Regressor Sect Master

Scarlet Lightning City remains a noisy, rowdy place. The marketplace was filled with people, and the streets crowded. Many were curious, many more peeked out of the balconies and windows to look at their entourage.

More than a third of everyone who was a native to the city should've been dead. The city should have been half destroyed. A future that did not come to be, and so here, more than a year after the supposed incident, the crowds were larger than they have ever been.

It gave Tundra a strange, surreal experience, as he saw flashes of his first life. The structures that should've been burned to a crisp, the old temples that should've been rubble. The time where he came as a conqueror and crushed them, robbed them for their cultivation methods.

Instead, he saw crowds. Noise. Life.

Life.

After decades and centuries of the great destruction in the late stages of his first life, he cannot help but to cherish it.

He blinked and the images vanished, his vision returned to that of regular people going about their daily affairs. Cultivators. Mortals. Their flying ship was parked on the outskirts of the city, and they walked to the main palace of the Scarlet Thunder Sect, and the crowd gave way.

It was the right thing to do.

In his heart he felt the certainty that he should use his opportunity to save lives and prevent pointless conflicts. Duke Hadrian Thunderstone himself stood at the grand, red and golden gates of Scarlet Thunder, flanked by three of his elders. The words Scarlet Thunder were written in golden ink.

In his first life none of this remained.

In his first life, he marched through these destroyed streets as a conqueror.

"Lord Fox. A pleasure for you to accept our invitation!" His voice boomed, as a small army of Scarlet Thunder's disciples echoed their Sect Master and greeted them.

Tundra smiled, even if his heart was confused. Conflicted. He approached the duke and gave his respectful salute. The two older men were now just a few steps apart, this time on much friendlier terms. "If Duke Thunderstone sends an invite, then it would be uncouth of me to reject such great honor. Me and my fellow sect members will have to impose on your hospitality."

"Ah nothing! I have heard of your glories! Come, come!" The man led the way, and to one of the usual dining banquets.

Interestingly, the two sect masters had their own table. Just the two of them, with none of the elders, on a platform. Everyone else was on the main hall floors, even the elders. Most interestingly, they had no waitresses or waiters, instead all of the food was already warmed by the heating formations, and prepared for them.

The table was special, there was already a privacy formation built into the table itself, such that only those sitting on the designated chairs could listen in to the conversation.

"Quite the welcome." Tundra said as he took the seat. "And quite the preparation. Once again, I thank the Duke for your hospitality."

Duke Hadrian took his seat, he sat on the opposite side. There were five urns of rice wine, in varying degrees of strength. "Little things like this make all the difference, but now that I have you here, it is time we talk about matters of greater importance. Have you looked into the group that attacked us?"

Tundra decided to pick up his drink, pleased that the man cut to the chase. "A bit. But details are scarce."

"Likewise." Duke Hadrian offered a toast. "Welcome to Scarlet Lightning City, Lord Fox, a toast to your good health."

"A toast." The wine wasn't spiked. That was a good sign. "My people would be honored to trade pointers with the distinguished disciples of the Scarlet Thunder."

"Ah, I heard much of your achievements, these days everyone says you are a rising power." Duke Hadrian grinned. "Already I heard the White Tiger Temple's not too pleased with the gains you've had."

"Oh?" Tundra leaned back. In his first life, his path of conquest didn't bring him to the White Tiger Temple, and the White Tiger Temple's later affiliation with Patriarch Whitedragon meant they were strong enough to resist him. At this point, he wasn't sure whether Duke Hadrian was baiting him to reveal his position, so he decided to play it safe. "I met Grand Elder Gurdra Black, and it certainly didn't seem like it."

"Really? That man wears his heart on his sleeves." The Duke answered, a little amused. The cup of wine was empty, and he poured himself another. "Perhaps he had not known the threat you would grow into."

"I don't see why I should be seen as a threat." Tundra decided to play it off and fake weakness to hide his strength. "Our territories are far from each other, and the Sect Master is in the 9th realm. We are small rabbits, and they are the White Tiger."

