The Fourth Stage - Chapter 5 preview

“Brother Feng, is all well with our passes today?” Wu Ying cried out jovially, as he proffered his sect seal once more. Yang Mu echoed his actions, her own red seal conjured from her storage ring.

“Brother Long, you tease me. But I thank you for not making my job more difficult,” Han Ying said. He held the sect seal to a jade tablet, watching the information appear before he handed it back to Wu Ying and then repeating the same motion with Yang Mu. When both were complete, he bowed deeply to Yang Mu and then Wu Ying. “Welcome to the Verdant Green Waters sect. Honored Elder Yang, you are welcome to visit any of the public buildings, those in the outer sect and the inner sect. The complex that contains the core members of the sect is, currently, off-limits to you.”

“Thank you.” She glanced over to Wu Ying, a little smile on her lips. “I’m sure my guide will be able to show me around without issue.”

“I’m sure he will. Brother Long, you know your way around the inner and outer sect, but please be mindful that there have been some minor changes since you have been here. After the attack, some buildings and formations have been reinforced.”

“Thank you, Brother Feng.” Wu Ying bowed back to the man a little, then together he and Yang Mu entered the sect proper.

Passing the paifang was an experience in itself, as the formation plucked at their auras as they entered. Wu Ying could sense the complex formation touching upon his aura, verifying it against the aura signature buried within his sect seal and passed on via the jade tablet and then allowing him through without striking him down. He noted, idly, that even though his own aura had strengthened and changed, the dao and blood link between himself and the sect seal he had carried all through the years had held true.

Within the sect proper, the pair walked up paved stones, eyeing their surroundings. The initial entrance was but a broad and wide pathway of paved stones with carefully manicured bushes and vegetation on either side. Outer sect cultivators swept the stones, trimmed the hedges and otherwise cared for the sect, taking care of the mundane duties that the mundane servants were unable to complete either.

Soon enough, on the right the pair came across the first of the outer sect buildings. A familiar one that had suffered little enough damage in the attack over a decade ago.

“The outer sect storage and kitchens,” Wu Ying said, inclining his head to the building. “The largest of the communal dining hall and kitchens for the outer sect, though a number of others are scattered through the mountain.”

A gesture sideways and upwards. “Up on our left – out of sight – will be the gathering grounds. Muhc of the initial training of outer sect members is conducted there, though individual fighting rings are scattered through the outer sect too.”

Yang Mu nodded, listening as Wu Ying pointed out the landmarks of his past and the outer sect. He noted the outer sect library – the largest one by far, though the least ostentatious. This building was new, the previous one having been nearly burnt down. Luckily, the fire that had consumed the outer portions of the building had damaged only the least significant of text, works that the sect had multiple copies of. Even so, Wu Ying could sense the presence of numerous outer sect members within, scribing copies of work from the core library to be stored within.

The damage the Dark Sect had inflicted upon the Verdant Green Waters was far reaching, not just in terms of buildings destroyed and prodigies murdered but in the institutional knowledge lost – whether it was library, armoury or Elder’s lost.

“It’s beautiful here,” Yang Mu said, tilting her head around as she took in the buildings, the carefully manicured grounds and the teeming and busy throng.

Yet, that was not all that she meant, Wu Ying was certain. He could feel her aura reaching out gently, probing the environment, reacting to the very atmosphere in the sect. Some of it was manufactured, Wu Ying knew, from environmental formations and the slow accumulation of heavenly chi over the ages.

But just as much, it was the presence of the students and the eager atmosphere of study they projected. It was the naked greed of ambition, the push for enlightenment and the influx of heavenly chi that flooded the surroundings as students – the smartest, the most dedicated, the most ambitious in the kingdom congregated – strove for the dao.

Over there, a boy – maybe twelve at best – hovered above the ground, surrounded by swirling tendrils of water. Down around the corner, a gardener with his hand sunk deep in compost was frozen. Heavenly chi rose from the ground and met other energy streaming from clouded sky as the heaven’s approved a new pathway.

