When was the last time he had actually tried pushing himself with that skill?
He squeezed the hilt of the dagger he had claimed, doing his best to visualize the dark Qi sheathing his arm instead flowing the other way, imagining the inky substance running up the razor-sharp blade like liquid silver.
Dark Qi Projection Skillcheck failed! 5 Qi spent!
Alex frowned, realizing he was doing something wrong. The Dark Qi refused to flow over the blade. He took a deep breath, pushing himself in the ways he already knew he could, allowing the dark Qi, just for a second, to cover his arms and legs in their entirety. Sensing his formerly miniscule Qi drain rise to a steady amount, he spent long, anxious seconds focusing on the sensation even as he kept his razor-sharp focus on his foes, who were still tending to their sobbing companion’s wounds.
He almost… there!
Pushing himself allowed him to sense the properties of his projected Dark Qi better than ever, to truly appreciate how it coated his limbs. Not as a liquid film, but as an extension of himself.
Before he could over-analyze it, he quickly reversed the flow, such that the excess flood of cool Qi coursed down his arm and the dagger he now did his best to think of as just an extension of himself as he flashed it through the air, surprised and pleased to sense it latch on for just a heartbeat, the Shadow Qi within the dagger seeming to welcome the darkness into itself.
Dark Qi Projection skill check – Success! Synergistic skill bonus in effect! You have successfully extended Dark Qi Projection four inches beyond your fingertips! Shadow Qi incorporated into steel dagger helps to anchor Dark Qi! 3 Qi spent! Additional 3 Qi per ten seconds will be spent maintaining this skill!
Alex felt a surge of exhilaration, as much as he frowned at the cost. Feeling everything click together as he was struck by sudden insight, he found himself suddenly sensing the ebb and flow of spiritual energy through his body, both Dark and Light, like never before.
Other messages abruptly flashed across his mind’s eye, but he paid them no mind, focused entirely on his prey and judging just the moment to strike.
“Here, drink this, you damned fool, while I hold your fingers straight,” said a scowling Yuren. “As soon as you stop screaming like a wench, maybe you can tell me how the hell that monkey actually got the drop on you!”
Yumeng nodded and gritted his teeth after sipping the potion, crying out as his body shuddered and spasmed. Barely tamed Water Qi energies caused him to twitch and shudder as his companion held onto his fingers. A part of Alex wondered why the Red Prince’s agents used potions that seemed far cruder than the crimson healing potions possessed by his elite companies still hiding in the woods about Baidushi, before pushing it firmly out of mind and seizing the moment just as Yuren tensed with his companion’s spasms.
Alex flitted through the chamber so fast that Yumeng’s cry was still echoing when his Dark Qi-covered dagger plunged into Yuren’s back, aiming not for a killing blow, but rather the leather strap securing the pouch in place.
Bullrush! Bullrush!
Adderstrike! You have critically hit your opponent! Calculated blow avoids fatal kidney rupture! You suffer 2 health damage and no significant injury from mild elbow strain!
Alex’s blade jutted out with all the killing force that 30 strength and a deadly internal Qi technique would allow. Yet, a blow that would have sent any of the stone reliefs in the sauna-like chamber exploding into shrapnel didn’t send his foe flying, nor did the cultivator’s organs show signs of suffering catastrophic damage. His careful strike had instead been calculated to end with his fist just touching his foe’s skin, the dagger held in a punch grip burying several inches of steel into his opponent’s back, while the wide, triangular blade effortlessly tore the strap of the pouch. Of course, the snapping blow of an Adderstrike forced to an abrupt end without delivering its stored power had resulted in mild elbow strain, but it was nothing he couldn’t almost instantly shake off.
Quickness check made! Finesse check made! You have claimed your prize and avoided your foe’s blow!
Bullrush!
You are fleeing your opponents!
Despite the furious surge of exultation and mild joint strain Alex had felt when his blade plunged into Yuren’s back, he embraced that heartbeat of surprise to dart in, grab the falling belt pouch, and yank it and his weapon free as he Bullrushed a mere ten feet away, effortlessly dodging an awkward jian slash delivered by his wounded foe.