Duke Hadrian laughed, and raised his cup. "I can tell you have more planned than to just let it be, but I understand if it is not a good time to share. Here, a toast, may you overcome them."

Tundra laughed. "I will be visiting them in a few years for the Great White Tiger tournament. Perhaps I will see what they have planned for me, though, I doubt they would do much beyond humiliating my disciples."

"Oh. A few of my disciples will join as well." The host answered. "But if you need us to help-"

"That won't be necessary, Duke Thunderstone. My people should stand on their own feet. If they fall, they fall. Such is that way of the world. Without the strength to back our position, we cannot hold them. If the White Tiger has expectations, then we will have to do our best to live up to them."

A tournament is a tournament, and even if he didn't like to lose, it is inevitable that someone will lose.

The host beamed, and again, filled up his cup. He didn't know that the Duke really likes to drink. "Then, I look forward to your disciples' performance."

The two cups clinked and soon two urns of wine were empty.

They were both not drunk. Duke Hadrian was also in the 7th realm, and as the rest of the party grew noisier, and some smaller brawls began to break out, under the gentle haze of strong wine and noisy merrymaking, it was time for the real conversation to start.

"The cult that attacked you, I heard they have people involved in the royal struggle." Tundra placed a line in the water. He wondered whether he would bite.

"Imperial Grandduke Edrian seems to believe so as well." Hadrian said, and that was something that made Tundra remember an assassination. "He's been trying to speak to the royal princes to get them to reconcile."

Grandduke Edrian is the half-brother of the current emperor, and unlike the Emperor, his Golden Dragon's gift was weak, thus, he could never hope to ascend to the throne. Despite his weak inheritance, Grandduke Edrian was well known to be a fairly talented cultivator who supported his brother's rule.

But Duke Hadrian explained how the Grandduke was frequently a mediator of imperial conflicts, and though he is often not credited, his work in the background was what helped keep the nation together over the years.

Unknown to Duke Hadrian, the Grandduke was also assassinated by unknown parties. Back then, Tundra was unaware of Zuja's meddling, and also unaware of Grandduke Edrian's behind-the-scenes role in the royal family, so didn't think too much about the assassination.

But now with context, he probably needed to save the Grandduke. The question is then, how should he save the Grandduke in a way that wouldn't draw attention to himself.

The assassination should be within the next few years. He tried his best to remember the details. The timeline they had was pretty short. No, it's likely somewhere around these few months. "Is the Grandduke well?"

"Yes." Duke Hadrian said. "Should he not be?"

"More like, I fear there are people who would be out to get him. Such as those that attacked you."

"His security detail is respectable, and the Grandduke is a skilled combatant." The Duke said, but he was smart enough to pick up what was unsaid.

Still, the Duke gave Tundra a look that only implied he had more unasked questions.

***

"Another spar, milady?" The Core Disciple of the Scarlet Thunder Sect was really strong, and Anna lost fairly quickly. She only managed to stop eight moves before the disciple managed to put her in a dangerous position.

"Ah. I believe I learnt enough. Thank you again for the instructions." Anna said as she dusted her dirty robes. Some of the moves placed great strain on her body, and even now she felt herself sore.

Another of the Verdant Snow's disciples now stepped up to try it. The next disciple would fare much better.

"You did well, Anna." Agnia said as Anna stepped off the platform. "He outclasses you in by most measures, his cultivation is stronger and denser, and he has a wider repertoire of techniques."

"Would you have won?"

"It'll be pretty close." Agnia said. "But yes, I'll win."

Anna nodded, as far as she remembered, Yavin, Agnia and Julia were relatively stronger than their peers, a product of her father's generous pill policies and various little improvements. "I see. I do feel as if I'm constantly struggling, even if I've improved."

"That is the nature of cultivation." Agnia smiled. Anna still wasn't used to seeing Agnia in an elder's robes, but Agnia wore it well, as if she had been an elder her entire life.

There were the usual spars and trading pointers, the visiting disciples would occasionally participate in lectures of their hosts, and various tours. At the end of the day, they would have drinks and food together, as a way for the disciples to mingle and form friendships.

