing her hand on my head in comfort. ¡°But thank you for forgiving me.¡±


    I look at the darkening sky, then force my body to stand up. I bow to Qiu Tai ¡°Will I be able to return to our lessons tomorrow?¡± I ask.


    Qiu Tai looks up at me from where she still sits on the ground. ¡°For as long as you¡¯ll have me as your teacher.¡±


    I smile at her. ¡°I look forward to it, Master Qiu Tai.¡±


    I look around to find my flute in the grass a few feet away from us.


    It looks fine, but I still pick it up and double check for any damage.


    I look over at Qiu Tai, who stares off into the woods, before turning her gaze towards the path.


    With a sigh, I sit down into the grass and bring the flute to my lips.


    Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath and play. It¡¯s another song of my mother¡¯s, emotional and hard to play.


    The music speaks of a new life, beauty rising from the ashes of destruction.


    I open my eyes.


    Qiu Tai watches me, her mouth open. Qi flows from me into my music.


    We both watch as plants grow from the ground and the trees, blossoming into beautiful blue and violet flowers.


    The song ends, but the illusion of the flowers stay.


    ¡°Will you formally accept me as your disciple, Master Qiu Tai?¡± I ask, unable to meet her eyes.


    ¡°I will.¡±


    I fidget with my flute as I stand up and walk away. It was presumptuous of me to ask. She¡¯s supposed to ask me, not the other way around. I got caught up in the moment.


    Still, she said yes.


    I¡¯m happy she said yes.


    I hold my flute to my chest as I hurry back. I¡¯m supposed to meet with Xia Jing and Lai Ming for dinner.

 Chapter 18: Illusions Reflecting Reality

    I close my eyes as I play my flute, enjoying the feel of the wood beneath my fingers. My eyes are half closed as I focus only on the sensations of my music. Soft fanciful notes create illusions of dancing lights, twirling through the air.


    I¡¯d decided to play outside today, and a surprising number of disciples have gathered around me, meditating, talking softly, or simply enjoying the music.


    The music continues as I explore the notes, not playing any actual song or musical piece. No one other than me sees the lights dancing, but I¡¯m sure they all feel the qi that joins my music.


    I¡¯d noticed the change to my music when I hit the Fifth Level of Qi Awakening, qi enters even my normal pieces without any input from me. It does give my music a¡­ comforting feeling.


    The sun peeks out from behind a cloud, bringing warmth with it. I open my eyes as my music comes to an end.


    I get up from the rock I¡¯d been resting on to walk back to my room. Many of the disciples nod or bow to me in thanks for the music and I do my best to hide my embarrassment.


    I don¡¯t perform for groups often, preferring to play for myself or one or two people close to me.


    It¡¯s a nice feeling, being appreciated.


    My room brings a familiar comfort to me as I close the door with a smile.


    Today is a good day, and I know it is the right time to return to the Requiems.


    I sit at my usual spot next to the window of my room and take a deep breath. The Twelve Requiems of Illusion moves from its spot on my bed, opening in front of me.


    Once I feel centered in myself, my qi flowing through me with ease, I begin the fifth requiem.


    The Fifth Requiem: Peaceful Death


    The notes are slow and soft.


    The same man lies in his bed, his last breath soon leaving him.


    Soon the song reaches its end, and the man dies.


    The spirit of the man appears before me as I set my flute aside.


    I bow to the man. ¡°Greetings, Senior.¡± I say, waiting for his acknowledgement to stand upright.


    ¡°It is good to see you have returned.¡± Zhu Teng says, his hands resting behind his back. His power is more muted now, not nearly as overbearing as when we first met. If I didn¡¯t look closely at the undercurrents of qi within his body, I might think he is a mortal.


    ¡°Of course, Senior.¡± I rise from my bow.


    The man is silent for a moment as he turns his attention to the twelve men and women surrounding his dead body. ¡°It is a strange experience, watching oneself die.¡± he says to me. ¡°I am happy to see my disciples did grieve me.¡± He motions to the twelve, who are all in various stages of grief.


    ¡°Who are your disciples?¡± I walk closer to the grieving men and women.


    ¡°You know many of them well.¡± He says, smiling at a joke only he understands.


    I move closer and realize he is right. The woman to the left of his bed is the same one I watched murder four innocent men, her eyes which were so emotionless, now stream with tears. The man opposite her is the one who died in the battlefield of blood, his hardened face showing pain as he keeps his eyes closed. At the foot of the bed is the woman who grieved for her husband in the requiem of remembrance, her head buried in the shoulder of the man who sacrificed himself for his lover.


    ¡°I saw them die.¡± I say.


    ¡°So you have.¡± Zhu Teng surprises me as I look over my shoulder to see him right behind me. ¡°They each in their own way contributed to the Requiems, even in their own deaths. Please, don¡¯t tell me which deaths you saw.¡±


    I look at the body on the deathbed, so similar to the man behind me. ¡°So you really died here.¡±


    ¡°I did.¡± The man¡¯s voice carries a finality with it that washes over me.


    I let the words hold the space as they deserve to do. When the moment has passed, I ask the question weighing heaviest on me.


    ¡°What are the Requiems?¡±


    ¡°My insights into the most profound piece of existence.¡± The man lays his ghostly hand on the shoulder of one of his disciples farthest in their grief. ¡°Death.¡± He moves his hand, patting them on the head before moving to the next disciple to do the same. ¡°I find music is the best teacher, and it has ways of showing things mere words cannot.¡±


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    ¡°I see.¡± I watch as he lays his hands on each of his disciples. A pat here, a touch there.


