>>6379700

It is an air of command, the throne upon which the Queen of Beasts and Ghosts sits imperiously. Draining power from living bodies and sapping the fight from humans who have not learned to kneel and kowtow before the primordial queen of the wild things and the dead, who stands above all as the pinnacle of both the rules of nature and the cycle of life and death, boosted and empowered by her regal authority to become the ideal beast and ghost, leading from the front as her army marches before her, conquering in her name and fighting for causes she deems just.

You can sense, innately, that this aura is best suited for waging war though it'd have it uses outside of it in one on one battles, since you can feel how much stronger you are as both a beast and ghost when it is released.

Deciding to next try the Aura manifested from your broken clock technique, you shut your eyes and perform the technique like a summoning ritual, arranging its steps above your golden core like an array

Aura: Dying Time attained and manifested. Effect: Time's flow is distorted and quickened. Weaker opponents are rapidly aged, and equal or stronger foes are sapped of their stamina/ vitality, reducing their maximum health. Huanliuxe controls the flow of Dying Time, reducing her DCs as she holds a supreme advantage over her opponents, expanding her crit range to 90 to 100. Draws and contains Huanliuxue and her opponent into an altered space. The sudden changes in time's flow, can cause additional damage, debuffs and negative effects on Huanliuxue's opponents when a critical hit is achieved. A "Duelist" Aura, best suited for one on one fights and quickly ending them

All things must die, this to is true for time. One day, the sands in the hourglass will run out. The incense stick will burn to nothing. And even the flow of the stars will halt and still. This Aura is the Broken Clock technique strengthened and manifested, creating an ailing flow of time that is racing towards is death, distorted and transformed. It is an incredibly dangerous technique, considering what could happen if time's flow is carelessly sped up or wrung like a towel, which is why its lucky that it creates, like the original Specter Lightness skill, a sphere of altered reality within the boundary of your aura where the time between you and your opponent can be safely abused and manipulated without risking...well, everything and everyone.

A lethal aura to be sure. And one that might be too extreme for this tournament. Just catching a glimpse of it could probably turn a weaker cultivator to a hobbled kneed old fossil, Heh-Heh-Heh.

Then, you decide to sample the Aura born from your existence as the first Pure Carmine Mystic in existence.
Cont

>>6379702

Aura: True Ancestor of Pure Carmine Mysticism attained and manifested. Effect: Prevents any hostile presence from healing, boosts Huanliuxue's blood based arts and Carmine mystic abilities/ evolutions (Including stat boosts), an effect which increases the more blood is shed. Allows Huanliuxue to absorb/drain blood passively and causes instant death to weaker cultivators/ monsters, who are drained dry the moment they enter the presence of a true ancestor. Huanliuxue passively heals while this Aura is active. Other Carmine Mystics are empowered while in this aura, but become subservient to Huanliuxue. Mortals and lesser cultivators may be forcibly transformed into Carmine Mystics via this aura via Spiritual Root Corruption. A "Specialized"/ "Ancestral" type Aura, that does one thing well and benefits the uses descendants

All hail the carmine ancestor. She who redeemed the blood. She who is mother and matriarch to all mystics who've come to practice the art she purified. All others are prey before her, little more than sacks of blood who will be brought to heel and squeezed of even their vital heart's blood. The True Ancestor has demanded a bloody feast and a bloody feast their shall be. Let all children of the blood moon dance and caper in delight, for their mother has deigned to bless them with the austere and noble presence of their bloodlines founder. The first Pure Carmine Mystic walks, and the world bends to her will or else bleeds, as her true radiance is revealed and an image of sanguine divinity is glimpsed and all who do not walk the carmine path tremble in terror.

A fitting mantle for a scarlet queen, now, last but not least, the aura that marks you as the inheritor of primordial royalty

Aura: Primordial Remnant attained and manifested. Effect: Huanliuxue's body is fortified with ancient vitality and treasures, greatly increasing her physique with primordial savagery, making every beast evolution she has attainted count as if it were a tier higher, and reducing the damage she receives + granting her a scaling bonus to rolls that increases based on the damage she's received/ healed. Inflicts opponents with the terror of primordial predators or stuns them with the image of primordial beauty long lost. Flashes of ancestral inheritance grant Huanliuxue temporary access to the techniques/ powers of those who came before. A "Self Buff" Aura that is focused on strengthening the host to the limit
Cont

>>6379703

What lurks beyond fire's light, in the past before mankind grasped fire? What memories linger in the veins of humble housecats, dreaming of times when their ancestors walked the land as immortal and primordial gods? What strength has been inherited by the Primordial Heir upon whose shoulders rests the legacy of the strong, the history of all magical beasts who came before and the future of all who come after? What is she, besides a Remnant and glimpse into the past when beasts walked and ruled as men? A vision of ancient history manifested? A throwback to when it was Beasts who ruled the world, not men or unjust gods. A scion of prehistory, bloody and tooth and claw and embodying the strength of those ancestors long dead and butchered?

All four of these auras, equal your natural one in usefulness and strength, Ill Omen is a good, all around Counter, seeing how it reduces any aura it has met by half and causes no end of misfortune to anyone arrogant or ambitious enough to aim for to take your pretty head. And with a little bit of "Stretching" You learn how to switch between your five auras rapidly enough to do so in the heat of battle.

Content with what you've attained, you dress yourself, reapply your make up and jewelry and leave your hair uncombed to roll wildly down your shoulders and back before you waltz back to the arena. And see that the next fight is about to be underway! You'd just barely avoided missing it.

Looks like one of your surviving Xue Nephews is fighting one of the Eight Heavenly Gates Masters...And that most of your star pupils have left the audience to prepare for their training journeys!

What do you do, Huanlixue?

>...Kind of ignore the match until the end, since you don't want to look dumb by asking for details

>Just ask one of the ghosts, since Yujijiao has already left for the northern desert, what's going on

>Directly ask your nephew their name, and tell them they better live up to the expectations set by their dead, older brother

>Summon Xue Long to your private stands, and ask him about the son whose fighting now

>Write in

Ill Omen is considered a Counter type Aura, and its main power is Halving the effects of enemy Auras, but it also causes bad luck/ misfortune to those who oppose it, causing Huan to act, effectively, as an embodied ill omen

>>6379705
>...Kind of ignore the match until the end, since you don't want to look dumb by asking for details

What utter bullshit we create and throw out.
Fucking hell. This disciple is gonna have fun updating that in the Manual.

>Directly ask your Nephew their name.
>Be a little shit "Are you going to come for my head with determination Xue, or should I consider this demonstration just a passing display of arts the world has already seen repeated infinitely?"

If he's not gonna fight seriously, then we can ignore him. If he is gonna fight seriously, then it'll be fun to watch them flaunt some stuff.

>>6379705
>>Summon Xue Long to your private stands, and ask him about the son whose fighting now
about time we get a good conversation out of him

>>6379705
>Summon Xue Long to your private stands, and ask him about the son whose fighting now

>>6379705
>Summon Xue Long to your private stands, and ask him about the son whose fighting now

Four (well 5, but our bad luck aura has always been there, but probably can be even scarier) flavors of cracked. It sure is our style to get an power-up in the middle of a battle setting. Imagine someone asking how long we could do this.
>>6379705
>Summon Xue Long to your private stands, and ask him about the son whose fighting now
Might as well get some one on one time with him (especially since I feel he's not making it past the first round

Should be able to get the update out tomorrow. Meant to today, juniors, but I'm too tired tonight

>>6380460
Gotcha gramps

Ending the vote, tallying its result now. Sorry I'm so late, just had a pretty rough night last night.

...Kind of ignore the match until the end, since you don't want to look dumb by asking for details:1

Directly ask your Nephew their name.:1
- Be a little shit:1

Summon Xue Long to your private stands, and ask him about the son whose fighting now: 4

So you'll summon Xue Long and ask him about the son who is fighting now.

Update will arrive shortly

Tapping your fingers on the arm of your throne, you mull over your options. And quickly decide you don't want to be left in the dark, and quickly call one of the nameless outer disciples of your sect and bark an order at them to go fetch Xue Long. The match hasn't started yet, since both Long's brat and the Senior from the Eight Heavenly Gates are still preparing themselves in the ring. It takes, longer than expected and longer than is polite for your "brother" to arrive at your private seating box, dressed in all his finery, looking like he was wearing a blizzard that had been spun into silks.

"Huanliuxue" He said curtly "I was told you wished to grant me an audience"

"Do I need a reason to speak to my brother?" You asked with a cute titter, watching his brow knit with barely repressed annoyance, veins bulging and eyes sharpening, "But I did have a reason to bother you, outside of sisterly affections. Please, take a seat, you're my guest for at least this match"

"I will not leap to conclusions and assume you've brought me here in a ploy to further humble my clan and family" He said as he swept his robes and took a seat, a few paces away from you rather than right at your side

"It does concern your family, namely your son in the ring against that old geezer" You explain and he shuts his eyes

"You refer to Sixth Gate Master Boqin, I presume" He said through his teeth, hissing almost liking a cat "The venerable master my eldest remaining son is set against"

"Yes, and who is that son of yours and how does he compare to the Late Ming?" You ask curiously and his knuckles whiten but he does not release a wave of killing intent

"Meilin inherited his mother's grace, and his grandfather's talent. Ming, inherited my mother's lethal skills" He explains "Meilin is more severe than his elder brother, but no less of a threat in battle nor any less talented than he was. He inherited different arts than the now heirless Intoxicating Lotus Flower Law and the Swaying Palm Style. He practices a variation of our clan's primary martial arts and dominant style, one that is"

"Yin aligned and intended for daughters" You hum and Xue Long's hand twitches "He inherited Monu's Physique"

"That is part of the inheritance he received from his grandparents" Long answers, somewhat uncomfortably, probably wondering how you could tell from just a focused glance "He and Ming had greater potential and innate treasures than myself"

"It is a shame Xue Ming died" You say sadly, morosely frowning and slouching in your throne "He impressed me, in our one meeting"

"In the manner of which he died, as you struck him down" Your "Brother" says caustically, showing that he inherited Monu's biting tongue out of the cradle, you smile wryly and flick your fingers through your hair

"So he's a defensive spell specialist, like his grandfather, combined with the agile, lithe body of his mother" You hum, tapping your fingers on your cheek

Cont

>>6380584

"You're perceptive, Lady Huanliuxue" Xue Long says, giving you as much praise as he can likely stomach "I see the gossip of the accuracy of the measure you take of your fellow daoist, was only scarcely exaggerated. Unlike some tales. Such as your divinity"

"Who am I to dissuade those with enough to sense to realize I'm an existence that should be worshipped" You say as Xue Meilin rose, his feminine, girlish face frame with locks greying to white, tied in a youthful looking, fox tail esq ponytail "And what of the Sixth Gate Master?"

"Also a defense expert" Long sighs "As many of the eight heavenly gates sect are, it is just the nature of their primary and dominant martial arts and inherited techniques. They embody the gates to the celestial realm, and are sturdy and reliable as they are wise and sagacious. But the sixth gate, is the level where defense turns to offense"

"Two steps from the unlucky door of death. Countering is also a form of passive and defensive fighting" You muse as you twirl a lock of crimson hair around your finger "However, just because they focus on defense, doesn't mean they lack fangs"

"Learned that when you fought my father?" He asked

"I'd think its common sense, no one wades into a fight with a shield if they don't think they can deal some damage as well as they take it" You say with a shrug before a flash of...something, like a shot of moonlight across a frozen lake, moves in Xue Long's eyes

"If my father hadn't been crippled, do you think you'd have won that battle?" He asks, as his son and the old sixth gate fossil, walk to the arena across the sea of stars

You frown, resting your chin on the back of your hands.

How do you answer that question, Huanliuxue?

>Don't.

>"He wouldn't have been crippled if he wasn't an evil asshole, so we'd not have fought to begin with"

>"Of course. He won his fame hunting confused, frightened children. I thrive on grudges, I'd have torn him apart, even if he wasn't half frozen"

>"What do you think?"

>"If you hadn't allowed him to send Xue Ming after my head, would that son be fighting in this one's place?"

>Write in

>>6380585
>Of course. Even in his crippled state the monster was canny, Lethal, exceedingly proficient with the scythe and not slowed by any appreciable matter. His grudge and unbending principle made the crippling a minor annoyance during our fight.
>But despite this, he only lay a single blow upon me bevause he made a living out of killing confused and defenceless children with only base instinct with a pathological refusal to consider anything but the orthodoxy. He presented a challenge only because of raw cultivation and defensive speciality, which is nothing in the face of the most talented cultivator in history and the most creative heretic in the past ten generations. He never stood a chance with my golden Core, and I would have still have fought him if I only had a core formation base.

>if you would like my advice, don't ruminate on your father's execution. Keep your grief and your fond memories for him if you have them, But he deserved every bit of his punishment and you know it. Which is why you don't defend his actions and instead deal with the results.

>>6380589
This is not the diplomatic answer. It's honest and it will probably hurt, and the point is to get across just how sure we are in both ourselves and our actions.

If you want to tease out his feelings, asking him if he thinks we would is the way to go

>>6380585
>"What do you think?"

I want to know what he thinks, beyond the bragging and resentment.
If he recognizes that his father brought his fate upon himself.

>>6380585
>"What do you think?"

>>6380585
>"What do you think?"

Think it'd be cool to actually answer after he gives his response too.

>>6380585
>"What do you think?"
not even mocking, just genuinely want to pick his brain

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1.1 MB JPG

Ending the vote, tallying its result now

Of course, even in his crippled state...cont + If you would like my advice...cont: 1

What do you think?: 4

So you'll ask Xue Long "What do you think" rather than answering directly

There are countless ways you could answer, some of them far crueler than others, some of them more factual and others more boasts than anything. But, rather than bragging or explaining in detail how you would've dealt with an uncrippled Laohue, you look to his son Xue Long's pensive face and meet his judging, contemplative stare and frown, tilting your head to the side and shifting your hands to press against your cheeks and hold your head up as you pout and look up into his eyes in a way that seems to make your "Brother" uncomfortable.

Rather than mock or try to mend bridges with this man, you're more curious what he thinks. If he thinks things would've been different if Xuebai didn't trick that Jingyu fellow into sabotaging Laohue's breakthrough or if the results hadn't been so decidingly crippling and prolongedly lethal. Perhaps he'll make an excuse that you wouldn't have won if you fought his father at his best or is curious to see how arrogant and self assured you are. Or maybe he's looking for solace or just an answer that things and most importantly the outcome of that battle wouldn't have changed no matter what, or the satisfaction in getting you to admit that maybe, just maybe you wouldn't have won. And now your curiosity has grown into quite the monster, and you need to know

"What do you think?" You ask politely, smiling as a well bred lady should which seems to unnerve him more as his son and the old fossil reach the arena beneath the stars and on the moon. Long shuts his eyes, his brow knitting and wrinkling with deep, intense contemplation as he considers and ponders your question and his own thoughts, even as the first, probing blows of his son's match begin. You keep your eyes locked on and settled over his closed eyes. Slowly, like a tomb's door being cracked open, his lips part and a sigh escapes

"Huanliuxue. You are a being of resentment, even if a gentle, motherly nature also defines you and coexists within your proud and defiant character" He answers measuredly and with the most earnest respect he's ever spoken in your direction "My father, for all of his faults, was the ideal master. The greatest cultivator in Chuan, a fighting sage, a warrior and monk in equal parts. A daoist who'd mastered and had more insights of his path than any other in living memory"

"And?" You press, leaning closer, to the point your shoulders nearly brush against his arm as you crane up your neck. He stares ahead, eyes sharp, like shards of ice that had survived generations unmelted and unbroken

"The greatest warrior in an age of peace and prosperity, cannot match even a brute thug that climbed their way out of the gutter' He said soberly, admitting to himself that he believes you would've won even if his father was in top shape and peak condition "And, he went into the fight, with preconceptions that doomed him. A beast had not attained such refinement and masterful techniques, for generations before him"
Cont

>>6381578

You pull back and sit up a bit straighter

"Even without being on death's door, he'd have suffered tunnel vision, simply because of what you were, even if you didn't proudly call yourself the student of...mother" he continues, expression turning weary and defeated "A beast should not aspire to be a man, was one of the earliest lessons I remember from him, the smell of burnt fur and flesh still sticking to the temple after"

He winces as the mere mention of what Laohue did to your mother conjures up a ripple of killing intent and heady resentment within your chest, oozing out of your heart

"And you, didn't aspire, you simply attained human form to prove a point. You never act or pretend to be human, truly. You embrace your nature and flaunt it, considering all house cats our betters. That alone, would've driven him mad. Berserk even. Blinded him. Wrath was his gravest fault" He continues, flicking his sleeve as the fight on the moon sounds like its getting more and more intense "Even at his full strength, he'd be consumed by it and perhaps, arrogantly, assume you were no greater than the quarries of his other beast subjugations. But, I cannot claim he could have won, simply because he was he and you are you. An existence born from a burning grudge, whom grieves for generations of lost talent, facing off against an old monster who might as well embodied all the wasted lives and potential grinded beneath our sandaled' heels"

"So you think I would've won, no matter what?" You ask coyly

"I can't imagine a way he could've defeated an embodiment of resentment and enmity such as yourself, who has never been restrained or restricted by the laws he upheld to his dying breath" He answers, avoiding saying it outright "It may have been a mutual kill, if he was not half frozen, but even that feels like wishful thinking when the opponent he faced was both a prodigy and who ignored the taboos and laws of cultivation. Your core is immaculate, even despite the difference in rank and experience, along with the power you gain from the grudges possessing you, you were the one between yourself and Laohue who had the advantage. Both of you went into that fight, with purpose and convictions you were willing to die for but..."