A pair were kneeling in the middle of a duelling ring across from one another, the chi around them slowly fading as enlightenment and approval faded. A bout had triggered a rare instance of dual enlightenment, and in the discussion Wu Ying could sense their teacher intended to engender afterwards, perhaps even a third?

Perhaps.

This was why the Nanyue were wrong. They had feared the Verdant Green Waters, for their martial strength. A foolish mistake, perhaps understandable only by the fact that it was the army who had made the assumption. It was this, the moments of deep consideration and study that was the strength of the sect itself. Not their weapons, not the depths of their equipment stores or treasures, but the training and striving for immortality.

“It is. I’d forgotten what it was like,” Wu Ying said. “I’ve seen a lot of sects. Most are smaller, a few as large. Two larger.” He chuckled. “But none as beautiful as the Verdant Green Waters.”

She smiled at his obvious pride, letting him continue to point out the buildings. Not that it was required much, for signs were hung above each building regularly. In addition, none of the outer sect buildings had formations that blocked spirit senses, allowing the pair to push their auras within to glimpse the various lessons being taught.

Classrooms and stadiums full of students offered a wide range of studies. Multiple classes taught variations on the basic Yellow Emperor cultivation technique, each teacher offering their unique interpretation and method of study. Other classrooms, less popular spoke of common elemental cultivation techniques in the Body Cleansing stage as well.

Then, the myriad classes that covered the basics of scholarship. Everything from the five classics to remedial mathematics, medicine and physiology, herbal craft, painting and, to Wu Ying’s chagrin – even manners.

“That’s quite the breadth of classes,” Yang Mu said, cocking her head to the side as they passed by another building. A new one, rebuilt larger than ever before. “You rarely speak of these.”

“I was only an outer sect member for a year.” Wu Ying inclined his head around. “I think it’s more common for individuals to spend a few years – unless you’re a noble prodigy – before they ascend. And I spent half my first year traveling.”

Truth be told, he could not remember how long the trip had taken. Not a half year probably, maybe three or four months. Time seemed to stretch out behind him, memories that had been so crisp and clear fading away as other more important events took place. Or moments of absolute clarity burnt all other details aside.

A sword, crossing space and time, across a river bed to strike him in a single lunge.

A beast, rushing him, as he stood before it, jian aimed at its heart. Knowing his death was arriving beneath its claws.

Laughter, as he sat upon a horse and a young lady rode with him. A moment of joy, made brighter by the knowledge of the upcoming attack by bandits and the deaths they would deal.

A war, arrows flying overhead, a stone wall that they must ascend. Brief companions by his side, rushing ahead with him as they sought to scale it and enforce a breach.

So many memories, such that others blurred aside.

“I see.” She touched his hand again, bringing him back to the present. Strange, how returning brought with it the past that he had ignored for so long. Not in a bad way, but because he had been so thoroughly embedded in the present. Existing within it, accepting the wind that flowed through him.

Around him.

As though having awaited his thoughts, another wind, one he had cast around for so long and had to journey deep south to locate rose up around him. Heavenly wind. Stern and authoritatirain, yes. It had to be, for from order came civilization. Without it, without the ordered passing of knowledge, without the organization of laws and hierarchies, organisations like the sect would crumble.

Memory. Understanding. Enlightenment.

It crashed into Wu Ying, heavenly chi collecting around him, brought to him by the very wind. His enlightenment was quieter, though their robes flapped and leaves were swept across and past them. No deep flood, but a deepening of understanding as he spoke to Yang Mu as they ascended. Told her of the sect, related his own experiences, discussed rules and regulations and childish pranks.

Heavenly chi soaked into his bones, and finding portions broken and disordered, began to fix them. It was not possible to complete it all, but as they ascended, Wu Ying found lingering pains fading. Between one step and the next, a joint clicked into place. A meridian started flowing better, as a clot dispersed. Minor improvements, but important.

