The Fourth Stage - Chapter 22 preview (Patreon)

The receiving room Wu Ying was brought to overlooked the third of the four inner courtyards. A gesture of respect, though a further indicator of their lack of close relationship. Understandable, of course, that he was not brought to the innermost, intimate final receiving room.

The understated elegance and luxury of the receiving room, everything from the rosewood furniture with its elegant mother of pearl inlay to the dao imbued paintings, was counterpoint to the extravagant and rather common dishes laid out for the pair of cultivators.

“Cultivator Long, thank you for coming. I’ve arranged for some of your favourite dishes to be served,” Sect Head Yan said.

Wu Ying smiled tightly as he took his seat across from the man. Peasant dishes, one could almost call it a studied insult. Then again, each of those dishes literally glowed with the chi that was stuffed within them, nevermind the delectable scents that were wafting up from the dishes. Roast duck, roast pig, deep fried and steamed freshwater fish, multiple types of steamed and lightly fried vegetables, seasoned with garlic and soy sauce. More. So much more.

“Please, eat. Eat.” Shu Ren waved at the dishes on the table, picking up his chopsticks and serving Wu Ying a duck drumstick to begin with. He pushed it forwards, and then grabbed a slice of lightly fried mushroom and some bok choy, helping to plate the wind cultivator’s dish within moments.

For a short time, the pair ate and the Sect Head skillfully drew tales from Wu Ying’s travels from him. He interjected his own stories, about his time as a peak Energy Storage cultivator and his travels through the kingdom. Unlike Wu Ying’s own stories of wide ranging travels and heroics, the Sect Head’s revolved around sect assignments and political chicanery between cultivators and the government.

“Well, after the third magistrate hired a fourth cultivator and his gang of miscreants to assault me, we finally had enough evidence that the second magistrate would act. He shut down the illegal taxation on the county and brought the third magistrate to justice. We also found his treasury which we managed to return to the village – mostly.”

“Mostly?” Wu Ying said.

“Well, the Sect had to have something for its troubles.”

“I see.” That was a rather common theme in She Ren’s story’s it seemed. Every single story of his had focused on how the sect had gained. A not so subtle hint, of course, of the man’s focus.

“Now, I understand that you’ve finally recruited for your department?” Shu Ren said.

“As of yesterday, yes.”

“About time.”

“Setting up took a while. There isn’t actually a manual on setting up a new department within the sect,” Wu Ying said. “I looked.”

“A major oversight it seems. However, it is not something we do often. I do believe the last time we set up a new department was over a hundred and thirteen years ago.” Shu Ren smiled tightly. “Still, I will speak with Elder Ko about this.”

“I’ll be happy to contribute what knowledge I can.” Wu Ying hesitated, then added. “Matters might have moved more quickly if you had sent word down that this department had your fuller backing.”

“It would have, yes.”

Wu Ying waited, then realised that Shu Ren had no intention of continuing. The wind cultivator hesitated for a moment, before he continued. “I have a lesson plan, at least for the first few weeks developed. I’ve never trained anyone in these techniques of course, and a Wild Gatherer…” He smiled tightly. “The skills required are wide and broad.”

“Yes. It’s why Elder Li refused to train anyone but the best. She often insisted that doing otherwise was a waste of time.” Shu Ren gestured downwards. “You seem to be utilising a different philosophy.”

“You never know the path an individual might take.”

“And yet, Elder Li seems to have been correct in her actions.” He gestured at Wu Ying to indicate what he meant, making the wind cultivator smile a little at the implied compliment.

“True. But the Sect – the kingdom – could use more than a single wild gatherer. Sure, the wandering cultivators all do a little, but even then, few have much expertise beyond the basics and the quality of the herbs they are able to offer…”

“Poor for the most part.” Shu Ren nodded. “You intend to expand on the number then, even of those n the lower end of the spectrum?”

“Just about. How far they progress will be their choice, though at the least they’ll learn some basics to aid the sect.”

“And you think that’s sufficient?”

“To meet your demands?” Wu Ying said, not having forgotten the Sect Head’s pronouncement. “Onle you would know that, would you not?”

“I’d like to ensure that the Verdant Gatherer and his connection to the Sect continues.” Shu Ren leaned forward. “You see, the Verdant Gatherer has gained quite the reputation. In this kingdom and those around. It would be a shame for it to disappear if you do too.”

Wu Ying grunted. “I’m not intending on disappearing anytime soon.” A flicker of disappointment, of anger crossed his face before he smoothed it out. “Nor do I have the choice at the moment.”

“Ah, yes. Your issues,” the Sect Head said. “Disappointing to reach such a summit, only to find your way forward blocked, is it not?” When the other man chose not to answer, Shu Ren continued. “I have, of course, been appraised of the problem. I’ve also been informed that you have yet to make use of the various resources available to one of my Elders.”