He shook his head, "No matter what can be said about you or my father, you were harder to kill and more stubborn in your beliefs, to the point you'd overturn the heaven and earth and force all to bend and bow before the way you believed things should be. A cat has nine lives, it is said, and yours are not so easily stolen. Men have but one"

"That is surprisingly humble and reasonable of you, Long" You say softly
Cont

>>6381579

"I've been forced to swallow many unpleasant, hard truths about my father and the world he raised me into" He explained with a frown "And you asked me earnestly, so I answered honestly. I'd be a great fool to discount your prowess, simply because you've killed my father and my son. Just as I would if I claimed you were not the wronged party in that...conflict"

"You might just reclaim your sects wisdom before you turn old and grey" You say with a titter, not cruel or mocking "Few masters of your level have the humility to admit what you just did"

"You've proven your righteousness and justness of your cause, and your superiority. I may not like it, or you, but your heretical ways have given you many boons" He says "The very resentment you felt towards my father, empowered you, and he knew not what sort of monster he was facing when he flew down the mountain side to leap into battle. On his death's bed"

"Still, he was tough piece of old meat. He was one of the harder things to put down that I kill" You drawl, as you lean back in your chair and turn your attention to the fight for the first time since it started

"Is that your idea of a compliment?" Long asked, aghast before his eyes hardened and chilled "Hmm, I answered a question when I presented one to you"

"Think I owe you something, just because of that?" You asked with a cackle

"You seem to at least be trying to scrub the records between us clean" He answered "And I am curious about my opponent, you marked him as your rival. And I wonder if you set us against the other to see who would be more worthy a foe"

What do you tell Xue Long, Huanliuxue?

>Scold him for ignoring his own son's match and tell him to watch

>"Well, since we're being so open and truthful. He's a former god. They kicked him and his pals out of the heavens for failing to kill me"

>"He's an archer and unlike Xiannu, could've killed your father as well. If he were healthy? Maybe he could, but if he was in the state I fought him in? He'd win"

>"The history between us won't be so easily washed and cleaned. You still hold a lot of resentment towards me, for merely defending myself, even if you can admit I was the victim at the end of the day"

>Write in

>>6381580
>"Well, since we're being so open and truthful. He's a former god. They kicked him and his pals out of the heavens for failing to kill me"

>>6381580
>Well, since we're being so open and truthful. He's a former god. They kicked him and his pals out of the heavens for failing to kill me"

>>6381580
>Since we are being so open and truthful, he is a God kicked out of heaven for failing to kill me, and an archer besides.

>I would prefer to scrub as much between us as I can, But I am a being of grudges, I wouldn't deny you your resentment. Only you can choose to pursue or set it aside.

>>6381580
>Write-in
You mirror my thoughts brother. His hate for my kind was too much. I am made of grudges, but I tried to make him regret what he had done.

But he smiled at me, mocked me, felt pure joy as I showed him his sins.

I am sorry my nephew died that day, but our father was a monster through and through. And I could've followed his footsteps in a way, killing all humans. Become the monster he thought I was, many do question that still.

But I wouldn't have forgiven myself in the face of those nine childern.

For grudges cannot exist without kindness.

and

>"Well, since we're being so open and truthful. He's a former god. They kicked him and his pals out of the heavens for failing to kill me." To throw him from a loop.

>>6381666
supporting

>>6381580
Sect brothers, I am taken by a mad impulse.

>"Well, since we're being so open and truthful. He's a former god. They kicked him and his pals out of the heavens for failing to kill me"
>"Just between us, that dear friend of mine who everyone thought a simple old man is a god too. Perhaps if you approach him respectfully he might deign to tell you which one."

>>6381580
>>6381591
>>6381914
Ooooo, I like this. Supporting.

>>6381580
>>6381666
>>6381710
I'll support these two as they do not seem in conflict.

Could have become the monster he was + he's an ex god and an archer
Let him see for himself what is the mettle of the gods he worships.

>>6381666
>>6381914
Supporting

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Ending the vote, tallying its result now.

"Well, since we're being so open and truthful. He's a former god. They kicked him and his pals out of the heavens for failing to kill me": 8
- + An archer besides: 4

I would prefer to scrub as much between us as I can, But I am a being of grudges, I wouldn't deny you your resentment. Only you can choose to pursue or set it aside.: 4

You mirror my thoughts...etc: 2

"Just between us, that dear friend of mine who everyone thought a simple old man is a god too. Perhaps if you approach him respectfully he might deign to tell you which one.":3

So you'll tell Long that he is a former diety+ an archer, and that you'd prefer to scrub as much of the records as possible but won't deny him his resentment

Update will arrive shortly

A playful smirk curls on your lips as you hang your head to the side, like a broken necked, hanged corpse as you mirthfully smile up at your supposed brother, tapping a nail on your cheek as a very mischievous thought cross your mind. Why not just tell him the truth, since the two of you are being so open and honest with each other that the only thing either of you haven't done is pull of their clothes or rip open their chest to expose their still beating, living heart.

"Well" You start, screwing the finger into the meat of your cheek, drawing a pearl of blood as Xue Long meets your eyes, uncertainty battling with confusion and aversion in his eyes "Since we're being so open and truthful, he is a God kicked out of heaven for failing to kill me"

And then the look in his eyes flashes between outrage, incomprehension, shock and disbelief, but before he can open his mouth to wag his tongue and call you a liar or a hateful bitch or say anything at all to voice his thoughts on that claim your smile turns to a sneering grin as you wag your bloodied finger in the air.

"And an Archer besides" You tell him, giving him a bit of bait to hook him, so he can't accuse you of sowing discord for your own amusement. And if you had to judge based on his expression, he knows at least a few archer gods though you doubt a stalwart follower of Orthodox Cultivation will so easily bend in his beliefs and wholesale buy that every word you just spoke to him just now was entirely truthful. But eh, its his loss. You couldn't care less if he pulled the wool off of his eyes.

"In folklore, talking animals are often tricksters and I know you've got a sense of mischief" He says, measuredly and carefully as you suck the thick blood dripping off your finger "And your antipathy and feelings of resentment towards the gods and the heavens, and the order they enforce on the world, is well know. That misguided flock of yours has been known to commit arson on temples and shrines, and I doubt you are greatly upset by their actions"

"So you think I've chosen to lie, after we've all but bared eachother our hearts. Dear "brother" you wound me" You say with a twinkle of amusement in your eyes "Is it so unbelievable, that the heavens are not so infallible to kick one of their own to the curb for failing to kill a harmless kitty cat like me? Or is it the existence of a hitherto unknown cultivator of golden core level who dresses a few centuries out of date and waltz around with an arrogance that could only be..."

He gives you and pointed look and you purse your lips. Right, you dress in the fashion of hell more oft than not and also strut around like you own any place you visit and should be met with a royal if not imperial welcome. Still! your point still stands.
Cont

>>6382811

"Look, the "Rogue Cultivator of a level that even one with the full backing of a sect rarely reaches" is the important part. Could they really keep themselves secret for so long? And don't give me a look like "You did yourself!", cause the moment I hit golden core! Every sect in reach tried to gang up on me!" You shout back at him, jabbing your now licked clean and bloodless finger at his chest like a dagger "What's more probable, that five of bastards so sneaky and resourceful they could do it on their own, without making a fuss like my miraculous breakthrough did"

"They don't seem to be practicing heretical arts that rouse the dead of an entire kingdom or turn a not insignifigant portion of its populace into...mongrels split between beast and man" He answers, shrugging his shoulder "But even so, reaching that point would've had them undergo a divine tribulation, and your two recent ones are the only ones on record. They could be from..."

"From the other former provinces of the now shattered empire?" You cut in, and he looks uncomfortably away, as he realize that is a paper thin excuse "More proof towards my claim he is a former god, isn't it? People would've heard and it isn't so easy to change you identity or cut ties in this modern era"

"...it is a ridiculous claim to make, but for all you boast, few of them are idle. I'll keep it in mind, even if the only truth turns out to be that he favors archery in combat" Xue Long, after a long period of silence, says "And if that alone proves to be fact, then that's more proof that, in your own way, you're trying to mend bridges"

You turn away, while annoying, he really doesn't have any reason to believe a claim as wild as that. Even though it is true, you do brag alot and the adventures you had are pretty unbelievable when heard by someone who was content with their boring life in the status quo, for some one raised in the tail end of a generational peace, and tent your fingers as you try to figure out how there was no a blizzard on the moon and why the old geezer looked more like a moving, metal buddha statue now. You really should be paying more attention to the fight going on.

"I would prefer to scrub as much between us as I can" You admit, carefully picking the exact phrasing you use, before shrugging and adding "But I am a being of grudges, I wouldn't deny you your resentment. Only you can choose to pursue or set it aside."

"If our positions we're switched, what would you do in my position?" He asked, stunning and pulling you out of the match just as you were starting to figure out what was actually happening

"Heuh?"
Cont

>>6382812

How do you answer Xue Long's question, Huanliuxue?

>"If I was born in your station, Brother, I would've been rather happily pampered. I am a cat, after all"

>"Even if Monu would've probably brought it on herself. As her daughter, I couldn't exactly let her killer escape..."

>Laugh and tell him if you had all of his privileges, you'd already be a god

>"...I would've killed Monu myself if she became as much of a monstrous Prick as Laohue. He killed children, just because they weren't human, doesn't excuse the fact he laughed when I showed him the truth of what he'd done"

>Write in

>>6382813
>"...I would've killed Monu myself if she became as much of a monstrous Prick as Laohue. He killed children, just because they weren't human, doesn't excuse the fact he laughed when I showed him the truth of what he'd done"

>>6382813
>"...I would've killed Monu myself if she became as much of a monstrous Prick as Laohue. He killed children, just because they weren't human, doesn't excuse the fact he laughed when I showed him the truth of what he'd done"

>>6382813
>I would have killed monu myself

Hmm. If we had everything that we did done to us, we would absolutely kill the other party. Our pride and familial bonds demand it. But focusing on If our students died.
>If someone had killed Fu or Qiang or Luli or any of my other students in that war, I would want blood. A cultivator life is not one of peace, they will kill and likely be killed eventually, I could perhaps be mollified with returning their corpse intact and an accounting of their death and reparations made in good faith, It was a war after all. But disrespect, mocking and salting the wound would see a grudge born and executed.

I think Huan could accept, if still be devastated by her kids falling in a war. It's her fault if they are dragged into one after all, as their leader and master.

>>6382813
>"If I was born in your station, Brother, I would've been rather happily pampered. I am a cat, after all..."
>But also I could see my filial attachments feed a grudge so strong as to blind my morals for the sake of revenge. If those children hadn't been innocent would I have rampaged so ferociously? Maybe.
>But then again any other cat would have simply wandered off. You underestimate perhaps how much of a mother Monu has been for me, and how her teaching shaped me into who I am.
>I cannot claim to know what your relationship was with your father but I can sense it was not free of resentment, and it has only grown now that you know how deep truly were his crimes.

>>6382812
>>6382813
Write-in
>Hmmm let me taste a bit of that grudge I could then see it in your shoes. But before that we have to split emotion and reason. Emotionally if my mother was killed such as what happened I'd go through hell for revenge. But the reason of the outcome changes many things. Could I justify such a grudge if mother was like father? If I was human and ignorant perhaps yes. Knowing the truth though that someone kills children with a smile on one's face. I'd kill them myself.

Let's then ask would you be okay with your father murdering human children with a smile on his face? Could you live with that? Would you forsake revenge for the person who killed the man killing the young?

But to answer your question if I didn't know what my father did then yes 100/100 I'd seek revenge. If I knew then I'd kill them myself.

As for your son my nephew? That I feel regret for having not known who he was. I hope I can take him on as a disciple when he reincarnates. He was a good man. And that I can understand you wishing for my head till the end of our days.

(Thinks to self. Huh if I find his soul I could just bring him back... Hmmm note to self think on that later.)

>>6382984
Can't bring him back. We turned him into mist and we need a body back.

>>6382813
>"...I would've killed Monu myself if she became as much of a monstrous Prick as Laohue. He killed children, just because they weren't human, doesn't excuse the fact he laughed when I showed him the truth of what he'd done"

Ending the vote now, tallying the result now

"...I would've killed Monu myself if she became as much of a monstrous Prick as Laohue....etc":4
- If someone had killed Fu or Qiang or Luli or any of my other students in that war, I would want blood...etc:1

"If I was born in your station, Brother, I would've been rather happily pampered. I am a cat, after all...":1
-+ write ins: 1

Hmmm let me taste a bit of that grudge I could then see it in your shoes....etc:1

So you'll tell Xue Long "...I would've killed Monu myself if she became as much of a monstrous Prick as Laohue. He killed children, just because they weren't human, doesn't excuse the fact he laughed when I showed him the truth of what he'd done"

update will arrive shortly

You mull over and considering the question for a second, watching Long's son move like a snow fairy across the blizzard he brought to the moon's surface as great crystals of ice crawl atop the golden buddha form of the Eight Heavenly Gates master, but tear your eyes away from the shadow theater in the sky to transfix your "Brother" with your stare, peering deeply into his eyes as you, after four seconds, tell him what you would've done in his shoes.

"I would've killed Monu myself if she became as much of a monstrous prick as Laohue"

Your response slices through the air like a cleaver, slamming into Long as his eyes pop and the air grows chill, as he reels from the conviction in your words, reacting like you'd slapped him as hard as you could across the cheek and left a welt rather than being told the truth and honest contents of your heart. Or because you spoke so roughly and rudely, even though he should know your thoughts concerning his pile of dog shit of a father and his like. And since he is too blindsided or dumbstruck to respond, with your eyes still locked with his own, you release a little venom.

"He killed children", Xue Long winces as you rest your chin on the back of your folded hands and lean closer to him, eyes narrowed into slits, gleaming as enmity long settled spills out of your lips, filling the air with the electric rumble of resentment as you scathingly lay out exactly why you feel absolutely zero guilt about what you did to his father. His son? You regret he had to die, but he died impressively and gloriously, even if his fate was decided the moment he flashed his fangs in your direction.

