Reverent silence.

In the steps that took these ghosts across the threshold, to outer balconies and to the stairs that lead down into the Clouded Court Squad’s bowels.

Hushi was first to impress the usual circumstance, the disruption of air at Fu’s neck that welcomed a usual sight. Though he followed half a thought slower, his reaction was suitable.

“Senior,” he whispered as a disciple arrived at his rear. “This junior has returned from his mission, and greets you.”

A hint of amusement tickled the woman’s voice. “Well met, disciple Gao.” Her blade retracted gently, withdrawn from a pressure that had brooked no ill intent. “You shame your Senior with each visitation.”

He clasped his hands. “Surely it is the Clouded Court’s superior training, and no lack of skill on my senior’s part.”

The ghost’s presence vanished, allowing his descent down the stairs.

“Truly, that disciple must be a fish wive,” said Zhu. “You’ve no charm to have her smile as she did there.” With no quiet to his voice, this broke the silence upon the landing.

From aide, to scholar, and the senior masters about this subterranean hall. In whisper alone, yet deafening in contrast.

All… incredulous.

Ahead, an effeminate master turned. The very same that had administered his [Dao Oath] and had set him before [Of Perennial Shade].

Master Jiahao. If I recall.

This brought an end to the susurrus, and deepened the breath held in Fu’s lungs. Their mission in the [Twilight Lotus Expanse] was no quiet thing.

“Disciples,” he said. “The Clouded Court Squads extends its gratitude.”

And each head descended in a wave about them. Hands clasped, knees were taken, and while no cheer came- there washed pride upon the faces of many.

“These disciples are unworthy of such praise,” bowed Fu.

The effeminate master pursed his lips. “Rejection of glory is key among our tenets. Yet, for juniors of your tenure to retrieve Master Ban is no small feat. To escape, as his report states, with no connection to our fair Sect. Even I am humbled. To conquer the [Allegiant Mind-Spirit Array] is in itself, noteworthy.”

No connection? He goes too far.

“Our senior is too kind. We only do as asked.”

A roll of parchment was plucked from an adjacent table, and leafed through swiftly. Then the man spoke a single name aloud. “Sun Zheng.”

Some moments passed under the reverberation of this, until the rear of their Squad Leader flashed before them. Interposed between the Senior with a bow. “This Sun Zheng answers the master’s summons.”

“You are gathered to be commended, Zheng. The training of these disciples is exemplary, and puts you in good standing. Well done, Squad Leader. If such results are to continue, then it would show great merit.”

“This Sun Zheng extends his gratitude for the kindness. I-

“I would hear how he has cultivated such talent,” broke an unmistakable voice. Leftmost to their position, [Of Perennial Shade] stalked forth. Ban Bingbai at her side in slow, matching steps.

Where once acknowledgement had taken hold of the massed disciples, devotion came. Bodies were thrust to the floor, save for Master Jiahao whose deference was set upon one knee.

“I greet the Elder,” he said.

“Yes, Master Jiahao, the greeting is returned,” waved off the Elder. “But my question is posed to disciple Sun. Let’s hear him speak, for surely this peerless tale has peerless origins.”

For his part, Sun Zheng remained composed. “Surely the details of this lacking disciple’s methods are of no interest to the Elder. I would not dare claim talent in her presence.”

“We’re serpents, not worms, boy. Yet you shrivel as if crows circle above. But perhaps I’m unkind. I’ll ask on the preparation. What resources were given to aid in this mission that one in ten disciples lie dead from?”

Zheng clasped his hands. “Only the resources as allocated to any low-ranking squad. This disciple judged any more to be wasteful, and did not wish to squander the stores of our venerable Clouded Court Squads.”

“Oh? The disciple is truly dedicated to place the whole above the few,” intoned [Of Perennial Shade]. “Then I’d ask on the intelligence granted. Did you scour our Clouded Archives, and plan the optimal routes for this mission? Surely, no low-ranking squad such as this could prevail without such insight.”

One more Zheng clasped his hands. “The full trove of the Clouded Archives were made available, Elder.”

“A most dutiful half answer,” she smiled in return. “The [Arrays] within the [Twilight Lotus Expanse] have often eluded even our inner disciples. I’m eager to know just when we received the methods for bypassing them, and further, how Sun Zheng came to know of their existence before I did. You must truly be unparalleled beneath the Heavens.”

The silence between breaths only deepened as she took a step forward.

“The [Allegiant Mind-Spirit Array], and these junior’s resilience was as I thought. The Clouded Courts would not initiate those that lack in mental fortitude. I placed my trust thus.”

