On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Three Hundred And Three

“I asked you who you were!” Daiyu said again, her dark eyes cold. My words had obviously grabbed her interest, as had our strength, and I was impressed she could tell at a glance we were powerful, though I was rather curious about her assessment of my Qi, considering I had an ability dealing with Qi, and I still wasn’t sure how it differed from aether.

“My apologies. I’m Oshiro Moonstone Akio, and this here is Shaeula Tu Shae Dannan. Akio is my given name, and Shaeula is her given name. She follows Western naming order.” At my words Shaeula nodded regally.

“That tells me nothing!” The girl said, angry. “I shall not be bullied or coerced, I am Zhao Daiyu, Black Jade that remains Ever Beautiful!” Lips twisting at the name she spoke, her pride was strong, but I could see the fragility underneath it. It’s as if she has nothing else to cling to, to keep her together.

“That is quite-quite the epithet indeed.” Shaeula laughed, amused. “I can see why you would hesitate to call yourself so, it must be rather embarrassing, is it not-not?” Shaeula had also seen through her spiky defensive reactions, the girl trying to make herself seem larger, more powerful. “I must say though, if you were to smile, you would be far-far more attractive, and perhaps live up to the title.”

“What do you know?” the young girl snapped in response, needled by Shaeula’s comments. “I would see you smile, when your Sect, your family, has been endangered, likely destroyed, by your own failures! Those who do not follow the Heavens, the ways of the Dao, would not understand, especially a yāojīng such as you! And here I lie, powerless, trapped by my enemies in a foreign land, not knowing if my father, if any of the Sect still lives…” her eyes were empty again, radiating sorrow, and a thin trickle of blood leaked down her chin from her torn lip, ruby against her pale porcelain skin.

“Yāojīng? I do not-not know the word.” Shaeula said, and I had to think. It wasn’t one I learned myself, but from the etymological roots…

“I think it must mean something like a faerie, maybe? It seems similar to other words like ghost or spirit.”

Shaeula considered that, before smiling broadly. “That does-does make sense. You have a keen eye.” She complemented Daiyu, though I didn’t think the girl meant the word as praise, and I was soon proved correct.

“Evil spirit, have you come here to taunt me for my failures?” she cried out, and I could feel aether, no, not aether, but something slightly different gathering in her body, the thin ether density of the world around us declining noticeably. “Begone! If you have no wisdom to share, leave me be!”

She raised one hand, and my Eye flared, seeing the gathering of energy within her subtle body. Well, that’s strange. Her chakra network looks fully functional, but it’s put together in a very strange way. It seemed that the ether was not being turned to aether, but instead a strangely similar energy, one that was gathering in a central location. Is that a Dantian? My Eye perceived ether and aether with pure colours now, when I looked deeper, rather than silver or an iridescent rainbow, and most of what Daiyu was gathering was red, or shading to orange.

“There’s no need to be hasty.” I said, reaching out and grasping her thin arm, feeling a faint tremble through her prison jumpsuit.

“Unhand me!” she declared, unleashing the energy she was holding within. It surged into my body, attempting to render me unconscious, but other than feeling a bit sick, I shrugged it off, my own energy too strong to supress. Seeing that, Daiyu deflated, another trickle of red running down her face.

“I had little belief I could overpower you, less still in my current state.” She looked forlorn. “So, this is my fate. Know that I will never bow to your tortures. Disgrace me, humiliate me, tear my flesh, break my bones, I shall endure. I cannot rest until I have avenged the dead, and saved any who may yet live.”

“I think you have the wrong idea.” I released her, feeling a little offended. I guess she’s nervous, a young girl, no matter how strong, being locked up alone in a foreign prison. “Like I said before, I’m just here to talk. As it so happens, we came into some information about what happened in China…” her eyes brightened at that, some life returning once again.

“You will tell me?” she asked. “I have not been allowed to make contact with anyone I know in China, so I was unable to…” she cut herself off, realising she was close to giving something away. “First, answer me. Who are you? Not your names, but who you are. Why are you here to question me?” she rubbed at her arm where I had grasped her, even though I hadn’t held her tightly.

“I’m a Candidate, like you.” I said. When I had used my Eye, I could see a Divine Favour within her. “A Chosen of the Gods, if that makes it easier to understand.”

“I am a Fae, as you noticed.” Shaeula agreed. “I am a princess of the Seelie Court, a Duchess of the Spring of Clear Reflections, fiancée to Akio here. We have the ear of the powerful, so do not-not hesitate to speak. Wisdom for wisdom.”