“The Armory was untouched. Though it looks like they might have added to the formations again,” Wu Ying said, the building in question – large, wood structured, multiple leveled with even more levels he knew buried deep into the earth – replesendent in its nature. “Nor was the inner sect library much damaged. Elder Khoo would not countenance such action.”

“You fought in there, didn’t you?”

Wu Ying shook his head. “Another library. The Double Soul sect, where I gained my own soul and body cultivation manuals.”

“And will you be visiting them?” Yang Mu asked.

“If we have time. I owe them greatly, and I’m sure they would like to see what their largesse has wrought.” He chuckled. “Perhaps they could help too, with some of my injuries.”

“Of course.”

And higher, they climbed. Past the inner sect, till they reached the beginning of the residences for the Elders. Set apart on the mountain, each one of them more luxurious and more expansive than even the largest inner sect cultivators. The first to arrive was, of course, the former residence of Elder Li. Situated lower in the mountain to offer her greater space for her residence and the fields.

Wu Ying hesitated as they came to the path that traced its way to the residence. A simple formation kept out spiritual senses, though it was more by setting up a flimsy screen than a true barrier. Courtesy kept their senses away from the barrier, even as he stared at the pathway.

“AH Ying? Do you wish to visit it?”

“No. It’s not Elder Li’s anymore. And while Senior Goh might be there…” Wu Ying trailed off, shaking his head. “Not yet. We have somewhere to be.”

Turning aside, not without a little regret, the pair ascended to their final destination for this day.

***

“You certainly took your time,” Fa Yuan said, amusedly. She met them in the receiving room of her home. This one was new, even larger than the previous one she had resided within before. It was even higher than Master Cheng’s former abode, a fact that had startled Wu Ying when he realised it.

“There was much to speak about, with my family,” Wu Ying said. “You know how it is.”

Fa Yuan smiled thinly, turning to Yang Mu instead. “And your presentation. Did it go well? Were the gifts well received?”

“Yes. When I finally managed to present them.” Yang Mu rolled her eyes. “This one made a scene such that I could not do that, immediately.”

“Oh, really? Do tell.”

Wu Ying shook his head as the pair discussed his earlier actions. He made to pour Fa Yuan a cup of tea, but before his hands could touch the pot, a servant was there, pouring the tea. Taking care to feed the trio well before he could get started.

He eyed the servants, blinking as he noted that they were not mortal servants at all but cultivators. Outer sect cultivators in fact. All of them pretty young things too, which was unusual in itself. Curious. But another thought intruded before he could follow that line of enquiry.

“Auntie Yi?” Wu Ying said, cocking his head to the side.

Luckily the pair seemed to have finished the majority of their conversation for Fa Yuan answered him with little irritation. “Retired. The young lady you were ogling is her grandniece.”

“I was not ogling…” He trailed off, seeing the slight smile on Fa Yuan’s lips. In retaliation, he followed up on his own earlier thoughts. “And the others? I had not expected you to create a harem of your own.”

At his words, the atmosphere in the room froze over. The servants all stiffened, Fa Yuan’s lips compressed briefly and all emotion was wiped from her face. Wu Ying was treated to the sight of a Core Formation Elder in full command of her ability and the height of her power staring at him disapprovingly, such that he shivered.

“I…”

“No.” Fa Yuan relaxed, visibly forcing herself to do so. “You did not know. Just do not make such insinuations in the future. Such accusations have been leveled at me in the past. Or,” inclining her head to the servants, “some of these ladies have been… encouraged… to join such arrangements.”

Eyes narrowed, he let his senses play across their auras. Yes, definitely all outer sect members. Not strong at all, most of them, other than the grandniece. She might actually breakthrough to Energy Storage, being both young enough and talented. The others seemed to have stalled in the middle portions of Body Cleansing.