Another step was taken.

Fu felt no [Intent], but sweat licked him from nape to heel. Her presence commanded it, wordlessly.

“Again you’ve revealed yourself as peerless. Blessed by the [Dao of Foresight]. I’m well pleased by this. But I’d know another detail,” she offered, and these words linger. “What was your role?”

The tightening of Zheng’s throat was heard by all. “This disciple’s role is whatever the Elder deems fit.”

“Put in your ears boy. What was your role in Master Ban Bingbai’s retrieval?”

“This-”

A blotch of ink appeared upon Zheng’s forehead, As white as the purest [Winter] snow. It had him seize in place. Frozen, and immovable save for his eyes.

Those, Fu saw, darted as if agitated minnow caught in a thinning pool.

But the Elder did not act on this with sudden violence, and spoke. “Glory. Furthest from the ideals set forth. Yet here, made manifest. What arrogance. What mortality. I see before me no ghost, but self-serving filth.”

Sun Zheng squeaked betwixt well clasped lips.

“To think me drawn forth to expose this,” she continued. “The deaths of disciples. The abuse of resources. The negligence. How you have run rampant, child. How you have made a mockery of my halls. By these deeds I know well how you have forgotten where it is you kneel.”

Each morsel of heat drained from Fu as [Of Perennial Shade’s] gaze fell to him, expectant.

“Disciple Gao Fu. As his second, the duty lies with you. Curb this disloyalty.”

Fu remained prostrated, and all was viewed beneath the brim of his blackened douli. Half obscured. Yet he felt in himself an internal tug, and inspiration rose. “This lacking disciple offers his apologies, revered Elder. His trial within the [Twilight Lotus Expanse] has left him bereft of strength. He would offer disciple Niwai’s arm in its place.”

A thin crinkle piqued upon his Elder’s lips. “Disciple Niwai. As my favoured states.”

The light caught Niwai’s blades as she swiftly advanced, and crossed both just above the crook of his neck. Which raised briefly only to scythe his head free.

Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.

“Master Jiahao,” the Elder addressed. “See that I don’t need to further stoke the memories of our disciples.”

“As you say, Elder,” said the man.

“Yes. Isn’t that how it should be?” [Of Perennial Shade] took Jiahao’s measure, and uncharacteristically softened. “The void created by this need not be filled. I trust you’ll be able to accommodate that.”

These words marked her departure, and a great many breaths were loosed as Jiahao gave the command for all to return to their duties.

Which left Ban Bingbai central, gesturing for Fu and his companions to rise. “I’ve a notion to chide you disciples for landing me in such trouble,” he smiled. “But I think so unorthodox a promotion is punishment enough, no?”

Promotion?

“Master Ban, this disciple does not follow,” said Fu, quite aware of the hundred ears upon his words.

“No. I’d expect not,” Bingbai smirked, and then called out ahead. “Brother Jiahao, I lay claim to these four. Is that suitable?”

The day it seemed was full of gasps and halted breaths for once more the room sounded with muted exclamation.

Jiahao only granted a nod.

🀩

A screen stylised with serpent-wrapped stars punctuated the quarters where Fu now stood, cobalt to match its owner, and set above the rest by five neat steps. The room itself was low, and creviced with ten separate screens upon each side, featureless in contrast to that at its end.

Ban Bingbai crossed the distance slowly. “Our Elder must have placed great faith in your abilities,” he mused, and pushed a finger atop the seamless wooden floor. He lifted them in a pinch, rubbing index and thumb. “Or the Clouded Courts have more diligent cleaners than I recall.”

Assembled at the entrance, Fu’s squad remained upon their knees.

“Plum-boy Zhu, where is your boldness? Come, inspect your new lodgings without fear,” he continued. “Unless,” he then called. “Guang, will you ash these disciples for a lack of bowing?”

The master’s [Spirit Tortoise] held conference in one corner, humouring a cabal of mortal serpents that inspected his shell.

True to heart, Zhu broke deference first. “New quarters? They’re quite sparse.”

“Yes, yes, I’d agree. You’ll forgive me though, my seclusion was as such. Little more than Guang’s back was needed, though that’s a poor excuse,” Ban then drew several furnishings from a spatial trinket, landing a table and eleven cushions near the mouth of the star-inked screen. “All things must begin with a solid foundation, no?”

“As you say, master,” came a tandem reply from Fu and Niwai.

“With that Sun Zheng’s leadership you disciples should be well-used to lacking information and guesswork. Such methods are disfavorable to me,” he led all to sit, placing himself at the head. “But contrary to this, I’d seek to exploit you all for conversation. Closed door cultivation is a lonely affair.”