“The ear of the powerful?” Daiyu queried. “Does that mean you have the information I seek?”

“That depends.” I answered. “You want to know about your Sect? Well, to be honest we know little about China, and less about Cultivation and Sects. Until a few months ago, I’d have dismissed it as merely fanciful tales. So, why not tell me precisely what happened, and in exchange… well, what do you want, other than information?”

“That I cannot say, until I know.” She breathed out, clearly curious, yet also wary. “I was grievously injured and fell into the sea, drifting for many days, only Chang’e, the Goddess of the Moon, keeping me alive.”

“A moon goddess?” Shaeula grinned. “A fine omen indeed-indeed.”

I shushed her, allowing Daiyu to continue. “My injuries were… caused by enemies, faithless dogs who have sold out the long heritage we guard. Since I was defeated, they know the Incorruptible Jade was involved. I…” she frowned, clearly unwilling to speak.

“Look, I appreciate you are probably unhappy about being imprisoned here, but you didn’t try to escape, when you could have, and you didn’t permanently harm any of the guards.” I looked around at the gouged walls, seeing frustration within the scars. “We can help each other. If you cooperate, maybe I can even get you released.”

“Escape? Perhaps, though my strength would not be sufficient to overcome your soldiers. Qi cannot stop steel, not yet, not enough.” She pouted. “As for killing, my hands are red enough with blood. A Cultivator must be ruthless, a daughter of the Five Great Sects, even more so. But my heart is weary, sick. I would not kill needlessly, not when I must save all my rage and vengeance for the faithless dogs who betrayed us.” She ground her teeth together balefully. “Even were I to escape, I do not speak Japanese, I am no expert with your technology. I have little chance of returning safely to China, and even if I did…” she was trembling with rage and other emotions.

“I understand. So why not tell me what you can? I won’t ask for Sect secrets or other matters, but you clearly want to know about what happened, right? You’ve been asking everyone for information.”

“I know my Sect was attacked.” She sighed, defeated. “I have a … a friend, I would suppose. She is not a Cultivator, merely an ordinary woman, but Caishen chose her. The Party that leads China nowadays, they have rooted us all out, the Sects, those the Heavens have blessed, and are forcing us to do their bidding, like timid dogs eager for scraps, while the master eats rich, bloody meat.” She scowled. “Ordinarily, we would have paid them no mind. We Cultivators live in seclusion within our Sects, doing what we must, as we have since Kunlun abandoned us.”

Kunlun, huh? That seems important. But maybe for later. Seeing as she was talking, the words pouring from her as if a dam was being released, I merely smiled reassuringly, while Shaeula kept quiet, watching with her amber eyes.

“We were forced to slave away for those the Party chose, strengthening them, at great detriment to our own powers…” she suddenly laughed, a wicked one that was full of malice, yet also somehow cute. “… well, they shall not plunder mine further, for I shattered it.” after more laughter, she continued. Shattered it? Does she mean her Territory? Curious, I concentrated, and found that I could indeed break my Anchor, even from this distance, though I felt it would take some time for the Anchor to be destroyed, due to the distance. Hastily, I withdrew my will. Yeah, not doing that by accident!

“My father, the honoured Patriarch of the Sect, believed there was one who was able to find those with power.” Her face went blank, and I realised when her emotions were too strong she buried them. I see. A bit like what Tan can do now, right? She ate such a Favour, I believe.

“He felt that assassinating this seeker would give us a way out, or at least offer opportunities. Others agreed with us. So, we finally located this treacherous snake, and set out with allies from other Sects to strike. It should have been a trivial matter for those as skilled as us.” Her face still an expressionless mask, only the tremble in her voice betrayed her distress.

I see. A young girl, sent out as an assassin? She seems mature, but I can’t imagine she’s any older than Eri. Maybe even younger. I’m already not liking these Sects.

“When we arrived, the man was already dead, his guards too. Their strengths had been torn from them, devoured!” she shuddered. “And it was an ambush, those from the Party and Sects that had cast their lot in with them waiting for us. That bitch…” she ground her teeth. “Well, most of us were killed, and I was gravely injured. I took a chance, trusting to the Heavens, and threw myself from the cliffs into the seas below. I had expected to die, but… the Heavens have given me a chance for vengeance. Yet here I am, trapped and blind.” She swallowed. “When I was rescued…” she hesitated, clearly unwilling to speak.