    ¡°No, you do not fully see.¡± He turns to me with a sad smile. ¡°But that is alright. You are young, and still have much to learn.¡±


    I frown, wanting to tell him I do see. I¡¯m not a child. But I keep my mouth shut.


    Zhu Teng chuckles at my expression ¡°When you reach the Tenth Requiem, you will begin to see the truth of death. Whether you will understand such knowledge¡­ that is up to you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen death already. I understand what it is.¡± I say, staring into his eyes and daring him to deny my words.


    ¡°Perhaps. But even I, after having seen more of death than you can imagine, do not fully understand it.¡± A dark look covers his face.


    I look away, not wanting to see the depth of the sorrow in his expression.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± I whisper.


    The man pats my head, and I look back up to see him smiling. ¡°It¡¯s alright. Do not let my sorrow affect you.¡±


    Zhu Teng looks around us. ¡°It seems our time is coming to an end. It¡¯s best not to stay in these illusions for too long. It can become hard to tell the difference between illusion and reality¡±


    With a wave of his hand, the world shifts back to my room.


    I close my eyes, thinking on our conversation as I bring my flute back to my lips and continue to play simple songs.


    ***


    Six months pass as I spend the coldest part of the year training with Qiu Tai. I see less of my sister disciples as Lai Ming gets busier with Elder Wu and Xia Jing focuses on her tasks as an inner disciple.


    I move through the forms of The Whispers of The Silent Raven, careful not to slip in the last of the winter snow. Qiu Tai sips on a medicinal tea as she watches me, her gaze piercing.


    Her attention turns to the pathway leading to the main sect as I finish the forms and sheathe my sword. I follow her gaze to see a woman walking on top of the snow, her steps leaving no tracks behind her. I hold in my surprise when I realize the woman is completely blindfolded, the cloth blocking her eyes holding a qi of its own.


    Qiu Tai bows and I follow suit. ¡°Elder Han, I am surprised to see you.¡± Qiu Tai says.


    Elder Han inclines her head, ¡°The Matriarch has decided it is time. She is gathering the power of the Sect. You are expected, Qiu Tai.¡±


    With those words, Elder Han turns around, returning back down the path. Her steps leave no footprints in the snow.


    Qiu Tai watches the Elder walk away,her thoughts hidden.


    ¡°What does the Elder mean?¡± I ask, breaking her out of her trance.


    ¡°She could mean many things.¡± Qiu Tai responds. ¡°But, the power of the Sect isn¡¯t gathered together lightly, something big is happening.¡± Qiu Tai pauses, biting her lip as she puts her cup of tea into the strange storage of hers. ¡°Follow me.¡±


    Qiu Tai sets off down the path, turning left on a path I¡¯ve never been on. I follow a few steps behind.


    We reach a large lake being fed by many rivers. All of the Masters I¡¯ve seen in the sect and eleven Elders, their full number, are gathered in a clearing, separated into various factions. Qiu Tai is greeted with smiles by many, while a few look at her with caution.


    The sounds of chatter dies down as water gathers from the lake, taking the form of a woman I¡¯ve only seen once. She steps onto land, greeted by the complete silence of everyone gathered from the sect.


    The Matriarch looks over the crowd, her gaze settling on me for a moment before moving on. ¡°It has been far too long since we have gathered here.¡± She says, her voice soft, but still carrying over the whole crowd of gathered cultivators. Calming qi travels with her voice, reminding me of a bubbling brook. ¡°It is unfortunate every such gathering comes before a time of turmoil.¡± The matriarch pauses, her gaze moving in the direction of the portal Master Qiu Tai and I had just left. ¡°Many of you have seen the portal in our land and the damage it has caused. This portal is not the only of its kind, sect members from across the continent have reported similar portals, many leading to dangerous and unfamiliar realms. Something has disturbed the very space of our world and I don¡¯t know what that means for our Sect.¡±


    The Matriarch¡¯s gaze focuses on Qiu Tai. ¡°In these troubling times, I have decided the position of the Twelfth Elder will be filled. Qiu Tai, please step forward.¡±


    Qiu Tai walks through the snow with her back straight and her eyes on the Matriarch. When she arrives in front of the Matriarch she gets down on both knees, her head lowered. ¡°You have served well as Master of the Library, and I have noticed your efforts to improve our sect and its disciples.¡±


    ¡°You are too kind.¡± Qiu Tai says.


    ¡°Qiu Tai is the Twelfth Elder of the Flowing River Sect. She will serve us well.¡± The Matriarch¡¯s words carry more qi than usual, the power within them flowing through the entire sect.


    All Eleven Elders bow their heads towards the kneeling Qiu Tai. The Masters all bow, their eyes to the floor


    I do the same.


    Qiu Tai rises from where she kneels, first bowing to the Matriarch, then to the gathered Masters and Elders. ¡°The Sect is my home and my family. I will guide and protect the sect through all of its hardships.¡± Qiu Tai pauses, her voice catching. ¡°Th-thank you for the honor.¡±


    Everyone rises from their bows and many go up to congratulate Qiu Tai, crowding around her.


    I stand off to the side, not sure what I¡¯m supposed to do in this situation.


    ¡°You are Core Disciple Lin Jia, are you not?¡± A familiar voice says from behind me, the qi from her words dismantling my initial shock.


    I turn around, bowing to the Matriarch. ¡°Inner Disciple, Matriarch.¡±


    ¡°You were accepted by Qiu Tai as a direct disciple, were you not? Now that she has risen, so have you, Core Disciple Lin.¡± The Matriarch smiles. ¡°I have been hearing many things about your music from the Elders,¡± My face warms at her words, ¡°and the Masters,¡± She chuckles, her laughter reminding me of a bubbling brook. ¡°and from my own disciples. Perhaps I might be able to hear you play someday soon.¡±


    I bow my head to hide my face, embarrassed to be asked such a thing by the Matriarch. ¡°Of course! I¡¯d love to play for you.¡±


    ¡°I look forward to it then.¡± The Matriarch says. Her gaze is caught by something and she walks towards one of her Elders, a large man shaped like a bear I don¡¯t recognize.


