Torsten Hewson
patreon
v2c75: To the Meeting Point
🕑 Added 2021-10-28 00:21:36 +0000 UTCOkay. The old chapter needs a bit more TLC than I thought. So instead, we're going a different route while I fix that one up. The old Chapter will be removed, as we do this route first. Sorry for the change up!
This one takes place right after 74, Interrupted.
=======================
‘‘What is going on? Who were those people? Why are we waiting here?’ Yin asked as she scratched at her ear. She glanced towards the window, where the Great Master was sitting at a table, as he had been for the past few hours.
Bi De sighed. ‘I do not know. They spoke cryptically, and what they said was not well received by the Master.’
Bi De’s Great Master was upset.
This was evident to all of them. The Master rested his chin in one hand and absentmindedly drummed fingers upon the table. He sat cross legged on the floor gazing out the window. The city was shrouded in shadows, the sky dark as the morning sun had faded giving way to churning storm clouds.
His back was not straight. He was slouched, seeming diminished… almost small, a far cry from his normal presence. His face was twisted into an expression Bi De did not like either.
Yin’s question had been a good one, however. These men, to inflict such a mood upon his Great Master were undoubtedly wicked! He had half a mind to declare them interlopers, and strike them down for their words!
Yet his Master had agreed to what the man had requested. He had been shaken by whatever revelation he had received. The Plum Blossom agent, for that much he had gathered from listening, had quickly led them to rooms prepared for their use. The Master had been still and silent since retreating into himself. Bi De could not fathom what troubled him.
Yin, Miantao and he had been waiting restlessly in the other part of the room, settled together on the bed’s silk sheets, with some of their various belongings packed. Miantiao sighed as the drumming of the Master’s fingers on the table intensified. ‘We gain nothing by waiting around, now do we? A question now may save misery later.’
Bi De nodded. He was loath to interrupt his Great Master’s thoughts and he hoped his lord would forgive him but he could not wait any longer.
Bi De hopped up onto the table. He knew he looked in a right state, with his feathers puffed out with concern.
‘Great Master, you seem unwell. What is it these men said to you, to concern you so?’ He questioned directly.
His Master jumped in his seat, his eyes went wide at the sudden interruption to his contemplation. He glanced distractedly around the room, at all his disciples, as if just noticing they were there for the first time.
The Master smiled, crookedly, and began to scratch at the back of his head. His eyes flicked to each of them, and he gave a pained grimace at their inquisitive faces.
“Ah! Uh…. sorry for zoning out like that. Just… well, just thinking about things.” He breathed in deep before he let out another sigh. “But as to your question… well, they said they were sent here by the Cloudy Sword Sect to set up a meeting with one of their members, a cultivator named Lu Ri. I knew him once.”
Bi De froze at the name. He remembered it. The Cloudy Sword Sect. They had nearly slain his Great Master and forced him to begin the journey that led to Fa Ram.
‘The what?’ Yin asked, confused. Miantiao and Yin were befuddled, as Bi De’ Qi surged, his blades of Holy Moonlight begging to be unleashed.
These vile interlopers dared to show their faces?! They had the gall, after what they had done, to demand a meeting?! They courted death!
Rage surged through Bi de as he opened his mouth to call his friends and companions to arms. They would set out into the city and demand answers from these... lackeys.
A warm hand planted itself on Bi De’s head, ceasing all thought of vengeance.
“I guess you two wouldn’t know about all that..” His Master said, looking at Miantiao and Yin. “I’ll tell you the story”
Bi De grumbled as his wattles were stroked allowing his rage to dissipate. His Great Master seemed eager to tell this profound tale, so he let himself be pulled into his Master’s lap, as the two newest disciples glanced at each other, and settled in.
His voice was warm and calm as he began the grand tale. His Great Master was quite good at telling stories. As he told them of his journey his distracted tapping on the table stopped, and his slouched demeanour disappeared.
This tale was one that Bi De treasured. It was one that made him feel like he truly understood his Master. He heard his master once more ask the question.
“What was the point of that life? What was the point of that race to the top?”
And he could tell, it was the same for their newest companions. Miantiao closed his eyes, taking in his Great Master’s words. His head nodded slightly, his face full of regret. He understood without prompting.
Yin, on the other wing, simply had her head cocked to the side, listening intently, but she seemed confused. Like Tigu, she still did not fully understand the wisdom of his words.
Yet beneath the wisdom, there was fear. The fact that an existence that was more Powerful than the Great Master existed, was still something that Bi De had trouble comprehending, even after seeing the flashes of the visions in the crystal.
He listened intently, as his Master told him once more of his journey to the Azure Hills.