“Look, I want to help. But I need you to be honest with me.” I said, and she relented.

“I was given one of these telephones. I do not understand how they work…” she continued. “… but I remembered that my friend I mentioned had given me her phone number. I remembered it. Cultivators must have excellent memories.” she said self-deprecatingly. “When I talked to her, she said my Sect and many others were on a proscribed list, and that… and that the Incorruptible Jade had been destroyed. Though there may be faint hope that father and some others may have escaped.” Her eyes went dark again, brooding. “I need to know, if they live, I would save them and whatever precious legacies of the Incorruptible Jade they fled with, and if they perished…” her face twisted, a hateful expression on her beautiful features. “… then for the Heavens and my Dao, I would seek vengeance, to cast those who destroyed that which should remain unbroken into the afterlife, to suffer for eternity as they no doubt deserve!”

I see. Despite her age, she’s a warrior. I wonder if all Cultivators are like that? “So, this friend of yours, you still remember her number?” I asked.

Daiyu looked at me sharply then. “I have no wish to get her involved. She is a normal person, swept up in this chaos. I will not sell her to you!”

So, she still retains some kindness. That’s good. “That’s fine. Though depending on what your future holds, having a friend is never a bad thing.” I leant forwards, serious now. “Since you shared with me, I’ll return the favour. I believe in keeping my word.” Behind me, Shaeula nodded happily. “So, we received a tip-off from America, and it must have been about all the civil unrest and purges you described. There were survivors, but before you get your hopes up…” I could see her expression change, so I wanted to avoid giving her false hope. “… the Americans can’t confirm any members of the Incorruptible Jade as part of those.”

“I see.” She nodded to herself, speaking softly. “Yes, I should not expect too much. The Heavens are cruel, to make us strong.”

“Look, are you hungry?” I asked, wanting to soften this hard topic. “I can get the guards to bring you some food.”

She eyed me warily. “I have been well-fed, your guards are not as cruel as some of the Sects, they treat their prisoners with decency. I have not been disgraced or tortured up to now either.” She eyed me cautiously. “When I saw you stride in so arrogantly, I felt sure you were a Young Master of some repute, and that my time to suffer had come at last.”

“Such a thing…” Shaeula burst out laughing, tears streaming from her amber eyes. “I am quite-quite amused! Akio is a lusty male, that is not-not in doubt. But he has no-no taste for forcing others. Besides, Eri, Hyacinth and I satisfy him regularly, with others who will no-no doubt join us soon.”

She looked at me with some contempt. “Yes, a Young Master indeed.”

“I resent that! I’m only with those I want to cherish and make happy.” I protested. “Anyway, you probably are bored of Japanese food, right?” I signalled to the camera, and the door opened, a guard coming in. “Look, can you send some people to a decent Chinese Restaurant and get some of everything for takeout. I’ll pay, of course, and you guys can eat anything that’s left over.” I produced a number of ten-thousand yen bills. With that done, I turned back to Daiyu. “So, shall we talk more over dinner?”

********

Around forty minutes later, Daiyu was looking at the massive spread of Chinese food laid out in her barren cell. We’d had tables brought in, and it looked like a proper buffet. She looked hesitant, but then her stomach grumbled noisily, causing her to flush with embarrassment. Shaeula was already digging in, stuffing dumplings into her mouth.

“Don’t worry, help yourself.” I advised her. The look she gave me in return was wary.

“If the food is drugged, I swear I shall kill you before you can defile me. I have reached the Peak of Foundation Realm after my ordeal, I can hold the effects of even the most powerful aphrodisiacs at bay for a short time. You may be stronger than me, but if I am prepared to die, you will find me no easy prey!”

Aphrodisiacs? “I assure you the food is fine. Really, you think I would have my way with you while Shaeula is here?”

“Men of power are lusty and often have perverse appetites, just like that bastard Chong Gui.” She spat. “Besides, I am an enemy, held at your mercy, and my Sect is likely gone. I have no backing, I could easily be a toy to satisfy you.”

“Do such drugs really exist?” Shaeula raised one eyebrow, curious, speaking in between mouthfuls of food. “I know some who would be most-most happy to feed them to you, Akio!” she snorted, amused, before addressing Daiyu. “Eat. I can understand your trepidation, but I assure you, on my honour as a princess, the food is quite-quite good and safe!”