    I raise my head, watching her leave with awe.


    ¡°She does have quite the presence, doesn¡¯t she?¡± Elder Zhu Chen says from beside me.


    ¡°Uncle Zhu!¡± I say, turning to him and hugging him. The Elder coughs before pushing me away. ¡°It seems you are as healthy as ever, Little Miss Lin.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you got back.¡± I say, a wide smile on my face.


    ¡°I just returned.¡± The Elder runs his hand through his beard. ¡°The Matriarch has been keeping me busy.


    ¡°How is my father?¡± I ask. I know he has been busy with the approaching death of the Emperor, and I can¡¯t help but worry about him. ¡°Is he healthy?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s as healthy as ever. He is exhausted, but that is to be expected in his position.¡± Elder Zhu says.


    My eyes meet Qiu Tai¡¯s and I smile at her. She returns the smile.


    ¡°Did he ask about me?¡± I ask, turning back to Elder Zhu.


    ¡°Of course.¡±

 Chapter 19: Turning Fourteen

    Xia Jing grabs my hand, Lai Ming taking the lead as we cross the bridge.


    Snowflakes fall around us, but the bridge itself is clear of snow thanks to the hard work of outer disciples. Lamps on either side of us let out a warm orange glow, lighting the way as we talk in excited whispers. The sounds of partying and music gets louder as we hurry down the path.


    We follow the cleared path around a building and into a large square courtyard. Lights and streamers cover the trees, impromptu stalls have been set up selling hot food and other small things. Cultivators of all different kinds and ages chat as they walk through the crowd. A raised stage has been provided, where regular musicians play their music for seven dancers. The dancers move with the grace of martial artists, their dances captivating.


    ¡°Come on,¡± Lai Ming says. There¡¯s a rare note of excitement in her voice.


    My eyes stay on the dancers, following their beautiful dance. The song strikes a memory, but I can¡¯t quite place it. Still, the movements of the dancers capture me, making my breath catch with every graceful turn.


    Xia Jing pulls me along to follow Lai Ming who purchases three steamed buns from one of the merchant stalls.


    Lai Ming holds up her bun as if she were toasting for a drink, ¡°Congratulations Core Disciple Lin Jia!¡±


    ¡°Congratulations!¡± Xia Jing copies her and the three of us take a bite of the delicious food. ¡°How¡¯s it feel?¡± Xia Jing continues around the food in her mouth.


    ¡°I¡¯m happy for Elder Qiu Tai.¡± I look down at the bun in my hands. ¡°It feels pretty good.¡±


    An excited murmur from the crowd stops any more questions as two new dancers step on to the stage. Both of them are outer disciples, and both of them carry swords.


    They stand across from each other, unsheathe their swords and bow. Both of them move to ready positions and the music starts.


    Their dance is a duel, each movement swift and smooth. No one from the crowd can take their eyes away as they move to the music, their swords dancing a duel of death equal to the warriors of the bloody battlefield.


    My breath catches as one of them is stabbed through, only for there to be no blood. The music slows to the end and the dancer pulls their sword out to show no injury. Both of the dancers bow.


    ***


    I cover my mouth as I yawn. I¡¯m sitting against one of the larger trees in the clearing and I have to pinch myself to keep awake. Xia Jing rests her head on my shoulder, napping in the evening light.


    A festive atmosphere has taken over the sect, and the disciples of the Sect have been enjoying themselves to the best of their ability. Xia Jing and Lai Ming dragged me to a few more parties, celebrating the fact that I¡¯m now a core disciple, until we found ourselves resting here in a small courtyard.


    Lai Ming sits across from another senior disciple, her eyes lost in thought as she studies the board in front of her.


    She reaches forward, moving a piece. The young man sitting across from her frowns.


    A servant comes by, checking the oil of the lanterns around us. The sect is barely quieting down with the coming of night, and I know many of the festivities will last until tomorrow.


    Qiu Tai walks down the path towards us and I get up to greet her. She waves me down, so I remain where I am. The two senior disciples bow to her from where they are sitting. Xia Jing mumbles something from where she rests on my shoulder.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been looking for you Jia.¡± Qiu Tai says. Her movements are relaxed, as if a great weight has been taken off her shoulders.


    ¡°My apologies Elder Qiu.¡± I smile up at her.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t searching too hard.¡± Qiu Tai sits next to me, watching the game Lai Ming is playing with mild interest. ¡°I wanted to invite you to join me in the home of the twelfth elder as my disciple.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d like that.¡± I say, then try to hide my yawn with my hand. I remember Lai Ming moving closer to her elder when she had been accepted as a core disciple.


    That isn¡¯t enough for Qui Tai to have made her way all the way out here, so I wait for the real reason she searched for me and watch as Lai Ming slowly takes away all of her opponent¡¯s pieces.


    ¡°After your next birthday, the Empire will be holding a tournament for the sects and the more talented rogue cultivators in the City of Tong Xun. The Matriarch asked me to represent our sect along with Elder Song.¡± It takes me a moment to remember Elder Song, he is a large bear of a man who spends most of his time traveling the northern mountains. ¡°She recommended I take you with me.¡±


    I perk up at her words. Ever since my outing with Elder Wu Li Mei and my sister disciples, I hadn¡¯t left sect grounds. I want to see more of the outside world, and a gathering of the sects must be amazing to see! Sure, it¡¯s still some time away, but it¡¯s also a year earlier than when I¡¯d normally be allowed to leave the sect.