==============================
“And that's why I left.” I finished. It was always a bit draining, to tell that story… But it had taken my mind off things for a moment. I’d felt for a while like I was circling the drain. The questions haunted me. Why here? Why would he want anything to do with me after I left?
‘And now...this man wishes to meet with you?” Noodle asked after a moment.
I nodded. Noodle hissed with distaste, and I grimaced.
“They’re not… Well, they’re not all bad.” I began. It would be doing people a disservice to say that.
Before Xiulan, yeah, I would have said they were all bad.. That they were terrible people. I had thought all the cultivators must be crazy. But they obviously weren’t. Some of them were downright, I hesitate to say nice, but Lu Ri had done right by me.
“Lu Ri, who I think was the one who sent the message, gave me back my money and let me go. I, well, I didn’t think I would ever hear from them again. Why would I? Why would the powerful Cloudy Sword Sect come to the Azure Hills? Why would they be looking for me? I… well, I don’t really know. It could be for the shoots of the Lowly Spiritual Herbs… but I don’t think it is. Could he have not written down that I paid? Maybe, but I don’t think he’d lie about something like that.”
My thoughts spilled out to them. I knew I was rambling.
‘So… what's the plan?’ Yin asked.
I paused, and looked at her. Huh?
‘Do we fight him if he's bad?’ Yin asked aggressively. ‘I think I should be able to distract him.’
What?
She stood on her hind legs, and nodded her head, suddenly eager. ‘If he's bad, we’re going to have to defend our home and our friends, right?’
Big D nodded, while Miantiao snorted.
‘You brats.’ The snake sighed. ‘This Miantiao shall add his strength, meagre though it may be.’
‘Indeed.’ Big D agreed. ‘We shall support our Master. If he is a friend, we shall give him face, if he is an enemy….’
They all turned to me, staring at me with eager eyes. Ready to stand beside me. Ready to jump to my defense.
They wanted to help me out, like I had taught them.
I swallowed thickly
An image flashed through my head. An image of what happened when things went wrong.
There was blood. Blood, and death. Broken. I remembered the feeling of it
“I will be meeting him alone.” I was speaking before I was conscious of it. “And….well, you guys have your own stuff to do, don’t you?” I asked with the best smile I could put on. “You have Master Gen to see, about the crystal.”
I couldn’t let it happen to them.
“You guys should get that done. Go see the tournament, and make sure Tigu’er hasn’t done anything silly. Maybe see how Xiulan is doing too.”
I sent a rooster off into the wilderness alone.
I let Tigu go to the tournament.
But only when I knew that they would be stronger than whatever they faced. That they would be safe. Or at least safe enough
Fear. In the end, all it was was fear. I wasn’t really afraid for myself, I don’t think. I could take some lumps. I could bow my head and press my face into the dirt. I could grovel if I had to. But I couldn’t stand the thought of them getting hurt from this,
I wouldn’t let them do that. I couldn’t stop myself from forcing them away from it.
I swallowed again.
“Go.” I commanded, my voice as firm as I could make it.
There was silence. Big D looked like he couldn’t believe it. He glanced at the floor before gazing back up at me, his throat working. Yin’s eyes were narrow, as she huffed in irritation. Noodle’s gaze knowing.
The snake knew exactly what I was doing. I couldn’t quite look him in the eye. He grimaced and glanced to the side.
‘....as you command, Great Master.’ Big D whispered finally.
He turned to walk towards where the crystal was. His steps dragged, as he began to pack.
I turned away from them, and looked out the window again at the churning clouds, trying to stomach my own words.
I had probably lost some respect here. They might even dislike me for it. But it was for the best.
If it would protect them, then that was fine.
==========================
He was his Master’s Loyal Servant.
He who was given the spark. He who was nurtured without reservation. Raised above all others.
He would do as he was commanded. Bi De could do no less even if his heart was lead.
Yin’s voice whispered harshly in his ears, yet he barely registered the discontent she expressed. She was grumbling, and shooting dirty looks back at the Great Master.
His Master wanted the best for them. He wished to protect them as much as he was able.
His Master’s eyes were distant and stormy, reflecting the dark clouds above Pale Moon Lake. They looked far too much like Miantiao’s when the rooster had first met him.
Words came to him unbidden as he carefully packed his things. ‘You should help somebody, when they need it.’
His Master’s command had pained him, yet he could not disobey. He obviously had a reason for sending them away.
Was his potential foe that vile? Were they so useless to him?
He glanced back to his Master and more words surfaced from his memories.
‘You don’t need to face the heavens alone.’