“These disciples will answer what they can, master,” offered Fu.

“Water does not run up hill, Gao Fu. How might you speak when you yourself are dry and parched of answers?” Ban Bingbai clacked his gums to this effect, leaving Fu wonder if this was imparted wisdom or simple truth. “It occurs to me that I’ve a thirty seven moon-long thirst.”

“This Yin Linhua will fetch tea,” squeaked the voice before Fu.

“Ah, Yin Linhua. The absent one, but doubtless, for a reason.” At this comment, she visibly withdrew. “[Foundation Realm]. To be upon the first step is no shameful thing, disciple. Weakness is no failure, only the absence of a desire to change is. But tell me, how do you like your tea?”

Ban Bingbai claimed he was no doddering old man. Is he simply indulging in conversation as stated?

“This Yin Linhua enjoys all tea.”

Thick, cobalt eyebrows were raised at each disciple in turn. Questioning.

“I enjoy bitter tea, master” said Niwai.

Fu dipped his head when replying. “This disciple is of a mind with sister Niwai.”

“I’d rather wine,” said Zhu.

A small flash of light heralded a change upon the table. Ban Bingbai’s arm withdrew with a sheen, presenting an ornate pot and five cups which he filled himself.

“To matters then,” Ban Bingbai continued. “Promotion. Speak on what you know of the Four-Seven-Thirteen.”

Some small flick of Zhu’s head foisted the duty of answering to Fu. “We disciples are of the Four, beneath Sun Zheng, who was of the Seven, and in turn reported a Squad Leader within the Thirteen. Above that, this disciple cannot say.”

“Varying degrees of inner disciples and masters such as myself,” answered Bingbai with a smile. “Where the head branch of our Cloudy Serpent Sect would gain notoriety for fielding cultivators of this talent, it stands against our tenets. We’ve to be shrouded, for this serves best. Yet there does exist higher standings. I’d explain further despite the tangent, should the disciples wish?”

All responded in the negative, save for Niwai. “I would hear it, master. For I would stand there one day.”

Did her execution of Sun Zheng strike no chord? Or does her arrogance not allow for the parallel to be drawn?

Fu met Zhu’s eye briefly, their thoughts similar.

“Zhu, I recall a sibling of yours that stands within the Seven Phoenixes and Six Dragons. Plum Sapling Mei. Yet thirty-seven moons might have seen her ascension to the [Origin Realm].”

“She has not,” said Zhu, curtly.

Ban Bingbai accepted this. “Talent is praised within the Clear Sky Empire. And quantified by these rankings. I’d say this much has not changed, for that’s not the nature of those who stand closest to the Heavens. Peak [Core Formation] geniuses that have reached the cusp of immortality within one hundred moons. Our Sect has a similar ranking, named as the Descent of Four Clouds.”

Three of the cups atop the table were emptied, and Linhua rushed to fill them. Fu found that he had yet to touch his, so interested was he in the conversation.

What monsters might these cultivators be? Able to overturn seas with a flash of their sleeve.

“Master Bingbai is surely counted within their number,” said Niwai, and raised her cup heedless of Linhua’s pouring.

“Immortals are given their own rights, disciple,” Ban Bingbai corrected. “But that’s an indulgence I’d not visit now. I’ve spoken of hierarchy as your deeds in the [Twilight Lotus Expanse] have placed you aside it. If the Descent of Four Clouds are our peak, then you are now beneath the wind that lilts them.”

Niwai’s eyes glinted. “I accept this honor.”

“Master Ban is truly generous for considering us,” said Fu. “Might this disciple ask on their duties? That we might best prepare.”

“Oh, I’d say your duties remain unchanged Gao Fu. It’s merely who you report to that differs greatly. Research is my purview, and I’ve need of hands when my own are busy. But as you are, disciples, I foresee little immediate use,” it was then that he stood. “To that end, I would know you all.”

Always with the expectation that such civility could end, Fu was first to stand, and first to bow as Bingbai bid them move a pace from each other. His hand was set within the folds of his hanfu, and drew forth a set of golden needles.

Qi of Bingbai’s cobalt blue ignited upon the stack, and the room’s light grew dim.

“[Twelve Rhythms of the Golden Needle]”, he voiced, and these needles flew free to arrange in the air by his head. Which Fu mused to number one hundred.

Without warning, Linhua released a whelp. Struck by the total.