    I stand up from where I¡¯m sitting, grabbing Qiu Tai¡¯s hands.


    Xia Jing falls to the ground as I move, her eyes shooting wide open as she stares at me like I betrayed her.


    ¡°Really? I¡¯ll get to go?¡± I ask her, staring into her eyes.


    ¡°It will be some time before our journey. But I will take you with me, if you want to go.¡±


    I smile, my sleepiness from moments ago gone. ¡°I want to see the world. ¡°


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    ¡°There¡¯s so much to see.¡± Qiu Tai looks at me with a soft expression I can¡¯t quite read.


    ***


    Two months before my fourteenth birthday, I reach a breakthrough in my spirit cultivation, entering the realm of Spirit Recognition. Various forms and types of spirit flow through my body, some of the spirit having aspects of death, while most of it seems to take on an aspect hard for me to define, similar in essence to my music. When I feel I am able to fully sense and understand the spirit flowing through me, the next page in the Spirit Manual shows itself to me.


    The fourth page focuses on the idea of making my spirit become part of me and my own individual essence.


    When I ask Qiu Tai for some pointers, she tells me to meditate on who I am and what that means.


    Her advice, while sounding profound, isn¡¯t exactly helpful. Still, I do my best to follow it and spend some of the time I usually spend on cultivation trying to figure out who I am.


    Trying to define myself is hard.


    I find I use spirit without realizing it in a lot of my actions, whether it is sparring with Qiu Tai, or playing music. Spirit isn¡¯t a static thing and it constantly flows through me and around me.


    A week or so before my birthday, while playing The Fourth Requiem: Sacrifice, I have my gentlest breakthrough yet, and I enter the Sixth level of Qi Awakening.


    Scared of the name and the feeling of the Sixth Requiem, I consult Zhu Teng about it. He warns me the Sixth Requiem isn¡¯t to be taken lightly and I should only play it when my mind is centered and I feel ready.


    I take his advice to heart and decide to wait to play the requiem.


    I sit on the floor of my room on the morning of my fourteenth birthday, feeling the spirit and qi within my body, watching as they intertwine like they were made for eachother. My spirit is part of who I am, but it¡¯s also something different. It is a fascinating paradox to watch.


    Someone filled with familiar spirit approaches the door to my room. It¡¯s still hard to identify most people by their spirit, but I¡¯ve memorized Qiu Tai¡¯s unique spirit.


    Qiu Tai knocks on the door and enters the room. I keep my eyes closed, focusing on my own spirit for a moment longer.


    I open my eyes, looking up at her with a smile from my position on the floor.


    Qiu Tai sits down across from me, mirroring my smile. ¡°You seem to be doing well.¡±


    I nod. ¡°It¡¯s beautiful in a way. I-I don¡¯t really know how to describe it.¡±


    ¡°It is hard to describe the beauty of something you cannot physically see.¡± Qiu Tai says, reaching into her robes. She pulls something out, hiding it from my sight. ¡°But,¡± Tai Qui, says with a playful smile, ¡°That isn¡¯t what I came here to talk to you about. Today is your birthday.¡±


    I try to look surprised, ¡°It is?¡±


    Qiu Tai snorts, then moves closer to me, revealing a blue ribbon in her hand. She ties the ribbon into my hair with careful movements. ¡°In the village I grew up in, the fourteenth birthday was an important one. It was the year you officially entered adulthood. The girls of the village would place ribbons into the birthday girl¡¯s hair, I don¡¯t remember what it symbolized, but it¡­ it¡¯s important I¡¯m sure.¡± She finishes with a sad smile, her hand resting on top of my head. ¡°I hope you don¡¯t mind.¡±


    I reach up and hold the back of her hand for a moment before letting go. ¡°I don¡¯t mind.¡± I smile at her. ¡°I¡¯m glad you shared it with me.¡±


    Qiu Tai pulls away, standing up. ¡°I¡¯m not good at giving presents, but if you see something you want from the city of Tong Xun, tell me.¡±


    I stand up and bow to her, ¡°You¡¯ve already given me too much.¡±


    Qiu Tai raises an eyebrow, then motions for me to follow her.


    I do so, my qi and body flowing so my every movement is silent. The Movements Of The Silent Monster still takes concentration for me to use, but it¡¯s starting to become easier now Qiu Tai has me activate the basic steps of it at all times.


    Qiu Tai leads me through her home, a book floating to her hand from somewhere in the house. She opens the book, reading it as we walk through the small garden she keeps in front of her home.


    The book snaps shut as we arrive at the clearing where she spends most of her time instructing me. The portal still shimmers with the ethereal chains wrapped around it.


    ¡°We will be leaving the sect to travel soon.¡± Qiu Tai says, her gaze focused on the portal. ¡°There are many dangers in the world, and I worry you might not be wary of them.¡± She turns her gaze to me. ¡°I don¡¯t know how to prepare you for what lies out there except to say this; People will lie, cheat and kill to get what they want. No matter how kind they may seem, the true face lying underneath their mask can be horrifying.¡±


    ¡°I may be ignorant of many things, Elder Qiu Tai. But I know more of the ways of the world than you might think.¡± I say. My experiences from my last birthday¡¯s excursion still stay at the forefront of my mind. I know the ease with which people kill, and¡­ the Third Requiem has shown me the monsters can live underneath a smile.