It was a desperate swing that sent Yuren crashing into the water with a cry when he hit nothing but air, only realizing the extent of his injury as Alex flitted through the water, holding up his newly claimed prize and giving his foes the bird as he laughed in their faces before darting for the golden steps leading up to the next plateau.
“What the hell just happened. What the hell just happened?” Erlengzi cried, gazing down at a writhing Yuren, blood spurting from his back.
“That fool stabbed me in the back!” Yuren coughed a surprised mouthful of blood. “Get me a potion. Quick!”
Yumeng’s eyes widened. “Look at that damned monkey. He took our pouch, and my dagger! He has all our healing potions and poisons!”
The wild-eyed looks of hate Alex received made him grin and wink in turn. “Ooh. That looks serious. Maybe you should stop here and get those injuries treated.” He flashed an evil smile. “Of course, that would make you nothing more than servants. But what was that you said? Ah, I remember. Those who refuse to accept their place will find their time at this school very short indeed. Now why don’t you all leave this pool and accept your fate like the common trash you are?”
He let loose an exaggerated sigh. “Of course, I suppose I will lose a rank for putting you fools in your places, but it will be worth it to watch you all scrubbing my fine future cultivation pavilion to a wonderful shine!”
He laughed at their glares and roars of outrage, his foes roaring and stumbling after him as he happily led them on a merry chase, so bold as to flash a wink for the terrified-looking servitors only now returning and paling at the sight of him.
“You’ll note that despite the spurting blood and broken bones, these fools are happily ascending the steps, so I do believe that means no penalty is in effect!” he cried out jubilantly, expecting no answer as his enemies roared their hate for him, quickly beginning his ascent once more. He had braced himself for a burst of effort, after overhearing more than one comment about sharply increasing difficulty, but still found gliding up the golden steps spiraling up the mountain as easy as walking, with no more pressure upon his soul than the gentlest of breezes kissing his brow with a delightful hint of coolness.
He frowned, deliberately clamping down upon his growing sense of exhilaration, knowing he'd be a fool to discount the threats below. He deliberately gained distance, waiting until he was a good ten steps ahead before daring to turn back, only to find that he couldn't see any trace of the landing below. It was as if each stair truly was a vast realm entirely separate from its neighbors, or at least that they represented distances far beyond that which his eyes implied.
Yet what he could see all too clearly in chilling, visceral detail, were the murderous countenances of the three cultivators rapidly closing the distance between them. Far closer than they had any right to be, as far as Alex was concerned. Only a few steps behind him.
Alex swallowed his momentary surprise, laughing down at his foes. “You know, you fools really might want to stop and put a compress on Yuren’s spurting wound. Bronze Vitality or no, fury alone is giving you strength right now. If you tumble back down to mid-servant status, you’ll have no one to blame but yourselves.”
Yuren snarled and spat, a bright crimson hue now covering his lips. “You had best give us back our potions, Ruidian, or I swear you will rue the day you dared to cross us!”
Alex smirked, deliberately keeping at least five steps between himself and the trio below, noting how distant and faint their voices sounded, even from what was effectively a
mere twenty feet away. “Really? Considering that your wannabe assassin was already intending to kill me—before failing miserably, I might add—your threats are ringing awfully hollow to my ears.”
Alex’s mask slipped for just a heartbeat, his killing glare making his foes blanch in surprise. “In another time and place, I would have already torn out your hearts for that offense alone. And your screaming souls would be begging me not to take far more than a single turn of the wheel.”
Before his foes could do anything other than blanch in horrified outrage, Alex howled with laughter. “Oh, look at your expressions! A couple lucky sucker punches, and you actually think I’m death incarnate! What cowards you three truly are.”
Yuren’s face turned beet red with outrage, momentary hesitation turning to killing fury. “Get that mocking bastard! Get him now, before he can flit through the shadows like a damned kitsune! Get me that Ruidian’s head!”
Erlengzi frowned. “That bastard’s right, brother. We need to patch your wound. I didn’t come all this way just to watch you die to your own stupidity.”
