-therein lies ten processes for the base acquirement of [Constitution].

The intermediary components however are too numerous to list, and should be reflective of the specific [Constitution] that one wishes to achieve.

[Body], as a Path, and one of four, holds great sway over the remaining methods of cultivation.

To apply these techniques needn’t be the end of your tempering, for this a process that can be ever improved. It’s the foundation that matters, as is found in a great many body-tempering tomes.

Stages of a specific path that one need attain before moving to the next.

Thus we will begin.

At the first step, one must have their external reagents prepared, for no great transformation can begin without such influence.

Secondly, the composition of ambient Qi must be of adequate level as to prepare either the foundation stage or the final product as you see fit.

Though, I’ll say that only a blinded fool strives for the final product when so much is to be learned through the natural ascension of stages.

Thirdly, one need only cultivate, applying the reagents- harnessing their effects while steeping their own [Meridians] in the both the purity of desired Qi and the characteristics of tempering liquid therein.

Fourthly, it is best to brace. For while these de-mystified methods are simple in nature, few can weather, let alone survive the lethally poisonous process of transforming even one [Meridian] without succumbing to death.

- Constitution, Volumes One through Three,” by Master Ban Bingbai

Three quarters of the Four Corners Prefecture sagged.

Indiscriminate save for those immortals, spectating from divine warships some few steps below the Heavens themselves.

Fu’s own strain, and that of Hushi and Shuidi, was foul.

The [Tyranny of Seasons] held no sway against this rising [Spring].

To view the [Spring Equinox] was no new thing for any, for the skies were open to all across the land. Fisherman or patriarch. He had faced it before- the surreal rising of the sun to its zenith come early morning, and its stasis as it rested there.

A flaming monarch, at rest in its cloud-wrapped throne.

Yet Fu’s alignment of [Winter] felt as though [Autumn’s] cruelty had intensified, and his breath had grown laboured over the passing hours. His Qi felt stifled, as if absent, and his spirit mirrored that of one assailed by an immortal’s scrutinising [Intent].

How those around him clashed amidst this was a wonder.

Unbefitting of his station, Fu’s hand braced against the tentpole. “It is irregular, no?” he breathed.

Linhua and Fuzhi, her [Spirit Serpent] bore [Autumn] as their [Season]. Yet their gait was likewise staggered. “This disciple is dampened by it,” she gasped. “She had not heard of its nature before. Such celestial events are sure to be recorded.”

“They are,” Fu agreed.

[Half Cloud Step].

Suffusing himself with Qi eased the burden on him, but was no sure strategy. A waste and flaw, if this was the requirement for mere sureness of foot.

Of [Spring], Udvah fielded no complaint. Nor was he prone to. His step was light, invigorated by this occurrence. As were all that shared his [Season].

Merely another difficulty. All we need do is adjust accordingly.

Words shared from Bingbai accompanied his step into the tournament island’s underbelly. Here, a serpent-rich series of ivy-strewn cliffs that forked to reach varies amenities.

“Ten, of these hundred thousand.”

Ten [Constellation Seeds]. Predicted for that was the total seed-bearers discovered when last he had attended such an affair.

The Cloud Gathering division held a list of forty six names, and their search was not yet complete.

Cousinly disciples granted bows at the next junction, yet hurried to transport whatever materials they bore on their shoulders, pouches or hands. Weapons, or simple libations, the recipients of which should not be insulted by waiting.

Twenty, perhaps. The number muddied, ebbing as more streamed by.

So the three travelled on, and arrived at a communal area where the unaffiliated, [Foundation Realm] cultivators were rotating into an ascent beyond.

A wide room, Fu mused, for it was more a sun-dappled, stony chamber than the darkened cave one might find in such passages. Bench-laden, and ivy-clad, but no more than this.

First in line, their mark stood.

Youthful and non-descript, exchangeable for any future powerhouse across the Clear Sky Empire. A Vajra boy that bore sixteen moons, with athletic muscle and onyx-black hair tied in a tail from his crown.

Fu’s [Divine Sense] confirmed what Zhu’s message had relayed.

The boy held a [Constellation Seed].

In his swift pulse no soul there was any the wiser, but Fu would not tarry. So saying he signalled, and had his division ascend another passage. The Cloudy Serpent disciples guarding its fore allowed this by association of their cherry-hanfu and the implications of an undetectable cultivation.

“Amifuofo. This penniless seeker would hope the youth wins,” smiled Udvah, bowing to a [Spirit Serpent] that had descended by his head.

Linhua only followed as Fu entered the second junction. Here, another forked to another waiting area, reserved for victors so they might not have to share breath with those dishonoured by defeat.