    Qiu Tai¡¯s expression softens. ¡°I know. I have seen the death you witness nearly every day. Still, I can¡¯t help but worry. It¡¯s my job as your teacher to do so.¡±


    I bow my head.


    Qiu Tai doesn¡¯t say anything else as she pulls her sword out from her strange storage and motions for me to draw my own sword`.


    I breathe in, then let it out in a slow exhale. I watch my teacher with caution, my body moving into a stance from The Whispers of The Silent Raven.


    Qiu Tai raises her sword, still outside of my reach, then brings it down.


    My body moves on instinct, stepping to the side as large furrows appear in the ground where I stood. Again, she slices her sword at me. The wind itself turns into a blade, her qi giving it shape and power.


    I dance around the cutting wind, dashing forward towards her. She remains calm as my blade aims for her stomach.


    She blocks the strike, but I pull my blade back only having feinted the strike. Each strike of my sword is blocked by her own as she stands still, her feet unmoving. Again she strikes towards me, qi extending the length of her blade.


    I strike with my own qi, trying to copy her technique. Her power overwhelms mine and I feel her qi dissipate as it hits me, almost like a wave of heat.


    ¡°You still have trouble condensing your qi.¡± Qiu Tai says, lowering her sword. ¡°It is a simple technique. You should be better at it by now.¡±


    I look away. ¡°My qi doesn¡¯t want to condense itself. It likes being free.¡±


    Qiu Tai gives a small laugh. ¡°Your qi is part of you. It doesn¡¯t have wants or likes.¡± She places her sword back into her storage. ¡°But I suppose I can see how your cultivation doesn¡¯t lend itself to techniques like this.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I ask, sheathing my own sword.


    Qiu Tai sits down on a nearby fallen log as she ponders my question. ¡°Your Requiems are like broad strokes of a brush, large and encompassing. Condensing your qi is like taking a much smaller brush and asking you to write perfectly with it. You aren¡¯t used to the small details, and the mistakes are easier to see.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± I frown


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you will start to understand the technique soon.¡± Qiu Tai says, trying to ease my worries.


    I nod, and we continue our lessons.


    The rest of the day passes quickly.


    Elder Zhu doesn¡¯t make an appearance, but Qiu Tai tells me he is dealing with a problem on the other side of the Empire. Still, I wish I could¡¯ve seen him.


    I¡¯m resting in the hot springs after our sparring lessons, when Xia Jing slides into the water next to me. She sighs as she loosens her body to the hot water of the springs.


    ¡°Love is strange.¡± Xia Jing says after a moment.


    I look at her.


    ¡°I mean, it pops up at the most inconvenient times. Did you know that Lai Ming found a sweetheart? She¡¯s been spending all of her time with him.¡± Xia Jing pouts at me.


    I giggle. ¡°I¡¯ve noticed. She hasn¡¯t exactly been quiet about it.¡±


    Xia Jing pauses, then looks at me with a twinkle of mischief. ¡°What about you? Have there been any handsome men who have caught your eye?¡±


    I cough in surprise, and it takes a moment for me to respond. ¡°N-no.¡±


    I sink into the water in an effort to hide my red face.


    Xia Jing bursts out laughing.

 Chapter 20: The Start Of A Long Journey

    The caravan leaving our sect is a large one, composed of twenty inner disciples and a multitude of servants and artisans all leaving for the city of Tong Xun. Qiu Tai looks comfortable on a healthy looking brown mare as she rides up and down the caravan to make sure everyone is ready for the week long trip.


    I watch her from my position at the front of the caravan. The other core disciples in the wagon with me are polite, but I¡¯m not close enough with them to start conversation, so I stay quiet.


    We move at a sedate pace, the steps leading up to the gate of our sect growing smaller as we travel.


    The trees pass us by, birds and small animals peeking out from their hiding places to observe us.


    Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath of air, noticing the change in the spirit around us as we leave the sect grounds, the spirit is becoming more wild.


    Being free of the walls of the sect is a relieving feeling, I missed the outside world.


    The other disciples in the wagon talk with each other or meditate, none of them sharing the same fascination with the outside world as me.


    I look back to the trees, thinking about the pace we are traveling; it isn¡¯t much faster than a walk.


    I leap over the edge of the wagon onto the dirt road we¡¯re traveling on.


    Qiu Tai notices me leave the wagon, smiling at me before turning her attention back to the Master she is speaking to.


    I¡¯ll take that as permission.


    A giddy feeling overtakes me as I walk alongside my wagon. I¡¯m walking somewhere on my own two feet, not being flown by the elders or riding on a wagon driven by horses.


    I can¡¯t help but hum a tune I¡¯d heard from my father¡¯s warriors when I was younger.


    Something catches my eye off to the side of the road. A red flower, pulsating with spirit.


    I know better than to touch it, so I just watch it, knowing I can run to catch back up to the wagon. The pulse travels through the stem of the flower, until it reaches the petals, expelling soft spiritual energy. It only takes me a moment to notice the pulse continues underground, traveling to the trees around it through their roots.


    I look up at the old wizened trees, brimming with a power all their own.


    I smile at them, then bow, unsure if they are watching me as I am watching them.


    Nothing happens, so I hurry to catch back up to the wagon.


    Many fascinating plants and animals line the side of the road, and I stop near most of them to observe their energies and actions.


    Some respond aggressively, their energy turning dangerous as I watch them, so I respect them and continue on my way. Others ignore me, or try to hide when they notice my attention.


    After a day of traveling, the caravan pulls to the side of the road in a clearing. The evening sun shines on me as I watch a colony of ants carry food along a road they¡¯ve made for themselves. They notice me watching them, but they don¡¯t respond to my attention. A lot of the creatures and plants in the forest have spirit traveling through them in a symbiotic relationship, and these ants are the clearest example of that.