Yuren snarled and glared at his companion before giving an angry shake of his head. “Damn it… Alright, Yumen, help me with this damned armor. I don’t care if your arm still hurts! Erlengzi, keep that bastard in your sight! He didn’t strike at you for a reason! He’s sneaky, but there’s no real force behind his blows. He’s powerless against you. Once you get a grip on him, tear him in half!”
Erlengzi flashed a cold smile. “Gladly, brother.” The bald giant of a cultivator pinned a grinning Alex with cold black eyes, his cracking knuckles and icy smile telling Alex all he needed to know.
Alex’s grin widened. “Oh goody. You’re coming to play, Erlengzi? Wonderful! Well, come on, now; let’s see who’s the fastest up these stairs, shall we?”
The golden steps echoed with the roars of a furious Bronze Ogre and the mocking laughter of a Ruidian leading his prey.
3
“Welcome, aspirant, and congratulations! For you have reached the third and final tier of service, a feat that only a fraction of supplicants manage in any given year," said a smiling cultivator whose chiseled features and lean physique radiated a certain health and vitality apparent to anyone, at least compared to the sea of mortals in the city below, even if he did lack the ageless quality of those who had ascended to Silver and beyond.
If Alex had to guess, the man was close to fifty, even if his features were that of a handsome thirty-something in his prime. He wore a changshan shirt of darkest silk and matching pants that hugged his sleek frame, and for all that the actual cut and fabric were worlds apart, the man’s bearing reminded Alex of a butler, or perhaps a maitre’d at an exclusive restaurant.
Regardless, his manner was both gracious and formal, while somehow managing to convey a subtle aura of command. Very much like a seneschal who controlled a legion of loyal servitors with no more than raised eyebrows, an occasional suggestion, and, after a hard-day’s work, a well-earned smile for those who pleased him.
Or such was Alex’s sense of him after holding the now pale-faced host’s gaze for perhaps a bit too long.
A quiet part of his mind wondered just how long he could pin man’s gaze, and why the cultivator—Puren was his name—was beginning to tremble, before Alex deliberately looked away, admiring yet another sauna and bathhouse-like affair. This one was even more well-appointed than the last, with marble and gold-etched seating and stone tables barely visible beneath shiny brass plates filled with ripe fruits, wheels of cheese, and any number of carafes of wine, as well as clay jars filled with what his exquisite sense of smell informed him was high-grade sake or the local equivalent.
Alex noted as well the handful of servitors dressed similarly to Puren, who had taken a number of surly young cultivators under his wing over the years, serving as both master and counselor. He had spent considerable effort teaching them discipline, as well as Cleansing Breath Purification Technique, such that by the time a select handful had actually cleared their seventh Meridian channel, they had both the necessary discipline to successfully ascend to Bronze, and the work ethic to truly be an asset to both the school and their community as a whole.
Alex blinked and shivered, not sure if it had been Soul Sight or Spirit Qi, or perhaps both in unison, that had given him the unexpected nugget of wisdom, and even less sure if he was comfortable catching glimpses of other people’s souls.
He then shifted his focus back where it was expected and finally registered what the man was telling him.
“… So congratulations on achieving what is perhaps the most important milestone of any cultivator’s aspirations. Achieving a rank where you can both be of service to our fine institution, while savoring the opportunity to better yourself. For here, as an ascending third tier student, unlike those of more limited potential, you are permitted, even encouraged, to continue to cultivate with the same dedication as any other student, and you will be given a path of study that might even lead you to Bronze, should you have the predilection and fortitude necessary to achieve such a lofty goal.”
Momentary discomfort long since past, the cultivator was favoring Alex with an almost fatherly gaze. “It is hard enough for even those of the purest bloodlines to manage what you have already accomplished. I can only imagine the strain you must have felt, pushing yourself to such extremes. Not only would I like to assure you that you may rest your feet and partake of the feast before you free of regret and shame, but even counsel you to avoid pushing yourself any further, lest the tumble you take be a dangerous one. And I can assure you that it is far less pleasurable to crash back down to our pool and be forced to spend the next few days recovering from broken bones and the touch of a healer with little sympathy for fools, when you could be delighting in the feast and company before you.”
