Torsten Hewson
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Interlude: Cai Xi Kong
🕑 Added 2021-12-02 03:51:15 +0000 UTCCai Xi Kong, Sectmaster of the Verdant Blade, had almost completed calming his beating heart. Beside him, his cousin’s breath was heavy. Yi’s stern face was hard as he collected himself, seated to Xi Kong’s right. Lifting the Earthly Arena was always difficult. Managing the enormous chains, locking in the support pillars... In truth, the defeated contestants did little. Lifting hundreds of thousands of tons of stone as well as a hundred thousand people was quite beyond the Younger Generation, especially when after their fights they were normally injured and out of Qi. Instead, it was the Elders who did the majority of the lifting. Elders from every sect, allowing the Younger Generation to stand upon their shoulders, and benefit from their abilities.
Or at least that was how Xi Kong saw it. He glanced around at the closed eyes of his fellows. He tried to project an air of serenity—Every man and woman sitting around this table acted as if they felt nothing from raising the arena.
Though this place always put him a bit on edge. The Dueling Peaks Grand Hall was an ancient place. Its air was still and quiet, oppressive with the weight of eons. Tapestries thousands of years old hung on the walls. Some had long since degraded to the point of illegibility, while others remained as vibrant as if they had been crafted yesterday. The enormous stone table had evidence that it had once been painted, but that had long since disappeared.
One wall was completely made of crystal. A device that recorded every single fight that took place here, a repository of knowledge..or it would be. It only worked some of the time nowadays. The recordings were grainy, and tended to cut out.
Xi Kong much preferred the Azure Summit. The mountain was cold, and the ruins old. But somehow, they felt less unnerving, less dead than this place, deep in the Dueling Peak’s heart.
The majority of his contemporaries were deep in thought. Two left. At the start of the year, Guo Daxian was the clear favourite to win, as the Grand Ravine Sect usually won. It was just a matter of who was there with them. Yet now, every other power had been defeated. Only the Verdant Blade Sect, and a girl who had entered as an independent but obviously had a backer of some sort from the symbol on her shirt, were all that were left.
It had been the topic of much discussion, that much Xi Kong knew. Discussion, and furtive glances, as Rou Tigu was staying at the Verdant Blade Sect’s manor.
While the Younger Generation honed their strength, the Elders meditated, and engaged in politics. Such things were frustrating at the best of times. Long meetings spent drinking tea and talking. And about such mundane things too. The Trade agreements and territory disputes were generally settled at the Azure Sky Summit.
Finally, there was a sigh from the head of the table. The Strongest Sect claimed that right, and Guo Daxian the Sixteenth was one of the strongest. Or at least his father was, the only Elder who was at the cusp of the Spiritual Realm...and had been there for over three hundred years.
It was time for the meeting to truly begin.
“Onto the suggestions put forward by the Tournament Commision, we shall take a tally. His Imperial Majesty’s Director for Spiritual Ascension Affairs has raised concerns about the presence of a Disciple in the Profound Realm in the tournament. He states that the prize is useless to them, and they have no need to enter, skewing the fights and unfairly suppressing others. He politely suggests that we consider those in the Profound Realm be banned from competing, to preserve the integrity of the tournament.” Guo Daxian stated, with a slight smirk.
There was immediate whispers from all around. It was a good point, Xi Kong mused, from a mortal point of view.
There was a contemptuous snort from the Azure Horizon sect. “How foolish. Who had ever heard of a tournament with a cutoff for one whose strength was too great?” Sheng asked, his eyes narrow.
“None. There is no precedent for such a thing. Tradition is Tradition, as Kongzi the wise holds true. The wisdom of the ancestors should prevail.” Another elder said simply.
“Why would we chastise a promising disciple for growing too strong?”Another, of the Rumbling Earth Sect stroked his beard. “It is true that Cai Xiulan, or any in the Profound Realm would derive little use from the prize… but the prestige of winning the tournament, and ascending so high for this Youth Tournament is great indeed.”
