I need more practice, he decided as his soul left the jade slip and returned to his body in the Clear Sky World. I won’t gain anything more without practice.
“Teacher? I’m leaving,” Cha Ming bellowed, then he promptly exited the Clear Sky World.
Cha Ming appeared in the reading room, exhausted in mind, body, and soul. He popped a pill to replenish his lost energy, and color returned to his cheeks. He took a few moments before exiting the room and returning the jade he’d been studying.
He yawned as he left the library. It had been a productive trip. He’d spent a week here without crafting anything, true, but he was progressing far faster than he had with talisman crafting. Now, with a bit of practice, he’d be able to make high-grade pills, which he could in turn trade in for more money and more items. He felt hopeful about his situation, which was more than he could claim a month ago.
Has there been any news since last time? Cha Ming asked.
Huxian answered by appearing beside him. He’d gotten faster at that, and the spatial fluctuations around him seemed more carefree than usual.
“Heya,” Huxian said. “Just in time. Grab my hand.”
“What? Why?” Cha Ming asked. He trusted Huxian, of course, so he grabbed his brother’s hand immediately. When they appeared once again, they were all the way on the sixth floor.
“Gah!” Gua said when they appeared. “Stop doing that. It’s unnerving.”
“It’s so mysterious,” Miyue said. “He’s gotten better at it, you know.”
“I noticed,” Cha Ming said. He looked around to get his bearings. Was this the Shimmerwing Auction House? He recognized the tall building by its three large stained-glass windows. Demons of all kinds and phoenixes of all feathers were streaming in and out of the place. “Did you remember another technique?”
“Naw,” Huxian said. “Forming a bond of friendship with Bifang had benefits. My space-time affinities grew. Who would have guessed?”
“Speaking of which, where is she? I’ve yet to meet her.” Cha Ming looked around and spotted no one.
“Oh, crap,” Huxian said. He sped off toward a crowd, and Cha Ming saw a burst of seven-colored flames and a shield that appeared to contain it. Huxian zipped back with a young lady in tow and introduced her to Cha Ming. “Bifang, Cha Ming. Cha Ming, Bifang.”
“Hello!” she said sweetly, then hugged Huxian tightly.
“Oh, no you don’t, you unscrupulous wench,” Miyue said. She grabbed the younger girl by the arm, who in turn clung to Huxian for dear life.
“Break it up, break it up,” Gua said, interposing himself between the two. Gua, who was normally causing problems, was now playing peacekeeper.
“What have you done?” Cha Ming said, massaging the spot between his eyes. Huxian had a knack for finding the most troublesome friends. Mr. Mountain and Silverwing excluded, of course. They were reasonable people. Not at all prone to fighting.
“That’s what I said!” Miyue interjected. “He didn’t even ask!”
“This is my friend circle, not yours,” Huxian said. “If you don’t like it, you can leave.” Miyue crossed her arms, sniffed, and looked away.
Cha Ming sighed. “What’s going on, exactly?”
“You gave me that list, right?” Huxian said. “I just so happens that one of the items on the list, the thrice-burned amorphic rock ginseng, is up for auction. I thought we’d go buy it.”
“This auction, it’s one of the only ways to get it?” Cha Ming asked.
“It comes up every couple of weeks,” Huxian said. “Most shops don’t stock it.”
“It was one of my customers that suggested we come here,” Gua said. “If we don’t get it now, the price will skyrocket in the next couple of months. Lord Elegant Egotist said it was a certainty.”
“How wonderful,” Miyue said. “Your contact brought us a possibility, but my contact already directly sold us three portions of the creeping nirvana vine.”
“The cheapest item on the list,” Gua said with a sniff.
“Ladies, ladies,” Huxian said.
“Ladies,” Bifang said sweetly, hopping between both of them and hugging them tightly. Gua and Miyue tried to pull themselves apart but to no avail.
“May as well get this over with,” Cha Ming agreed.
They walked over to the auction house, only to be stopped at the entrance by a beautiful lady wearing regal robes and crystal earrings. “Honored guests, what are you interested in purchasing today?” she asked.