"Just because they weren't human, doesn't excuse the fact he laughed when I showed him the truth of what he'd done" You reprimand, wagging a finger as he rubs his chin

"So you think, I should've done the same. Not knowing the truth of your kind!" He asked suddenly and you frown, for a moment or two confused by his outburst before it clicked. Guilt. His son was dead because of his father, and his sect's reputation was in tatters. The curse of hindsight is that it?

"You're only human, Long" You tell him patronizingly, shrugging your shoulders "And wouldn't be the only man fooled, hell, every cultivator was. My people were turned to folklore monsters in the eyes of humanity. For some of us, that was true. But you weren't the only one tricked"

"You didn't answer my question" He asked, snappily, eyes looking very much like Laohue's as you pout and lean back into your throne, eyes shifting from his to the battle going on in the night sky

"How can I answer? No reason to grey your hair worrying about what you should've done. I told you what I would've done, if our places were switched. You aren't me. And by all rights and standards of human society, had conducted yourself nobly and had been the very image of honor and filial virtue. And you know what acting like that resulted in for you, in hindsight"
Cont

>>6383743

"So because the past can't be changed, you're telling me I shouldn't feel guilt?" He pressed and you groaned, getting annoyed with his mood swinging

"No. I just can't tell you what you should've done. You have every right to resent me or yourself, I won't fault you for your grudges. Grudges are natural" You growl, barring your teeth and turning them slightly fang like to emphasize your annoyance with your so called brother "Do I think you should have? Yes, because he was a child murderer and had wronged my family. He had done no harm to you, that wasn't post mortem, and asking ME if you should've, without knowing anything you do now, killed him in Heh cold blood. Is sheer stupidity! Would it have been right, by my idea of morality? Yes, but in the eyes of your human laws, you'd have just been a murderer"

He glared at you, then his cheeks flushed red and he clicked his tognue

"You're right. All I've done is demand, thinking if you in your blunt manner, told me I should've acted instinctively, like an animal or that if I possessed knowledge of the future, done as you would've without hesitation, that I would be convinced of the righteousness of my mind and character. But all I've succeeded in doing, is reveal to both of us how vapid I am. I feel guilt, for crimes of my father that had not been considered crimes until after his death. Crimes which many of us cultivators have committed. If he was deserving of death than..."

"You wonder if all of you idiots who got fooled into believing false history should be. Tch, he took pride in his murderous ways, even after being shown the stark reality of his crimes" You mutter, feeling a pressure build at the back of your head "You at least have enough of your heart thawed to feel at least some guilt and responsibility. There's your answer, stop looking to me for absolution. You've already tried to undo the harm your family and sect has done. In your own way"

"...And it isn't like history can be unmade" He said sadly, his head hanging "Time is a river that only flows one way. If I could change the past, there is much graver acts of cowardice I would undo first..."

Well, you'd traveled back in time and could probably do it once or twice again, and exactly how that worked and the fact what you'd done during that jaunt into the past didn't seem to change or alter a damn thing in the present...Well it gave you a headache to think about.

"Your son is going to lose. That old timer has a more refined and profound defense" You hum and Xue Long nodded

"Meilin takes after his grandmother, he is more lover than fighter. But he has conducted himself well in this fight. Brought honor to his lineage" Xue Long says "Ming would've..."
Cont

>>6383745

"Yeah, he'd have won. He was a glorious warrior" You say with a grin, reminiscing about that fight "Unlike that Ling bitch they paired him with. I think I'll honor my nephew, by watching his defeat. He lasted longer and pushed that old timer further than I'd have thought he would, from the first look I got of him"

"It was a poor match up" Long admits "But he did make mistakes that cost him, wasteful movements and showboating. But he did not shame our name. You know, he gets along well with our first generation of Beast students"

"Hmm" You say, smirking "Well, it isn't a high bar to pass considering your family's history"

"I'd hit you, if you weren't a woman fully capable of ripping off the offending hand"

"Eh, I'd take the arm if you tried", You snicker, covering your mouth demurely with your robe's drooping sleeve "Still, he has potential. Like his brother did. I mean, both reached golden core, but..."

"I understand, funny how the sons most like my mother had advanced the furthest of my brood"

"That you have so many sons is proof you take after her in more ways than you'd like to admit"

You whistle and wince pityingly as Meilin's dance is brought to an end by a one hundred and eight palm strike as Eight Heavenly Gates elder seals his movements and his qi with one of their tricky spell formations and then pummels the younger, more feisty man into the ground, throwing up hill sized clouds of moon rock into the sky.

"Do you know, the Eight Heavenly Gates sect was taxed highly by the Winter Blossoming Wisdom Sect, to make use of the Primordial Forest of the Tragic Lover's rich resources and cultivation materials" Xue Long, monotonously as he watches his son get pummeled hard "And were often pushed around and bullied by our members and had their talent poached often? I wonder if those monks who preach earthly detachment could still hold a grudge, it might provide a useful insight to check..."

"Eh, I like the baldies. Them and the Buddhists. And if they were mistreated, I can't deny them their grudges" You tell him, trying not to laugh "Besides, their sect head was one of the earliest to adopt beasts into his sect, and take a stance against the fogies who couldn't change with the times. Even sought me out for advise ya know, in how to properly raise them"

A bead of sweat froze on Xue Long's brow.

With the defeat of Xue Meilin, what do you do before the next matches, Huanliuxue?

>Try and explain what you understand of the mechanics time travel to make Xue Long feel better (Intelligence trial. DC 190 )

>Ask to meet Meilin and the Xue Clan's beast students, since you are making an effort to mend ties

>Since Xue Long brought it up, see if the Eight Heavenly Gates are actually holding a grudge

>"If you beat Star Shooter, Long, make it to the final round. I'll be furious if I can't beat one of your smug faces into the ground, okay~~?"

>Write in

>>6383746
>Ask to meet Meilin and the beast student since we are trying to mend ties.

Didn't see THAT coming. Diplomatic score!

>>6383746
>Ask to meet Meilin and the Xue Clan's beast students, since you are making an effort to mend ties

>>6383746
>Ask to meet Meilin and the Xue Clan's beast students, since you are making an effort to mend ties
>Since Xue Long brought it up, see if the Eight Heavenly Gates are actually holding a grudge

>why not both?

>>6383746
>Ask to meet Meilin and the Xue Clan's beast students, since you are making an effort to mend ties

>>6383746
>Ask to meet Meilin and the Xue Clan's beast students, since you are making an effort to mend ties
>Since Xue Long brought it up, see if the Eight Heavenly Gates are actually holding a grudge

>>6383746
>Since Xue Long brought it up, see if the Eight Heavenly Gates are actually holding a grudge
Practically a free action; just a nibble to see if it's sour grumbling or festering hatred.
>Ask to meet Meilin and the Xue Clan's beast students, since you are making an effort to mend ties

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2.3 KB PNG

Forgive me juniors, but the next update may take awhile longer to arrive. Going through some tribulations IRL right now, that have my blood flowing in reverse

>>6384934
There is no issue Grandfather. Rest and endure against the world's foolishness.

>>6384934
May these times grow you stronger Grandfather.

>>6384934
May better days come your way Gramps

File: 1668526144281201.png (2.9 MB)

2.9 MB PNG

Things haven't settled complete, still undergoing many a tribulation, but I've found enough calm and time to write at least something. Thank you for your patience juniors

>>6384988
>>6384989
>>6385324
And you juniors for your understanding and support. Unfortunately, not much has improved over here

Tallying the vote now

Ask to meet Meilin and the Xue Clan's beast students, since you are making an effort to mend ties: 6

Since Xue Long brought it up, see if the Eight Heavenly Gates are actually holding a grudge:3

So you'll ask to meet Meilin and meet the swan disciple, Baochi (Hail Wing, 雹翅) again and see if the grudge Xue Long attests the Eight heavenly gates to hold against his sect actually exists

update will arrive shortly

>>6386208
Noticed that Wángùshítou (Stubborn Stone, 顽固石头) and Chuānyǐngzi (River Shadow, 川 影子 ) have yet to be added to the palace of natural laws roster

>>6386210
I'll get on it Grandfather.

"And speaking of beasts, my first encounter with your sect's first beast disciple" You start, swerving from the uncomfortable topic that had Xue Long looking even paler and colder than usual "Wasn't exactly a close encounter, I got the feeling he was personally frightened of me from the way he kept his distance from me, barely spoke a word that Baochi. A bit impudent, a little rude, even if he was nervous to stand in my radiant, imperial present"

"You want to hold another audience with that boy?" Long, catching on quickly asks and you just flash a jugular ripping grin in response

"Well, he's just one of two of your students I want to meet face to face" You explain, rapidly and rather excitedly as you frame your face with your hands and squish your cheeks cutely "I'd also like to meet that Meilin who just got pounded into the dirt"

You locked eyes with Xue Long, who, instinctively sent a paternal protectiveness powered snap of killing intent your way before the soul nearly fled his body as he realized what he'd done and reacted out of the instinct all father's share

"Once wakes up and is presentable, you may meet them both" He says carefully, trying to sound stoic and austere as you rock your head side to side adorably "But that may take time, and as we are guests..."

"Yeah yeah, I'll host the audience in this garden of mine's throne room. I'll give you all some face and the privilege of standing in that most solemn and regal of halls" You hurry along, brushing aside the issue with a lazy wave of your hand "Aren't I generous?"

A long silence followed. Neither tense, nor awkward, just empty and blank as Xue Long pursed his lips slightly and looked at you straight in the eye, as if challenging the claim that you were generous. As if such a thing could come into doubt! You'd thrown a luxurious tournament and let the other sects and clans scout and snatch talent right from your lap! And that didn't even come close to mentioning all the charity work and good deeds you've ordered your disciples to carry out or the good that you have done, personally.

"Hm?" You urge him, challenging him in turn to speak out. He just turns away and rises

"I must attend my son. I hope with this, we can start burying the bloody, sordid past between our temples" He says austerely, clapping his hands together, then cupping his fist as he bowed and briskly took his leave. And still smiling, you bounded off and snuck away to talk with that old timer, to see if he could enlighten you of if there was any truth of Xue Long's claim of the eight heavenly gates keeping some rather unrighteous grudges against their once closest neighbor and

"Forgive us, most charitable host" A young nun looking girl says meekly, trembling from brow to heel as you nearly bound straight into her "But Master Fengge is resting after his bout, and is scheduled to meditate with our sect's most venerable and sagacious grandmaster, Mì Shèngdào, once he has waken from his..."
Cont

>>6386232

"Nap?" You ask, knowing the elderly like to nap and sleep and laze around a lot from the time when your mother was a shriveled hag. The nun does not answer, merely try to avoid looking directly at your face as she answers with

"He must regain his spiritual energies and physical vitality" She says softly, clenching her hands so tight their knuckles turn bone white as you frown, and using your greater height, lean over her, one arm pressed against the wall for balance and intimidation

"Hah?" You brusquely snort and she winces, before you laugh, amused by how mousey and skittish she is, finding it fun to play with and torment her a little as you turn partially intangible and float in the air "Well, the question I wanted to ask, can be answered by any of you Eight Heavenly Gates member, unless"

You lean forward and nearly cause her topple over and fall over from shock as you grin ear to ear, mischeviously

"Cat has your tongue" You snicker, as she winces and nods, folding her hands in front of herself, after flattening out a few wrinkles of her daoist robes

"I would be honored to illuminate you, however this humble unenlightened girl is able to" She tells you and stiffens up her back, waiting to hear your quesiton

"Tell me, girl, does your sect hold any resentment towards the Winter Blossoming Sect, formerly the Winter Blossoming Wisdom Sect?" You ask and she shuts her eyes tightly, screwing her face

"This humble disciple is ignorant of the finer history and politics between our two venerable temples" She tries to dodge the question before she sees her breath as a little of your aura "Seeps" out, when really you basically flicker her forehead with a current of ghostly essence, she makes a cute squeak and chuckles nervously "B..but I have often overhead my seniors, who have not taken vows of silence or live as mountain hermits, speak of incidents between our two austere sects. I cannot know the truth of their hearts or the earnestness of their feelings but"

"Buuuut" You draw, lifting up her chin with one of your claw like nails, forcing her to stare deep in your yellow eyes, feeling her cute little heart pounding through the blood flowing through the veins beneath your fingertip
Cont

>>6386233

"While I am unable to verify that it is true, I did feel that the hostility in their words and the expressions they wore, when they spoke of these unfortunate intersect incidents and personal conflicts, does lead me to believe that the history between our two sects is not entirely genial and kindly" She, impressively still avoids answering the question in its entirety, but the pressure you putting on her, both spiritually and just from your presence and expression starts to crack and craze her revolve "And that their recent downfall and misfortunes have greatly benefited our humble temple, and given our sect many avenues of advancement towards prosperity and greater influence than we had before. And that my seniors, do not entirely pity the Xue clan and their subordinates in their ongoing misfortunes"

"So it is true, and you just wanted to run around in circles and answer me in the most roundabout way possible?" You ask as she shuts her eyes, perhaps imagining you'll strike her down for wasting a enlightened grandmasters time with her foolishness or simply because she was in your way earlier

"I've said what I know and have seen. Their waning heralds our waxing" She says sharply and stoically, training her expression and composing herself "And that, while it is uncouth to say, we are better off now that they've been so reduced and humbled. But I have not been witness to any of the acts some of my seniors in our sect claim to have been committed against us by the Winter Blossoming Sect, or the truthfulness of the historical wrongs and insults they claim they had committed. They were, prior to the emergence of the temple and the loss of a great many of their members, the preeminent and greatest sect in the province that is now Chuan Kingdom, and their seniority and authority allowed them..."

"Too trample over their smaller neighbors, who could only suffer and fume in silence, before the peace was shattered and you humans remembered how to kill eachother, fight battles and wage wars?" You ask, and her tense, forced silence tells you that is exactly what happened "Heh, expected as much from Laohue and his predecessors, the frozen turd"

The funny little nun doesn't respond, before her eyes sharpen. And a different soul possess her

"Ara~! Is that a secret technique of your clan?" You ask, making the spirit in the nun's body start and stare at you, jaw slack with shock that you could sense the change "Or don't look so surprised, before I got this beautiful human body, if I needed to walk into town not owned by Fu, I'd possess Yuyi or some other girl. I'm a ghost cultivator, the greatest ghost cultivator, I know what sudden possession looks like, naughty sage~~!"
Cont

>>6386234

"Then I shall drop the formalities, mistress of the eternal silence" They say softly and confidently "And will ask you directly, why do you concern yourselves with our petty, earthly grudges? You reek of them yourself, but I somewhat doubt you'd ask permission to harvest our enmity, presuming that is a core component of your cultivation method"

You smile cattishly, wagging your hips and head out of sync with each other as the anonymous master possessing one of their students stares into your eyes with an expression unlike any of the Eight Heavenly Gates have shown you

"Oh" You say, smile curling puckishly as your eyes narrow "If I recall, Master Mi, ascended to his position after a brief internal conflict in your sect, and that those who refused to toe the line and practice the mandates he ordered, were thrown out to the streets and exiled. Yours is a sect trying to re-invent and evolve itself, in many ways"

"I am one of his subordinates, I am not competing. But eight gates, one less than nine" They, mysteriously, allude

"Ah, some secret society in the sect itself. A club, like those bastard elders troubling poor Tianhua" You pout "Which would explain the possession technique, since that...was outlawed and considered tabboo"

"Still is. You're simply too brash and powerful to concern yourself with the laws of even the heavens, Wild One" They say, relaxing a little "But, it is a method of enlightenment, one cannot know how to walk in another's shoes without"

"Wearing another's body like a robe" You cut them off, and they just smile detachedly and with a kinda tranquilized air "But you asked why I care and came asking about your bad history with the Winter Blossoming sect"

"They are an ailing, failing temple" She answers "Like ours was, so soon after...much was revealed to us following your trial. Unpleasant facts and respectable histories and deeds now soured and blackened. But, I am curious, if you simply wish to stick your nose into our affairs and interfere, or if you're sussing out threats...or allies"
Cont

>>6386235

Double Vote!