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

In the old days, it was one of the ways sects made diplomatic relations by getting different disciples to marry into each other's families. Over time, these close connections led to the two sects forming alliances.

"Milady, a moment of your time?" One dashing man approached Anna later that day.

"Oh. Young Master Hendricks." Hendricks was the youngest son of the Duke. He was unlikely to inherit the role of the Sect Master, since that honor would likely fall on the Duke's oldest son, Hadar Thunderstone. "What can I do for you?"

"A lot." Hendricks smiled, and Anna figured the man was likely in the low 4th realm. The eldest brother Hadar was already in the peak 5th realm and should be on track for the sixth realm within the decade. "Come, let me bring you somewhere quieter where we can talk without everyone in my sect looking at us."

Anna nodded and followed Hendricks Thunderstone to a quiet verandah that overlooked the busy city.

He offered drinks, the fact that tea was prepared meant he had planned for this. Anna thought it wasn't good to accept drinks from people she barely knew, so she shook her head. "It's alright. What is it?"

"Would you be in a marriage, milady? It'll be my first, and your second. It is not uncommon for cultivators to have multiple partners in their lives."

Anna coughed. "At the moment, no. But why?"

"Ah. A shame. I'm the youngest son. Naturally, what I have isn't much."

"Ah." Anna understood. The entire context fell into place. Anna, as the first daughter of a rising sect, naturally, gave him a lot of value. "But I'm afraid I am currently looking to join a larger sect as a disciple."

It didn't need to be said, but Hendricks was smart enough to pick up. "Hmm. Is there any sect that you've had your eye on?"

"Not yet." Anna decided not to reveal her thoughts. "Any suggestions?"

"I spent five years at the Great Desert Clan in the far deserts, as a visiting disciple. It's a rough place, but my hosts were incredibly helpful."

"Visiting disciples isn't an actual admission to the sect." Anna countered. She briefly considered the idea but what she wanted was entrance at mostly her own merit. If she wanted to build a life away from her family, that would not be ideal. "Not exactly what I'm looking for."

Anna felt the man, who was probably a few decades younger than her, judge her. It was an uncomfortable moment.

"Lady Fox, pardon me for my bluntness, but you will never be able to escape family." Hendricks said bluntly.

"Where did that come from?" Anna was surprised how she was seen through so easily, but she wasn't going to reveal her thoughts.

"I've seen many siblings all attempt similar things, and family is a shadow that looms over all of us. It is the platform that lifts us up, it is the roof that shelters us, but that same roof is what casts a shadow over our lives. Whatever affairs or troubles you have at home, your stint elsewhere should be to gather strength, so that you may return to your family renewed to face those issues."

Anna didn't like how the man had to lecture her on their first meeting, but since she was a guest, and this man was the host's son, she was going to be polite about it. "I thank the young master for his guidance."

"Do you?" Hendricks smiled. "See you around."

***

"There's one of them in the Sect." Tundra said, about two weeks into his visit. An agent of the Zuja, only to Agnia and Severian.

The two glanced at each other. "Who- where?"

"A junior disciple. A new one, the boy that hosts the Zuja looks young."

"We should help them remove it."

"Too obvious. It's also likely that the boy doesn't even know he's a Zuja agent." Tundra said. The only thing he realized was the subtle way Zuja's parasites absorbed energy from their surroundings. The parasite could remain dormant, even in a sleep state for decades. It passively gained strength over time, and would feed its host with power. "And it's likely not the only one."

Tundra had confidence in his ability to spot Zuja agents, but he could miss the low-level dormant parasites quite easily that didn't reveal any of the symptoms. Occasionally, these dormant parasites would emit small signals. Moments where they momentarily awakened just to draw energy in from their surroundings. It was why Tundra didn't pick up on the dormant parasite when he arrived, and for that reason he had to check Celestia's meridians.

The good thing about dormant parasites was that they were brainless objects, yet to connect to their greater spiritual whole. As far as he knew, the parasites were all 'linked' and could communicate with other Zuja through that spiritual medium, though the process, as he understood it, was slow and highly dependent on the host's spiritual level.