“Most tournaments are self regulating. What man would join a tournament for a prize worthless to him? It is a rare case, when such things happen. And even then, when one uses this opportunity to crush their enemies. But such a thing is foolish, and invites retaliation. Even the courtesy of Elders may be strained by such an event.” Chen Tai of the Framed Sun Sect stated, referencing the generally accepted courtesy that Elders did not involve themselves in the disputes of the Younger Generation.
“He asks for fairness, yet the world is inherently unfair.” Another stated.
Guo Daxian snorted. “All in favour of this measure?”
No hands raised. Why would they, when it could perhaps be their sect’s time in the heavens?
“It is rejected, then. Onto the next matter….” Daxian stated. He raised a hand, lazing as he did in the stone chair, and an image formed of the rows that their sects would stand in. ”Speak now if any has an objection to the final arrangement for the closing ceremony.”
There was a brief discussion, before the arrangement was accepted.
That was how the hours went. A matter was brought up, a matter was decided upon. The tiny minuta that they had to give to Bai Huizong so that the tournament would run smoothly.
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After their discussion ended, they entered a different hall. Adjacent to the main one, it was a bit more relaxed., and they settled into separate tables to mingle, and discuss things. There was a recording playing of Xiulan and Guo Daxian the Junior’s battle. Xiulan’s serene expression warmed Xi Kong’s heart. The narrowed eyes of his contemporaries searched for weakness. And while his daughter did have some parts that were unpolished…. She would be able to spar against Elders who were decades her elder, and not be suppressed immediately.
“The Heavens have truly smiled upon the Verdant Blade Sect.” Elder Bingwen of the Misty Lake intoned, lowering his head in acknowledgement with a soft smile on his face. Xi Kong nodded back at his ally.. There had been a small stir when Bingwen had appeared instead of Liu Xiang. It was not something Xi Kong had expected. Liu Xiang had always been an honourable man, when they worked together.
He wondered occasionally about the relationship between their sects… but Bingwen had been quick to assure him nothing had changed.
The Verdant Blade and the Misty Lake sat with each other. The Grand Ravine and the Hermetic Iron Sect representative sat alone.
There were narrowed eyes in Xi Kong’s direction, from those who were assessing the Verdant Blade Sect’s power. Calculation and envy.
And marriage offers for his daughter. The answer had been the same three times. “She is at a critical stage in her cultivation, and needs no distractions.” had been his polite response, giving face to those who asked.
Yi had complained, but that was one thing Xi Kong would not budge on. Even if the Grand Ravine were to make him an offer.
“Indeed, it would seem they have. We are blessed with a dutiful daughter, and skilled initiates to our sect.”
“Indeed, indeed.” Bingwen mused. “And an ally as well, in Rou Tigu. Do you think she would be amenable to visiting The Misty Lake in the future?” He asked lightly.
Xi Kong held back a sigh at Bingwen’s question. Though they were allies
There were some nods all around the table.
Which is when there was a small commotion. A disciple of the Grand Ravine, one of the older ones, stepped into the room, and whispered something to his Master.
Guo Daxian’s eyebrow raised.
Another Disciple entered, this time of the Framed Sun Sect, and whispered in his Master’s ear.
Now, Xi Kong Was intrigued.
Which is when a member of his own sect, Bolin, entered. He seemed quite amused.
“In the Central Square, Master. I think it is something you should see.” He whispered in Xi Kong’s ear.
It was evidently nothing urgent, yet as more older disciples entered, some Elders started to rise.
And ventured into the city, following the shouts and the pounding music.
The Elders descended. Onto The rooftops. Standing on lantern poles. They gazed imperiously down at the younger generation.
What he beheld surprised him. And if he was not wrong, surprised the rest of the Elders as well.
Guo Daxian was chatting almost amicably with Rou Tigu, and reached out ruffling her hair, his cheeks flushed red from how deep in his cups he was.
Chen Yang of the Framed Sun Sect was singing, badly, to the Young Mistress of Raging River. Two young cultivators had their arms on a barrel, wrestling for control.
Still others drank, played games, and gambled.
It was…. Well,. It was the passion of youth. The reaction from the other Elders was mixed. Some frowned at how loose their disciples had gotten. But most… most either shook their heads with exasperation, or stared in contemplation at the party below.
But none interrupted.
