by Tao Wong
***
Wu Ying finished rereading the letter before turning to the style guide, making sure he recalled the details of the finger exercise. Not that he needed the refresher. As a child, he had spent countless hours pretending his paired fingers were a sword, waving them around and “dueling” his dad. The drill could be conducted with chopsticks attached to fingers, providing the wielder additional “length” and a sense of the lines of threat.
However, in this case, the new drill was a projection drill. Holding up his paired fingers, Wu Ying stared at the raised pair before him and exhaled. Intent. Focus on the fingers, focus on the fact they were no longer fingers but the start of the blade. Sense the weight of the blade, its cutting edge, the deadly tip. Feel the deadly intent of a weapon meant for killing.
Once Wu Ying had his “jian” firmly in his mind, he moved through the forms. First one, then another. Hours passed as Wu Ying flowed with his fingers, taking each motion in step and making it part of him, part of his instincts. When he came to the end of the third form, as he threw a rising cut, Wu Ying exhaled at the same time and released the chi he had built up.
The dark night air rippled, a cutting sound issuing through the courtyard as air was forcefully parted. Sword intent and chi, compacted and mixed together to form a single motion to extend a cut far from his body. The sword energy formed by his fingers impacted the edge of the spirit barriers of the training ground without leaving a mark. On the other hand, Wu Ying collapsed as the sudden loss of chi drained him of nearly all his energy.
A short while later, Wu Ying rolled over with a groan. “Better. Only lost two-thirds of my chi that time.”
If he had conducted the attack with his sword, Wu Ying knew he would have, could have, done better. The need to form the “sword” in his mind, to create it by his intent was a powerful training tool, but it also used an inordinate amount of chi to make it real.
Still, as Wu Ying struggled to his feet, he could not help but smile. This was progress. Very good progress. Having a long-range attack for his jian, a surprise attack he could use, gave him another card to play. A cultivator without secrets and aces was a dead cultivator.
Chapter 16
“Wu Ying?”
“Yes, Senior Goh?” Wu Ying turned his head, seeing his friend and senior standing next to him. Wu Ying stood, brushing off his dirt-covered hands. Scattered by his feet were the glass jars he had stuffed with the weeds he had pulled. The weeds still twitched as they attempted to escape back into the chi-rich earth.
“Ru Ping,” Ru Ping corrected, glaring at Wu Ying.
“Sorry. All the new outer sect members have been reminding me about the formalities, especially with their bowing and scraping.” Wu Ying’s lip twitched as he attempted to supress a smile.
“Har. Yes. They’re all enthusiastic and scared, aren’t they?” Ru Ping said. “Thankfully, Elder Li never picks her people from them. Though she does send me to the gardening sector later in the year to see if there are any decent prospects.”
“Yes, Senior.”
“Oh, shut up,” Ru Ping grumped. Seeing Wu Ying’s half-smile, he snorted and punched Wu Ying in the shoulder. “I came to speak with you about the upcoming expedition the Elders are organizing. You know of it?” Wu Ying shook his head and Ru Ping sighed. “You should pay closer attention to these matters. The expedition is for the rare variant of the kurinji flowers[52]. The normal kurinji flowers bloom once every twelve years, but the variant we require blooms once every half century. The hill the flowers are located on is north of sect territory, deep in the spirit beast territory.”
“If it’s north…” Wu Ying turned automatically to stare in the aforementioned direction. Of course, being in the middle of the sect, there was nothing to see but more trees and buildings. Still, Wu Ying knew untamed wilderness lay that way, the kind of place one did not go to unless they were an Elder. Or in large groups. “That’s very dangerous.”
Ru Ping elbowed Wu Ying in the side. “Not so much for us. We’re going to join Elder Li and be her harvesters. We get to stay in the center of the group and harvest what the Elder tells us.”
“We?” Wu Ying frowned. “I didn’t agree to this.”
“Why did you think I’ve been spending so much time with you?” Ru Ping said, putting his hands on his hips. “Did you think I personally train all of them?” Ru Ping jerked his chin toward the other gardeners, shaking his head. “No. You’re here for things like this.”