More energy from the host gave the parasite a stronger connection to the whole, so weak disciples could be eliminated easily.

But the presence of weaker disciples often hinted at more than that. "We should observe them."

The good thing is, so far, the elders and the family of the Duke were clean.

***

Over the next few days, Tundra donned a disguise, and spent his days wandering mostly unseen in the city. He watched the disciples and the regular folk.

One night, he had visitors. One of them, he recognized.

"Is there something you are spying on, Lord Fox?"

"It seems I can't hide my presence so well." Tundra nodded, impressed. He was quite good at hiding, but it seems that the Scarlet Thunder Sect beefed up their security. It was obvious once he noticed the tracking bangle linked to a wider tracking formation on the Duke's wrists. They had a tracking formation placed throughout the city, and it was powerful enough to even detect his presence.

"Don't sell yourself short." Duke Hadrian said. "The formation we have is one of the best. Is it the same people that attacked us?"

"I fear it may be." Tundra said. "But I do not dare to flush them out, for I know not the depths of their strength, and whatever consequences that may lead to."

"Wise move." The other man said, and then Tundra realized that this man was stronger than he expected. "Perhaps, you can tell us more?"

Tundra nodded. His search for the other accomplices didn't go anywhere, and it seemed he wouldn't be able to continue to observe the disciple.

***

"This is my grand-uncle." Duke Hadrian explained, as the other man took off a protective amulet that caused the man's face to change. "Grandduke Edrian."

Tundra blinked. He did not expect to meet the Grandduke so quickly. "I greet the Grandduke Edrian of the Imperial family."

Grandduke Edrian was an old, but kind face. His hair half whitened, the rest grey, and he kept them fairly short and neat. Without the effects of the protective amulet, Tundra could make out that his clothing was made of high quality woven silk, imbued with strong protective elements. He was thin, and age was harsh on him.

At mid eighth realm, he was fairly strong, but if a fight occurred, the current version of himself would win, even if there was a full realm between them.

The Golden Dragon's Inheritance gnaws at the souls of their hosts, and ages them. Even those with weaker versions of the inheritance lose years and decades compared to their peers.

"Have you been watching these strange, possessed men for some time?"

Tundra blinked and quickly denied it. "Merely a few days. I saw a disciple that caught my eye, and wanted to keep watch. A hunch, if you may."

"A frighteningly sharp hunch." Edrian said as he touched his long, grey beard. He stroked his beard repeatedly. "Now, do you know what they are?"

"I am afraid that I do not know for certain." And it is the truth. Even now, Tundra didn't know the full truth of what the Zuja is. They are a cult. They possess cultivators through parasites and possibly bloodline transfers, and they want to summon their god to the world. But what were they really after? Is there really a mind or a soul that could explain their beliefs, their principles, their goals?

No. No one did. Even now he wasn't sure, and he expected he would never know. A part of him believes it is no different from inscribing deliberate purpose and strategic thought on an existence that is very much plague. It's agents as smart, possessed as they are, but as a whole, is there really a mind, a leader? No. His gut believes there isn't one.

"Interesting that you claim ignorance, because I see glimmers of knowledge in your eyes." The old man said. "I've lived to seven thousand years, Lord Fox, and I can tell the eyes of a man who knows too much."

Tundra clasped his hand. "This junior does not dare."

"Dare or not, you have." Edrian answered. "But nonetheless, what do they want?"

"I know not for certain, merely conjectures and thoughts. Idle theories, if you may."

Edrian's eyes shone, and leaned forward. "I love idle theories, Lord Fox. Please, indulge us in the intricacies of your idle theories."

"If you do not mind, then very well." Tundra avoided multiple details, but largely explained his theory that these usurpers and spies are trying to sow discord in all the sects, trigger wars, and cause high levels of death among the cultivator society as a whole by causing the royal princes to turn on one another, in the brief time it took for a single cup of tea to cool.