“Resources?” Wu Ying said, a little surprised.

“The Elder’s library. We have an extensive series of works available only for those in the Core Formation stage and higher.” Shu Ren noted the gleam of interest in Wu Ying’s eyes, even as he continued. “Body Cleansing techniques of course. Some of it, we have only a portion available. Others are more extensive, but known to lead to dead ends. Works and treatises by Nascent Soul cultivators – or their equivalent – detailing their journey. Their dao’s imbued so deeply into the works that to read them before one ascended sufficiently would shake the pathway of an individual’s own core, leading them astray.”

“Extensive works then.” Wu Ying noted the prideful ownership in the man’s words. For good reason. In his journey’s he had come across libraries of other sect’s. Broken into a few even. Most only had a smattering of documentation like this, works from the Patriarch’s of the sect, handed down carefully. The occasional work taken from a wandering cultivator or stolen from a declining sect. But nothing this extensive, or so he thought.

“Yes. You should peruse the library. See what may aid you.”

“Would Physician Gu not have access to?”

“And he has a better understanding of your cultivation method than you?”

Wu Ying inclined his head in acknowledgment of the point.

“Go, seek out the library. Read it through. There are other resources available if what you find in the library is insufficient.”

“Other resources?”

“Yes. Cultivation resources, long hoarded and cultivation spaces that might be of use,” Shu Ren hesitated, then glanced towards the peak. His voice dropped, as he continued. “Access to even more exclusive libraries.”

“Really.” That word was drawn out slowly by Wu Ying. “But, of course, I’d have to earn such access then.”

“Of course. Some of these resources are limited to the extreme, others like the works by the Patriarch’s library…. Or mine…” Shu Ren shrugged. “We cannot be revealing all our secrets.”

Wu Ying nodded slowly. The Patriarch, the true leader of the Sect was an even more fabled figurehead of the Sect. When the Sect Head appropriately aged or progressed in his cultivation to such an extent that he could no longer manage the day-to-day running of the Sect, they retired to become the Patriarch. Both the very last line of defense and the true strength of a Sect, the Patriarch was rumored to be at peak Nascent Soul strength, perhaps even half-step Immortal.

“Well, I’ll endeavour to be worthy of all that the Sect has to offer.”

“You do that, Cultivator Long.” Shu Ren leaned forward, his voice lowering as he focused on the younger man. “Your Master was a bright light that I am loath to have loss. You have come far in your cultivation, but your utility for our sect is….

“Suspect.”

Wu Ying smiled tightly, picking up the teacup and draining it. He stood up a moment later, bowing to the Sect Head.

“I will be taking your advice to heart to heart then, Sect Head and visiting that library.” He paused, then added. “All of it.”

Shu Ren waved Wu Ying off, leaving him to exit the compound by himself.

***

He was nearly free of the compound, nearly out when Guardian Pang arrived. He stepped in front of Wu Ying before he exited, glaring at him across the threshold.

“So, you’ve managed to convince the Sect head that you are of some use,” Guardian Pang said.

“So it seems.”

“It won’t take long, of course.” Guardian Pang sneered. “Before you show him what you really are. When you do, we’ll make sure to have extracted all that we can from your useless, wandering form.”

Wu Ying snorted.

“Is that it then?” he asked. “All that you had to say to me?”

Guardian Pang sneered. “You think I’d take time off from my duties to tell you such a minor thing?” He shook his head. “No. I came to inform you that your request for an on-going exception for yourself and members of your department have been granted. You – and your people – will be allowed to leave the sect as needed. The protective formations have been adjusted to track all of your auras and the seals you carry.”

“Good. That will make future lessons easier,” Wu Ying said. “Is that all?”

Guardian Pang looked towards the interior of the compound for a moment, before he returned his gaze to Wu Ying. “What did you speak about, boy?”

“I do not see how that concerns you,” Wu Ying answered.

“The protection of the sect in its entirety is my business. And you continue to be the greatest threat that I see.”

“So is the protection and betterment of the sect for the Sect Head. If you wish to know the contents of our discussion, feel free to speak with him directly.”

Guardian Pang fist closed tight, but Wu Ying made no move to protect himself. It would be the height of boorishness to attack him here, especially as Wu Ying had given him little cause. Rudeness perhaps, but considering the Guardian was returning much the same, it would be insufficient.

Even so, the wind cultivator was a little wary of the man. While he had once beaten the other, that had been with restrictions of the duel in place. As Guardian of the Gate, Elder Pan Jian Hong also had access to the formations. Even if the indiscriminate use of a slaughter formation might be barred, there were other formations that could affect his strength, the expression of his dao that could constrain Wu Ying’sfighting ability.

A fight between the pair of them was not as pre-determined in outcome as one might expect.