“I’m happy to harvest on my missions, but this…” Wu Ying tried to find a way to carefully point out that the expedition was too dangerous. Way too dangerous. He was not even an Energy Harvester.
“Are you saying no?” Ru Ping said, his voice growing cold. He shifted away from Wu Ying, meeting his junior’s gaze directly.
“I have to think about it,” Wu Ying replied quietly, quailing at Ru Ping’s scornful gaze.
“Do so at the compost piles,” Ru Ping said flatly.
Wu Ying twitched but bowed to Ru Ping, and he sealed the jar of weeds before he headed for the compost piles. It had been months since he had been assigned there—not since the first month when he had learned everything he needed to know in this portion of the gardens. The message was clear to Wu Ying, as was the level of displeasure Ru Ping was displaying. And, obviously, Elder Li by default.
***
Dirty and smelly, Wu Ying took a quick shower at a nearby training ground before making his way to the assignment hall later that day. The abrupt change in Ru Ping’s treatment of him made Wu Ying even more wary than ever about the expedition. If there was a place he could learn more, it would be at the assignment hall. Slipping into one of the many lines, Wu Ying let his gaze roam over his fellow cultivators.
As always, the assignment hall buzzed with outer and inner sect members gossiping in lines, waiting for their turn. In one corner, chairs and standing tables allowed cultivators who had completed their business to socialize out of the way. In the opposite corner of the hall, a smaller number of desks and attendants dealt with the sect members who had completed their assignments.
Rank had its privileges, and the line for inner sect members was significantly shorter than the never-ending line for outer sect members. In short order, Wu Ying found himself facing the bored-looking attendant. It certainly seemed the hall master hired based off the level of boredom an attendant showed. Otherwise, by the laws of random chance alone, at least one attendant had to feel something other than boredom.
“Yes?” the attendant asked querulously.
“Sorry. I wanted to know about the expedition,” Wu Ying said.
“Which one?”
“There’s more than one?”
“Yes.”
“And they are…?”
“To the north, headed by Elder Mo and Elder Li. And to the east, headed by Elder Wan.” The attendant sighed.
“What are they for?” This was the first he had heard of the expeditions.
“Elder Wan is hunting a bai ze for its horns,” the attendant said. “He requires a dozen late Energy Storage cultivators, or those with equivalent combat abilities, for the expedition. It is expected to take a minimum of three weeks, but Elder Wan has vowed to not return until it is caught.”
“And what is a bai ze?”
The attendant’s lips pursed, and he glared at Wu Ying for daring to ask another question. In the end though, he scrambled within his desk before pulling out a scroll and reading from it. “‘A bai ze is a cow-like spirit animal with six horns and nine eyes. Its horns are on its flanks and head, and the horns, eyes, and fur are considered highly valuable. Over and above the normal return for the meat.’”
When he realized the attendant was done speaking, Wu Ying said, “Thank you. I’m not qualified for that one.”
“Obviously.” The attendant sniffed, shaking his head. “Now. Elder Li’s and Elder Mo’s expedition is even more dangerous, though larger. In total, there will be four Elders on the expedition, includ
ing the two sponsors. They are launching a full field expedition and have requirements for multiple guards, camp attendants, and a pill refiner. I’m sure I can find you a space on the expedition.”
“Pay?”
“Very good. Daily, dependent on task, but a minimum of thirty contribution points and thirty coins per day,” the attendant replied. “Are you interested?”
“Not yet. What is the expedition for?”
The attendant shrugged at Wu Ying. “I do not know. They are seeking something in the unclaimed spirit lands. The expedition is expected to take a minimum of a month and no longer than two.”
“Oh?” Wu Ying said, surprised. That they were not providing details of what they wanted concerned Wu Ying. Especially since Ru Ping had told him directly. “So short?”
The attendant shrugged, obviously uninterested in speculating. Wu Ying pressed the man for more details but found most of his efforts rebuffed. Eventually, the increasingly irritated attendant sent Wu Ying away as the cultivator was unwilling to sign up immediately.