Duke Hadrian and Grandduke Edrian listened quietly, but with intent. The Grandduke's eyes seemed wider and wider as it went on, and clapped when he finished.

"Now, I wouldn't call that an idle theory. I happen to believe in a similar theory, and so, it seems that great minds do think alike. It is as you say, the divisions amongst those who have power are so easy to magnify. The irritations, the slights, all can be easily turned into something larger. The Imperial Emperor today is almost eight thousand years old and only has a hundred years left to his lifespan. Already the inheritance's effects wane, and his body is becoming frail, even more than I am." Grandduke Edrian explained. "These insecurities, and uncertainties are used by the sycophants, the corrupt, and these dastardly plotters to turn those who share the same blood against each other."

"Suggest to the Emperor to name an heir." Tundra said, stating the clear and obvious solution. "End the uncertainty."

"The Emperor has thought of it, but the Golden Dragon's gift is quite strong in many of the princes. Unlike my generation when the Emperor's gift was clear for all to see. The Golden Dragon's ancient traditions require that all the princes and princesses compete, if the gifts are of similar quality. You did not help."

Tundra blinked as he realized that he had just added an additional contender to the throne. "I was not aware of Princess Luharl's ambitions, and what the Princess achieved is her own efforts and merit. A humble alchemist like myself dares not to claim a role."

"Hah." Edrian laughed. "Ambitions or not, she is perceived as a threat, and as a contender. Her powerful half brothers are now wary of her, though it seems a few other weaker princes and princesses are now flocking to her side. But let's step aside from the royal family matters. It's been talked to death. How do you track these creatures? Are you aware of what they are?"

"They primarily spread through parasites, and they seem to have a hive mind of some kind."

Grandduke Edrian withdrew a jar, and inside was a preserved Zuja parasite. "I believe it's this?"

Tundra was once again impressed. "It appears Grandduke Edrian is a few steps ahead of this one. Yes. This is the parasite."

"Interesting. There is a large spawning area of these parasites in the Murian Swamps, the Zaran Swamps and the Elmar Swamps, and the reports I received claims that these to be fairly natural. But if what you say is true, the presence of these parasites in the swamp is altogether artificial, and I have some corrupt officials to punish. I shall have that place razed to the ground with the power of the Golden Dragon."

"It is this one's sincere belief that the swamps are far more dangerous than what meets the eye, and these are certainly not the only spawning areas." In Tundra's past, he recalled destroying multiple such spawneries, but these were way later in his ten thousand years, and he did not know whether they were created later.

Edrian nodded. "This old one knows how to act, Lord Fox."

Tundra merely kept his silence, and thought about what else to say. Grandduke Edrian would be attacked, and he wondered whether there is a way to prevent his assassination. Even if it didn't happen, age would catch up. Grandduke Edrian should be no more than five hundred, to a thousand years away from his death. Whatever help he had in stitching together a temporary peace wouldn't last beyond his death.

In the end, he decided to wish him well, and weaved in a warning. "Then this servant of the royal family wishes the Grandduke great success, and successfully overcomes the dangerous creatures who lurk in the dark."

"Oho?" Grandduke's wrinkled lips curled into a grin. "Are you warning me, Lord Fox?"

"Perhaps. It is a dangerous foe with long histories and unusual powers."

The Grandduke's hand reached into his robe, and pulled out a token carved out of starlight silver. He then handed it to Tundra. "Whatever secrets you keep, know that the royal family has agents in the light, and the dark. In any imperial city, look for the shop with this carving on its doors, and show them the token. They will aid you."

Tundra blinked. The starlight silver token has the crest of a white sword, an absolutely plain object at first, but as he observed, he noticed an unusual presence hidden within the token. It contained a small treasure realm of it's own!

"I thank the Grandduke for his generosity."

"The Crown is forever in peril, though more than ever before." Grandduke Edrian said with a sigh. "I hope we will meet again, Lord Fox. There is somewhere else I must go. Treat the man well, Grandnephew."

"Yes, Granduncle." Duke Hadrian nodded. Somehow, Grandduke Edrian stepped out of the door, and his presence vanished as if he was never there.