    Each individual ant has a unique spirit, but they are all connected in a web, sending information along pathways of spirit. As soon as one ant noticed me, the whole colony became aware of my presence. An older and wiser spirit somewhere deep underground, guides most of the ants, and it was the one that chose to ignore me.


    ¡°They are fascinating creatures, aren¡¯t they?¡± Qiu Tai says from beside me.


    ¡°They are separate, but... they live as one.¡± I say.


    ¡°Indeed.¡± Qiu Tai says softly. ¡°I am going to be busy with the other masters. You are free to explore, but don¡¯t travel too far from the road. There are creatures in this forest even I am wary of.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Elder Qiu.¡± I look away from the ants to smile at her.


    She smiles back before walking away.


    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    I continue to watch the ants, eventually bringing out my flute to play as I watch them. I play a simple children''s song, quick and cheerful in its melody.


    It might just be my imagination, but the ants seem to work with more gusto as I play my music.


    The older spirit from the nest pays more attention to me, not in a malicious way, it observes me as I observe them and play my instrument.


    I pause mid song as a strange feeling comes over me. My gaze moves deeper into the forest.


    I put my flute into my robes as I stand up, walking away from the camp. Movements of the Silent Monster quiets my footsteps as I walk over the roots of an old tree. I walk around spots holding predatory or dangerous spirit, while keeping the firelight of our camp in sight.


    ¡°I enjoyed your music.¡± a feminine voice says from the trees, and my hand lowers to the sword at my waist.


    I bow in thanks, keeping my eyes on the forest around me. ¡°I¡¯m glad you enjoyed it.¡±


    ¡°Could you play another piece for me? I¡¯m sorry for interrupting you, but I was hoping to hear you better if you were closer to me.¡±


    I rub my thumb against my flute as I think about whether I should fulfill her request. I close my eyes, sensing the spirit of the place I had been called to. There is danger in the spirit of whatever I¡¯m speaking to, almost like a dagger ready to strike.


    Still, the danger isn¡¯t directed towards me. There is also peace here, a sense of protection and a hint of sorrow.


    I open my eyes, taking my hand off of the sword to reach for my flute. ¡°I don¡¯t know who you are, but as long as you don¡¯t mean any harm¡­ I¡¯m happy to play for you. Is there anything you¡¯d like to hear?¡±


    She is quiet for a moment, ¡°I would like to hear of the world outside of this forest.¡±


    I think about her request, the correct melody and notes coming to my mind as I stare into the darkening night. Qi flows through me and into my breath as I begin to play.


    The world melts around us, showing a scene of two children playing in a field, happily dancing to the music I make.


    They twirl with each other, giggling as they trip over each other into a pile on the floor.


    The scenery shifts to a young woman scholar humming to herself in tune with my music.


    She paints a beautiful landscape, each stroke holding power behind it.


    She looks up, smiling at me, and I smile back at her from behind my flute. The scenery shifts again to the very mountains she was drawing.


    A group of adventurers laugh as they sit around a campfire on the mountain. The smoke of the fire twists and turns with the rhythm of the music.


    The song ends with one last crackle of the fire.


    I lower my flute, surprisingly drained of my qi. I stretch my arms and place my flute into my robe. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t stay here too long, I don¡¯t want the others to worry.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± The voice says as a green snake uncurls itself from the branches of the tree next to me. The setting sun gleams off of her scales, shining like gems. Her head, as large as my own, hangs eye to eye with me, but I don¡¯t feel any danger, so I watch her. ¡°Your music is beautiful. May I request something of you?¡± the snake¡¯s mouth doesn¡¯t move, but I know the voice comes from her.


    ¡°Of course.¡±.


    I stiffen as the snake uncurls from the tree, falling onto the ground in front of me.


    ¡°Help me leave this forest.¡± The snake''s tongue pops out, tasting the air.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure what you mean.¡± I look into her eyes. ¡°Can¡¯t you leave on your own?¡±


    The snake rests its head in my lap. ¡°If I were to leave on my own, I would be hunted. I desire to see more of the world than this forest.¡±


    I bite my lip, ¡°How can I take you out? You¡¯re far too big for me to carry.¡±


    ¡°That can be changed.¡± The snake lifts her head, approaching the sleeve of my robe. As she reaches it, her body changes, growing thinner. She slithers into my robe, wrapping herself around my chest and stomach.


    I stiffen as she does so, an instinct of pure terror filling me.


    If she wished to, she could kill me easily. I had been lured into a sense of safety from her spirit, but she is still a predator.


    ¡°I do not wish you harm, young one,¡± She says. Her spirit confirms her words, and I let my fear wash over me, controlling my breath to calm down.


    Her actions should¡¯ve terrified me more than they did, and I know I should be more suspicious of her than I am. But her request was genuine, even if there was hidden meaning behind it. Her words hold truth in them. She doesn¡¯t wish me harm, and her spirit isn¡¯t dark, or evil.


    I breathe in and out, sensing my own spirit. It seems to resonate with hers in a way I can¡¯t quite define.


    ¡°If you are coming with me, then you must listen to me.¡± I say, using the same tone my father used when talking to his soldiers. ¡°If you have never left this forest, then you know little of the outside world. I won¡¯t let you cause harm to my family or my sect.¡±


    ¡°Your words make sense. In exchange for freedom from this forest, I will listen to your words and I will not harm those you call family.¡± Her qi resonates with mine.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I walk back to the camp where our caravan is, thinking about how I¡¯m supposed to explain having a snake wrapped around my waist.


    Qiu Tai smiles at me as I approach then turns back to the Master she is speaking with.