Something had happened here. The normal groups of alliances had broken down. Enemies sat together, drinking and cheering.
Xi Kong’s eyes were drawn to the center of the crowd. The center of the crowd, where a ring had formed, centered around his daughter.
Xiulan was smiling.
Genuinely smiling, as she danced.
He drank the image in. The look of absolute peace on his daughter’s face.
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I'm very unsure of this one. I might do something else with it, but kind of explaining a bit about what the Sect Elders are generally doing. This takes place during the party.
That said, a bit of a rough time today, with a freezer malfunction that spoiled all the food in it, and my dog getting a hold of something while we were clearing it out.
Finally, Mother of Learning comes out today on Kindle! A classic timeloop story, so if you're into something like that, give it a look!
Comments
Twi
>Xi Kong held back a sigh at Bingwen’s question. Though they were allies This sentence seems to be cut off
Robert Davidson
That's *exactly* what is wrong with them. They are that detached, because they only interact rarely and never casually. Tigu is making a very fundamental change to sect interaction in Azure Hills with her party.
James Squibb
I like the parallel between the elders and the party. Having the elders be gathered even though some have animosity toward each other and likening it to the younger generation in the beginning of the party. I would really enjoy fleshing out Xi Kong a bit more.
Liam Rafferty
It wasn't "cease and desist". Jack Voraces is doing the audible book, so he took down the podcast version. The first arc of audiobook with Voraces comes out on 12/21
Arexio R.
doggos be like that...waiting for the right opportunity when your back is turned
SuperiorFreak
To make the world feel lived in. To make it feel like more happens begind the scenes than just what the Main Character see’s.
Philip
Mother of learning was delightful. This chapter seems well themed but still partially baked. There's at least a gap right here (Seems like a thought or sentence or two got cut): Xi Kong held back a sigh at Bingwen’s question. Though they were allies There were some nods all around the table.
Fortunis
I love it. Wouldn't change a thing
Will mILLER
Solid work as usual my guy.
Scout Mills
Pretty sure Lord Magistrate is also the king of interlewds
Chris
I generally feel the same, but mother of learning is an exception for me because it is so well done. I'd recommend trying it on royalroad at least
ShadeByTheSea
Not too interested in Mother of Learning because it's a timeloop story. Whenever there's a timeloop in a story I'd rather just read the last run when the loop breaks.
PaulRovinsky
I love this chapter. I like watching where the butterflies lead, and I've been curious about how the elders would react to some of the butterflies starting to affect them and their sects. It's fantastic.
Bigred411
Just sitting around at the coffee shop bragging about how their grandkids are so talented lol
Kara Nina
I love this one, though it feels slightly one sided somehow. The man doesn't seem to personally like or dislike anyone even though these are people he essentially grew up and grew older with. Some might be close allies but they could still dislike each other, or be neutral but get along fine, or support someone whose living habits seem incomprehensible. But this group feels a little too flat somehow. You just can't stay perfectly professional like that when a small group spends that much time together.
Ichypa
Feels kind of short but I liked it. I’d been low key hoping for a chapter, whether from Xiulan’s POV or an interlude from Cai Dad like this, where Xi Kong recognizes that Xiulan has improved not just in cultivation but in mental health.
STORRM
im going to have to wait for "Mother of Learning" to release all the audio books, the audio cast that jack voraces was doing got hit with a cease and desist at chapter 87 when the author did there deal with amazon like 8 months ago? only 20 chapters to go and he would of been finished. amazing story so its totally worth buying
Sere Maddox
For Worldbuilding, this is a good chapter. I enjoy the multiple points of view from the inhabitants surrounding the protagonists. It gives a good baseline from whence we as the readers can see how Jin has deviated from the "usual path". Rou Tigu, in applying Jin's teachings has upended the stiff and haughty formality of the status quo: "Tradition is Tradition" giving way to the more progressive ideals of Fa Ram. It's a good foil.
ParoxysmDK
I liked the chapter but it felt like unnecessary filler. I don't really get why we're getting this chapter instead of a Jin chapter?
Daniel Gesualdi
Xiulan's dad seems ok if a very stiff guy.