Daiyu looked at us for a moment, before letting out a quiet sigh and reaching for her favourite dish. An expression of happiness crossed her features, before she swallowed and spoke up grudgingly. “It is not bad. The taste of home. Although it lacks the necessary herbs and spices to enrich my Qi. But as a prisoner, I should be grateful, I suppose.”

“Interesting. There are herbs that help with Cultivation?” I asked, and she paused, clearly weighing up whether to speak of it, before deciding to tell us.

“Yes, though in such a Qi-starved land, unlike Kunlun of the past, only the weakest plants can grow. Most are lost to us. Though perhaps in time, with the Earthly Qi increasing again, they may perhaps return…”

Kunlun again, huh? “Well, yeah, you’re not going to find such things here in Japan, least of all in the food at a takeaway, no matter how high-class.” I joined in eating for a while, and we made further small-talk, before we would move onto weightier matters.

“So, how are you walking about so freely, yāojīng? The world here is not strong enough to support one such as you.” Daiyu was asking Shaeula, her hands now moving instinctively, ferrying food to her mouth while she talked.

“I have a name. It is Shaeula.” She pouted in reply. “As for how I am here-here, Akio makes it possible. I have a majestic Throne in his Territory, and it allows-allows me and others to dwell in the Material world. I am quite shocked you do not-not know of such.”

“I see. I did have a foothold in the Spirit Realm.” Daiyu mused. “But before I could unravel the many mysteries there, I was called upon by the dogs of the Party.” She looked disheartened again. “Even so… do you not worry about children? It is even possible? I suppose you must have other human concubines, and they can give birth. You mentioned Hyacinth and Eri, yes?”

I nearly spat out my food at that, and Shaeula was very pleased. “Well, the Fae way of birth is likely possible for us, and if not-not… well this body here is perfect, in every detail.” She grinned. “Though I do-do fear if I was to be pregnant, I could be trapped in this body for many-many months, as it may not-not be safe to abandon it and return to the Boundary with a child within.”

“For now, I’m not thinking about having children.” I shook my head. “The world is in grave danger, we need to prepare for that, rather than start a family.”

“I see.” She smiled, seemingly more at ease after my embarrassed response. “So, you were not lying when you said you were someone important.” She looked at the spread, which we were making inroads on, but the sheer amount meant there would likely be ample leftovers.

“Indeed, Akio has the ear of this Prime-Prime Minister, and the head of the military of this land is going to be his Grandfather-in-law. He is the strongest in Japan as well, I would-would say.” Shaeula puffed out her chest proudly.

“I see. A Young Master in truth.” Daiyu replied.

“Well, not all people with importance have to be jerks and arrogant. I like to think I’m pretty down to earth, after all, I was an ordinary nobody a few months ago. As for being the strongest, I can’t say for sure, but I bet I’m up there…” I gestured to the camera, and when the door opened, a soldier came in. “Can I borrow your pistol?”

He looked troubled for a moment, but eventually handed it over. I passed it to Shaeula, who gleefully pointed it at me. “You said Qi can not-not stop steel, yes? Well, I do not-not know this Qi well, but watch.”

Daiyu looked on, horrified as Shaeula unloaded the full magazine of the Minebea-P9 into my face and throat. I winced as the bullets stung a little, even drawing some faint beads of blood, though that quickly healed. Okay, maybe that was a little risky. But considering my stats now they shouldn’t be capable of hurting me at all, so why when Shaeula does it do they… oh. Yeah. Her League.

“See?” I said, trying to look like nothing was awry. I took the pistol and handed it back to the very alarmed soldier. “I’m pretty strong. So, let’s get down to what you wanted to know.”

Daiyu nodded eagerly, so I began. “I don’t know how the Americans found out, but the sects involved are…” I listed them off, but when I said Mountain Fang, her expression changed.

“Is there something wrong?” I asked.

“Mountain Fang Sect were with me that day.” She said softly, an expression of pain on her face. “Brother Wei, the sisters…”

“Well, at least some of that Sect managed to flee China.” I consoled her.

“Yes. Perhaps Brother Wei might live yet, though I doubt it.” she looked down for a long moment, thinking, before she looked at me, her eyes now burning with desire. “I am powerful. I was called a Heaven-sent genius, breaking into Foundation Realm at just sixteen. I am far stronger still now. Yet here I am merely a little fox. But I would borrow the authority of a tiger if I could.” She wasn’t looking away, resolute. “These survivors, they may well know what happened to the Incorruptible Jade, and even if they do not… they will be desperate to strike back, as I am. We of the Sects, we repay dishonour with vengeance. An eye for an eye. If you truly are the Young Master here, then I ask to borrow your authority.”