“Just some peak-grade alchemical ingredients,” Cha Ming said humbly.
A gleam appeared in her eyes. “Then you’ll naturally wish to be seated in the fourth-floor balconies,” the woman said. “Please head on up. An assistant will bring you a bidding amulet once you procure a room.” She let them inside, and Cha Ming was surprised to see that it was only moderately crowded. He immediately spotted the spatial runes responsible for expanding their base-level flooring.
Cha Ming moved toward the regular seats, but Huxian stopped him. “What?”
“Didn’t you hear the lady?” Huxian said. “We need a balcony.”
“I don’t really want to stand out,” Cha Ming said. He tended to stir up trouble wherever he went.
“Yeah, but they won’t let you bid if you don’t sit high enough,” Huxian said.
“Are you kidding me?” Cha Ming asked. What was with these Phoenix clansmen and status and posturing? The longer he stayed here, the more annoyed he got.
They climbed three sets of stairs to arrive on the fourth floor. There were five floors in the auction house. The top floor was reserved for elder-level figures and the First Feather. While she wasn’t here today, more than a few elders were present on the fifth floor chatting each other up. He knew that because the windows were transparent. Because auctions were to show off. Obviously.
“Seems most of these are taken,” Huxian muttered. He raised a hand and made a strange signal. An attendant zipped over to them through the mingling crowd. Many were here to spectate and chat and didn’t bother to occupy the limited number of bidding rooms.
“How can I help these young masters?” the attendant said. She wore the same style of robes as the one who’d welcomed them at the entrance. She also wore the same crystalline earrings. Unlike the first attendant, however, she was of the third burning and a late-grade initiate. Her status was not low.
“Can we have a private balcony?” Huxian asked.
“Of course,” she said with a deep bow. More than a few heads looked their way. Cha Ming groaned inwardly. The eyes of the Phoenix clansmen followed them as they arrived at the room at precisely the same time as a familiar face.
“Iridescent Tempest,” Cha Ming said with a light nod.
“Clear Sky,” Iridescent Tempest. “I see you’re here for the auction.”
“I need to purchase an ingredient today,” Cha Ming said. “I don’t suppose you could spare this private balcony.”
“I most certainly cannot,” Iridescent Tempest said. “I’m hoping to procure something myself. My apologies if that’s inconvenient for you.”
Posturing, Cha Ming thought. I hate posturing. “I’m also in great need of my ingredient and terribly busy,” Cha Ming said. “Surely you could spare the balcony.”
She looked amused. “But I was here first. Surely you wouldn’t be so unreasonable as to ask this of me. I thought you were a gentleman.”
Cha Ming nodded. “Very well, I’ll yield this balcony. Though I would be indebted to you if you could allow me to bid from the leisure of your balcony.”
She hesitated. He’d put her in a bind. He’d started a fight but given up, therefore admitting his station was lower than hers. It wouldn’t be right for her to refuse him.
“I don’t see why not,” she said. “You’re collaborating with Master. Sharing a balcony is a small matter.”
“Since this is resolved, I’ll excuse myself,” their attendant said, leaving them in the care of Iridescent Tempest’s at
tendant. They went to seat themselves in the balcony, but before they could, a woman shouted from not far way.
“Wait!” the woman said, striding toward them. The crowd parted. She was accompanied by four other demons, each of the third burning. Moreover, Cha Ming recognized the fully iridescent phoenix.
“Iridescent Smile,” Iridescent Tempest said evenly. “I was wondering why my mood was so terrible this morning. Perhaps I had a premonition of our encounter.”
“And I was in an unusually good mood, Iridescent Tempest,” Iridescent Smile said with a smile. “How lovely to see you. And who is this? The human my master almost beat to death?”
“A research subject for my master,” Iridescent Tempest said. “Pay him no heed. Well? Did you have something to say? I wouldn’t want to waste your time.”
“It’s not a waste at all to meet an old friend,” Iridescent Smile said. “I hate to intrude, but I have items I need to procure. Surely you could yield your balcony.”
Iridescent Tempest’s eyes narrowed. “Normally, this wouldn’t be a problem,” she said, “but I must fetch items not only for myself, but for a friend.”