Heidao
You're unsure on the chapter, but it was more than insightful to the politics happening behind the scenes. Xi Kong is playing interference for Xiulan to keep suitors away, despite that greedy Yi complaining about opportunities lost, while being mindful in skirting anything related to Tigu and not conscripting her to do something like promising in getting her to visit the Misty Lake Sect.
A K
Great chapter, but felt a little short.
Eric Bloom
Well as your reader let me give you my feelings on the chapter! I fucking loved it!
Cinnamon Toast
The only thing I could think when I saw this was lanlan’s dad's interlude was we were going to get his thoughts on the changes she has made to their style with the dance from the earth spirit
Demian Buckle
Thank you for the Chapter.
RedFaux
Read it three times, still gonna buy the most expensive version. Hope it makes it to paperback
uavgas
I hear you. Once he gets to the tournament, it is going to get exciting. There are people who are going to want to get closer to him, an enemy looking to get revenge, and his disciples who are going to be really excited to see him, especially Tigu.
Idiot Pigeon
Awesome chapter, if you haven’t read mother of learning I highly recommend it, it’s a fantastic read.
Bonifacio Mario Peña Jr.
Mother of Learning is coming out??? I loved that story. Gotta support the author.
H
Great chapter! Although i am waiting very impatiently for our buddy jin to reach the tournament
Eric
A good chapter.
Tzeneth
I’d accept paperback. Or any actually printed form.
Trent Cannon
You have to remember though, none of their disciples are left in the competition. If they were gonna force Xiulan out, they’d just be giving the prize to Tigu. More importantly, from the way they were talking it seems like they were only talking about making the rule for next year, not kicking Xiulan out right now, which means it’s even less benefit. Xiulan is unlikely to compete again if she wins, which seems likely simply based on cultivation level, which means they may be throwing up a barrier that does nothing but bother them if next time it is them, especially because if it did pass they would have to convince the others to let their profound level cultivator compete. Finally, and most importantly, to do it now would just make them look like sore losers, inviting ridicule and a loss of face. So they won’t really get any benefits but do get some significant detriments, meaning the best choice is to not do it
Josiah Henderson
Great chapter! I'm in love with this story.
Undead Writer
Thanks for the chapter!!
Mislandor
I liked this chapter as is. Well done with the POV change.
ericksond
It was a good interlude. Lord Magistrate is still the king of interludes
LittleWhite
I think you should mention the Guo Daxian mentioned at the end is Guo Daxian Jr again as it was a little confusing after just mentioning Guo Daxian Sr just a few paragraphs before.
Ross
'Xi Kong held back a sigh at Bingwen’s question. Though they were allies There were some nods all around the table.' I think something was deleted here. The sentence cuts off and the next doesn't really flow from the previous.
Deltoren
i kinda like it
Clay Smith
Although it was frustrating initially that it was an interlude, it was a really good chapter once I actually read it.
Andrew
Thank you!
Jeff Gault
For a minute I thought you were saying you wrote mother of learning and it didn't seem unreasonable to me. So enjoy knowing that I subconsciously view you as peers. Which I guess goes without saying based on the popularity of both your works.
John Brady Anderson
-have really turned me around on him.
John Brady Anderson
My opinion of Xiulan’s honorable father has changed so much! He seemed a coward afraid of Sun Ken when we first met him, and maybe only willing to respect Jin because he could not bully him, but his treatment of the Farm’s people and his true joy for his daughter
Some person
Interesting little side piece
Jack Daniels
Great chapter mate. Wouldn’t change a thing, that’s just me tho
chumponimys
"No hands raised. Why would they, when it could perhaps be their sect’s time in the heavens?" I'm very surprised that this was the thought process for sects. I'm used to Xianxia sects being more political. They'll do anything they can to bring down the opposition and then if they end up having to go against what they said earlier, they'll have some logic prepared about how THEIR case is different and special. I wouldn't expect them to just accept this, to their immediate detriment.
The Slowest Turtle
Love it
Joe
Good chapter thanks
Summercat
This was worth the time. Thank you for your efforts in telling us this story. It is well appreciated.
Andrew Jones
mother of learning is so goood wish i could get it hard back
zoli bassoff
Thanks for the post