“And what-what will you give for such? Your tale, while most interesting, it is not-not enough.” Shaeula observed. “I think it is fate. Akio here, he too has the blessing of a God of the moon.” She revelled in that, very pleased at my new powers.

“What can I offer?” Daiyu paused, and I took that opportunity to speak.

“We have those with Foresight, and we’ve come to a conclusion that there’s a good chance these fleeing deserters might cause death and destruction in Japan.” I warned. “So learning more about the capability of Cultivators would be useful.”

“Why would they do that?” Daiyu seemed genuinely puzzled. “Our enemies are the Party dogs and those of the Five which betrayed our legacy, licking the feet of those who have no right to even command us, begging for scraps.”

“Well, we have no proof, but we are taking it seriously. Any insight you could give is valuable. I wouldn’t ask for deep secrets, but you talk of Qi. When I entered, you said I was Accumulation, at first? Is that a stage?”

Daiyu looked bitter, before speaking. “Yes. I forgot that the blessings of Heaven appear like Cultivation to our eyes, at least without detailed scrutiny. I was surely seeing your blessing. A moon God, you say?” At my nod, she continued. “Well, I do detect that you seem to be refining Qi, a genuine effort, it seems. The first stage a Cultivator must learn is how to take the scattered energies of Earthly Qi that surrounds us, refining it within ourselves to make it Qi we can use. These techniques are many and varied, and over a lifetime one may learn improved techniques. I myself know of three.” She grimaced. “Now, compared to the richer world of our ancestors, our honourable predecessors, the Qi is thin. My best technique is one from the legacy of our Sect. I shall not speak of how, but it allows a skilled Cultivator to release their spirit and travel to the Spirit Realm while sleeping, where the Earthly Qi is more plentiful. I could never maintain it for long, but even so, a night spent Refining Qi in such a manner was worth weeks of endless struggle here. Not just anyone could master such an art.” She said proudly.

Shaeula and I exchanged looks, likely thinking the same thing. I see, even before the descent of the Divine favours, Cultivators had a way to enter the Boundary. It sounds like she couldn’t stay long though, similar to when I first began my journey. Back then my chakra network and silver cord were crappy and barely functional, so after a while the pressure built up, and I needed ever-escalating amounts of aether to remain. Though now I don’t even notice that, and the perfected networks Chirurgery creates seem able to retain presence in the Boundary for lengthy periods as well.

“That’s fascinating. Well, I do have a skill that is related to Qi.” At my words, her curiosity was piqued, so I continued. “My Spiritually Pure Physique rejects the most inferior forms of Earthly Qi and has a slight affinity for the pure Heavenly Qi. Qi within me will be slowly purified, though this effect currently cannot elevate Earthly Qi by more than a single Rank.” I still wish I knew more about Qi.

There was a long moment of silence. As it continued, stretching out uncomfortably, I eventually leaned closer, looking into Daiyu’s eyes. “Uh, are you all right?”

She blinked, seeing me so close, before scuttling backwards, flustered, making a delightful noise of surprise. When she gathered her breath, ignoring Shaeula’s snickering, she spoke, incredulous. “Spiritually Pure Physique? That is a Foundation technique long lost since Kunlun departed!” she shook her head, stunned. “The Five Great Sects used what techniques we had, improving on them over the many generations since…” she looked at me with noticeably more respect now. “… is it possible to teach me such a technique? Changing one’s Foundation, the realm after Qi Refining, is seldom done, as it can cause regression and deviation, but if an inferior technique can be replaced by one more suitable, taking the risk is worthwhile, and as I have not yet broken through to Accumulation…” she smiled sourly at that. “… of course I have not, nobody has for hundreds of years.” She sighed. “… well, the risks are outweighed by the benefits.”

I’m not a Cultivator, I don’t even know how I gained it, other than through the High Moonlight Spirit Water. So maybe if she had some of that, she could gain it too. I don’t know… Buying me time to think, I asked her what Foundation technique she was using. Immediately I regretted it, as she was so vehement about guarding her Sect’s legacies, but to my surprise she didn’t protest.