Walking away, Wu Ying rubbed his chin. The good news was that Ru Ping had told the truth. A large number of guards were being hired, along with numerous Elders. In fact, the majority of those being hired were coming from the inner sect, with only a few spaces available for those in the outer sect. In addition, the minimum requested cultivation stage was Energy Storage 1, though the attendant had hinted that certain exceptions might be available for those with the required skills.
That was the greatest concern for Wu Ying. He was two whole cultivation levels below the minimum requirement. The difference between those in the Energy Storage stage and Body Cleansing stage were night and day. The ability to harness and project external chi made a significant difference in an individual’s combat abilities. Skill and trickery could make up for some of the difference, but only some.
The untamed spirit lands the expedition was journeying to were home to high-level Body Cleansing creatures and even stronger Energy Storage beasts. Even worse, the occasional Core spirit beast could be found in the depths of the spirit lands. It was worth noting that while monsters at the same level in the Body Cleansing stage were weaker than the equivalent cultivator, at higher levels, the balance changed. A spirit beast with a Core was much more dangerous than a human of the same cultivation level. It had to do with, as Wu Ying understood it, the difficulty and balancing of karmic requirements. The increased difficulty for beasts to advance across each stage meant they grew stronger when they did advance.
“Troubled?” Fairy Yang asked Wu Ying as she caught him walking out of the assignment hall with a frown on his face.
Wu Ying bowed to his Elder before straightening. As always, Wu Ying noted the goggling group that watched Elder Yang wherever she went. Sometimes he wondered how she felt about being the center of attention. Certainly, his own experiences as such had been less than enjoyable.
“Yes. No, Elder Yang,” Wu Ying corrected himself automatically, afraid of disturbing the woman.
“Which is it?” Fairy Yang said.
“It is nothing important, Elder.”
“Senior. I am your senior disciple too,” Fairy Yang said. “One whom you can speak with, if you have concerns.”
“I…” Wu Ying drew a deep breath, steeling himself. She was right. And he did need some questions answered. “Would Senior have time for tea?”
“Yes.”
Wu Ying escorted the Elder to a nearby tea house, ignoring the jealous glares shot his way. Once again, Wu Ying took a seat in a semi-private room, one which blocked off hearing but allowed others to note their perfectly polite distance. In short order, once the tea had arrived and Wu Ying had served it, Wu Ying explained his concerns and dilemma to Fa Yuan.
“You are concerned your relationship with Elder Li will be irreparably damaged if you do not go. But if you do, you might be irreparably damaged,” Fa Yuan summed up for Wu Ying.
She said it so bluntly, Wu Ying blinked. His hesitation did seem foolish. Who would trade feelings for safety?
“Go.”
“Pardon?”
“You should go.”
“But I risk death,” Wu Ying said.
“And yet, you’ll die anyway if you fail to progress in your cultivation,” Fa Yuan said. “Have you not realized it yet? Cultivation is extremely difficult by yourself. It is why we have sects. Why, even in the sect, we have cliques. Because we need friends. Helpers. Sponsors.”
“It’s funny, coming from you.” When Fairy Yang raised a single, elegant eyebrow, Wu Ying added, “Because of Elder Cheng.”
“Do you think Elder Cheng does not believe in the need for bonds? It is just that he also believes in fate. He offers individuals opportunities and sees if they are fated to accept it, to find the Dao in those situations,” Fa Yuan said. “Elder Cheng believes that by accepting the greater Dao in all things, we can find the fate we are meant to have. And the Dao connects all things, including us to each other.”
Wu Ying opened his mouth to ask more questions before he shook his head. That belief was not something he was sure he could accept. Or necessarily understand yet. But, at least, he could accept what Fa Yuan said. And accept that yes, Elder Cheng did believe in the need for groupings. In either case, it did not help with his current predicament. “So. I should accept.”
“Undoubtedly. If you desire to progress as a cultivator, you cannot afford to increase the level of animosity you deal with in the sect,” Fa Yuan said.