Swiftly, he began to put together the scenario.

Outer sect cultivators, uncommonly beautiful but unable to progress further. Life in the sect was hard, as outer sect cultivators had to constantly justify the cost of their existence. Whether that was via taking on sect assignments or undertaking the basic chores that helped the sect exist, these works could take up much of the time of a cultivator early on. Paying for their upkeep was expensive, paying for the medicinal pills, the cultivation techniques, the lessons to further improve one’s cultivation base could be even more ruinous.

While Wu Ying knew of, vaguely, individuals who would loan out points and other such material, he had never had the time to look into them. Thankfully, his service with Elder Li had ensured he need not concern himself with such things, and spending time training with his Master Cheng had often taken up the rest of his energy along with his basic cultivation practice.

Not so for those who were sponsored by more popular Elders. Some Elders, Wu Ying knew, sought out new recruits on the regular, building a stable of loyal students beneath them. Even those cultivators were better off than those recruited directly from the villages and cities, who applied for inclusion. Without a sponsor to aid them, the future was all the harder.

Yet, for all the difficulties, existence in the sect was more luxurious, stabler and filled with opportunities in comparison to life as a wandering cultivator. Few would choose to exit the sect and take on another existence, and so the scrabble for contribution points was fierce.

No wonder then, that there would be individuals – nobles, wealthy merchants, children of cultivator families – who would look to exploit such desperation.

“This is new,” Wu Ying said, simply. “Before…”

“Before, our Master would have disapproved greatly.” Fa Yuan smiled grimly. “Though I too believe in the concept of karma, a balancing act rather than a severing is my pathway.” A hand turned slightly. “These young ladies pay me back in their own way. Or in some cases, I but repay an older debt.”

“I see…” Doubt criss-crossed Wu Ying’s face. As much as he had studied under his master, it had been mostly focused upon the sword. Philosophy lessons had been only marginally touched upon, his Master content to leave Wu Ying to find his own path. He had always assumed that when the time came, in his Core Formation stage, the pair would have that discussion.

Of course, that had never happened.

“It is more complicated than that, of course.” Fa Yuan replied, tilting her hand sideways. “These women, the others dubbed Fairy’s, after the last incident we have realised how vulnerable we are individually. What was an informal network has become something a little more formal.” Now her eyes glinted, with something almost predatory. “We work towards balancing the debts, on a wider scale.”

Those words held quite a bit of information and likely more that was yet unsaid. But then she clapped her hands together a little, as though dismissing the matter.

“But we should, perhaps, focus on a larger matter.” Eyes narrowing, she leaned forward and continued. “When, exactly, do you intend to present yourself before the Elders.”

“Present myself?” Wu Ying said, cocking his head to the side.

“You were officially banished. If you’d returned after a few years, when your fame first began to increase, it would not matter. Now though, you have returned not just infamous but also a Core Formation cultivator.” A finger raised and pointed down his body. “A prodigy of the sword who bears the Heart of the Sword. A weapon whose very presence cuts against our spiritual senses, even sheathed by your side. And a physical form that is close to ascension.”

“Not that close,” Wu Ying protested. “The damage done at the last battle was significant.”

“A few years, a decade under the correct ministrations or another lucky incident would be sufficient,” Fa Yuan said.

“I also am missing a key wind…” Wu Ying added. “And a final step. One that even the originator of the Body Cultivation method I follow was never able to take.”

That last part had Fa Yuan laughing, bitterly. Yang Mu and Wu Ying shared a confused look, waiting for his martial sister to finish, only for her to answer their unspoken question. “Oh, Ah Ying. Do you not see? That is worse. For those that fear you, fear their place in this Sect.

“If you are unable to progress, to make that final step to immortality, then you are not just a temporary problem but a consistent one.”

“Oh…” Wu Ying said, softly. “That’s not good.”

“No, it’s not. So I ask again, Junior Long. When do you speak to the Elders?”