“I Cultivate the Invincible Jade Yang technique.” She pursed her lips. “The name is grand, and I like to believe it is the equal, no, surpasses the techniques of the other Five Great Sects. But put wings on a pig, and it will still not soar like a Qilin.” She shook her head. “Those from Kunlun would have scoffed at such a cobbled-together art. It is a technique of earth and light, but is more suited to men. I have been trying to modify it to a Yin technique, but despite my genius…” that bitter smile again. “… I have been unable to. Even so, it seems I have aptitude for the earth aspect.”

“Earth.” Shaeula said, making an unpleasant face. I saw that and patted her head, smiling.

“Don’t be like that, Shaeula. It’s soon time for you to complete the set. I know we can do it, together.”

“Yes, I know that.” Shaeula said, enjoying my affection. “Yet it still-still fills me with trepidation, even though I have mastered fire, water and light, earth still makes me tremble.”

“You have multi-elemental techniques?” Daiyu was surprised again. “Making elements exist in harmony is grievously challenging.”

“Yes, though I’m not sure you could call them Cultivation.” I shrugged, still holding Shaeula close. Daiyu looked at us, before sniffing, her nose turned up at our display.

“I have seen some of our most ancient documents and records regarding the Accumulation Realm. One begins fortifying work on the Dantians, gathering a great sea of Qi which best suits one’s nature, infusing it into every aspect of one’s being. If done successfully, higher realms, those from the distant past, supposedly open. Though all those records, manuals and treasures are now lost to us.” Her head drooped with sorrow. “The Incorruptible Jade ends with me, it seems.”

“Well, why not say it begins anew with you?” I consoled her, feeling bad for the girl. The more we talked, the more I realised she wasn’t a bad person. Cold, yes. Capable of great violence in the course of her duties too. But at heart she was dedicated to her craft, and loyal to her Sect and her family. If my father was attacked, and I didn’t know whether he was alive or dead, then I’d be furious too, seeking vengeance. After all, didn’t I tell Treyvon and Aliyah I’d even go after the President of the USA if I had to? “As long as you survive, you can rebuild. And you remember a lot of what your Sect had, right? Besides, maybe one day you can reclaim what you lost.”

“You… you think so?” she asked.

“I do. Shaeula here has fulfilled her dream. She got the respect she was denied, cleared her reputation, and even met her mother again.” Shaeula smiled at that.

“I am not-not quite done. I can go higher, further, with you at my side.”

“So, you see…” I addressed Daiyu. “… there’s still hope. I won’t tell you something trite like I’m sure your father is okay or I’m sure that your Sect got away because I simply don’t know. I don’t believe in false hope. There’s real hope though. I’m sure your father is happy that you at least survived. And if the legacy of your Sect is so important, it lives on in you, doesn’t it? Rebuild for those who can’t, and most of all, for yourself!”

“I was the one who failed, if we had only waited, then…” she began, anguished.

“You can not-not wind back the clock. What has happened can not-not be changed.” Shaeula said. “Besides, if you did-did your best, you should not-not be so hard on yourself. Even Akio and I fail sometimes.”

“That’s right.” I reassured her. “Only a few days ago… we lost a lot of people. Young people. And a young woman, a Candidate like me, she died in my arms. I failed to rescue them. I wasn’t fast enough or strong enough. But I did rescue some. I was distraught, but I can’t let that failure weigh me down, otherwise it’ll just happen again. So stand up. You want to find out what happened to your father? Well, you have information to trade with us. I’ll see you get a fair price.”

Daiyu shook her head. “I am no fool. My value is little, compared to what you could get for my death. The Party and those treacherous Sects, they would no doubt look favourably on you and your country were you to sell me to them. It would show others who may be thinking of rebelling that nowhere is safe. When I see a free meat bun, I always assume it is poisoned. I am seldom mistaken.”

“Well, dinner wasn’t, was it?” I gestured to the uneaten food. “Look, I get you are paranoid, lost, but I’m not the sort of person who sells out people to death or worse.” Not unless they deserve it, like Kondou Kazuo, or there’s no other real choice, like with Yamato-san. Neither applies here.

“You may be an arrogant Young Master, but you don’t run the Country.” She scoffed, her eyes hard. “I despise people who make promises they cannot honour.”

“As do we.” I said, and Shaeula nodded. “What it comes down to is, our interests are aligned. We want to prevent the potential threat from these runaway elements, you want information from them, and need backing, as you’ve lost your own. I can provide backing. If you are prepared to let Shaeula bind you to a promise of cooperation with her befuddling winds, you can leave here with us right now. And if you agree to help me, that makes you my ally, my friend. And I never back down when my friends are in trouble.”