“Thank you, Senior,” Wu Ying said, bowing in his seat to Fa Yuan. “If I go, perhaps you could offer further advice about expeditions?”
“This will be your first extended mission, yes?” Fa Yuan smiled as Wu Ying confirmed her statement. “There are a number of items you should consider purchasing. A few for emergency purposes, and others for general comfort.” She sipped from her teacup before she continued. “Much depends on the totality of your current contribution points. Your storage ring is of limited size, correct?”
“Yes, Senior.”
“Then we will try to keep your requirements to the essentials.” Fa Yuan fell silent, her finger tapping on the teacup for a moment. Then she spoke while Wu Ying took mental notes.
***
Bonds. Familial. Bureaucratic. Social. Wu Ying mused about the topic as he went in search of his friends. Fairy Yang was correct. The bonds between individuals, between an individual and society at large, was what kept society running. When the obligations between commoner and noble, kingdom and society, between states themselves broke down, unrest, banditry, and war occurred.
It was in the interest of renewing the bonds between himself and others that Wu Ying took to the streets. The apothecary hall was missing Liu Tsong. And the training grounds showed no sign of Tou He. Wu Ying did not even bother looking for Li Yao, since he knew the young lady was in secluded cultivation. Disheartened, Wu Ying chose to make his way to Tou He’s residence to await his friend.
It was late evening when Wu Ying opened his eyes and stood from his seated cultivation, spotting Tou He across from him. The vague sense of his friend’s arrival had crept into his awareness as he cultivated, but it had taken Wu Ying tens of breaths to finally settle his chi.
“Were you looking for me?” Tou He said.
“No. Your house is nicer than mine,” Wu Ying said, flashing a smile.
“It is quite nice, isn’t it?” Tou He said.
Wu Ying aimed a quick kick at his friend, who laughed. Considering Wu Ying was seated cross-legged on his stool, the actual attempt was rather pitiful. “Have you heard of the expedition?”
“To capture the bai ze?” Tou He shook his head. “A bad idea. The bai ze are good fortune and wise. Capturing one to use for cultivation is bad karma. Very bad karma.”
“No, the other expedition,” Wu Ying said. Though Tou He’s comments did raise another question. How did his friend square the fact that much of the items at the higher levels required body parts from animals? After all, ne
ver mind the fact that Buddhism in general required one to discard the longing for items, but the use of material from animals was bound to have some karmic debt to it. On the other hand, Tou He was a big meat eater, which was also anathema to the entire religion. A question for another time.
“Elder Li’s? She’s your herb teacher, isn’t she?” Tou He shrugged. “I know little of it.”
“Want to come?” Wu Ying said, offering his friend a half smile.
“Do they not need individuals at the Energy Gathering level?” Tou He said.
“You’re very close to it,” Wu Ying said. His friend was nearing the pinnacle of Body Cultivation 12.
“Close is not sufficient.”
Wu Ying sighed and stood heavily. “Sorry.”
“For what?”
“Asking. It’s not your fight,” Wu Ying said.
Tou He tilted his head, staring at his friend for a moment before he grinned. “As if I would let you go without me.”
“You hún dàn.” Wu Ying kicked more successfully at his friend this time.
Tou He chuckled even as he rubbed his thigh, waving the other hand. “So long as they have a place for me, I will come. We shall brave the wilderness together. Little use that we might be.”
“Speak for yourself. I’m going to be a lot of use. Harvesting.”
“Ah, right.” Tou He rubbed his bald head in thought. “Well. Dinner then?”
Whiplashed by the sudden comment, Wu Ying bobbed his head in agreement.
“Good. Then let’s eat and we can discuss what we’ll need.”
As Tou He left the greeting room, Wu Ying could not help but catch up and add, “Thank you.”
“No need.”
***
“Senior Lee,” Wu Ying said as he greeted his friend the next morning.
“I’m already coming,” Liu Tsong said. “You were going to ask about your Elder’s expedition, yes?”
