Kind Young Master [Progression Fantasy - Cultivation]

The boy was trembling. He couldn't be more than eleven. That he was already a prospective disciple suggested he was either a great talent or had greatly influential parents. In either case, harming him would be of no benefit to Fushuai.

"Since you know my name, will you tell me yours?"

"Uh. Yeah!" The boy coughed and attempted to deepen his voice for the next pronouncement. "I, Zou Kai, your Senior, will instruct you in the lessons of pain."

"I am honored to meet you, Senior Zou Kai. But it is past curfew. Perhaps we could have a match at another time."

"No, it's not!" He stomped his lead foot. "There are two more bells after that one."

"Very well." Fushuai spun his gu-en so fast that the boy flinched back a step. Instead of moving in to strike, he ended the spin with his weapon balanced on his open palm, holding it out. "Take the staff."

With wary eyes, Zou Kai inched forward, then snatched the weapon as quickly and forcefully as he could manage, expecting resistance. There was none. As soon as it was in his hands, his eyes widened, and his stance dropped completely.

"What is this?" He said in open wonder. "It feels like every element."

In a single, fluid motion, Fushuai closed the distance between them, retrieved the staff, and ended behind the boy, facing down the empty path.

"Tell your friends that I accepted your challenge," he said, "and you disarmed me. Then I took my weapon back, and we parted as equals."

The boy spluttered a confused response as he walked away. Fushuai was pleased with the outcome, but he expected that similar challenges would not be solved as easily. Indeed, over the next days, he found he had to navigate through half a dozen "exhibition matches" from disciples more threatening than Zou Kai. Thankfully, he was able to do so without bloodshed.

Because of who his master was, neither the word "cowardice" nor "weakness" was so much as whispered behind his back. It wasn't just that they were afraid of the Living Blade; the air of mystery surrounding the famous cultivator extended to Fushuai, allowing others to interpret his actions as wise or intriguing rather than timid or submissive.

Not that he avoided every fight. Instead, he only accepted challenges that he saw as being in good faith. Huang Zu Ti and Chun Li both sparred with him more than once, with no malice on either side.

The life of an honored guest was an easy one, and he quickly found a routine that suited him. Cycling in the early morning, before the sun rose, followed by study and attempts at replicating the arrays in the meditation chambers. Combat training in the afternoon before the evening meal, and then more energy work. In some ways, it was like he had never left the mountain.

The difference was the people. Most were friendly, and those that weren't were dissuaded from making too much of a nuisance of themselves by the simple fact that their elders wanted the sect to have a good relationship with the disciple of Xiao Sheng.

It was a sense of community he had never experienced, so much so that he almost found himself longing to join the sect. Despite his protests, Chun Li provided him with two Foundation Assurance pills, even a storage ring. The spatial treasure was marked as being property of the Ash Eater Sect, but she gave him only the vaguest possible terms about expecting its return.

"See," Zhang Sha said, "ask and you shall receive. You've got to take advantage of this sort of thing while you can. Tomorrow, they may be trying to kill you."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because the life of an outsider in a sect compound always hangs by a string."

Despite his warnings, Zhang Sha did not behave as if he were suspicious of their motives or anticipating danger. He took full advantage of everything the sect had to offer: food, resources, and facilities. A number of the female disciples had approached Fushuai regarding off-schedule training sessions that he politely refused. Though he was tempted, the risks of social entanglement far outweighed the rewards of a brief physical entanglement, in his opinion.

Zhang Sha did not share that opinion. And as it happened, being the battle brother of the disciple of Xiao Sheng was sufficient to make him many temporary friends.

It was nearly a full month before Fushuai approached a breakthrough. He'd expanded his meridians twice, increasing his capacity to an eighteen-thread cord, taking all three of the restorative pills his master had left him to get there. He'd also managed to sketch a version of the qi drawing arrays in the meditation chamber that he believed would work for Yin.