“Bind me? Winds?” she asked, wary, perhaps knowing of similar Qi techniques.

“I have the ability to confuse the mind, it is quite-quite true.” Shaeula said. “We have discovered that a better way to wield such power, is to seek-seek voluntary acceptance of it. An oath honestly sworn under the winds, it sinks deep-deep, and breaking given word then is… challenging. Indeed, you would likely see no-no reason to.”

She still looked doubtful, but I really wanted her onside. Cultivation… it’s another route to power, most likely. Even if I’m not able to do it, others can benefit. The stronger we are, the better. There was also the suspicion that the Red Dragon Tsukiko-san saw in her many visions was also China, or at least something related, so if it came to battle, having someone who had knowledge, and also apparently a person on the inside… well, I’ll have to sweeten the pot.

“What… what are you doing?” Daiyu asked, sensing the change in the flow of aether and elemental energy within me. Pouring all of my energy into the sacral chakra, I condensed all of my water element into a small droplet in my palm, the water shining silver.

“Daiyu’er, you wanted to know about the Spiritually Pure Physique. Well, I’m not sure I can teach anyone, but… for a friend, I’d try my best.” Her eyes were fixed on the shining droplet, her usually stoic expression shattered, mouth hanging open.

“I’m not going to promise to help you get revenge. I don’t know the full circumstances, and some of the people involved may have their reasons. But if you think that the people involved are as vile as you say… well, chances are they’ll make a move on Japan at some point. And I will not stay silent, or show mercy then.” I made to close my palm, but her hands shot out, grabbing my fingers in an iron grip. I could have overpowered her, but the look on her face, of such rapture, was amusing.

“That… that is Spirit Water!” she breathed, shocked. “Of such purity, and flowing with a great yang energy! Even the blessing of Chang’e inside me aches for it… where did you get it? Such a treasure is found in the deepest of springs and purest of streams maybe once in a hundred years!”

“Well, that’s a tough one to answer. But… here.” I gently eased my hand free, and pointed a finger to her mouth. The shining droplet slid down it, and as it neared her mouth she licked out, taking up the water. Swallowing it, she shuddered. Quickly adopting a mediative pose, she began to Cultivate, and Shaeula and I watched her with our Eyes, gaining insights as the energy was, instead of being ferried to her sacral chakra, broken down and changed, becoming similar to aether, yet still containing water and moonlight. I see. Just as aether can be changed into elemental energy, rather inefficiently, so can elemental energy be changed into something akin to aether. Is that the essence of Cultivation? I don’t know enough to say…

After around twenty minutes, she was done, her eyes opening. “That was a precious gift. If only there was more. Breaking through to Accumulation realm might not just be a dream…”

Shaeula and I exchanged looks, but I didn’t want to promise anything else. “Well, I’m sure you understand such rare water can’t be easily given away.”

“I know that. Though a favour unlooked for should always be repaid, lest my Dao suffer and my soul be clouded.” She looked at us then, weighing up her options, before she asked me, looking vulnerable, more her age, rather than the confident Cultivator, just a young, scared girl away from home, one who was full of self-loathing and fear. “I… want to do what is right. By my Dao. By my Sect. Even by my country, though I do not recognise these upstarts as the China we swore to protect when Kunlun fled like cowards. By my father, my honoured Patriarch. But I am all alone, and no matter how strong I am, against the might of the Great Sects that betrayed us, I am a chicken, to be killed merely to scare the monkeys.”

“That’s why you should reach out. We can help each other.” I said, and she nodded slowly.

“I… if the time comes, when you see what my enemies truly are, scum who betray, steal and think nothing of taking everything for themselves… would you stand by me?”

“Well, you did say you were part of an assassination mission, so I don’t think the situation is black and white. But I believe in atonement.” That’s why I’m so gutted about Yamato-san. He never got a chance to. Of course, some, like Kondou Kazuo, are lost causes… but if even beings like Duke Formor can relent, then maybe… “If the day comes when they bare their fangs towards Japan, or us… well, they’ll be shown no mercy by me or mine. I know what it’s like to lose people.”

“Us? You would stand up for me? But I am one who has killed, my hands are stained…”

“Mine too. I’ve killed as well.” I interrupted her. “Did you enjoy it? Revel in it?”

She shook her head, dark hair swaying, in contrast to her drab, grey jumpsuit. “No, I regretted the necessity. But I understood why father wanted me to kill this man, as I understood the previous times. We did not act for greed or cruelty, merely survival.”