“And I must fetch items for four friends,” Iridescent Smile said.
“How unfortunate for you,” Iridescent Tempest said. “I’ve already claimed this pavilion.”
“I doubt it’s my own fortune that is lacking,” Iridescent Smile said. “Surely my status as Elder Iridescent Torch’s inheriting disciple exceeds your own. “You’re what, an in-name disciple?”
“Personal disciple,” Iridescent Tempest said.
“Just so,” Iridescent Smile said.
“Inheriting disciple you may be, but Elder Iridescent Wonder is a greatly honored professor,” Iridescent Tempest said. “He has touched countless lives with both his teaching and his research.”
“You are right, of course,” Iridescent Smile said. “My master must be lacking. She only saved the current First Feather’s life.”
There were mutters in the crowd. Blood had been drawn. Cha Ming’s exchange had been an appetizer, and this was the main course.
Iridescent Tempest grimaced. “It seems you leave me little choice,” she said. “I have been saving for this auction for a long time. In fact, I intend to spend two years’ worth of savings at this auction. Surely money speaks louder than words in an auction house.”
Iridescent Smile grinned. “Just so. Purchasing power should indeed be the deciding factor.” She pulled out an object from her robes. It a was a crystal pendant, and the moment she pulled it out, it glowed with a bright gold light. “This pendant is a gift from my master,” she said. “It glows proportionate to the wealth of the bearer. Since it was you who proposed this method, surely you must agree that this way is fair.” The four other women accompanying her sniggered.
Iridescent Tempest glared. “Let’s get this over with,” she said. She grabbed the amulet, and its glow dimmed substantially. She tossed it back. “Let’s go, Clear Sky.”
“Perhaps I could—” Cha Ming started, but Iridescent Tempest was fuming. He thought better of trying to grab the pendant. For one, he’d just yielded to her. If he challenged Iridescent Smile and lost, it would reflect poorly on Iridescent Tempest. And if he won, it would show that he’d lost on purpose and embarrass her even further. Even if he and Iridescent Smile were at odds.
It seems we’ll have to come again next time, Cha Ming said to Huxian, all the while glaring at the mocking Iridescent Smile. The crowd scattered, leaving them to their own devices.
Have I ever told you how much I hate her? Huxian said. Do you have any idea how many problems she causes me every day?
She almost burned me to death, Cha Ming answered. I guess I shouldn’t have smashed her half to death into a pillar.
Worth it, Huxian said. They sighed in unison. They wouldn’t be getting what they were after today.
They moved to leave the room, but before they reached the door, an attendant ran up to them and bowed. “Lady Iridescent Tempest, Lord Clear Sky,” she said. “I bring an invitation from another pavilion.”
“Like I need it,” Iridescent Tempest said grumpily. “Who wants to humiliate me this time?”
“My apologies,” the attendant said. “I do not believe the one who made the invitation means you any ill will. But if that is what you wish, I will send your regrets to Lord Iridescent Virtue.”
“Brother Iridescent Virtue?” Iridescent Tempest said, her fierce anger suddenly abated. “We would love to go.” She looked to Cha Ming. “How about you? Would you like to come?”
“I’d be happy to see Brother Iridescent Virtue again,” Cha Ming said.
You sure? Huxian said. You’re basically admitting this guy’s better than you.
Cha Ming shrugged. In all fairness, he probably is. At least he’s the better alchemist. Besides, he’s the one who got me my apprenticeship. I might just have to go ahead and call him Big Brother.
Huxian groaned, and together, they followed the attendant to the other side of the circular auction house.
Cha Ming, Huxian, and Iridescent Tempest seated themselves at a short table in Iridescent Virtue’s balcony. Gua, Miyue, and Bifang sat farther away, having joined two lesser phoenixes from Iridescent Virtue’s entourage. Though Cha Ming wasn’t sure of the complex hierarchal machinations that resulted in this arrangement, he imagined it had to do with Huxian being a Godbeast and being too important to punt to the side, alchemist or not.