With a Foundation Assurance pill, the array, and the right timing, he thought he would be able to enter the next stage of advancement. Zhang Sha agreed that he was likely to succeed, and now all he was waiting for was the full moon to amplify the ambient Yin.

Mei Li and Lin came to visit at the end of every decan, sitting with him in the same teahouse where he had spoken with his mother.

"Your veils are still rough," Mei Li said, blowing steam from her cup. "Whatever compression method you use ruins the art."

"Not everyone has our talents," Zhang Sha said. He'd started inviting himself to join their visits after Fushuai mentioned Mei Li's presence, as they both used dream qi.

"My talents, you mean." She batted her eyelashes at him. "It was my understanding you have an earth root."

"Your talents, my dedication, and a shared passion."

Lin looked between them, her delicate features marked by suspicion. "Pardon," she said. "But why is it you are traveling with my brother? Could you remind me again?"

"We met in the wilds of Lonely Mountain and hunted together. It's been a beneficial relationship."

"For both of you?" Her gaze flicked to Fushuai.

He smiled, appreciating his sister's concern. "There are no debts between us, little Lin."

"Don't call me that." She pouted. "I'm not a child anymore, and until a few months ago, I was a stage above you."

Bai Tu was in her lap, making a pleased sound low in its throat as she petted it. The fox had taken to her instantly, and she'd been delighted to hear that he'd named it after her old rabbit.

"You're right, we've both grown." He lifted his cup and observed how the ripples fought to escape their confines, only to be forced to turn back, and then stilled. Enough force, and the tea could splash free, but then it would be lost. "Have either of you thought about joining the sect?"

Lin shook her head, but her older sister nodded. "I have thought about it, and I won't be joining. They don't have anyone with a root like mine. I'm going to have to find a school that specializes in dreams, or else marry someone rich enough to pay for a proper mentor."

"I'm sure Father would support you." They didn't know, and it was simpler to fall into old habits than to tell them.

Her laughter was light and musical, and Zhang Sha appeared entranced. Fushuai dug his heel into the man's toes under the table, and the look he gave him in return was all offended innocence.

Mei Li noticed none of it, and the amusement in her voice was sweet when she spoke again. "He would if he could. But a tutor like that would be as rare as I am, not something the Gao clan could casually afford. Not everyone can be plucked out of obscurity by a wandering legend."

Fushuai was about to protest when the Silent Mountain, dead for a thousand years, rumbled. A thick plume of smoke rose from its ancient mouth, and the tremors continued for a long breath before the earth quieted again.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

"Look!" Lin rushed out of the teahouse, pointing to the sky instead of the mountain. It was turning gold, but the light was coming from the opposite direction of the sunset. They stepped out to join her, and disciples in the gardens and along the walls could be seen stopping to stare at the same phenomenon.

The light cascaded across the heavens, dressing the clouds in shades of radiant finery. The Spine of the World was not visible from this distance, but it appeared to be originating from that direction, or from beyond it, perhaps even the seat of the empire itself.

It was the most beautiful show Fushuai had ever witnessed, and also the most terrifying. What kind of power had accomplished this? What change did it signify?

"It's said the heavens celebrate the turning of the celestial wheel," Mei Li said in a subdued voice. "But that is more than a year away."

"This isn't a celebration," Zhang Sha said. "It's angry. Can't you hear the voice?"

Fushuai spared a worried glance for his friend. He hadn't been plagued by waking nightmares since their arrival in Ashen City, but there was always a chance that the purification method could leave something behind, or that his twisted root would worsen on its own.

"I hear it," Mei Li whispered. "By the heavens. Jade Court, save us. This is terrible."

Fushuai did not understand what they meant until a moment later, when a fell wind swept over the walls of the compound, carrying a message. At first, it was only a roar of rage. But after a few seconds, the words became clear.

I, your father, Emperor Wang Yinjing, have fallen. With my passing, the seat of the realm goes to my heir, Wang Lao Shu.