How do you answer, Huanliuxue?

>By, rather suddenly, ripping out the possessing soul and speaking to them directly, display your domiance and showing that, no, you aren't looking to gang up on the Winter Blossoming Sect with a shadowy cabal hiding in the upstanding Eight Heavenly Gates sect [ Unlocked Via Good Karma ]

>"Eh, its hard to find a good, well aged grudge. I can't resist chasing one when I find out about it. They're quite tasty, you know. Thought, Few can see them, fewer can handle, and even fewer still have a taste for them"

>"Actually, its because I'm curious about the history between your two sects. I consider myself a preserver of history, real, honest history. And now I'm curious about this hidden ninth gate of your school..."

>"Threats? THREATS! HAH! Don't make me laugh, old fart, none of you, no Sect, is a threat to me. But, I do like Master Mi, And Eight Gates may eventually consider my Palace their friends, but do not presume the ninth gate will be included"

>"Eh, just bored, really"

>Write in

And how do you meet Xue Meilin and Baochi, Huanliuxue?

>As you promised you would, in your throne room and officially, showing that you aren't harboring any ill feelings towards the modern Winter Blossoming Sect

>By offering to take Meilin to hell, when you go there with the White Jade Devil Opposing Army and offer to bring Baochi as well

>Just ask Baochi if he's being treated well and enjoying himself, and school Meilin on the Swan's schooling

>Talk and get to know the two, while the next match begins and comes to an end

>Write in

>>6386236
>By, rather suddenly, ripping out the possessing soul and speaking to them directly, display your domiance and showing that, no, you aren't looking to gang up on the Winter Blossoming Sect with a shadowy cabal hiding in the upstanding Eight Heavenly Gates sect [ Unlocked Via Good Karma ]

>"Eh, its hard to find a good, well aged grudge. I can't resist chasing one when I find out about it. They're quite tasty, you know. Thought, Few can see them, fewer can handle, and even fewer still have a taste for them"

>As you promised you would, in your throne room and officially, showing that you aren't harboring any ill feelings towards the modern Winter Blossoming Sect

>>6386236
Whoops, meant to include
>"Actually, its because I'm curious about the history between your two sects. I consider myself a preserver of history, real, honest history. And now I'm curious about this hidden ninth gate of your school..."

instead of
>"Eh, its hard to find a good, well aged grudge. I can't resist chasing one when I find out about it. They're quite tasty, you know. Thought, Few can see them, fewer can handle, and even fewer still have a taste for them"

>>6386236
>By rather suddenly ripping him out of the disciple to display dominance.
>Actually I'm just curious about history.

I would brag about nobody being a threat, but this guy doesn't need our bravado. Just let em think whatever they think. And it's really funny to pluck a ghost out of a body.

>As you promised you would, in your throne room.
Just doing our duty as the swan's empress and protector

>>6386236
>Actually, its because I'm curious about the history between your two sects. I consider myself a preserver of history, real, honest history. And now I'm curious about this hidden ninth gate of your school..."
>As you promised you would, in your throne room and officially, showing that you aren't harboring any ill feelings towards the modern Winter Blossoming Sect

>>6386236
>By, rather suddenly, ripping out the possessing soul and speaking to them directly, display your domiance and showing that, no, you aren't looking to gang up on the Winter Blossoming Sect with a shadowy cabal hiding in the upstanding Eight Heavenly Gates sect [ Unlocked Via Good Karma ]
>As you promised you would, in your throne room and officially, showing that you aren't harboring any ill feelings towards the modern Winter Blossoming Sect

>>6386236
>>"Threats? THREATS! HAH! Don't make me laugh, old fart, none of you, no Sect, is a threat to me. But, I do like Master Mi, And Eight Gates may eventually consider my Palace their friends, but do not presume the ninth gate will be included"
We should hold on our default talks on what not to do: injure innocents/children, disrupt the natural order of the soul-cycle (small irregularities are fine if they are fun, I think), collaborate with stone statues (imagine us meeting a stone statue, but it's a child... )

>As you promised you would, in your throne room and officially, showing that you aren't harboring any ill feelings towards the modern Winter Blossoming Sect
realpolitik

>>6386236
>"Actually, its because I'm curious about the history between your two sects. I consider myself a preserver of history, real, honest history. And now I'm curious about this hidden ninth gate of your school..."
>As you promised you would, in your throne room and officially, showing that you aren't harboring any ill feelings towards the modern Winter Blossoming Sect

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Forgive me juniors, life is a tribulation on my end.

But I've found enough time to catch my breath, so I'll end and tally the vote now

By, rather suddenly, ripping out the possessing soul and speaking to them directly, display your domiance and showing that, no, you aren't looking to gang up on the Winter Blossoming Sect with a shadowy cabal hiding in the upstanding Eight Heavenly Gates sect: 3

"Actually, its because I'm curious about the history between your two sects. I consider myself a preserver of history, real, honest history. And now I'm curious about this hidden ninth gate of your school...": 4

"Threats? THREATS! HAH! Don't make me laugh, old fart, none of you, no Sect, is a threat to me. But, I do like Master Mi, And Eight Gates may eventually consider my Palace their friends, but do not presume the ninth gate will be included":1
____

As you promised you would, in your throne room and officially, showing that you aren't harboring any ill feelings towards the modern Winter Blossoming Sect: 6

So you'll tell them its because you're curious about the history between their two sects, after suddenly plucking them from their disciple their possessing.

then meet Xue Meilin and Baochi as you promised in your throne room as a show of good faith

update will arrive shortly

Without a word or gesture, you reach out and grasp the spiritual strings tieing the possessing soul of the old master to their disciples body and tug, rather casually pulling them out of their vessel. Ripping them out like batting a fish out from the water of a stream. A move and technique they had no defense against, as they didn't realize they could be grabbed while they were just a wandering, living ghost. The well spoken and polite girl they'd worn like a robe, has her legs go out and collapses in a heap as you, gripping tightly hold the thrashing ghost flame of the master of the ninth gate, cackling in amusement at their struggles as you adjust your grip and hold them by the tip of their flame.

"I've settled my grudge with the Xue family and the sect they rule" You tell them politely and gently, sounding like a prim and proper noble lady even as you grip and squeeze their soul in a further display of power and dominance "So I've no interest in ganging up on them and kick them while they're down. I might be wild and untamed, but I am still nobility. I've got standards. And actually"

You toss the soul away, leaving it bob and flare in impotent rage as it slowly forms into the misty form of the actual master of the ninth gate. Who shares a fashion sense with those drooling battle maniacs of the heretical Seven Slaughtering Swords sect, as they're wearing a hood that obscures their face and look more cultist than daoist sage

"Actually, I'm much more interested in the history between your two sects" You continue, wagging a finger as the master realizes their is a great sea of soul arts that they are simply unaware of. Word might've spread you could separate your body and soul, but no one has said a peep of what you can do to another person's soul. But it was simple. If he had used a technique similar to Severing the eternal soul and moral vessel, then there wasn't much attaching and anchoring their soul to the body of their disciple. And while the eight heavenly gates may train exorcists, you've fought far to many wily and fierce spirits to not know how to slap one around or drag them out of their hiding places

The master, who had been fuming in their helplessness before the foremost ghost cultivator, stopped looking so bitter and enraged by your groping of their soul and leaned their head as if listening.

" I consider myself a preserver of history, real, honest history." You explain, making a game of pretending to try and reach out and snatch or grab hold of their soul, making them retreat and back pedal as you talk with and chase after them "And now I'm curious about this hidden ninth gate of your school..."

They dodge a swipe and dissipate around a lunging tackle as you cackle, having a lot of fun toying with the previously stoic and confident old master
Cont

>>6388502

"Such matters, cannot be discussed in so public a theater" They say sharply "Though I would be happy to discuss them. As for the history between our sects, you can find out the majority of it from any sufficiently aged member of the Eight Heavenly Gates"

"But no one counts the roots when they consider the majority of rice" You hum, crouching down on your haunches like a cat, and brushing down a few stray locks of your hair with the back of your hand "And I'm assuming, only the ninth gate can tell me how it started"

"Both parties have forgotten the original slight, and only remember the insults of the modern day. You revealed, carelessly, some of the true history of the world and created cracks and factions amongst the sects of Chuan" They explain "But the ninth gate, to, is a preserver of history"

"Did you know the truth of us beasts?" You ask, with a voice so cold it could snap freeze flesh.

"We are guardians of balance" They began, before you cut them off by catching them by the throat as easily as you had earlier "...the truth of ten generations, is not so easily kept. History becomes myth then vanishes. And, there were few surviving records of that era you speak of"

"Okay, so I don't have to a reason to hold a grudge against you already, and we can meet up and chat about the history you've managed to keep a hold of sometime later" You say, releasing them as they flee, zipping away on a cold wind as they realize they are testing their luck and have no way to defend themselves when they're just a soul. Unlike yourself, who is just as deadly outside of her body as she is in it.

Feeling good and smug about yourself, you wait for the possessed eight heavenly gates member to wake up from their stupor and don't spill the secret of the ninth gate like a saucer of milk and tell her she just fainted from your majesty and likely an over abundance of deathly yin Qi from your presence and she should probably go to see one of her sect's doctors to make sure she doesn't sprout ears or gets a little too lively from all the Primordial Beast Essence and Pure Blood Qi spilling out of you. Then, taking your leave, you head to the palace in the center of your gardens, pull a few leaves from the rows of strange trees growing and swaying in it, then lounge on your throne, using the leaves as whistle while you wait for your guests.

Your notched ear twitches as you hear footsteps rapidly approaching, joined by wing flaps, and sit up, adjusting your posture to look dignified as you incinerate the leaves in your hand with a flicker of fire Qi as you present yourself as an unreachable and imposing queen as two figures enter the chamber.

One is the swan you'd met briefly, and the other is Xue Meilin who is nearly as bandaged up as Fu. The latter meets your eyes, his soft ones sharpening and turning fierce like a leopards as he kneels down, but he does a phenomenal job of repressing the majority of his killing intent.
Cont

>>6388503

And you can't blame him for hating you. You did incinerate his brother like those leaves you were playing with a moment ago. Meanwhile, the Swan, Baochi is acting just as nervous and frightened in your presence as the first time you met him. If its because he's a bird or because he was told you massacred the strongest of their sect recently, or a combination of both, is unclear to you from where you're sitting.

"My father told me you wished to grant me an audience after watching my performance in the ring. Even though it ended in my total defeat" Meilin breaks the silence, and you are astonished by how feminine his voice is. It matches his looks, but it is still a shock considering that the Xue men you've heard speak all sounded...at least a little manly. Baochi remains silent, bowing their beaked head and covering it with their wings in an attempt to cup a fist with a bird's anatomy.

"May I ask the reason I, and my junior who had recently been welcomed into our temple, have been given the honor of an audience in the throne room of the Wild Empress?" He asked, looking up with...ah that's Monu's genetics! The eyes, you've seen that exact look on your before. Really, it is almost scary how similar that glare of his is to hers.

You tap your fingers in idle thought on the arm of your throne. You actually hadn't thought of WHY you wanted to meet both Meilin and Baochi.

What reason do you give for granting them an audience, Huanliuxue?

>To apologize for killing Xue Ming, and admit it was a matter of survival rather than spite and that you still respect him for how courageously he fought [ Unlocked via Good Karma ]

>Simply that you wanted to congratulate them for their performance, even if they lost, and wanted to speak with Baochi without the bird being a nervous mess

>"There is no reason for our sects to be enemies now, this is just a public show of grace. But I like that expression of yours. You're a man who can hold a grudge!"

>"To get a measure of your worth. The era of peace is dead, and more wars are on the horizon."

>Write in

>>6388506
I'm getting really fuckin' tired of apologising.

>To admit that killing Ming was a matter of survival rather than spite, and you respect his valour. If you would convey this to your brothers as well, that would be appreciated.

>"It's mostly to show no hard feelings between our sects, but I wish to check up on my subject and get the measure of my nephew. I do take my position as empress of beasts seriously you know? And you look just like your grandmother! Scowl and all!"

>>6388506
>To apologize for killing Xue Ming, and admit it was a matter of survival rather than spite and that you still respect him for how courageously he fought [ Unlocked via Good Karma ]

>>6388506
>To apologize for killing Xue Ming, and admit it was a matter of survival rather than spite and that you still respect him for how courageously he fought [ Unlocked via Good Karma ]

>"There is no reason for our sects to be enemies now, this is just a public show of grace. But I like that expression of yours. You're a man who can hold a grudge!"

>"To get a measure of your worth. The era of peace is dead, and more wars are on the horizon."

>>6388506
>"To get a measure of your worth. The era of peace is dead, and more wars are on the horizon."

>>6388507
Supporting

>>6388507
Supporting this.

Ending the vote, tallying the result now.

To admit that killing Ming was a matter of survival rather than spite, and you respect his valour. If you would convey this to your brothers as well, that would be appreciated.: 5
-+ apologize: 2

It's mostly to show no hard feelings between our sects, but I wish to check up on my subject and get the measure of my nephew. I do take my position as empress of beasts seriously you know? And you look just like your grandmother! Scowl and all!": 3

"There is no reason for our sects to be enemies now, this is just a public show of grace. But I like that expression of yours. You're a man who can hold a grudge!": 1

"To get a measure of your worth. The era of peace is dead, and more wars are on the horizon.":2

The write in wins.

Update will arrive shortly

You lean back into your thrown, slouching slightly as you rest your cheek against the knuckles of your fist and smirk mysteriously as you look between the trembling crane and the kneeling man with a familiar look of contempt sizzling in his sharp eyes.

"For it to be known that the slaying of your brother, Xue Ming, was a simple matter of survival" You tell them austerely, deepening your voice to strengthen its natural authority and noble qualities "It wasn't a spiteful murder, on my part. And I deeply respect his valor and how he composed himself in his final moments, in our fateful clash"

There was a shift in Meilin's eyes, but he remained stubbornly almost defiantly silent as you sat up a bit straighter and laced your fingers together, smiling amiably now.

" If you would convey this to your brothers as well, that would be appreciated." You continue, was you lean forward, smile stretching into a grin as your guest considers your request gravely, brow tightly knit before they reply with a simple and humble nod

"Is that the reason for this audience, to tell us the killing of my elder brother was done with no hard feelings?" He asks, voice wavering somewhere between grief and rage, the perfect seed bed for grudges in your experience. You shake your head and pull your hands apart as you lean back, and gesture with two fingers, sweeping your hand over your two guests

"No. It's mostly to show there exist no hard feelings between our sects" You explain and then sit up straight and smile a genuine smile "but I wish to check up on my subject and get the measure of my nephew."

Despite the gulf in their cultivation and worldliness, both Baochi and Meilin shivered as they heard they had your direct interest and now attention. Or maybe Meilin trembled because you called him your nephew, he did have a rather large chip on his shoulder towards you considering you cut down one of his brother. Probably meant he didn't like that Qiang blinded another of them, but he probably recovered from that already so there can't be a grudge forming around that act, probably. Most likely.

"What?" You cackle, lounging and kicking one leg over the other as you grin widely and amusedly "I do take my position as empress of beasts seriously you know?", then flicking your sleeve you motion towards Meilin who has a very familiar glower on his face "And you look just like your grandmother! Scowl and all!"

That made Meilin wince like he was struck and bring his white sleeve up to his lips, and you tilted your head as you saw the edge of it stain red. Did he actually just cough up blood? That is both concerning and amusing.

"This humble Baochi has no complaints about his present lot in life!" Baochi, without permission and out of turn declares loudly, almost squawking as he flaps his wings to try and salute and you feel a sting of pity the boy doesn't know how to attain his human form yet

Cont

>>6390058

"This Baochi is treated with respect and gentleness by the Xue Clan and his seniors in the Austere Winter Blossoming Sect!" He continues, now more steady and composed as both you and Meilin watch him, worried he was about to drop in a faint "The meals are generous! The Lessons are tough but enlightening! This Baochi has known no unkindness nor abuse, this Baochi..."