The rations were secured once more. He took out the waterproof covering, and laid it carefully over the items.
It would not take them long to get everything in order. They had been packed and ready to go already.
All that was left was the crystal. Bi De checked it, as he always did. To ensure the glow was not duller. To make sure that the cracks had not grown deeper.
He remembered his mission. His desire to find out what secrets there were hidden in the Azure Hills.
He stared at the dull blue crystal. The fragmented vision of a man stared back from the past.
A man who had shouldered everything alone. Who had tried to fight alone. Who had in the end lain broken and alone, mourning his choices,as the world was torn asunder.
His Great Master would do the same. He would try to shoulder the weight of the world.
His Great Master who always said he was fallible. That there were times when he would be wrong.
‘Everybody needs support, sometimes. Especially the people who seem to want it the least.’
The rooster stared at the fractured crystal.
‘I’d rather help somebody and be burned, then never have helped anybody at all.’
His Master’s teachings were worth more than what his master thought they were. They had given Bi De his friends and comrades. Sister Ri Zu. Yin, Miantiao, Zhang Fei the Torrent Rider, and even the Blaze Bears. He had applied his lessons, and had always been richer for them.
Maybe if Bi De stayed, this Lu Ri and the Cloudy Sword would slay him. It was not a sure thing..
But he’d rather help out as he could then not help at all.
Bi De made his choice.
‘Great Master. You once said, the greatest gift we have in our lives is choice.’ Bi De whispered. His voice was steady, as he gazed upon the crystal, held in his wings.
He heard the chair creak, as his master turned to him.
He raised the gem, the treasure of his travels. ‘Months of journey. Hours of contemplation. Hardship that I dislike to remember.’ Bi De whispered. ‘The secrets to a bygone age.’
He stared at it for a moment and then cast it aside, negligently. The crystal clinked ominously, as it rolled to bump against the wall. He folded his wings before him, and bowed deeply.
‘Forgive this Bi De. But your humble disciple must choose to disobey your command. I will not leave you.’
Yin yelped, and Miantiao’s head whipped around. Bi De saw his master, silhouetted against the dark sky.
‘I know. I understand you wish to protect us. But you taught us to help our friends who were in need. And I, your disciple cannot, in good conscience, obey your command to leave. Not when I believe you are in need of help.’
Bi De held himself steadily. Proud and unbowed.
‘Please, allow us to stand tall at your side, come whatever may.’
The crystal could wait. It could shatter into a thousand pieces, for all Bi De cared.
For the first time in his life, he purposefully disobeyed his Master.
They stared at each other. One calm, his face set. The other staring back, eyes cloudy and dark, filled with sorrow and pride.
============================
I had ended up spending the night at the inn, while we waited for Lu Ri. A quite comfortable night, and most of the following day. But eventually, I was called. Lu Ri was near.
I walked through the city towards my meeting with Lu Ri. There was a rooster on my shoulder, a snake curled around my arm, and a rabbit stuffed down my shirt.
I felt really good today. Maybe it was that strange recurring dream I had, the one about throwing mud balls at that kid. Before, they always made me wake up feeling a bit sad, but today? I was feeling on top of the world.
Maybe it was a bad idea to have these guys come with me to the meeting. Maybe it wasn’t. But I had said that they were free to choose.
And to be honest, I was proud of Big D for saying no to me. It was a bit strange to say that, but… it was nice to know that someone loved you enough to call you out on your bullshit.
I would respect their choice. For good or ill. I’d face what was to come. Nah. We’d face what was to come.
===================
=====================
I think the rest did me some good. Well, hopefully this chapters quality was higher than the last one!
Comments
James Squibb
Rereading the story through and dang it, it is still raining!
Mickey Phoenix
Just read it again, to get back into the story while I caught up to the present. Still finished it in tears. <3
Mickey Phoenix
I can't say quality or not. But I can tell you I'm typing this through tears. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
Ronin_Ryker
Love.
Mislandor
This was a great Chapter! Right in the feels!
Gremlin Jack
"recording crystal buzzed" Shouldn't this be communication crystal? I don't think they have smart crystals that can do both yet :p
SuperiorFreak
@Ethan Im honestly curious how he stacks up to Lu Ri. I mean, Lanlan couldn't comprehend his power level, but she is from the Azure Hills so her perspective on power levels is rather skewed.
Willis Peterson
That's an amazing chapter! You tell em Big D
John Brady Anderson
In the Book 2 introduction he mentions thinking that he should send a letter to his disciple, Jin. Not long after that, we get the chapter where the discussion of having to deliver mail to someone that left honorably.