Almost as soon as it began, Zhang Sha was pushing him toward the outer wall.

"Go! We all have to go! Now!"

My death was at the sword of the traitor and demonic cultivator, Xiao Sheng.

Bai Tu was yipping at their heels, and Lin was openly crying. Mei Li, her face white, seized her younger sister and half carried her after them. The words made no sense to Fushuai. It was as if they were too big to fit inside his skull, and unable to enter, they had struck him over the head instead.

Let all who hear this know that his name is forever inscribed as an enemy of the Golden Empire. Let no one speak it except in vengeance. Let no blood of his blood be spared. Let no hand be raised except to cast him down.

Bells were ringing across the compound, and shouts followed soon after. Strangely, no one was looking toward them. With his mind refusing to function, Fushuai fell back on instinct. With danger imminent, he activated Moon Step, and the world around him became bright and clear for a single moment before the technique shattered.

These are the last words of Wang Yinjing. Heed them, or be branded a traitor as guilty as the hand that spilled my blood.

There was too much Yang. The golden sky, the impossible power of a spell that had stretched across the continent, denied him. But the pain of the broken technique brought him back to himself. Zhang Sha had placed a veil around all of them, an illusion to hide their position. He could sense his spirit at work.

It would last as long as it took for a more powerful cultivator to appear, or for someone in foundation stage to look too closely. There were already disciples swarming around the teahouse where they had been only moments before.

They reached the wall, and Sha pressed one hand against the stone, using a second technique to soften it. He was sweating, his concentration stretched to its fullest. Fushuai called his staff from the borrowed storage ring and channeled energy through it to help. Together, they bored a hole through the wall and passed to the others side.

"We have to go home," Lin pleaded. "We have to warn Mother."

Mei Li pulled her back. "We can't go there. They heard the same as we did, and we have to hope they have the sense to run."

Their connection to him would warrant far more than suspicion. The death of the Emperor invited chaos such as they had never known. It was not a stretch to think half the city would be willing to kill the family of the disciple of Xiao Sheng to gain credit and renown.

She looked at Fushuai. "Where can we go?"

He didn't have an answer.

"Place a second veil, something over mine," Zhang Sha told her. "As to where we go, it doesn't matter. We get out of the city and work things out from there."

They ran, and voices followed them. Fushuai picked up Lin, and Lin was holding Bai Tu. The other two moved on either side of them, shielding them from sight and setting false trails as they went. The city was in shock, and the sect had to be as well. The very idea that the Emperor could die would be beyond the comprehension of mortals and even most cultivators. He had ruled for thousands of years.

If there had been any delay in their escape, it would have ended in capture. As it was, they reached the outermost district of the city and narrowly avoided a group of patrolling disciples. They rushed through the fields beyond, and instead of aiming for the Spine of the World, shifted south.

The empire extended across the entire continent, but its grip did not hold every square li equally. Night descended, and Fushuai felt his strength grow as the others began to flag. He motioned for a stop.

"We should part ways. You'd all be safer without me."

"I'd go mad in a month," Zhang Sha said, and Mei Li gave him an alarmed look.

"Not you, then. But you." He turned to his sisters. "You can take new names. Start new lives."

"No." He'd never heard Lin sound so certain. A doll-like face turned deadly serious. "You are the only brother I like. If I have to lose the rest, I won't lose you too."

"I will," Mei Li said without hesitation. "But you have to come with me, little sister. I'll look after you."

"I don't need looking after. I am a woman grown."

"Debatable."

"Go or stay," Zhang Sha said. "We need to keep moving either way. You can always make your decision after we've spent a few days on the run. If we aren't caught before then."

Fushuai looked at both his sisters. Mei Li almost certainly would do better on her own. Falsehoods were the nature of her Path, and she could disappear without a trace. Lin was different, too honest. And despite her protests, she still needed someone to protect her. Her dark eyes met his, and he saw only determination.