"That's enough, Baochi" You snort and that nearly sends the Swan toppling over "I see that you're being treated well in that temple, but it is my responsibility to ensure the well being of all of my subjects, no reason to get so flustered. I don't bite...without reason"

Frowning, then pouting you turn from Baochi who is bowing rapidly and stating he is unworthy of such attention and would in fact prefer to not receive it at all, as you see that Meilin is still scowling.

"It was meant as a compliment you know", you flick your sleeve at him

"Until your arrival, my grand dam was considered one of the most prolific Heretics in the recent memory" He begins, you cut him off with a wave of your sleeve

"Most prolific heretic that was known of" You correct "Just walk around with a sword on your hip, and you'll run into a few others who were much more naughty and taboo than she was"

Grinding his teeth, your nephew continues "Of course, however she was a black mark on our history. And from my understanding, wasn't exactly respectable before she"

"Decided to raise a fox who saved her life?" You ask "As I understand things, that was her biggest crime and the rest, including her brewing corpses into medicines or poisons, were overlooked until she was found calling a snow fox her daughter"

Meilin winces and glances away, but there is a look of deep contemplation and reflection in his eyes

"I've heard of her antics and the trouble she caused in her time, but no one reprimanded her until she stepped over the line by repaying a debt" You explain with a pleasant smile dripping with enmity as you feel the internal gu in your body bubbling and producing an excess of its venom "From my understanding, while it annoyed your grandfather and his peers, she wasn't punished for poisoning her rivals or practicing her own style of cultivation that had yet to be permitted, I know from an old friend of hers that those close to her overlooked far worse than taking in a child"

Meilin's lips purse and tighten

"You probably heard that Laohue always knew she was a bad egg, yet why did he do nothing but seethe about her habits until she raised a magical beast? He probably was just annoyed she was generous giving her love, until she broke a stupid law that no one practices in Chuan anymore" You explain, as Baochi looks confused, probably having no idea what or who you're talking about "And not the whole, fermenting corpses into pills thing she still does"

"That's grotesque" Meilin says, looking close to losing their lunch
Cont

>>6390059

"Why? Its just dead meat, and there is a certain beauty in a rotting corpse" You shrug off "And I'm sure that court of witch taught her that, if she didn't that trick out herself"

"You've made your point" Meilin mutters, holding their clasped hands in front of themself "And shown me that I have too much of both my grandparents in me"

"I'd say its true for everyone, but I don't know what my grandparents were like. Stray cats don't keep air tight genealogical records, you know" You snicker "Though for you, that claim might hold water, considering you and her have similar physiques"

"As if I needed to be reminded" He scoffed, clearly, his girlish look had seen him ridiculed or worse before "But it is as much blessing as a curse. I will be sure to bring your message to my surviving brothers, and thank you for the different perspective you've offered me"

And what do you do once the audience is over, Huanliuxue?

>offer to introduce Meilin to Monu, so he can see the woman behind the stories he's been told and maybe learn a thing or two

>Introduce Meilin to Renshu, a man who choose to dress femininely, might help him work out his issues with his Yin Physique

>Make Baochi and Meilin watch the following matches with you, and rush to the next one so you don't miss a thing

>Tell Meilin that you respect that he isn't easily swayed away from his resentment and stands by his beliefs

>Write in

>>6390032
Hope you're doing better Gramps.
Prayers for you.

>>6390062

Thank you junior. And the worst of it has passed, I think. Wasn't much I could do either way, but things have mostly calmed down and I think the tribulations have all but passed

>>6390060
>I respect that you aren't easily swayed from your beliefs.
>Introduce him to Renshu

It's hard to feel emasculated when that walking fashion disaster kicks down the door.

>>6390060
>Introduce Meilin to Renshu, a man who choose to dress femininely, might help him work out his issues with his Yin Physique

>>6390060
>Introduce Meilin to Renshu, a man who choose to dress femininely, might help him work out his issues with his Yin Physique

>Tell Meilin that you respect that he isn't easily swayed away from his resentment and stands by his beliefs

>>6390060
>Introduce Meilin to Renshu, a man who choose to dress femininely, might help him work out his issues with his Yin Physique

(Personally I find the concept of crossdressers very funny.)

>>6390060
>Tell Meilin that you respect that he isn't easily swayed away from his resentment and stands by his beliefs
I feel like introducing him to Renshu is either going to be helpful or seriously offend him, given how Renshu is unapologetically fabulous.

>>6390060
>Introduce Meilin to Renshu
> introduce Meilin to Monu
he can learn how to serve in two ways

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44.2 KB JPG

>>6390060

>Introduce Meilin to Renshu, a man who choose to dress femininely, might help him work out his issues with his Yin Physique

>>6390060
Supporting >>6390961. He deserves at least to meet his grandmother, and having a new friend would be good for him.

Ending the vote, tallying its result now. Still stressing and battling my heart demons, junior, but the last of it should be solved soonish. New tea is helping me settle my nerves

Tell Meilin that you respect that he isn't easily swayed away from his resentment and stands by his beliefs:2

Introduce Meilin to Renshu, a man who choose to dress femininely, might help him work out his issues with his Yin Physique:

offer to introduce Meilin to Monu, so he can see the woman behind the stories he's been told and maybe learn a thing or two:2

So you'll introduce Meilin to your disciple/ Carmine Descendant, hoping it might help with his yin physique self esteem issues

Update will arrive shortly

>>6391803

7 votes for showing Renshu to Meilin. My bad juniors

Leaning back into your throne, resting your chin on the back of your hands, Meilin immediately notices your mischievous expression through the crimson light filtering through the painted glass set in the ceiling and walls. He doesn't dare ask why as you wave a hand and grant silent permission for Baochi to take his leave and return to his practice and his sect. A cold bead of sweat forms on Meilin's pale brow as he remains kneeling, almost defiantly.

"The Xue clan was once the pillar of the foremost prominent cultivation sect in Chuan, so I imagine you are more worldly than most young masters, Xue Meilin" You purr, your shadow stretching and distorting first into a hybrid of cat and woman before fully turning to a reflection of your true self

"I prefer the solitude of the mountains, especially when the anarchy started and the empire fractured" He tells you "Far too many murders of passion and dangers near the borders. Ours is a kingdom of rivers, the border, prior to our homeland getting a reputation for being a haunted, demon infested war zone..."

He does not direct any blame to you implicitly, buuuut there have been more ghosts, magical beasts and actual demons wandering around since you reached golden core status.

"Extended from the edges to the heart of the province, now country" He explains sagely "But I did travel, occasionally, not too often. As this face and body of mine attracted...undue and unwanted attention"

"Suiqi was a mudpit of corruption and filth before me and Wushengsiwang cleaned its streets" You cackle, nodding understandingly as Meilin reacts, once more, dramatically "What, you hadn't heard?"

"I knew you act as if you own the city, and, considering recent events, in all honesty you do in all but charter" he explains "But I never knew you claim credit for the transformation of the once most wanton of the three, now four, sister cities. Where are you getting at"

"Well, where I was getting to, before you distracted me" You snap, and then snap your fingers "Was if you had ever heard of a boat traveling alchemist famed in the mundane world for his remedies and expertise, called Renshu"

He blinks and shakes his head

"Why would I?" He asks slowly "I am no alchemical practitioner, no healer, nor poisoner. Until recently, my sect had access to the best alchemists, before you courted the friendship of the grandmaster and heir apparent of said alchemists. So never had need to learn or master the art, so why, Huanliuxue, would I know of a dabbler"

"So you do not know of Renshu of the river?" You ask innocently, and he nods fervently "Well, I'm not sure if this will be more or less surprising. DESCENDANT!"

And in a blur of motion, Renshu is before you and
Cont

>>6391816

"Wow, that is a scandalously short skirt for a girl like me" You whistle, awed by the boldness of your cross dressing disciple, who has done up his hair in a prim, proper bun for a young lady at least, with two chop sticks stuck into it and "Oh that is cute! You've copied the makeup I wore when I was in Yuyi's body!"

Meilin blinks rapidly, struck dumb and silent as the Qi Condensation stage Pure Carmine Mystic smiles, and extends the painted nails of his hand as he takes a low, sweeping bow.

"Mother" He chuckles, low and softly, tittering "Forgive me, I had caught the attention of some depraved witches, who were interested in my taste of fashion and habits. As well as the curative properties of my blood. And I could not help but put on a show for the lovely maidens, who were so fascinated by my manner and looks"

"What the fuck?" Meilin asked, sounding more like his father and grandfather now

"Meet Renshu of the River, one of three Pure Carmine Mystics in existence" You say happily "He's been like this every since his transformation renewed his feelings of youth and vigor. Don't ask me why"

"Youth is wasted on the young and I shan't waste it now that it has been restored!" The blood drinking mystic declares quiet proudly "And who is this?"

"My nephew, he is golden core stage" You say, just as proudly as Meilin stares into nothing

"Are you mocking me?" He asked, venturing a very dangerous guess as a vein pops on his brow

"Oh nothing of the sort, if I did, you'd be the one in that strip of fabric Renshu calls a skirt" You cackle and Renshu frowns and taps a finger on his lips "I'm direct in my insults"

"Honored Master! You've been blessed with remarkably frigid veins and blood" Renshu, after a moment of study diagnoses Meilin "A gift that few possess, and one that is rarely so...non-delibitating"

"A quack turned into a true alchemist?" Meilin gawks, shaking his head and trying very hard not to laugh

"My medicines worked, even before my blood aged into medicine, Honored Master" Renshu says, quiet demurely, which sends a shiver down both your and Meilin's spine as he struts around with a man's stride in clothes that would be breezy if he shuffled like a well coddled noble girl "I assure you, I can tell you possess a yin physique that equals that of the grand elder of our temple"

"Yes, this curse was an inheritance of my grandmother" Meilin sourly notes "It is only the trace amounts of natural yang my body produces that keeps me from being constantly ailing and frail"

"And it'll preserve your youthful looks for longer than most" Renshu argues "preserving them, and renders you all but immune to most Yang disorders, sure, the excess yin has made you somewhat womanly, but who is to say a man with a maiden's looks can't be as wild and lionized as any other"

"You are remarkably wise for a Qi Condensation Novice" Meilin observes "But platitudes like that will hardly..."
Cont

>>6391817

"So a golden core can only seethe bitterly that he was given natural good looks, while this freak I fished out of a river and fed my blood can stride confidently while wearing the clothes of a hooker and the makeup of a queen?" You taunt, sneering as Renshu rapidly shakes his head and hands, pleading silently for you to stop "How pathetic~~"

"You...you mangy, scuffed excuse for a lap pet!" Meilin shrieks "How dare-"

"What. Wanna fight?" You purr, shaking your hips and sticking out your tongue to prick it on your throat piercing fangs "Renshu is a sage of sorts, you said so yourself, despite his lack of refinement and insights"

"So what, you look more bitch than a stud. I wear my own shadow and blood, I don the fashion of the dead and the devils and prance around nude if I'm so inclined. Do you think I give a thimble of piss what people think of my looks?" You ask, throwing out your arms "I know I am radiant, a peerless beauty, a rough and tumble fairy, a red jade maiden! And that's all that matters. Its just that most agree with me. Renshu dresses like he likes and acts flamboyantly. But male peacocks on the ones with the colorful feathers"

Meilin's jaw dropped and hung open, either in enlightenment or baffled confusion

"So, Xue Meilin, ignoring your outburst and not castrating you as I possess bottomless wells of generosity and forgiveness" You say, and Renshu looks at you blankly before shaking his head "would suggest you allow Renshu to accompany you and make your acquaintance, since he might make you see the same truth he and I have gleamed and fix some of the issues you have with...yourself"

"That is surprisingly sounding like an idea with weight" Meilin, composing himself admits "But, I am already hounded by rumors that I am a cutsleeve, so why would I worsen them by allowing...that, in my presence?"

"The third Pure Carmine Mystic" You coo and Renshu snorts

"Ruolan's eyes would only work on mortals or cultivators of our level, I suspect" Renshu says

"No, keep her around to brush off the rumors on. Who can be called a cutsleeve with a doll like girl like her under their arm?" You scoff "And if one of you is getting a chance to be in the company of a golden core master, then both of you should go"

"And I assume this Ruolan would also prevent this abnormality from dressing me in a similar style?" He asks "As if I would permit such a thing"

That sounded like a threat, well, Renshu wasn't dumb enough to stick his foot in a bear trap

"I believe my master simply wishes for you to observe me in my natural state" Renshu assures "And besides, this is my taste. You have your own style. So does Ruolan. As does my master. Everyone has a different sense of fashion"

"I'd heard your master once dressed like she'd been skinned along her belly, arms and legs" Meilin gossips
Cont

>>6391818

"His master wore that piece because it was striking, easy to wear and very cooling. And yes, it was designed to make the wearer look partially skinned. And don't harm either of my Carmine Mystic Disciples, they are rare talents and I am...extremely selective of who gets to share this power of mine" You inform them both "And those clothes aren't even the most macabre in my dresser, I have one made of the threaded veins of cannibal grave robbers, that'd make Renshu's get up look like a nun's attire!"

"Thank you, for cursing me with that mental image, auntie" Meilin mutters ruefully "Very well, I shall observe your creature and his sibling. I doubt it will enlighten me, but I am at least curious to see what these "Carmine Mystics" are like in reality"

"Then take him, Ruolan shall join you both shortly" You say "You may leave me now, both of you. I've got a few fights to watch"

"Thank you for giving my clan and family back some face, Huanliuxue" Meilin, replies stiffly, cupping his fist and bowing

"And thank you, master, for giving me a chance to walk in the company of an honored master" Renshu says with a cheerful smirk, as he cupped his fist and bowed "And for giving Ruolan the same opportunity"

"Just don't let her bring her brother along" You instruct him, and Meilin looks curious but regretfully so, the same way one might be when they find a bloated rotting corpse while carrying a particularly sharp stick in their hand

And how do you attend the upcoming matches, Huanliuxue?

>With Meilin, Renshu and Ruolan of course

>Invite some of your junior students to give them a glimpse of the apex of the world

>Invite one or more of the losers to watch with you (Who)

>Gather the winners in your private seating

>Write in

It is really funny writing Meilin and Renshu in the same scene, Juniors.

>>6391820
>With our nephew and carmine mystics of course.

Renshu can't be offended, for he knows that haters gonna hate on someone so F A B U L O U S!

And since I agree it's funny as shit, have them sit in with us.

>>6391820
>Invite some of your junior students to give them a glimpse of the apex of the world

>>6391820
>Invite some of your junior students to give them a glimpse of the apex of the world
We gotta get our less experienced/talented students up to snuff, so give them the same lesson as the upper students

>>6391820
>Invite some of your junior students to give them a glimpse of the apex of the world

>>6391803
Hopefully the tea is doing a good job washing down some of those demons along with it.

>>6391820
>Invite some of your junior students to give them a glimpse of the apex of the world

>>6391820
>Invite some of your junior students to give them a glimpse of the apex of the world
Field trip to the edge of known existence!

File: 1671657516097241.jpg (4.1 MB)

4.1 MB JPG

Ending the vote, tallying its result now. Sorry for being so slow still, Juniors. Still stressing about that last tribulation

With Meilin, Renshu and Ruolan of course:1

Invite some of your junior students to give them a glimpse of the apex of the world: 5

So you'll invite some of your junior students to give them a glimpse at the heights cultivators can reach

Update will arrive shortly

While you could insist that your nephew remains in your company, and drag along your carmine descendants, the opportunity to watch the upcoming matches at your side would best be given to those who could use a glimpse into the apex of the world and a few lessons. Which means your junior and less talented disciples. With most of their seniors and the stars of the sect preparing or already set off on their journeys of self improvement and refinement, now is the perfect chance for them to enter the spotlight. And to ensure everyone of them gets a chance to peek into the world they've only seen through the window you yourself provide, you'll swap out who is attending you and sharing your company so they all be enlightened and gain rare insights, and hopefully get an ambition and drive to surpass their limits and one day form golden cores of their own.