    She didn¡¯t notice.


    I look around the camp. No one recognizes anything amiss.


    ¡°I am an ambush predator, little one. If others could sense me easily, I wouldn¡¯t be able to feed myself.¡± A hint of amusement is audible in her voice.


    ¡°Right.¡± I say.


    I walk to the tent a servant had erected for the female core disciples, finding my bedroll and sitting down on it


    She feels kinda nice on my body, comforting almost. I grow timid as I think about how she¡¯s against my bare skin.


    ¡°By the way,¡± I say as I take my sword and flute off, laying them next to my bedroll. ¡°You never told me your name.¡±


    ¡°I have been called Shia.¡± The snake says. I lie down slowly so that she has time to move around my body.


    ¡°I am Core Disciple Lin Jia from the Flowing River Sect. It¡¯s nice to meet you Shia.¡± I mutter, closing my eyes.


    ¡°It is a pleasure meeting you as well Lin Jia.¡±


    I fall asleep fast, exhausted from a day of traveling and discovering new things.

 Chapter 21: Following A Different Path

    The next day I walk alongside the wagon again, enjoying the feeling of the sun on my face. Shia rests, still wrapped around my body and hidden by my robes.


    The majority of my excitement about traveling has passed, but I still stop to observe a particularly interesting animal or plant.


    Overall, I enjoy the simple pleasure of walking with the sun shining on my face.


    The trees don¡¯t cover the road, despite them being right on the edge of it. I¡¯m sure some famous cultivator or another created the road this way for some profound reason, but I enjoy it because it lets the sun through.


    Occasionally, I feel the attention of something powerful from the side of the road. Shia always stirs when I feel it, then she falls asleep again after confirming there is no danger.


    I hadn¡¯t realized how lazy snakes are. She¡¯s been sleeping most of the day away.


    Not that I mind. Her presence on my body is comforting in a strange way. It¡¯s hard to describe the sensation of her scales against my skin.


    On the third day of traveling, we leave the forest behind, the landscape turning into farmland. The mortals watch us as we walk by, some with excitement, others with wariness.


    Shia curls down my arm, resting her head against the back of my hand so she can see the scenery around us.


    I walk far enough away from the caravan so no one can hear me.¡°We¡¯ve left the forest. What are your plans now?¡±


    ¡°I cannot roam this world on my own.¡± Shia says. ¡°I am tied to your side until I can pass through human lands without worry.¡±


    ¡°I understand, I¡¯ll be happy to have you until those times come.¡± I''m glad she won¡¯t be leaving me. Having her with me is comforting in a strange way.


    The caravan slows to a stop, and I look towards the front to see Qiu Tai looking around with a frown.


    Shia stirs underneath my robes, her head lifting and her tongue tasting the air. Her qi erupts out of her, forming a shield made of green scales in front of the both of us.


    Qi strikes down from the sky, slicing through the wagon I¡¯m walking next to and cracking the shield Shia created.


    Men wearing strange clothing burst out of the fields around us, rushing towards the caravan.


    Shia squeezes my arm, breaking me out of my reverie as a large man rushes towards me with an equally large sword. The size and shape of the enemy sword is unfamiliar, but I draw my own sword and enter a stance from the Roars of The Ruinous Dragon.


    As his sword comes crashing down at me with speed bellying its size, I step out of the way, drawing my sword in one fluent motion to slice through his neck.


    My eyes are drawn to the blood as it spurts out of his neck onto my robes.


    I bring my attention back to my surroundings. I twist to dodge out of the way of an arrow coated in black fire.


    Scanning the battlefield, I realize something very quickly.


    We are outnumbered.


    Qiu Tai fights multiple swordsmen on her own, and many of the masters and disciples were killed from the initial ambush. The strongest warrior she fights is at the level of Early Core Formation, and he is flanked by at least five men in Late Foundation Establishment. She won¡¯t win on her own.


    I take a step towards Qiu Tai, only to be blocked by another man in black. I step away from his initial strike and focus. The difference in cultivation is noticeable as his movements seem nearly twice as fast as mine. He must be in Early Foundation Establishment.


    ¡°You need to run.¡± Shia says.


    I ignore her, my eyes focusing on the swordsman in front of me. His strikes carry weight and killing intent behind them, but he lacks the techniques of a true warrior of the battlefield.


    I feint in and he matches my feint. My sword twists around his, guiding it away from me.


    My blade cuts through his stomach, and he stumbles backwards.


    I step back from his death swings. My eyes lock onto the guts spilling out of him, before I look back to Qiu Tai.


    I can¡¯t reach her.


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    ¡°You must run.¡± Shia says again.


    My eyes catch Qiu Tai¡¯s, her brow stained with blood.


    She wants me to run as well.


    I turn, qi flowing through me as I activate the Movements of The SIlent Monster.


    A man stabs at me as I run by him and I roll underneath his sword, I roll to my feet and continue my sprint.


    ¡°Three of them are following you.¡± Shia says.


    I don¡¯t say anything as I keep running.


    ¡°Duck!¡± Shia says.


    I follow her order a second too late as I feel an impact on the back of my shoulder.


    I curse as I stumble. I zigzag as I get closer to the forest, dodging the occasional arrow until I reach the treeline.


    As soon as I am hidden by the trees, I jump onto a branch and climb into the canopy. I wait there, and hope my technique will completely hide my presence.


    My breath steadies as I watch three men walk below me. One at Early Foundation Establishment, the other two in the Eighth Level of Qi Awakening.