SuperiorFreak
@Shehan Salgado I always get the biggest goofiest smile on my face every time he says "You tell em Big D." It's just so adorable/wholesome.
Demian Buckle
Thank you for the Chapter. Great Chapter, really enjoyed Big D actions.
SuperiorFreak
@JustAuser Also, the Gramps didnt make any mention of a letter when he spoke with the elder of the Cloudy Sect about Jin. Or at least I don't remember it being mentioned.
SuperiorFreak
If it were a letter from his gramps, wouldn't he have told the Elders of the sect ahead of time that he was going to speak with Jin?
Shehan Salgado
You tell em, Bi De
Mantiqore
The very first chapters
James Squibb
Literal tears.
Ashlazaria
This is another top notch chapter. Much more so than the previous. I think it was well done to change it out. == Feedback follows: This was evident to all of them. His fingers drummed on the squat table in front of him, he sat cross legged on the floor gazing out the window. The city was shrouded in clouds, the sky darkened as the morning sun faded giving way to the churning clouds. The Master held his chin in one hand and absentmindedly drummed fingers upon the table. **you're a bit redundant with that last sentence. Maybe reword it? == Fear. In the end, all it was was fear. I wasn’t really afraid for myself, I don’t think. I could take some lumps. I could bow my head and press my face into the dirt. I could grovel if I had to. But I couldn’t stand the thought of them getting hurt from this, **"this," should be "this."
Ashlazaria
So glad it wasn't just me. :) I was fighting off the tears, myself.
WyldFyr3 Damon
Could u kindly point out which chapters I need to reread to refresh myself?
Termac
You've misunderstood a few things. For example, Jin has Rou's memories, including of Gramps.
Termac
That's certainly a big part of it.
Daniel
Well done, Big D.
S10NN4CH
This chapter moved me to tears. It its the most beautiful moment in fiction i have read in months and i would like you to know i very much appreciate you sharing this creation of yours. The characters, the world building, and the writing are all top notch here and i sincerely beloved you deserve recognition for it.
Randall Norman Pick
Boy they'll be able to laugh about this later.
STORRM
"the greatest gift we have in our lives is choice" i got a bit teary eyed at that, felt really profound with bi des internal monology. this chapter feels very very right.
Molochors
Yeah, it works much better than the tournament - there's place for cliffhangers, and that ain't it - better to resolve that particular issue, then build up tension in tournament grounds and have Jin appear (maybe with Luri in tow) to diffuse it. Jumping back and forth is... meh, especially for us reading it live
WyldFyr3 Damon
Except we don't actually know anything beyond that Lu Ri is supposed to find him for the general dude. The real question is what happens from there? What does this general expect from Jin and how is Jin going to explain that the soul the general met doesn't exist anymore so he has no clue who the general is.....
Dandark
I think focusing on this subplot is the way to go. Building hype by cliffhanging us and moving to the tournament is good early on but now everyone wants to see this long awaited meeting. Going back to the tournament will be a nice wind down afterwards though.
Ichypa
Jin has raised a good disciple. Still, the dramatic irony is strong in this chapter, I can’t wait to see their reactions when they hear how mind-bogglingly benign Lu Ri’s intentions are.
Matt M
This is half moving half funny, as they are all taking it so seriously when essentially the cloudy sword sect is coming to grovel.
FlawlessMovement
*bows* as you wish master bi de
FlawlessMovement
He’s a “grower” not a “shower” he doesn’t seem strong until he metaphysically flexes then he turns from a 5’8 normie to a 10ft tall gigachad that’s onfuckinfire
FlawlessMovement
I think the core formation chicken will be a great reaction as well
Lazerus56
absolutely incredible. You TELL HIM BIG D
Leeland
I have to say, Bi De taking a stance and choosing to stay almost had me in tears. Great emotional moment, well done!
JustAUser
It's a letter from his "Gramps".
Hassan Sarwat
Agree with others, easily one of the best chapters
Gabriel
Lovely.
David Bean
Soooo much better. Good call, and excellent writing.
Manofonezerg
Fantastic chapter. Well done!
Cloud People did 911
This is the subplot to focus on I think
SuperiorFreak
@Robert Mullins i get the feeling that the mail is a letter from the military saying he has been drafted. I mean why else would the military send Jin a letter?
SuperiorFreak
I mean, Big D already has a Harem. He may as well be the MC 😅😂.
Dee
Fantastic chapter highlighting how much Bi De has grown. Love it!