Suitable, and my [Senses] find no lurking cultivators that might interfere.

With slight gestures Fu directed his division to act he did- and immersed himself in the trails of foliage above.

These movements led serpents of both mundane stock and those possessed of [Spirituality] to approach. A network, and dense, yet a curiosity of its own. For their natures seemed to matter little here as bands of scales and slender masses pressed across the three.

Gentle motions that further clad these ghosts from sight.

We are recognizable to them, as brother serpents. A feature of our Young Mistresses’ appearance, I think, as they vie for attention.

The crowd were ever restless above, rowdy and cheering. It was force of will to push these sounds from the ghost’s [Senses]. But, in time, the serpents gave their aid. A concerted twist of forked tongues that spoke of oncomers.

First came the [Spirit Fox], padding ahead. One of azure fur and mystic appearance, walking bravely as his cultivator did. Some few steps later this feint was shed, and both boy and fox slumped under the toll of combat.

A costly victory, it seemed, if his clutched ribs were any indication.

Halfway through, Linhua’s soundless [Art] descended.

A [Dao Principle] had Mangalam, Udvah’s [Spirit Toad] enlarge. His fleshy mouth grew distended, and all within glittered like the barrier of a [Paifang].

Fu swiftly dropped, battering the boy within as Hushi crumpled the [Spirit Fox’s] spine in fluid motion.

Within was a [Dao]-created realm. A spatial area birthed of Udvah’s newfound [Dao of Sanctuary].

Linhua entered behind Fu, and restrained the boy in the centre of an ethereal pagoda’s base. Some simplistic room of wooden make, mired in fumes of [Spatial Qi] that prevented sight beyond ten paces any which way.

From his ring, Fu retrieved one of Master Ban’s talismans. “Sister,” he said, setting the item upon their captive’s chest. “I would forgive you for looking away.”

Her confusion rose as he rallied his [Inner Qi]. Application of Qi in this way- to affect treasures, [Arrays] and the like- was opened to him on the Path of [Mind]. Yet his practice was lacking, as shown when little response came.

Hushi.

In tandem, his Bonds moved, activating the talisman to birth sigils of bloody light.

[Demonic] inscriptions that pealed into strands of thread, and tore from the crippled cultivator before them. The cavity of his chest unfolded. Qi was drawn. Strands of insight in failing gold flashes. Then, as previously, flesh retracted into the talisman.

A comparison to Bingbai’s [Demonic Scripture].

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Linhua’s flesh paled as if a sheet, but her expression was determined.

[Inner Qi] was draining rapidly from his partners, and so Fu plunged a hand into the midst, delivering his own. Piggybacking on the process.

He felt a tug.

A response from his [Hollow Ivory Splinter].

The crimson threads that threshed this cultivator resonated with Fu’s [Constellation Seed], resonating as if gracing a limb he had not known to exist.

Ravening.

Hunger, of a kind, surfaced.

Fu suppressed it, and maintained the Qi powering this talisman.

Linear… that word. Do all Paths curve? Again I am reminded of my blindness.

At the boy’s withered, crumpled chest, a cradle formed of bloody strands. Centerfold, an antler emerged. Moss-soaked, and of vibrant pink.

The talisman faded.

“Udvah,” called Fu, and [Spatial Qi] swarmed as insects might, disintegrating the body from their view.

Vomit gushed from Linhua’s mouth. Equal parts bile and rice.

Their Vajra companion cleansed this without asking. Outwith this internal-toad realm, his task was anonymity. Thus he would return through the passages, maintaining the [Dao of Sanctuary] until an inconspicuous space was reached.

One disciple walking was not of note.

Three within proximity to a disappearance, was.

Able to rest from the [Spring Equinox’s] duress, Fu and Linhua took to the lotus position. Though his companion’s complexion remained troublesome.

“Maintain your [Art], sister. If you would,” he asked.

[Sound Qi] flocked to cover their words, and Fu clasped his hand apologetically to Udvah in the case that he might view this.

“A [Constellation Seed]. These treasures are the sole purpose of our Cloud Gathering division. That is the nature of what our Master gifted you.”

Linhua looked to restrain something in her cheeks, tightening. “This Yin Linhua… this Yin Linhua apologises for her lack of understanding.”

I should embody Master Ban. Information should not be restrained, not now she is among his chosen… but how much?

Fu shared a smile. “I-” he stalled. “My life before this was a mortal affair. As such I will speak as how I know it. These treasures are powers that rival the Heavens. Limbs, to cultivation. There are [Constellation Seeds] that might eliminate entire Sects. Fruits that absorb… [Water Qi], removing this weakness. Natural herbs that allow one to refine pills with a thought. Blood-purging items, libraries within one’s mind, treasures that grant Qi manifestations not limited to one’s [Affinity]. The possibilities are endless.”