Zhurou, Niu, Mao Yue, and newly joined Huannupu are the ones you watch the very next match with, as the last matches of the first bracket come into focus, the first round being extremely short due to...well there just being a handful of Golden Core level cultivators in Chuan. Every stage of cultivation was rarer than the last, and there were only as many as there were because there had recently been a war that allowed several long term core formation experts to break their bottlenecks and form their golden core. It is one of the Storm Mountain Shrine fighting against a rare heretical Golden Core from the Seven Slaughtering swords.

Zhurou, snacking on peaches and apples, watched with great interest as Niu tiredly tried to braid Mao Yue's hair and Huannupu was more focused lighting incense and had to be ordered to sit down to keep her from performing a full, ceremonial dance in your honor.

"The Storm Mountain Shrine Sect's form of cultivation, is a double edged sword that they often wield by the blade" You explain to the three girls and pig, Zhurou nodded sagely "They're few in number, because most of their disciples turn to piles of ash, since they cultivate off of being struck by lightning. This makes them...usually a bit touched in the head, even if they survive, but it also means that of the orthodox sects, so long as they can survive repeatedly and frequently being struck by lightning, they will ascend through the realms higher and faster than the rest. But, it also means they're one trick ponies, since while they progress fast as lightning, that means they don't spend as much time exploring and refining their techniques and skills"

"It is rather flashy, is it not, their method of cultivation and their martial arts. Their greatest weakness, is as you said, that they focus so intensely on lightning that anyone who can counter or immunize themselves to it, will easily be able to defeat them in a battle. Whether it be a courtly duel or a fight to the death" Zhurou observes, snuffling as he picks and pocks his snout in the platter of fruit
Cont

>>6393918

"Those immortals are groom and bride to the storm god, are they not, Great Goddess?" Huannupu asked, and Niu stopped tugging at the sleepy Mao Yue's hair to look your way.

"I'm sure one or two of their ascended ancestors was taken into the household of the storm gods" You mention, before frowning as you remembered the terrifying little rain goddess who was the kid of the Red Star General "But beneath the heavens all they do is court lightning to strike them, to rob it of some of its power and absorb its energy. It is a very...abnormal form of cultivation, faster than some forbidden methods actually. A properly established and ruled ghost courtyard, can surpass their own output of Qi. It all comes down to variables, and lightning's only one is where and how often it strikes. For ghosts and spirits, that requires careful planning and cultivation"

"I see, I see" Huannupu muttered, nodding along "Do you know any of their ancestors who wed into the line of storm gods?"

"Cats don't like rainy weather, so I keep my distance" You titter as Niu frown, deep in thought

"So, who do you think is going to win?" She asked

"Seven Slaughtering Swords, are maniacs. They also have more, innate killing intent than any orthodox cultivator could. They lived in a cutthroat world, long before the era of peace fractured and the world was thrown into turmoil. However, they weren't dumb enough to reveal themselves by challenging or murdering righteous sect cultivators, at least not commonly" You explain "They'd been known, but kept a low profile to avoid being exterminated. And they treasured cursed blades and swords with bloodsoaked histories, most of the ancestral swords they could've acquired were treated more as historical artifacts until recently, and the rest were sealed or lost to time. Which is why they're only the Seven Slaughtering Swords, they've only seven supreme grade blades that could on their own in any hands wipe out mortal armies"

"Ah, so they're unused to fighting others than themselves or other, thread bare renegades and Wind Swept Villains? Zhurou poetically attested

"You'd think that, it might not be common, but they do still pursue and hunt other cultivators like they once did us Magical Beasts. And they do commit acts of mass slaughter and massacre" You explain further "They aren't dull blades, they're just crazy as hell and practice a very unstable form of cultivation. They're sword cultivators, who like that damn ogress, grow stronger with every foe they cut down. Some of their arts, rely on impure blood Qi. Most on sword intent. And they'd lost a few of their elders to the blade of the Ogress, which they'd sought out to make their eight namesake blade. But they only grow bolder the more of them die"

"Wasn't that girl called meat cleaver one of theirs?" Mao Yue asked with a yawn

"The sword juggler?" Huannupu asked
Cont

>>6393920

"Yes, and I think the slaughtering sword master, who annoyingly hasn't written his name and just smeared the character for sword repeatedly on the page, has a chance to win. Because his opponent is a newly minted golden core, and not Grandmaster Shandian himself" You explain, as the two cross blades, the white haired lunatic trembling with anticipation as the storm marked cultivator stood firm and resolute, before they sheathed their blades and sprinted for the rift you tore to the moon, running up stairs of blood red moonlight "in fact, I'd say he's the favorite of the match"

"Hopefully the next will be more elegant, I can already tell this one with be a show of savagery and barbarity" Zhurou sniffled, as you flicked your tail, watching the one horned pig closely

This match is like a meatpie that's fallen from the heavens. The perfect subject to impart deep wisdoms and important lessons on the four students watching it.

Zhurou, the graceful wild prince, might have a chance to make the leap in logic to attain his human form. But you could push the three girls onto the road of being sword masters or cultivators themselves, or you could have the yet to begin cultivating Huannupu learn the difference between good and bad blood qi early, or use the lightning catcher to teach them all redirection techniques similar to the Lightning Messenger technique...

What do you decide to use this match to do, Huanliuxue? (Every choice is a variable training trial. Higher results = better outcome)

>try and nudge Zhurou to obtain his human form early, knowing he of all beasts would try and spread the lesson further

>Push Niu, Mao Yue and Huannupu into becoming swordswomen like Qiang or the ogress are

>Teach faithful Huannupu how to tell the difference between pure Blood Qi, and impure blood Qi, and the dangers of the latter

>Instruct your students to watch how the storm mountain shrine golden core redirects even swordblows like lightning bolts, and how a technique like that could save their lives one day

>Write in

Zhurou is there cause I missed writing the piggy

>>6393921
>try and nudge Zhurou to obtain his human form early, knowing he of all beasts would try and spread the lesson further

>>6393921
>try and nudge Zhurou to obtain his human form early, knowing he of all beasts would try and spread the lesson further
>Instruct your students to watch how the storm mountain shrine golden core redirects even swordblows like lightning bolts, and how a technique like that could save their lives one day

>>6393921
>Nudge Zhou
>Watch deflections

>>6393921
>try and nudge Zhurou to obtain his human form early, knowing he of all beasts would try and spread the lesson further
>Instruct your students to watch how the storm mountain shrine golden core redirects even swordblows like lightning bolts, and how a technique like that could save their lives one day

>>6393921
>try and nudge Zhurou to obtain his human form early, knowing he of all beasts would try and spread the lesson further
>Instruct your students to watch how the storm mountain shrine golden core redirects even swordblows like lightning bolts, and how a technique like that could save their lives one day

File: zhbi7r96so861.jpg (201.2 KB)

201.2 KB JPG

Ending the vote now.

try and nudge Zhurou to obtain his human form early, knowing he of all beasts would try and spread the lesson further: 5

Instruct your students to watch how the storm mountain shrine golden core redirects even swordblows like lightning bolts, and how a technique like that could save their lives one day:3

I'll allow the two lessons to be done simultaneously, so you'll try and nudge zhou to attain human form andinstruct your students to watch the how the storm mountain shrine elder uses redirection in the match

unfortunately, juniors, I'm having a hard time figuring out how to do the Intermediate update.

So I'll just skip it this time and get right to the rolling.

Please roll 2d100. DC variable. Best out of 5

Rolled 29, 9 = 38 (2d100)

>>6395101

Rolled 10, 55 = 65 (2d100)

>>6395101
Behold

Rolled 73, 86 = 159 (2d100)

>>6395101
oh man this pig is struggling

Rolled 42, 79 = 121 (2d100)

>>6395101
I really hope to get the dices right this time, I like this horned suine.

Still need one more roll but I'm presently fighting off sleep. So It'll probably take me a few hours to get writing after the last roll comes in, juniors, since I've passed out while waiting a few times. Don't know why but I've had next to no energy all day.

Rolled 25, 40 = 65 (2d100)

>>6395101

Sorry about that Juniors, need a quick nap to regain enough energy to write. Sorry to make you wait a few extra hours.

>>6395113
And with a result of 159, assuming you don't want to spend any of your bonus, you've achieved a phenomenal Success on both of the actions in nudging Zhurou towards the revelation required to attain a human form and teaching the others to redirection techniques

update will arrive shortly

>>6395277
>Grabdfather uses ancient recovery technique: Cat nap of nine lives!
It's super effective.

"It must be enraging to such well bred gentry such as yourself, Meiwei Zhurou, to bear witness to such base savagery being heaped with the highest of praise and such brutes venerated as the ideal others should reach for" You hum and purr, flicking your tail to and fro as the horned pig glares at the shadow theater projected in the sky, snout wiggling as he chews idly through the taught skin of a perfectly ripe peach. If you had to guess, the best "Missing Piece" to cause Zhurou's second awakening would be moral outrage. Similar to how Baifenchi needed the fear of death to be properly enlightened and learn that there really wasn't all that much that separated humans and beasts and Youzaiwang needed to learn humility to finallly attain his human form, the common cause between that last step to truly "grasp" human wisdom was always something the beasts lacked naturally.

And what pig had ever felt disgust and anger at the sight of someone acting...well, piggishly? Zhurou was a pampered noble at heart, a dandy, who often considered himself above and separate from all that was common in the world. Hence, he was Naive, even more so than most Magical Beasts tended to be. And sheltered. Didn't even realize he was being fattened for slaughter before that big head of his made him awaken and ascend to become a magical beast.

"Such is the manner of the base and the lowborn" He grumbled, angrier than you'd ever seen him, trying not to look that the crowd that was cheering on the bloodsport was mostly high nobility and venerable sages and near immortals "They simply lack the refinement...the refinement to realize whom they would be better off praising"

You frown and, transform partially into your human form, half covered with fur and with claws instead of hands and paws instead of feet and cute cat ears rather than your tapered, devilish looking pointed ears.

"Is that so? Yet it would seem to me, despite being part of high society and cultured, none of them as gentile as you, lord Meiwei" You snicker, yellow eyes gleaming as Niu covers Mao Yue's eyes and Huannupu drops the ball of yarn she was meditating with to stare slacked jawed at the beastial beauty of your hybrid form "You are well mannered, well raised and refined as you so often preen and compliment yourself for"

"Thank you, such high praise from one so dignified and regal as yourself is a treasure worth the world to me" He guffaws, missing the fact it was veiled insult entirely

"So it isn't surprising you are not offended, that they think those ill bred brutes are more refined and of greater character than yourself" You egg him on, poking and prodding at Zhurou's often thick headed world view and beliefs by speaking his courtly language to try and get a rise out of him. And you do get a reaction, a subtle one, because despite being a hog, Zhurou's manners are immaculate.
Cont

>>6395298

It was just a snort. A quick shift of his tusks and a sharpening of his eyes. But for one who prided themselves on their etiquette and sought to embody elegance, that snort might as well have been a below of deep, blinding rage.

"It..is rather tiresome, despite my efforts and standing, I feel I am more oft mocked for my noble manner and politeness then I should be" He grumbles, as you smile and kick your legs playfully, one eye on the projection in the sky as the two fighters march side and side, lock step, their hands on the hilts of their sheathed blades. The young lightning and the rusted blade, walking step in step towards their battleground. You might need to take inspiration from the sight for your Sequel to Hare and Hunting Hound...

Niu, catching on that you're doing more than teasing the poor pig adds "Nobility is really hypocritical, you know, Lord Meiwei. You haven't seen the filth they cover themselves in, because you've never lived as a servant"

"I..I've heard that some amongst the gentry have fallen to the lure of hedonism and idleness, but I'd hoped such gossip was mere rumors. Just earlier, Princess Jionghuagege and I were having a discussion of what a noble ought to be, of course, we agreed that Lady Huanliuxue was the ideal but..." Zhurou starts one of his wild claims

"Oh, human nobility is awful. Most of the one's I've met were trash. Even the emperor was a worm, before he got squashed" You snicker "And none of them, even our friends named Chuan, are half the gentlemen you are, Zhurou, yet you are mocked and made fun of, for merely sticking to the just and honorable rules of etiquette, aren't you"

Zhurou snorts again, and Mao Yue peeks over Niu's hands while Huannupu starts unwinding the yarn ball back in her hands, muttering prayers you can just barely make out

"It isn't fair is it? They think Lord Meiwei to be a hideous beast, just because he has a snout and a tusk, when I know the lord takes better care of his fur and hide than many young ladies do, and without the aid of servants" Niu said softly and you nod sagely, at last knowing why Zhurou smelled more of roses and other flowers than he did of mud or straw "You even clip and polish your hooves, do you know how many noble feet I've had to touch and care for, because they were too lazy to manicure themselves"

"Oh yeah, I had to rub my auntie's feet all the time. And nobles were worse, especially the ones who bound their feet. They looked more like trotters than your cute hooves, Zhurou" Mao Yue pouts, complaining but not really understanding you and Niu are trying to help Zhurou "But you are a really elegant beast, more dragon than hog. Like the way the tuft of your tail lashes and flicks when you're lecturing one of the lower disciples, Zhurou"

Zhurou had stopped eating and was simmering with quiet outrage, snorting and waggling his snout, practically seething with rage that he was too gentle natured to express.
Cont

>>6395299

"Really its all a bunch of pig shit" You scoff, speaking as churlishly and crudely as you can manage or stomach "Zhurou, you've worked hard to refine your manners and practice and study etiquette day and night, and act so chivalrous and nobly, doing charity and other random acts of kindness, never looking down your snout at others and always maintaining an elegant air and manner. Yet your efforts aren't recognized and instead"

You sneer as the blades are unsheathed and Zhurou shuts his eyes

"Two thugs crossing their swords are met with the praise and adoration you rightfully deserve, as heir of the Meiwei name and lord of primordial nature, one of the disciples of the ascendant Palace of Natural laws sect, your efforts are met with more scorn and mockery than they deserve, despite being the very image of noble grace. You're treated like a big"

"It really isn't fair" Zhurou sniffles "Just because I have trotters instead of feet, they don't believe I can dance with swan like grace and think me a gluttonous beast, slave to their hungers and vices. Even that ghost king is looked up more fairly, despite being a rotten corpse. It really is unjust, isn't it, that I..I alone am laughed at for trying to live up to my noble name and blood!"

"It really is unfair" Niu repeats looking at your confusedly, maybe wondering if you had suddenly decided to bully Zhurou.

"It isn't like they do anything different, even the ones who act like baseborn beasts are treated more fairly than the elegant I! It is unjust! They praise and honor the image of grace, the illusion of nobility!" He roars, now looking like a proper boar, as Niu subtly tries to pull Mao Yue closer to herself, while Huannupu, as a worshiper of your magnificent self, realizes something more profound than a temper tantrum is occurring

"it isn't fair! They can barely walk on their own, yet they yell at poor Yue for breaking their stupid vase!" Mao Yue complains loudly "And they look down at Zhurou, just because he's a pig! Yet turn around and applaud our master even when she's being kind of mean and rude"

"Mao Yue" You say softly, warning her and Niu notices but Yue doesn't. Which is one of her charm points really
Cont

>>6395300

"Its a double standard! And a show of ignorance! Are pigs not elegant as well! We are just cleanliness minded as cats are~! We don't ask to be put into pens of mud and shit!" He roars, eyes alight as he stomps his hoofs and flicks his tail "It really is unfair! We're looked down upon, because we're deemed undeserving of fine silk cushions and are tossed scraps because we are too humble too complain! But it really is enraging! To be able to speak and entreat with man on equal footing, and still be treated like a fool, like a sow in a dress! When I have better articulation and vernacular than most of them and have never make social faux pas, forget my manners or falter in my etiquette! Despite working myself to the bones to better and improve my manners and noble self's graces, they treat me like a joke or mockery of themselves! I just..."