    I strain my ears, unable to hear them over my own heartbeat. Shia slithers out of my sleeve, her size growing as she travels along the trunk of the tree next to me. I notice she looks pale, an odd look for a snake to have. Still, she is so silent, that if I didn¡¯t know she was there, I wouldn¡¯t be able to find her.


    When she¡¯s positioned above the man in Foundation Establishment, she strikes, her fangs sinking into his neck.


    As she does, I drop down on another man, my momentum pushing my sword through his back and out his chest.


    The third man turns to us, raising his strange sword, and lets out a roar, forcing me to step back, holding my ears to block some of the sound.


    The man charges at me, and I step back dodging his initial strike before cutting his sword arm off, then stabbing him.


    A bloodcurdling scream leaves his throat, silencing the forest.


    I step back, caught off guard by the sound.


    Shia slithers up to me, entering my robes through my sleeve. ¡°We must leave, the sounds he made will attract others.¡±


    I nod, running deeper into the forest, keeping my technique activated.


    ¡°They are collapsing on us from every direction.¡± Shia says. ¡°We¡¯ll have to try to break past them.¡±


    I frown, until my gaze stops on something.


    A portal.


    This one isn¡¯t surrounded by chains, instead, two men wearing the same strange clothes stand guarding it. They are at the second and third levels of Qi Awakening. I don¡¯t know why they left what are practically mortals to defend the portal, but I¡¯ll take it.


    I walk forward, blood dripping down my hand and onto my blade from the arrow still in my back.


    I open my mouth and sing.


    The Third Requiem: Murder


    The young woman I¡¯d seen murder men countless times steps in front of the two guards, her appearance captivating them.


    I walk towards them, their gazes caught by her.


    I cut both of their throats.


    My heart aches as I kill the two men who hadn¡¯t even drawn their swords.


    The young woman winks at me as I stop my song and she disappears.


    I am disgusted with myself, and the killing I have done. But it doesn¡¯t shock me as much as it should have.


    I¡¯m desensitized to it.


    My hand tightens around my sword, and I step through the portal.


    Lai Ming


    Lai Ming pours Elder Wu¡¯s tea, not a drop wasted. In a movement she¡¯s practiced a hundred times, she presents the tea to her master with a slight bow.


    Elder Wu takes a sip of it as she reads a scroll. Her expression is as unreadable as always, her veil leaving only her eyes visible .


    Lai Ming turns away to pour herself some tea, when the sound of a cup shattering makes her jump. She spins around to look at the Elder.


    Elder Wu Li Mei stares at a paper that hadn¡¯t been there before. It unfurls itself onto the table.


    The Elder¡¯s eyes widen in an unusual display of emotion. She pulls butterfly pins from her hair. She blows on them, and they flutter to life, flying away to deliver messages.


    She stands, and rushes out of the room.


    Lai Ming glances down at the paper to see one word written on it.


    Ambush


    Just the one word. Who sent the paper? The recent caravan to Tong Xun comes to Lai Ming¡¯s mind, but they shouldn¡¯t have left the sect¡¯s territory yet. Plus they have an Elder with them.


    Worry fills her before she stomps it down.


    Lai Ming leaves the room, following Elder Wu. Ice forms underneath the core-disciple¡¯s feet as she uses a technique to catch up to her teacher.


    Elder Wu stands in a clearing, the other Elders and Masters appearing around her.


    Water flows out of a nearby river, taking the shape of a human as the Matriarch arrives. Her gaze lands on Lai Ming for a moment, before turning back to Elder Wu.


    ¡°Why have you called a meeting?¡± The Matriarch asks, her voice soft.


    ¡°Elder Qiu Tai and the caravan have been ambushed by unknown forces.¡±


    Lai Ming grows faint as her thoughts go to Lin Jia.


    She must be fine, right? She¡¯s so young, too young.


    Lai Ming didn¡¯t say goodbye.


    It doesn¡¯t matter. She must be fine.


    Ice forms on Lai Ming¡¯s fingertips, and she works to soothe her qi. Tranquility, that is what she should have.


    The Matriarch¡¯s voice is cold. ¡°Gather the Master Warriors. Have Wan Chao gather together his finest men to search where they were last seen.¡±


    More ice forms, beginning to create a blade. Again, Lai Ming calms her heart before stepping forward.


    She bows to the matriarch. ¡°Matriarch, please allow me to accompany the search party.¡± She hears the slight wobble in her voice.


    The Matriarch watches Lai Ming for a long moment.


    Making this request to the Matriarch is out of line. Still, if there¡¯s a chance¡­ she has to find Lin Jia. She has to make sure she¡¯s alive.


    ¡°You will have to stay. We don¡¯t know what kind of danger awaits, and I don¡¯t want to risk another core disciple.¡±


    Lai Ming bows again, turning away and leaving the room. Ice cracks in her hands as they clench into fists.


    Lai Ming knows that she can¡¯t trust them to make sure Lin Jia¡¯s alive. By the time they move, she will be¡­ Lai Ming has to find her herself.


    The core disciple¡¯s steps take her to the rooms of the inner disciples. The cold radiating from her prevents anyone from approaching as she bangs on the door to Xia Jing¡¯s room.


    Xia Jing opens the door, her hair undone and her robes askew.


    She smiles wide. ¡°So you finally have some time for your friends.¡±


    Her smile disappears as she notices the ice forming on Lai Ming¡¯s hands.


    ¡°The caravan to Tong Xun-¡± Lai Ming¡¯s voice catches, ¡°it was ambushed.¡±


    Xia Jing¡¯s expression turns serious as she stands up straight. ¡°Let me grab my things.¡±


    Lai Ming nods and Xia Jing closes the door.


    Lai Ming stares at the door as she waits.


    She should¡¯ve said goodbye.