“You may go.” Guardian Pang stepped aside to allow Wu Ying to leave, jerking his chin.

Annoyed at being dismissed, Wu Ying still made sure to walk out before stopping, asking curiously. “Tell me, Elder Pang. Why is it that you hold such great enmity to me? We never interacted before my ascension, yet from the beginning, you have been against me.”

“Because I know what you are, boy.” Guardian Pang said. “I know where you come from. I brought in Yin Xue, had him positioned to be the prodigy for this generation. Then, you… you fight him and take his glory for yourself in the first year. But so be it. I figured it would give him the necessary impetus to improve himself. As for you….

“Your Master interceded on any further action I might take. He sheltered you, insisting that you be allowed to grow without impediments. And so we let it be.” He snorted. “Perhaps we should have ignored him, but few dared step in the way of the Sundering Blade. He dealt with those who annoyed him with his weapon, seeking to cut such ties quickly before it grew.”

Now, the words were coming in a rush, as though the Guardian had long been keeping these thoughts to himself and just required an excuse to speak them. “We left you alone, till you drew my apprentice into your ill-considered expedition into the Wei kingdom. Foolish, but it did at least mean that he was able to return with the original text of his cultivation manual. That, and bonds to you and your friends. I should have insisted he cut ties then, but already, you… You’d sunk roots into him, corrupted him. And I, I saw the bright lights of those you’d drawn to you and thought it was well enough.

“Fool me.”

He exhaled, heavily, glaring his distaste at Wu Ying. The wind cultivator kept his mouth shut, knowing the man had more to say.

“But that wasn’t enough, was it? When you chose to follow on with that foolish rescue attempt, Yin Xue went with you. Did not even tell me.” Jian Hong snarled. “I would have forbidden it, but he’d learnt how to break tradition and rules like you by then, learnt to ask for forgiveness latter. And much did he have to forgive, for by the time he returned, he was damaged. Twisted. That arm, pulling him from the correct path.”

“I had nothing to do with his taking of that arm,” Wu Ying said, firmly. “That was Yin Xue’s choice.”

“Yes. His choice. Just like Elder Wei’s prized pupil, Elder Li has chosen to stop ascending after her interactions with you. Then there’s Cultivator Li(11), she chose to leave the sect, spending her time furthering her immortality in her holdings to the north. She tithes to the sect regularly at least.” Guardian Pang’s lip curled up. “But what of your best friend – the one you poisoned with that blood?”

“I did not poison him.”

“So you say. But there he is, his fire twisted, his path altered.” Guardian Pang took a step closer. “That’s when I realised what you are, boy. Just like your Master.”

“And what am I?”

“A calamity in mortal form. A selfish individual, who takes and takes from those around and leaves behind only detritus.” Guardian Pang gestured downwards to the hill, where his friends lay. “An entire generation of prodigies who came into contact with you, twisted from their paths. Infected with your selfish beliefs, their daos thwarted. The monk, your master, my apprentice – even your martial sister. You are a calamity, boy. And I will make sure you cause the least amount of damage to the Sect as can be.”

Wu Ying lips compressed, tight. He saw the gleam of victory in Guardian Pang’s eyes as he stated his beliefs, pouring out his conviction in a tirade. The wind cultivator did not, would not believe that he was a living calamity, that he had twisted his friend’s paths.

Except…

The evidence was there. In those that had fallen by the wayside, those that had chosen to focus upon other areas or whose impediments to growth had been caused by him. Tou He’s fire and the struggle he had controlling the purifying flame. Yin Xue’s arm and whatever deep burden that inhuman addition had added to his. Even his martial sister, who had once been a prodigy climbing the path of immortality had not progressed further in the decade since he had left, only strengthening herself.

And here he was, on the tip of achieving immortality himself.

He was his Master’s student. Though the man had not forced his own beliefs upon Wu Ying, to understand the Sundering Blade itself, Wu Ying had needed to understand some portion of the man’s dao. He had gained a feel for karma and the threads of fate that bound one another, understood that in by living and interacting, humanity influenced one another.

That was existence for all but the greatest hermits.

Was he then, truly, a calamity? Was his karma and dao so twisted that his friends were destroyed in his passing, like a cyclone journeying through the countryside?

Before Wu Ying could answer the man, before he compose himself to speak, Guardian Pang turned away. The man had seen what he wanted, in Wu Ying’s troubled gaze. He left the wind cultivator at the threshold of the building with but a pair of sentences.

“Remember, calamity. I will be watching.”


Footnote:

11 - The two Li’s are different characters entirely. Didn’t realise that Lì Liú Tsōng (力流松) and Lǐ  Lì Yáo (里丽瑶) (respectively) were going to cause as much trouble when I wrote them, because I kept adding the tones in my mind. Oops.