“There is such a good thing?”

“My thoughts are that they remove the need to cultivate a certain path. One might spend a thousand moons seeking a [Lightning Body] so they might mitigate certain Qi, or one might swallow a stone that instantly delivers the same effect. These are rarified, mystic things. Secret to all.”

Focused on the antler in Fu’s hand, Linhua’s gaze deepened. “Secret even to our fellows.”

“Master Bingbai knows best,” he said, feeling… was it insult?

“Senior Gao Fu, this Yin Linhua means no disrespect! Only that she knows well Sister Niwai’s wish for inclusion! As our Master says, time will reveal all. Patience. She has done well to take these lessons to heart!”

Fu nodded. “It reminds of their secrecy. They are anchors to [Mystic Realms]. To claim one is to destroy the realm. Should such a thing not naturally be withheld from others? But I agree, sister, you have both done well. In time we will walk on equal footing.”

The [Dao of Sanctuary] flickered, minorly. As if strained. Yet no call came to reveal if they were to depart.

An impression from Shuidi showed Fuzhi’s rising form. Conversation between the [Spirit Beasts] held at the end of a flicking tongue.

Linhua appeared mortified.

“Your partner has more to say,” smiled Fu. “But I do not think myself to appear so cruel that you must bide your words, sister.”

Hushi descended from the douli, to which Fuzhi bowed in respect. Thus the conversation moved between three.

“Senior Gao Fu is no cruel man,” pleaded Linhua. “No, it is not this. Apologies. Fuzhi grows bold from curiosity.”

“On [Constellation Seeds]?”

“This Yin Linhua begs forgiveness, for Fuzhi asks Senior Hushi on his origins. He remarks on his strength and [Spirituality]. Shameful questions.”

Stroking the [Old One’s Whisker], Fu shook. “Mortal origins. I said this myself. More might be shared, though you have me at a disadvantage.”

“Oh?” Linhua’s still-pale cheeks flushed. “Senior Gao Fu would ask on me? None… none but sister Niwai have desired to.”

Offering a palm to continue, Fu smiled. With Master Bingbai’s endorsement of her, his own worries were… lessened. A parcel of his past might be shared, nothing more.

“The Yin family of Clear Bell City. My family- my mother, she is the City Lord. this disciple was her tribute to the Cloudy Serpent Sect, as were many sisters before me. Their tithe is one of [Bloodline] disciples, gifted every twenty moons. That is how this Yin Linhua arrived at the Clouded Court Squads.”

Fu himself was no stranger to lives as tradable goods. After all, he bore five. “Kin of a City Lord, I know nothing of Clear Bell City but to think I am in the presence of nobility. A vast difference between past and present, I might guess.”

Paleness continued to highlight her features. This change, dark. “It- this Yin Linhua, and all the sisters before her me… we did not live in the City Lord’s estate. But in towers, away from those we might shame with our presence. Only one daughter, the true Yin Linhua, my older sister, holds her affection. All others are…”

“Traded goods,” nodded Fu.

Where this might evoke tears in some, Linhua remained stable.

Accustomed to her own history. She has made peace with it, I might think.

“This Yin Linhua has served her family at least. My sister prospers for these efforts, and it gladdens me that her talent is not cut short by deportation. N-Not that the Cloudy Serpent Sect is a sentence to be avoided!” she quickly covered.

An affinity rose there. Resonance with those words.

“Beneath the Sect, your world has broadened. No?” he stated, more than asked.

Fuzhi twitched, regarding Fu.

“Sister Niwai spoke similar words. Her… her past is not so different. But competition was in place of duty. She strives for the best as… It- it is her own to share-”

A smile and a second gesture prompted her to stop. “Gratitude, sister. I would not trouble you by asking further. But I will share one thing.”

Linhua lowered her head.

“While Master Bingbai is not here,” he said. “His gift shows your value. A far greater gift than the value I already hold for your companionship here. Again, gratitude. Though I suspect our time within Mangalam draws short. Come, and if you wish, we can speak again when duty does not hang above us.”

“As you say, Senior Gao Fu,” she said. Smiling, as her colour returned.

🀦

[Foundation Realm] experts were the highest realm that they might attempt to reap. Not by merit of strength, for the Cloud Gathering division’s full might could be bent to overcome those in the early [Core Formation Realm].

Middle, if the stars so aligned.

Traditional strength could often by outdone by surprise, subterfuge and the dishonourable means they employed.

But so too did circumstance harry their plans.

Fu suppressed his disappointment that so few of their targets were viable. Within the surprising total of [Constellation Seeds], most had powerful enough backing to dissuade any course of action against them.