He breathed, a relaxed, enlightened look passing on his eyes

"I just want to be welcomed, invited to their table and have my cup of tea pour fairly and my opinions treated as respectfully as any other gentleman's words. I've never done them any harm, I've worked for their benefit and treat them with all due respect and kindness so why...why do they look at me like I'm something pitiful and strange! I am like them! I am just like them! We eat the same food, enjoy the same comforts, what makes them think they're better than me! We're the same! We're"

Zhurou blinked and stared you dead in the eyes as he gasped "Ah"

And then you shielded Niu, Mao Yue and Huannupu from the pillar of Primordial Beast Essence that shot into the sky. The audience all stopped their cheering as the two contestants basically played footsie with their blades, probing the others defenses and searching for weaknesses, as they saw the wave of Primordial Beast Essence shoot of in the heavens.

And even the fighters on the moon paused, as a great, emerald beam of light shot over their heads. Meiwei Zhurou's enlightenment went entirely uncontested by the heavens, as his ranting lead him to realize what you had realized long ago. Nothing separates beast and men, because man is just another kind of animal.

And when the pillar of light dissipated, you saw Zhurou's human form. And his stunned expression. He had a spiral mark on his brow where his horn usually would be, parting his Shidi rust brown hair and two of his lower canines were jutting and tusk like. The mark, you imagine, was similar to the back markings or tattoos that winged magical beasts had in their human forms, which hid and sealed their wings until they were needed. He also had the pointed, demonic ears of all beasts in their human form. And that was expected of Zhurou. Being a pig, you thought he'd be rotund, chubby, blubbery. Maybe even fatter than Chuandapo. But Zhurou, was swan like, almost feminine in his grace. Thin, tall and willowy.
Cont

>>6395304

And handsome. All magical beasts were beautiful in their human forms, but he was probably second only to yourself in sheer beauty. And he wasn't a wild beauty like yourself. His was a well bred, tamed sort of beauty. His eyes were phoenix eyes, sharp and collared like fiery opals and his rusty hair, once a thick mane, rolled down his back like a mane, making him look more like a lion than the tiger Youzaiwang. His fingers were slender and delicate and his skin was jade like and smooth as fine bone porcelain. He had plush lips, sharp features and high cheeks and a refined, sharp noble's nose. Pig was the furthest from one's mind when they looked at him. He did in many ways, more resemble a dragon. Or a carving of one. And his expression, while goofily shocked, settled in a naturally serene and distant look that made his looks all the more striking.

And between his long, thin legs

"You're blessed in more ways than one, Meiwei" You cackle as Niu falls backwards and faints and Mao Yue covers her eyes and Huannupu, provides the newly nude Zhurou with one of the fine pink and red robes of the sect

"Hmm. So that was the secret behind it. And I claim the historic seat of the tenth beast to attain their human form. It seems so simple now. There is Nothing to learn about Human Wisdom or insights, because there is Nothing about them that sets them apart from beasts or make them better or worth looking up to" He says, with a low chuckle as he sweeps his sleeves, testing out being able to wear robes and clothes "Forgive me, sisters for my outburst, I've interrupted a fine contest of martial talent, with my own piggishly short sighted envy. For now I see, they are elegant in their own manner, these swordsman, and the shedding of their blood is an artform I had previously looked down upon. Oh, how foolish I've been, I beg pardon, your Majest Huanliuxue"

"Enjoy some wine, Zhurou, I was trying to see if you were enlightened enough to learn" You say proudly as you shift to your fully human form, dressing yourself with your own shadow "And it seems you were, too my great pride and joy! Enjoy the fruits of success, and you two, stop falling over yourselves. Its still Zhurou! Weren't you just complimenting his grace and beauty"

"Haha! With fingers like this I can pluck a harp and learn the Guqin!" Zhurou says happily as Niu, furiously red in the face and Mao Yue, who keeps stealing glances at the pig, try and sit comfortably while Huannupu pours Zhurou a glass of crystal clear rice wine.

And the fight resumes once the shock of the pillar of light passes from the two fighters
Cont

>>6395305

"Pay close attention, watch carefully. They've gotten the measure of their opponents so this match will be done in a flash" You warn, lecturing your students and making them watch carefully and ignore the extremely eye catching pig sitting beside them "Pay close attention to the Storm Mountain Shrine Mountain fighter, watch his movements carefully, I know that is difficult because of how snappy and lightning fast they are, but see how he uses redirection even against the sword of his opponent"

"That too is elegance and refinement" Zhurou, who had minutes ago been critiquing the praise given to the man, was giving some of his own

"Yes, but he's moving them like lightning bolts, catching them by his hand and moving with the energy" You explain, hands tented as your three lady disciples nod along, Huannupu taking notes "It is that Redirection, so profound and precise, that is the treasure of the Lightning Messenger technique. And it is why, this runt of A Golden Core has been able to stay toe to toe with a sword maniac master several decades, if not centuries his elder! Watch closely! For a technique like that! Like my own ghostly feline martial arts, even just one move or half baked technique like it, could one day be the deciding factor between life or death for you! All four of you! Proper redirection, mastery of it, can change a fight from courting death to assured victory"

"So the Storm Mountain Shrine Represenitive is going to win?" Mao Yue asked as Niu watched very carefully, the former maid looking more focused than when she heard she could extend her life greatly with the Pine Warden Records

"No. He's fucked" You answer with a smile "Can you tell me why?"

"He's gotten overly confident" Zhurou says

"He's expending too much stamina and Qi redirecting those blows" Niu states coldly

"The old monster has killed practitioners of his style before" Huannupu guesses

"All three of you are right!" You declare as The Seven Slaughtering Sword Elder suddenly goes slack, like a puppet's whose strings were cut, and lifting up their sword, slices clean through the finishing move of sending a two headed dragon of lightning at his heart, splitting the bolt that could carve through a mountain deftly in twain while moving like a doll... He's being piloted by the condensed killing intent in his sword. The wielder and wielded have switched positions! That's a self inflicted possession! A technique only a true sword maniac could grasp, let alone master!

It ends in a flash, the Seven Slaughtering Sword member, who wrote his name as a scrawl of the word "Sword", impales the younger cultivator through the gut, then swings upwards, leaving a ghastly gouge through his torso but sparring his lungs and hearts. And as he is showered with blood, pivots and disarms the other masters self destruction technique. An unusual display of mercy for a career murderer

Cont

>>6395306


Tenting your fingers, you watch as the cut through storm of lightning reflects and dances around the torn open Storm Master and the triumphant Sword Possessor, the later already unconscious from bloodloss

"HUANLIUXUE!" The maniac victory manages to broadcast through sheer, condensed killing intent "THIS WHELP WAS UNWORTH TO END UPON MY BLADE! ALL IN THIS TOURNAMENT ARE UNWORTHY OF THE HONOR! SAVE ONE! ONLY ONE OF US WILL EXIT THE ARENA COME OUR MATCH! THE OTHER WILL BECOME A BEAUTIFUL CORPSE!"

"My my, how vicious" You cackle, amused

Double Vote

How do you respond to the Sword Maniac's Challenge/ Threat

>With Gusto and by promising, publicly, to cut the crazy bastard down if he makes it far enough to fight you

>By ignoring it entirely, no reason to give a lunatic like that the time of day

>"You will live on in disgrace, if we meet in the tournament, blood crazed dog"

>"If you want to kill me, try it, don't make promises you might not be able to keep, idiot~"

>Write in

And what do you do for the next matches, Huanliuxue?

>See if you couldn't help along a few other magical beasts into getting their human form

>Having done it once already with Heng, see if you couldn't get some of your human disciples to attain animal form

>Just give them pointers and tell them what techniques they should study, since Zhurou, Niu, Mao Yue and Huannupu are already asking to learn how to master a redirection focused martial art

>See if they, like their seniors, are inspired about how to progress their cultivation/ breakthrough, via watching the matches

>Write in

>>6395307
>>With Gusto and by promising, publicly, to cut the crazy bastard down if he makes it far enough to fight you
Live by the sword, as they say. If it's truly how he wants his story to end. Gotta respect the hustle.

>See if they, like their seniors, are inspired about how to progress their cultivation/ breakthrough, via watching the matches
Gotta keep big numbering.

>>6395307
>"I will cut you down and claim your sword!"
He will definitely agree and then none from his sect can argue when we do claim his sword

>>6395307
And
>See if they, like their seniors, are inspired about how to progress their cultivation/ breakthrough, via watching the matches

File: download.jfif.jpg (85.1 KB)

85.1 KB JPG

Let me apply my lack of skills to try and portray Zhurou's new form by way of abominable intelligence

>>6395306
And now Zhurou understands and sees the art in martial art
>>6395307
>With Gusto and by promising, publicly, to cut the crazy bastard down if he makes it far enough to fight you
>Having done it once already with Heng, see if you couldn't get some of your human disciples to attain animal form

>>6395307
Good job Zhurou, you’ve made a huge leap towards showing the world your elegance (and good luck with the female attention you’ll attract)
>"If you want to kill me, try it, don't make promises you might not be able to keep, idiot~"
A little shittalking to get everyone fired up
>See if they, like their seniors, are inspired about how to progress their cultivation/ breakthrough, via watching the matches

>>6395307
>With gusto
Why not. It's how he likes. And his body and loot will be useful.

>give them pointers.

>>6395331
And consign ourselves to occasionally have to duel their new grandmaster every few years or so?
I'm ambivalent on that but backing down from a challenge is unbecoming, especially since he's corteous enough restraining himself from killing his opponents.

>>6395307
>With Gusto and by promising, publicly, to cut the crazy bastard down if he makes it far enough to fight you
>Just give them pointers and tell them what techniques they should study, since Zhurou, Niu, Mao Yue and Huannupu are already asking to learn how to master a redirection focused martial art.

>>6395307
>With Gusto and by promising, publicly, to cut the crazy bastard down if he makes it far enough to fight you
This is his Dao, and I see no reason to shame him for it. Life to the victor, death to the worthy, shame to the unworthy.

>>6396215
And
>See if they, like their seniors, are inspired about how to progress their cultivation/ breakthrough, via watching the matches

>>6395307
>With Gusto and by promising, publicly, to cut the crazy bastard down if he makes it far enough to fight you
>See if they, like their seniors, are inspired about how to progress their cultivation/ breakthrough, via watching the matches

>>6395101
>>6395277
Was this a teaching test? Did it raise our bonus?
>>6395307
>With Gusto and by promising, publicly, to cut the crazy bastard down if he makes it far enough to fight you
>See if they, like their seniors, are inspired about how to progress their cultivation/ breakthrough, via watching the matches
We should enhance our juniors in order to bridge the time frame of our next tribulation.

File: 1716510831865084.png (208.5 KB)

208.5 KB PNG

Ending the vote, tallying the result now. Sorry to be so delayed, Juniors. I'd meant to this last night, but I stepped on some glass and had my plans ruined

With Gusto and by promising, publicly, to cut the crazy bastard down if he makes it far enough to fight you: 7

"I will cut you down and claim your sword!":1

"If you want to kill me, try it, don't make promises you might not be able to keep, idiot~":1
___

See if they, like their seniors, are inspired about how to progress their cultivation/ breakthrough, via watching the matches:6

Having done it once already with Heng, see if you couldn't get some of your human disciples to attain animal form:1

Just give them pointers and tell them what techniques they should study, since Zhurou, Niu, Mao Yue and Huannupu are already asking to learn how to master a redirection focused martial art.:2

So you'll accept the declaration with gusto and publicly promise to kill the sword maniac if you meet in the tournament

And then see if the next disciples will be inspired to progress/ refine their cultivation like their seniors were

Update will arrive shortly

>>6395342
Nice! Thank you junior. He looks very refined.

>>6396492
Technically, though like the time you taught the other beast students how to adopt a chimeric/ Hybrid form while training the carmine mystics, the success is instead spent on giving them bonuses

in this case, Zhurou's human form (Which is a big boon for him considering his dao is grace/elegance aligned) and giving all of the students presence a buff to learning redirection techniques/ styles/arts/ whatever

And you keep cackling, the toad like chuckling you inherited from your mother slowly evolving and morphing into a manic, blood thirsty howl of laughter as it grows in volume and bloodlust as your allow a glimpse of your imperial graveside aura to seep out and allow the old monster of the blade, who seems to only think and know of themselves as a Sword to receive a vision of the illest of omens.

"How vicious and amusing!" You declare, standing up and clapping your hands, your painted nails growing to claws as your teeth sharpen and grow into veins, your pupils turning to cat like slits as the foreboding light of stars glimmer in the color of your eyes "And how touching! Such a high compliment, such respect must be returned with enthusiasm and matched with equal honors! Very well, Elder Sword! I accept your declaration and hold you to your promise, you old charmer~~. Lets rip eachother apart until there's nothing left but cooling puddles of blood and steaming viscera! Lets tear into one another like rabid animals and murder eachother for our own delight and excitement! Only one of us will survive to see the end of this tournament, and our match. So lets send our opponent out with a bang and a celebration worthy of such bloodshed! It'll be a festival! A grand funerary rite! Is that suitable to you, walking sword"

There was a glint, bloody red in the old monster's eye as they heard your declaration through the resonance of their blood even thought they stood countless leagues away upon the moon.

"I knew you'd understand" The bloodlust transmitted from the old geezer, seemed to say "It is in your name after all, to revel in the slaughter. And in your nature to delight in such bloody murder, even if your heart has softened and warmed. I shall return this trash to his sect, and purify this aged body of mine for the ritual of mutually assured destruction we shall assuredly commit together! This old heart of mine is close to bursting to know you understand and would willingly give us a send off worthy of us both! Do not disappoint me! Carmine Child!"

And with that, there was nothing else to be said. And the batch of students that had been watching with you, were allowed to take their leave and practice some novice and foundational redirection techniques while the next group of disciples were welcomed into your austere and imperious presence.

Houmogui, Canlan Yuanquan, Chuanmao and Wang Wencheng were the group, the last of them stinking of wine and liquor like usual, and the former smelling of incense and blood. Yuanquan and Houmogui, smelled like fresh rain and lotus, and had clearly just finished grooming themselves

"The next match is about" You tell them with a genial smile, motioning them to sit down with a flick of your sleeve "Lord Xia is fighting Shandian, the sea against the lightning, isn't it an exciting matchup?"
Cont

>>6396984

"Ribbit, it sounds like a bad match for Lord Xia, Ribbit" Yuanquan opined as he clambered up on the chair formerly occupied by Zhurou "Water attracts electricity, does it not? Ribbit?"

"I would not be so certain, Senior Brother Frog!" Chuanmao said, standing stiff as a board or corpse "Lord Xia is a venerable immortal, a sage of the sea and a great warrior. Shandian is a mountain hermit and storm calling sorcerer. When two titans clash, the usual interactions of the Wuxing can be overlooked...At least that is what I was told by Senior Ping!"

"Lord Xia was also considered to be one of the candidates for the strongest of Chuan, before our master entered the discussion" Wang Wengcheng, astutely points out, despite how intoxicated he is "And that was during the era of the Xue Laohue. That man was a force of nature, and fended off both lord Xia and his rival Lord Shidi. Shandian cannot make the same claim. Which is why I've put some spirit stones and taels on our ally from the Summer Sea"

"Tch, Lord Xia might be strong but he has a dog's personality. Shandian still has some fire in his belly!' Houmogui brashly states "He isn't tamed and is more like the lightning he catches than Xia is like the sea he says he rules over. Sorry, but I think that dog is going to humiliate its master...right master?"