"We keep moving," he said. "At least for now."

They ran. Mei Li, reluctant to part from her sister, stayed with them. Though the power of the emperor was gone from the sky, his words continued to echo in Fushuai's mind as they passed through field, glen, and glade.

My death was at the sword of the traitor and demonic cultivator, Xiao Sheng.

Fushuai did not understand.

Epilogue (Xiao Sheng POV)

That had not gone as planned.

The passages between the earthly realms and the hells were generally unoccupied, perfect for a traveler in haste, as long as one did not mind having to decapitate the occasional demon. Xiao Sheng walked with a limp, carrying the severed head of his once rival and long-time friend, Mah Goshung. The decapitation of that particular devil had been one of many unfortunate outcomes of the day.

"Can't you go any faster?" The head complained.

"I was stabbed by the Spear of Destiny, Goshung. No, I cannot go any faster."

"Bah. Who hasn't been?"

Blood leaked from Xiao Sheng's stomach. Certainly, he had come out of the fight better than his battle brother, but he was far from pleased to be inflicted with yet another wound that would never fully heal. It was bad enough that his joints still ached from the time he'd been swallowed by a dragon god. He wasn't sure if this would ever stop bleeding. Divine weapons tended to have that effect.

"We gave them a good show, anyway." The devil growled. "Do you think the heavens are happy?"

"I fulfilled my obligation. They will honor their half of the bargain. What we need to do now is find my disciple and ensure he isn't murdered in the aftermath."

Wang Yinjing wasn't supposed to be dead yet. They had planned to stake a place for themselves in the Golden Court for the next few years, gathering information and devising the best method to proceed. But their disguises hadn't held, and the emperor had been expecting them. His taking the obligation should have been a secret. Only a member of heaven's bureaucracy could have tipped him off.

Now all his careful schemes were in disarray.

The tunnels opened onto a chasm lined with soul-eating flames.

"Shall I leave you here to recover?" He asked. "Or would you prefer to proceed as an accessory."

"I'm not stable enough to benefit," Goshung said. "Carry on."

He was about to do so when an emerald beam of spiritual energy broke through the ceiling and struck the path before them. It was so sudden and final it barely made a sound, more like snipping fabric than disintegrating stone. Xiao Sheng didn't call upon his Heart Blade, it would send the wrong message. There could only be one source of this disturbance.

Twelve figures stood in a circle when the light dissipated. Each half human and half beast. The guardians of heaven.

"To what do I owe this honor?"

"We have come to escort you to your rightful place among the ascended." It was the tiger that spoke. The youngest of the twelve. Sacred arrays orbited his furred head, and a sword that had given lie to countless claims of immortality hung at his hip.

"I was promised another wheel."

"The Jade Emperor has spoken. Your presence in the earthly realm represents too much of a threat to the balance, and you must ascend."

They had sent all twelve. The implication was not something he could pretend not to understand. Either he fought them all and died, or he acceded to their demands.

"What about my companion? He played a critical role in fulfilling my obligations to the Jade Court."

It was the snake who hissed an answer. "Toss him into the abyss."

"Xiao Sheng!" Goshung began, "If you dare—"

He threw the Asura's head into the chasm. His friend would fare better in the hells than at the mercy of the guardians of heaven, though he cursed all the way down. Had Xiao Sheng been at his full strength, he might have been arrogant enough to test the twelve guardians against his sword. They had not chosen this moment to summon him by chance. The battle at the imperial palace had required him to show too much of his hand, and the Jade Emperor was suspicious. Wang Yinjing had spent a thousand years weaving a web of obligations to protect himself from direct action by the heavens, and still he was dead. Xiao Sheng lacked his foresight.

No power could be allowed to grow that could defy them, even the blade that had served them as loyally as a dog.

"I honor the will of heaven," he said. "I am ready."

He could only hope his disciple was as well.