Prinny Knight
Awsome chapter, but you're still blueballing me with that cliff hanger so bad
AceAceBaby
Yea this chapter is wonderful. But maybe because of that, the cliffhanger at the end feels much more profound to me
Joel Bullock
Fuck yeah Big D
Len
As to why he feels better, earth Chan is fixing the "ley lines". It is why he dreamed of her, her repairs have reached him. Good chapte r
Chad Hagner
Downright one of the best chapters you've written so far!
TheRaptorOfHermes
Write more or else. Big de will be crowing. Just make sure you maintain your own wellbeing
Oliver Wolfe
Looove this chapter
Russel
Glad to hear that your feeling better can't wait to see were this goes.
Nick
Thanks for the chapter, it's a good one
Jan Alexander
Can't wait for the meeting. Lu Ri would be surprised by Jin's growth.
Gary Hixenbaugh
If this is the quality of writing when you take a little longer. Then take your time. This chapter was marvelous
Havefeith
For a bit there, I thought you were still on break. Man time flies fast when you have other things taking up your time. That's not meant to be a slight against you in the least, I legit had other things occupy my time. I look forward to the next chapter.
Will Iam
Please do the meeting next, don’t leave us a cliffhanger till next week
Stephan Bucher
I loved that, it was an incredible story moment. Big D going against Jin wishes was great!
Matthew Clark
NGL I've been loving Jin Rou's growth arc and past catching up. If you wanted to focus on this for a while while you fixed Tigu'er's arc, I don't think anyone would be upset
Andrew
Thank you!
Moonspike
You tell 'im Big D.
vetusanimus81
That was so damn good. Real emotional weight behind the whole exchange. Big D has come so far.
Philosophyanon
Much better as a chapter, I admit I hadn't noticed the decline until you took your break but yeah now I see it
Dion
Really good chapter, I agree with Big D saying no and I’m also curious what Jin’s dream might do to influence the meeting? I do wonder what Earth-Chan is thinking rn
The Lost Pages
This was amazing. And definitely has a spark that makes this story so incredible.
Alex Bennett
That gave me those warm fuzzies I so enjoy. Good stuff.
Sassy
All this angst over a mail delivery. Big fucking mood
Sassy
I love this chapter. Its really funny that calling Big D the protagonist isn't even a joke at this point. You could argue he is the main character. At the very least he's deuteragonist with Jin. Also, please stop teasing me with the Lu Ri meeting. I want it 😔
Obran
Good chapter. Just sad it ended
DontLook@Me
This was a phenomenal chapter.
JohnJohn2195
God damn onion cutting ninja got me in the feels. Big D best disciple.
Overclocked
Great Chapter. I just wish they were longer, but then again, 3 releases a week is crazy
Summercat
Was this good? I cannot merely call it good. Not when it had me tearing up.
Robert Mullins
Jin and disciples: epic moment of character growth in the face of deadly threats Lu Ri: "So anyways, here's your mail. Sect says sorry and asks if you want to come back."
Aaron
Loved it. Well done!
SuperiorFreak
I’m eagerly awaiting the poor mans reaction to seeing Jin arrive at the meeting with a rabbit stuffed down his shirt. The thought amuses me greatly.
Kyle
This was a great chapter. Thank you.
Aesoir
This chapter was much better. Good character development that were in line with the established characteristics of the characters. Good luck on ch 74. (Edit: misty lake duel, technically ch 74 is already present, I suppose it was supposed to be chapter 75? Regardless, I meant the previous scrapped chapter :)
Jess_2037
Damnit cliffhanger-san why must you always appear at the worst of times!!!
AnthraxRipple
This was really good, thanks for the chapter!
J B
God damn, got awful misty in here all of a sudden. Well written, when I can empathize so easily with a rooster, from anger through sadness to determination and loving concern.
taukid
Oh I thought for sure Big D was going. I figured it would separate him from Jin so he can be evenly matched against the Shrouded Mountain dude. I love this though, it so unexpected yet understandable and a great character moment for Big D.
WildType
An interesting new direction! I look forward to how you develop this arc!
Prent
"His Great Master was quite good at telling stories.As he told them of his journey his distracted tapping on the table stopped, and his slouched demeanour disappeared." Patreon thinks stories.As is link lol. This is a very meaningful chapter, and I'm glad you wrote it.
RainyCats
Good chapter! Your ability to write meaningful character development is top notch as always
Ben Allen
That was intense
Bob of Doom
I like it. It is showing the Big D is willing to be friends with his master, rather than just a disciple
Rairarku
Okay, I love this chapter and it's mazing and I'm impatient and this is a cliff and ohmygod I love Big D for calling out the BS and yeah! Thanks for the chapter, mate!
Sean Ulrich
More growth for our protagonist: Bi De!
J3_Haustkottr
I love this. Can't wait to see what's next.