“Then I see-see little to worry about.” Shaeula grinned. “Become our friend, Daiyu, and we shall help each other.” With that, Shaeula held out her hand, another drop of the shimmering water, one she had squeezed out, glittering. With a casual flick she sent it arching through the air, and Daiyu panicked, darting for it, mouth open, only showing relief when she had swallowed it.

Damn, that was cute.

“I… find it hard to trust. The path of Cultivation is a lonely one. That is why we group into Sects. Some say it is to share knowledge, but I believe… I believe it is to have those you can share the times with. Friends and rivals. Cultivators must horde power. After all, to Cultivate is to seize what one desires from the world, even the Heavens themselves. Such often leads to temptation and betrayal.”

“I like to look at it a different way. Being strong alone, I can’t protect everyone. If we are strong together, then we can share the burden.” I answered her. “And to prove it, I’ll help you master the Spiritually Pure Physique. I can have Shaeula bind me with her winds if you wish, so you know I’m not cheating you.”

Shaeula looked rather affronted at that, but I felt it important to be fair. Too much is at stake. I’m getting a bad feeling, the more we talk about these Cultivators. Perhaps it’s my Foresight starting to react… hesitation would only put Tsukiko-san and others at risk.

“I see. Well, I do not know just what arts these winds are, but…” she met my gaze, dark eyes peering into my grey ones. “I swear it to the Heavens, upon my Dao itself, may my Cultivation be shattered if I break my oath, leaving me forever powerless. May Chang’e, immortal Goddess of the moon, condemn me should I prove faithless. For as long as you…”

My Foresight was screaming at me that something was about to happen. I wasn’t sure whether it was dangerous, but it surely wasn’t good. “Wait, stop, you don’t need to…” I began, but she tossed her head, irritated, speaking out.

“… aid me in my quest to restore the Incorruptible Jade, helping me show my enemies the justice they deserve, protect me and teach me the arts you have promised, I, Zhao Daiyu, perhaps the last of the Incorruptible Jade, Black Jade the Ever Beautiful, shall stand with you, and never betray you, unless I am betrayed first, following your orders. If betrayed, I shall not rest until I have struck you down, ended your faithless life! This I swear, the Heavens as my witness!”

My Eye picked up something then, a vivid streak of what should be invisible lightning, somehow manifested in the Material, and it struck Daiyu. She shuddered momentarily, energy cascading through her network, and then she let out a hoarse gasp, sweat dripping from her. “It seems the Heavens have accepted my vow.” She said, the floor damp from the falling droplets. “Now you must hold to your own bargain.”

“That was foolish.” I chided her, worried, and the look she gave me was amused, despite her sudden weakness.

“Why? My vow binds me more tightly than your winds ever could. Do you still not trust me?” she answered.

“It isn’t that. Your vow… do Cultivators do that often?” Now I’m worried. That was clearly reaching up high into the Astral. Too high. I don’t want anything that draws attention to Earth yet, that’s why I warned Saionji-san to be careful with his abilities…

“Vowing to the Heavens and the Dao is only done when one wants to be absolutely sure others will trust them, so no, it is rather rare. None in our Sect have done it in over two hundred years, so the records say.” She said, as Shaeula helped her steady herself. “If I break my oath, then I will never again be able to Cultivate, my spiritual body shattered.”

“Well, please don’t make any more of those vows. Besides…” I realised then the full weight of it. “A girl such as yourself shouldn’t vow to follow someone else’s orders, especially a man.”

“Why, is Young Master Akio…” she used my name for the first time. “… going to order me to please him? I had thought you said you were not such a man.”

Shaking my head, listening to Shaeula’s gales of amused laughter, I realised we had picked up quite the firecracker. She’s feeling reckless, desperate, else I don’t think she’d have made such an oath. But really, she made a good choice. I can help her, and her knowledge can be of massive use to both me and the Ministry.

As I was thinking, she spoke again. “So, am I free to leave this place? Or were you all talk?”

“No, we can go.” I looked at her then, glancing up and down. “But first thing we need to do is visit a clothing store, I think…”

With that we strode out past the guards, who stood aside. Daiyu watched them apprehensively, but as soon as they let her pass she relaxed.

“So, what-what is next?” Shaeula asked, and I checked my watch.

“It looks like the training school and these big-shots Hinata is bringing. There definitely is no rest for the wicked…”