Soul Sight Perception Check made!
Alex took in the cadre of servitors bowing as one before him, and for all that several gazed at him with the strictest professional aplomb, as if hiding subtle distaste for his brilliant golden locks and bright blue eyes, he did note genuine interest in at least a few appraising gazes, male and female both. Yet he couldn't help but wonder if this might be a test every bit as significant as the golden steps themselves.
He frowned thoughtfully at the man before him. “Am I correct in assuming that partaking of the refreshments or company is an admission that our journey has come to an end?”
Puren flashed a conciliatory smile. “It is certainly true that, should you find your weary body replete with finest victuals and sweetest wine, embraced in the rapture of celebration before gentlest nod claims your weary bones at last, that your journey will have come to an end. But only this chapter, my dear Ruidian friend. After two seasons of discipline and training, you will be permitted a right no lesser servant ever will: the right to prove yourself worthy as a cultivator with Bronze potential. The right to fight for the honor of ascension, and to move up the ranks as all our supplicants aspire to do. In truth, save for degrees of privilege and opportunity, even this humble station gives you an unlimited path forward, so long as you have the discipline and diligence required to persevere.” He cleared his throat. “Of course, you will also be expected to work for various masters and aspirants in the mean time, as any good servitor should, and such work can be both a source of pride and humility, allowing you to appreciate all the potential before you even as you spend your evenings cultivating, working hard toward the day you are finally ready to ascend to Bronze.”
Alex gave a slow, thoughtful nod. “And would you be relegated to this rank if you were to make use of the environment in a way that did not include eating or drinking the fare?”
Puren’s smooth forehead suddenly furrowed. “What do you mean, Ruidian?”
Now it was Alex’s turn to flash an apologetic smile, clasping the man’s hand and slipping him a prize that earned widened eyes and a questioning glance. “I fear it is possible that some of your fine décor might end up a t
ad bit… worse for wear. I do hope this will serve as sufficient tally for any damages that might accrue, if you and your gracious assistants might allow myself and a friend soon to arrive, say, a fifth of a glass to prepare ourselves for the golden stairway leading to Bronze?”
Puren spent long moments gazing up at Alex before glancing down at the spirit pearl in his hands. Hard eyes bored into Alex’s own. “You better not be planning on killing anyone, boy.”
Alex winked. “A little blood, perhaps, but I have no interest in a death count marring my final standing.”
The man glared before finally shaking his head. “I’m holding you to that. I do believe my crew and I have something that needs attending to right away, and I don’t expect to see either you or your ‘friend’ when I return in a quarter glass.” He cracked a stiff smile. “Unless you two find yourselves eager to begin your term as servants, with the first order of business being to clean up your damned mess, should I find even a single pitcher out of place. Am I understood?”
Alex beamed his most winning smile, earning a snort in return. “Of course!”
Puren sighed and shook his head, before his hard gaze caught first one, then another servant who paled and blanched before him. “I have word that a situation has just come up. Anyone who wishes to earn double points this week will follow me at once.”
And it said something, Alex thought, that not a single servant hesitated to follow their master. Only one brown-eyed girl’s lingering, curious gaze washed over him as they all hurried away.
Alex allowed himself a hungry grin, though he knew better than to taste a single morsel of food.
Even so, his hands were laden with sake-filled flasks as he stood in the middle of the room and waited for his prey.
“You!” roared a panting red-faced Erlengzi, heaving like a bellows as he snarled and took the final step into the massive sauna of a dining hall that was this plateau, water coming to just below the brutish cultivator's knees. Even Erlengzi's small beady eyes widened at the fine décor, to say nothing of the impressive feast heaped upon the stone tables before him. Then his glare quickly snapped back to a smiling Alex, hands behind his back, mocking the cultivator with the slightest of bows.
Silver Fox & the Western Hero: Warrior's Path: A LitRPG/Cultivation Novel - Book 6 Page 4