"Shandian also has a duty to win back the face his sect lost in the prior round" You say with a titter, hiding your smirk behind your mask "But, Lord Xia also has just as strong encouragement. His rival lost in his first match, and his wife won her first match! If anything, Xia has more to lose than Shandian does. He is already called the Henpecked Immortal behind his back, and his submission to me has only made that reputation of his all the more...telling, Heh-Heh-Heh"

"Oh, so he'll fight hard just to make the world think he isn't the sort of guy to get stepped on by women?" Houmogui snickers, as if she has an experience in that sort of thing

"Unfortunately, the truth is hard to be buried" Wengcheng cackled behind his sleeve as he sneakily gulped a mouthful of Kaoling wine, one of Monu's favorite bottles of it, judging from the harsh, nose hair burning smell "Lady Yanyu is a biter, I've heard"

and innocent Yuanquan tilted his head and croaked "Is she? But her teeth are much duller than master's!"

Even you knew he didn't mean biting in a fight, since you've seen the marks that the Lord and Lady Xia's mating sessions leave on the former. It was knowledge you wished you didn't possess...

"He has a reputation to uphold" Chuanmao says quickly "Despite Huanliuxue's supplanting of the local deities, many still think men are superior to women, despite worshipping a goddess who has made her name slaying false and demonic immortals!"
Cont

>>6396986

"And being scary as hell" Wengcheng drunkenly tittered as Lord Xia walked into the ring, well, swaggered like a prized stallion being put out to stud "Oh look, our dog is peacocking about! Hoping to be given some face and recognition by our master!"

"I hope he loses, if only so he doesn't have to fight his own wife, Ribbit" Yuanquan said sadly, his golden heart shining oh so brightly as you rolled your eyes as you watched Jinse-Shayu showboat and strut around like a rooster. It'd be funny to have him "Spar" with a certain, broken headed hungry ghost you know Heh-Heh-Heh.

"Hey, Wengcheng, isn't that courting death ya drunk pig?" Houmogui drawled "Xia might be our subordinant, but he could still kill you or me with a flick of his wrist"

"Eh, Huanliuxue would turn him to a fine red mist if he ever tried" Wengcheng, emboldened by his drink, scoffs "Oh look, Master Lightning is strutting around as well! Do they have no shame acting like Cocks in the morning"

"To be so bold, such is the blessing to be an attendant to the great red moon goddess!" Chuanmao declared happily "This performance of these immortals, just shows how high our liege stands above them! If they'd act like stallions on show in her presence!"

"Most people act like this around master, especially right after she's decided to act as horrifying as she just did!" Houmogui snickers "So, whose stronger, the husband or the wife"

"The Wife. Jinse-Shayu is the glittering surface of the sea, Yanyu is its crushing depths. But, he is still has a higher quality golden core than most of our rare breed" You observe casually and serenely, kicking one leg over the other "Shandian is the approaching storm, rumbling in the distance. His core is a tier below Jinse-Shayu, a gap but not an insurmountable one in power, especially considering the raw power of his sect's primary law and his...unique connection to the energy of the storm"

"What level are their cores anyway?" Yuanquan asked curiously "We do not share your incredible perceptions and ability to measure other's cultivation, master"

"Third, and Fourth, if I had to judge them" You answer sharply "Both high quality, but nowhere close to my own, peerless golden core, Heh-Heh-Heh. But there was a reason Xia was considered one of the pillars of orthodox cultivation, even outside of Chuan. Until I entered the stage, of course"

"And Yanyu?" Houmogui asked

"Tch, she was harder to judge. But I'd place her golden core around tier two" You answer sharply "She hides her strength well. Yanyu is like a pearl hidden deep in the sea"

"Any tier ones in the running?" Wengcheng asked
Cont

>>6396987

"Could be" You answer vaguely knowing that a few contestants might've had the brains to hide the actual quality of their golden core for years or, in the case of the gods, never revealed the innate quality of the damaged divine cores they'd been born with. But amongst them, it have to be one of the remaining three. Most likely Star Shooter. If he was, well, your "brother" would get his ass kicked even with the hints you gave him, because he'd be a few tiers under that former god, just like he was for his piece of shit father.

And you know very well how hard that old bastard of a cockroach was to put down. It took creating a sun within his blood to put that old, half frozen monster to rest! You watched each of your four students carefully as you thought. All four of them could gain some really valuable insights in this match, considering how tightly it gripped their attentions.

They had the right mindsets to learn from even a trail of ants walking in front of them, right now. So you could easily guide them to learn what would help them the most from this match

And what insights would you try to push them to gleaming, Huanliuxue?

>How one could fight and even overcome a stronger opponent, lessons you learned well before you became the stronger one nine times out of ten

>How one can abuse the elemental interactions and the creative ways one can handle each of the five, like you do by transmuting blood into fire!

>Make them focus on how refined and skillfull every technique and movement of both combatants are, to remind them to not slack in training even the basics

>Watch, listen and give them the push they need if they find their own path forward through the matches. And if they can't, cheer one Xia since him losing would make you look bad!

>Write in

>>6396988
>Watch, listen and give them the push they need if they find their own path forward through the matches. And if they can't, cheer one Xia since him losing would make you look bad!

>>6396988
>How one can abuse the elemental interactions and the creative ways one can handle each of the five, like you do by transmuting blood into fire!

Frankly speaking this is a good lesson even if they do not choose to practice strickly elementalism as others certainly will and anticipating their tricks is life or death in a fight!

>>6396988
Trying to remember how many golden cores are left for the first round. There's the remaining former gods, our brother, the White Jade's General, the Disi-Ling, and whatever sect heads I forgot plus their strongest disciples?
>How one can abuse the elemental interactions and the creative ways one can handle each of the five, like you do by transmuting blood into fire!

>>6396988
>How one can fight and overcome stronger opponents.

If your peers are a stage above you, you will always be capable.

Also holy shit, Yanyu at 2nd? It would br well worth the effort of nurturing her to spirit severing.

Ending the vote, tallying the result now.

Watch, listen and give them the push they need if they find their own path forward through the matches. And if they can't, cheer one Xia since him losing would make you look bad!:1

How one can abuse the elemental interactions and the creative ways one can handle each of the five, like you do by transmuting blood into fire!:2

How one could fight and even overcome a stronger opponent, lessons you learned well before you became the stronger one nine times out of ten:1

so you'll try to inspire your students to learn how to abuse the five elements of the Wuxing and creative ways of wielding them as you watch Xia Jinse Shayu and Shandian duke it out

Update will arrive shortly. Might be a short one, cause I've a massive pain in my jaw for whatever reason. And 4chan seems to be having technical issues

>>6397190
Yanyu is strong. Just not Huan or Laohue strong. Or Aodasheng. But two of the three are either a freak of nature or an ancient evil, and two are also dead so...

"Master Shandian, it isn't often we meet" Xia Jinse Shayu jauntily greated the master of the storm mountains shrine sect, who had let his hair flow freely behind him, lifted with the static electricity his body ambiently generated as both men, in similar fashion, slung their weapons over their backs. For Xia, rather than his usual, shark shaped spear, he'd switched it out for a trident that oozed with spiritual energy. It was one of his sect and clan's treasures surely, it was made of a pearly metal on the tips and wrapped with verdigris bronze and shimmering gold like fish scales around its haft. While in the case of Shandian, he had a staff of blackened copper on his back that shimmered inside with peals of blue silver trapped lightning and was carved with scenes of celestial battle.

"Mountain peaks and Seashores rarely meet" Shandian agreed, lifting up his chest. Beneath his daoist robes, that had been styled to resemble storm clouds, he wore scale and chain mail that sparked and crackled with every movement he made. Along his wrists and legs, bangles of solidified and tamed lightning were rapped. On his hip, a flask of glass that shimmered and swirled with a caged storm. He wore two rings, both artifacts, one probably a storage ring and the other a mystery.

"Not unless one falls and the other rises" Xia mused, flicking his sleeve. He was wearing the skin of a monstrous shark, not a magical beast's hide. He'd been careful to explain that the Bloodreef Steelbone shark was just an every day mystical creature, more spirit than beast and unintelligent. And besides that, he had a few bone and teeth ornaments, taken from the sea monster and strengthened and refined until the surface transmuted into a rainbow texture like an oil spill turned to polished silver.

"Monkeys rarely have any desire to go swimming" Shandian says, sucking air through his teeth before dipping down his chin and cupping his fists "To the stronger between us"

"To the stronger between us, but less make this interesting. You win, one of your sons can have one of my daughters as their bride" Lord Xia said with an all too familiar cocky grin

"And if you shall win, my daughter shall go to one of your sons" Shandian laughed, his gambler's heart roused as he walked like old friends with the lord of the Xia clan up the stairway of solidified crimson moonlight and through the tear and space to enter the airless void outside of the moon.

You remain silent, watching the shadow theater in the sky that five colors was displaying as he introduced both the fighters to the audience, for the benefit for those not aware of the goings on of the world of cultivation or its big players, as bombastically as he has been in the other matches.
Cont

>>6398558

"Students, pay close attention to how both fighters compose themselves" You say sternly "There is more than one cycle of the Wuxing, see how these veterans abuse and twist the elemental interactions to suit their benefit"

"Yes, Master!" Houmogui, Yuanquan, Chuanmao and Wengcheng all reply immediately and get to their edge of the seats to get a closer look at the projection in the sky

Both men, dramatically circled the other, flicking their weapons off of their backs and dragging their ends along the grey dust and sand of the moon, golden and azure tongues of lightning dancing off of Shandian's copper rod while whorls of illusionary water and phantom sharks surrounded Xia Jinse-Shayu as both of them started the fight by releasing their auras. And manfiested them, seems Xia fought a lot like his wife, and Shandian knew that. They've fought against eachother before, and the internal worlds of their cultivation auras clashed and merged as both walked casually as if they were two Toms patrolling the edge of their territory. Both of them grinning like idiots as the world around them became a display of how refined and profound their cultivation was

"And the mountaintop meets the sea" You muse, purring as you lean closer, one hand over the other, now very interested as the sphere of their auras projected a vision of a storm blackened peak being lashed at by waves. Xia made the first move, flicking his trident and releasing a gourd full of saltwater, than he turned into a great shark of white spray and foamy waves that he road atop like a ship. Spinning his trident, he bore down on Shandian.

Who just smirked and stood his ground, crouched down on the top of a mountain peak

"Now, Metal Qi empowers Water Qi in the common, Generative Cycle of the Wuxing. Lightning techniques are usually created and strengthen by metal. But, occasionally there are obscure and abnormal forms of electrical generation" You explain rapidly as you realize from the stance and posture that Shandian had swapped from his usual, Metal aligned martial arts to one that was a combination of Wood and Fire philosophies "That are sourced from Wood and Fire Qi. Water Nourish Wood, Wood Fuels Fire. A two step process to use the spiritual energy of his opponents own attack, to boost his own counter attack"

"That's high level" Houmogui mutters

"It makes my head hurt thinking about it" Wengcheng chuckled

"I wish I had hands to take notes!" Yuanquan bemoaned while Chuanmao stroked his chin and clicked his jaw

"That isn't the end of it, is it, Huanliuxue?" He asked softly and you smirked as you watched the first clash begin, Xia leaping off of the shark
Cont

>>6398559

"Lord Xia prefers flashy techniques and matching the expectations of the Golden Shark and master of the Summer Sea" You say "But while he practices the extremely orthodox style of his clan and sect, he possess every law of cultivation and martial arts and sorcery that his family and temple have collected. That includes purifying techniques that use or control salt. Salt Increases the conductivity of water, but it also has a property of..."

There is a clash, Shandian transmute the bio-electricity into his body as the mist and water washes over him and begins to tear and rip at his armor and exposed skin, transmuting it to Fire Qi then into lightning so concentrated and intense it begins to melt into balls of plasma. But as he begins to hurl and send those minature suns up towards Xia, to the awe and delight of the crowd, five colors and yourself, Lord Xia snaps his fingers

And release a sorcerous array he'd kept hidden on a paper slip in the palm of his hand.

"Lowering Water's freezing point. Countering its own weakness to lightning, and extinguishing the fire spell that Shandian had expertly performed!" You declare excitedly, purring in your throat as your subordinant releases a combination spell between one of the Whirlpool arrays of his sect and a spell he had to have stolen from the battlefield in the war against the Winter Blossoming Wisdom sect. In an instant, his trident flashes as he spins, twirls and thrusts it, putting Shandian on the backfoot as the aura clash breaks and the two are instead fighting in a storm of razor sharp shards of ice and deathly cold more intense than the depths of the sea or bottom of hell!

But Shandian used a movement technique and landed a counter hit, by zapping straight through Xia after turning into a bolt of lightning. Still half electricity, he spun around his staff and Xia with a black burn around his midsection spun around, caught the copper rod with an arm coated in salt and ice, wincing as he spat up blood as a lethal current ran through him. And he started to corrode the metal under his palm. Shandian kicked him away, Lord Xia grinned, teeth turning shark light as a coating of scales formed from pure water Qi caughted his arms, legs. Half barrier spell, half physical technique, he became a blur. And was keeping up with the man moving as fast as literal lightning. Despite the advantage Xia had, Shandian was making him work for every blow he landed! What an entertaining match!

"See? both of them are elites. Both of them know the others capabilities and repertoire of magic and techniques. Which means they have to get especially creative. They can't rely solely on treasures or magic tools, so they've got to get inventive with their Qi usage and use more obscure variations of spiritual energy to power their spells, techniques and strikes!" You explain
Cont

>>6398560

"Does our austere palace possess any salt powered methods of cultivation?" Chuanmao asked curiously "That salt corroding trick, seems like it'd be useful in your service, my lady"

"Hmm, purifying" Yuanquan said thoughtfully "Perhaps I should study salt to. Purity is my area of expertise, after all"

"Well, there's a lot you can do with blood, isn't there master?" Houmogui asked "And noise can have its pitch raised or lowered. Yeah! Yeah! I think I've got an idea"

"Hmm, Water can be poisoned. I'm no alchemist or poisoner, but alcohol isn't that different from water, and the style I use, did include poison. Maybe...if I use fire" Wengcheng said thoughtfully. And you smirk, seeing that your subtle push was already having results and getting your disciples to think outside of the strict guidelines of Orthodox cultivation!

And as the fight continues, what do you make an effort in, Huanliuxue?

>Promise Yuanquan and Chuanmao you'll ask lord Xia for pointers/ materials on using Salt in cultivation/ sorcery, and do so right after his match ends

>Tell Houmogui every way you can transform blood, and offer to make her a carmine mystic, if she can prove her expertise in it (Training Trial. DC 75, secondary DC 125. DC reduced by both of your expertise/ affinity in Blood Qi)

>Offer to help Wengcheng find a way to use fire in drunken fighting style, without burning himself to a crisp (Training Trial. DC 60)

>Let them figure it out on their own

>Write in

>>6398561
>Promise Yuanquan and Chuanmao you'll ask lord Xia for pointers/ materials on using Salt in cultivation/ sorcery, and do so right after his match ends

>>6398561
>Promise Yuan and Chuab that you will inquire about the salt style from lord Xia.
>Train Homouri.
>Wang, I like your thinking. Develop it into an art by the end of the tournament and I will see a comfortable reward sent to your rooms.

Wang is a coward and a lush, so maybe giving him external motivation will encourage him.
I don't want to make training bat girl harder for his sake.

>>6398561
>Tell Houmogui every way you can transform blood, and offer to make her a carmine mystic, if she can prove her expertise in it
but I do like the write in >>6398571 suggested for Wengcheng so I'll back it

>>6398561
>Offer to help Wengcheng find a way to use fire in drunken fighting style, without burning himself to a crisp (Training Trial. DC 60)

>>6398561
>Tell Houmogui every way you can transform blood, and offer to make her a carmine mystic, if she can prove her expertise in it (Training Trial. DC 75, secondary DC 125. DC reduced by both of your expertise/ affinity in Blood Qi)