“Yin Linhua,” said Bingbai, and whirled his finger to conduct some unknown effect across the needles with an oscillation of flame. “A cultivator for less than three [Seasons]. Yet the damage to your [Channels] and [Meridians] both suggest heavy [Spirit Core] use. Ah, your parents are cultivators, as evidenced by not only your [Bloodline], but the strength of it. Qi impartment presents highly in [Capacity].”

At his mercy, Linhua made efforts to stifle her complaints. But the needles retracted gently, and she fell composed.

“There is a tale there, for another day,” said Bingbai. “I’d suggest you retire for now. A remedy will find its way to your quarters.”

Her bow and subsequent departure was swift. Vanishing behind a screen closest to the entrance.

Niwai’s pride had her silent as the needles struck her.

“A cultivator of less than six [Seasons]. Natural cultivation, though there are signs of pill toxicity throughout your earlier [Meridians]. No product of the Cloudy Serpent Sect. There’s a rawness that speaks to recent martial insight without consolidation- ah, you encountered the [Spirit Spider] beneath the Lotus Blade Sect. Qi impartment follows [Body] in the majority.”

A soft release again, but Niwai spoke where Linhua did not. “Master Ban’s insight is inscrutable. The pills I consumed were of lesser Sect design. Talentless pits.”

“As most are when faced with our venerable Cloudy Serpent Sect,” agreed Bingbai. “Such shortcomings are easily rectified, disciple. Do as Linhua has done, and a way to overturn this shall be delivered.”

However, Niwai remained. “Gratitude, Master. But I would stay to glean more of your insight.”

One needle abruptly blinked into her temple, flaring. “Diligent, disciple. Yet it seems you can’t stay awake.”

As if a writer’s poor notion, she crumpled like parchment to land upon Guang’s shell. The [Spirit Tortoise] now suddenly beneath to cushion her fall.

The process repeated with Zhu. “A cultivator for several moons, yet your [Channels] are purer than expected. The [Mantra of Heavenly Plums] runs strong in your veins to no surprise. If, disused. You did not begin on the path of [Body], and half-squander it. [Karmic] aspects are evident, and show clear signs of tampering. The [Constellation Seed] within you is of note.”

Fu blinked.

What aspects of [Karma] might be found in one’s body? If indeed Master Ban is limited by this.

“[Karma] is not my father’s domain, but that of the Heavens,” said Zhu. “Thus I’ll reject all but this part of his heritage.”

“Bold, as proved already. You will know that the eradication of a [Bloodline] is a [Tribulation] in itself. I’ll think on this, if your Path is set, disciple Zhu.”

Guang returned from delivering Niwai to her quarters, and padded with no haste to the corner from whence he had stirred. Bingbai likewise moved to Fu.

“Perhaps you’ll find this callous, disciples, but I’ve sparse interest in your fellows. Our Elder may have designs upon them, for nothing is engineered across our halls that her hands do not touch. I gather them as we are linked, tethered by association,” continued Bingbai, and plunged the needles into Fu. “My missive may well include them soon. But what’s desired is what you both hold.”

Dormant since their arrival, Hushi stirred vigorously as Qi filtered through their [Core]. A stimulating effect that warmed like the tea they had only just consumed.

Fu felt his Qi agitate by this force, though neither cultivator nor Bond could glean any ill intent.

“A cultivator for but a few short [Seasons], at near forty moons no less. Disciple Gao’s body is a nexus of Qi. [Poison Qi], and the composite [Spectral Qi] from [Air] and [Soul]. The latter of which is interesting. To hold three [Constellation Seeds], this is more so.”

The needles retracted, and Ban Bingbai stroked pensively at his beard.

Invigoration left Fu, and he put himself on a knee aside Zhu. He did not enjoy the forced revelation of his cultivation. Nor any truth of his life. Though such protests were futile in the face of greater strength.

No matter how kindly the one that demanded it.

But he steeled himself from the withdrawal, and set his mind to current matters.

“Master Ban,” he said. “This disciple’s thoughts remain unclear, and he would ask if the intent of our duties is to seek out [Constellation Seeds].”

A wide smile emerged on Bingbai. “In part, Gao Fu. Our aim here is to reap them, and not to collect such treasures as you know it. But by nature there are few possessed by those without talent, and as I’ve stated- none here are fit to begin.”

So saying he dispensed a small ring into his palm, and threw it to Fu. Some queer, translucent metal through which he could see his own skin.

“Disciple Zhu received his gift in the [Twilight Lotus Expanse]. Here is yours, rightfully taken from the same. It will support that little mystery in your pouch, if that’s the Path you have chosen,” the master said, and chuckled before slowly padding away.