Both Miyue and Gua were bidding on smaller bundles of goods at the one spoken and two silent auctions that were taking place. Though they mostly bid together, they occasionally broke ranks and began feuding with the auction house as their battlefield.
It wasn’t long before Cha Ming noticed an oddity in the auction process. “They’re enforcing a minimum price,” he said, looking down at the lower seats. “The ones in the lower seats don’t often buy, but they won’t hesitate to push up the price.”
“It’s a tiring job that not many people are willing to perform,” Iridescent Virtue said. “Tell me, Clear Sky, how else would everyone pay a sufficient price for the goods they buy?”
“Competition?” Cha Ming suggested.
“Bah,” Iridescent Virtue said. “I’ve seen auctions in the Burning Lake Prefecture. They’re filled with powerhouses bullying weaker cultivators and intimidating their competition to get lower prices.”
“Don’t the bidders here get annoyed by people intentionally pushing up the prices?” Cha Ming asked.
This time, it was Iridescent Virtue who looked confused. “I’d think they’d be very grateful to the ones giving them the opportunity to show how wealthy they are.”
Iridescent Tempest agreed right away. “Some people overbid just to show off. By as much as ten percent.
“Master Iridescent Charity likes to joust a little then back off,” Iridescent Virtue said. “Small favors like those add up over time.”
“We do the same,” Huxian said. “Except usually it’s Gua and Miyue fighting each other. We noticed people tend to back off. Instant respect.”
Iridescent Virtue coughed awkwardly. “I’m afraid you’re mistaken, brother fox. That’s not respect but trying to butt out of a domestic dispute. Really, your friends are not well-respected.”
Huxian’s ears pulled back. “Oh. Well, I guess they get cheaper goods, then.”
“At a cost, yes,” Iridescent Virtue admitted. “In any case, it’s not like it matters much. They know humans don’t care, and some demons have an entirely different perspective on right and wrong. Foxes, for example, are known to be tricky and cunning. You would be wise not to stoop to stealing like many of your brethren do.”
“Thanks for the reminder,” Huxian said, looking embarrassed.
Cha Ming felt guilt through their bond. No more stealing, please, Cha Ming sent.
It was only once, Huxian said. Twice, maybe.
Three times by my count, Cha Ming said, threading through strings of karma sticking out f
rom Huxian.
The last time was from Gua, Huxian said indignantly. That doesn’t count.
“Please, try this drink, Clear Sky,” Iridescent Wonder said. He poured four cups from an ornate silver bottle, one for himself and one each for the other three at his table.
“What’s this?” Cha Ming said, picking up his own cup. The liquid belched gray smoke, and the cup itself was strange in that it resembled more a crucible than the typical glazed porcelain the Iridescent Clan prided itself on.
“It’s a drink called bottled flame,” Iridescent Virtue said. “I made this bottle myself. Notice the iridescent sheen that lingers on top? I captured and liquified some of my own flames and infused them into moderate but tasty alchemical reagents.”
“It’s energizing,” Cha Ming said. “Not in the same way coffee is, but more like sweets or chocolate. Comfort food.”
“I infused the flames with joy,” Iridescent Virtue said. “That’s probably what you’re feeling.”
“You shouldn’t have invited us,” Iridescent Tempest said. “It’s my fault we lost our balcony.”
“I have a feeling she targeted us because she bears a grudge against me, actually,” Cha Ming said.
“Nonsense,” Iridescent Virtue said. “There’s plenty of room for everyone.” He looked across the room toward Iridescent Smile’s balcony. The auction house was transparent that way, with the walls and floors made of clear glass. There was no privacy here, save preprogrammed exceptions for decency. “See how she laughs and jeers? She is a loathsome creature. Her shamelessness knows no bounds.”
“You can say that again,” Iridescent Tempest muttered.
Iridescent Virtue took a sip of bottled flame. His eyes brightened as he did and took on an iridescent sheen that was usually restricted to his hair and feathers. “Tell me, Iridescent Tempest, it’s been some time since we last spoke: How goes your project in iridescent growth?”
Claddings of Light : Book 12 of Painting the Mists Page 22