A secondary power, this, even among the [Foundation Realm] experts.

Entire Sects, or ancestors, alliances and treasures begotten by their inherent wealth. Factors aside from the fresh challenge of the many-millions eyes that would notice a tournament contestant’s disappearance or the density of crowds that ruined what plans might survive this.

Zhao Po returned.

At ringside, Fu’s attention was upon the viewing [Array]. Feigned disinterest masking the slip of parchment that vanished as his companion brushed his hand. Simple information gathering, so that their betters might strike later.

The twin [Spirit Hares] at his side affected resentful looks.

Our newest recruit has yet to swallow his pride.

Three hours had passed since their latest retrieval, and the list of names had soared. No longer forty six, but one hundred and three.

What this revealed about the Clear Sky Empire- the [Mystic Realms] within and the control exerted over them…

That was Master Bingbai’s duty.

Yet for his predications to have grown tenfold, and that only five of these are possessed by the Cloudy Serpent Sect.

“We’ll be disgustingly busy,” chimed Zhu, ever guessing Fu’s mind.

“Brother, did you encounter any trouble on your patrol?”

Zhu performed with his usual lack of lustre. “Senior Yifei won’t be troubled on her ten-stride voyage between stages. No.”

A stain of red clotted a small gathering of his shoulder-trailing hair. An impression had Shuidi mount Fu’s hand as he clamped his hand atop Zhu’s shoulder. [Water Qi] manifested from the [Spirit Crab] to cleanse it a moment later.

The hand was scrutinised. “Duty overcomes you?” queried Zhu. “Such excitement.”

Thunderous cries resounded as the Lotus Blade Sect took to the adjacent stage. An outer disciple aside a lime-hued [Spirit Wolf]. Uninteresting, for he lacked any trace of [Constellation Seed], though his opponent’s barbs jilted small smiles upon the Cloud Gathering division.

“How far your Sect has fallen,” came the jeer. A cultivator that matched the ferality of her [Spirit Boar]. Bones within her unkempt hair and strewn in decoration as bracelets, shown by her sleeveless, revealing uniform.

Zhu was half drawn to her figure.

“A prospective [Dual Cultivation] partner, perhaps? Few should look upon someone like that if not.” Fu offered.

“She has a bearing of the Warring Tribes. That style. I’d expected it to be rougher, if a true article.”

Critiques? Something troubles him.

A signal had his friend follow, and though few spaces existed in which to talk, movement would blend their words with the riotous crowds.

“The most recent,” he asked. “Trouble?”

Zhu’s absence had brought a second reaping, another [Foundation Realm] target.

The question brought about a strange look. An intensity of plum-dressed focus. “No, brother,” he said, drawing much surprise. “But there’s a queerness here. The [Spring Equinox].”

Clashing blades drowned out most to their side.

Explosions of Qi.

A produnity of ever-channelling [Dao] that frayed the [Senses] of those negotiating between myriad stages.

True chaos.

That any cultivator might disambiguate these scenes was a miracle. That Zhu ignored these in favour of another concern was a vexation.

Yet over the course of their return, Fu joined in his suspicions.

[Spring’s] hold was intensifying, and fresh light flooded the tournament. He felt the change within his [Core], equating it to the rising sun above. It neared its zenith, and with it, the domain only strengthened.

Shuidi grew agitated as Fu drew his douli lower to block the sunlight.

Then, a singular, deafening gasp drew all to a standstill.

Fu rounded, seeing that the adjacent combat had ceased. Bloodless, and far from any natural conclusion. Indeed those upon it, the Lotus Blade Sect disciple and his foe had stalled. Their [Spirit Beasts] shared this state.

Agape at the Heavens above.

As the crowd were.

All drawn to the sunlight as characters flooded the intervening air, golden constructs that shamed the great Four Shaded Spear’s scale, sky-scraping as the artefact was.

A [Paifang]? No.

A gate unfolded there, opening from the depths of the sun itself. Hinges birthed of solar flame, and the yawning crease a growing chasm of unfathomable orchid hue.

It heralded the voice.

Eldritch in tone. An echo birthed within Fu’s soul at every syllable, for he felt the message relayed in Qi, and no base speech as mortals used.

“[Spring] has come, and with it, the Empire rises.”

At its utterance, the inhabitants spilled forth. A sea to consume the sun, spilling from the sun, all of these same orchid tones. [Spirit Beasts] in a tide, and more, for even distant, Fu could do naught but witness the cultivators at their back.

Those above, directing this horde.

Further, to the soaring, titanic throne upon which sat their director.

“Fall as dead grass,” thrummed this voice. “And you may yet be worthy of trampling.”