Abyssal Road Trip

Amdirlain’s PoV - Outlands - Outpost of the Monastery of the Western Reaches

Amdirlain reappeared at the end of the road that divided the fields, and a nearby girl screamed in surprise. She was only waist height on Amdirlain, wearing the servants' and villagers' grey cotton garments. She had long black hair secured in braided twin tails hanging above her ears to drape down her front. Unlike Head Clerk Erhi’s braids, there were no beads to disrupt their blackness, and only thin strips of grubby brown cloth secured their ends. Her tanned skin showed long hours in the sun, and a smattering of freckles sat across her button nose, drawing attention to her dark eyes. The high-pitched screech she let out had others spinning around, but seeing the girl standing metres from Amdirlain, the workers and students relaxed.

“I’m sorry for startling you,” said Amdirlain, and she crouched low to get their eyes at the same level and projected a calm reassurance. “Do you think I’m scary?”

The girl shook her head energetically, and her braids flapped about.

As she stopped shaking her head, she automatically lowered her gaze. Her still shocked expression and wide black eyes made her seem younger than the seven years her melody proclaimed her to be.

“I’m Lady Am, and you are?”

The little girl snapped into a deep bow and held herself there. She fixed her gaze on the ground at Amdirlain’s feet. “This one is Ming. I’m honoured to be addressed by you, Lady Am.”

How much etiquette training has this girl received? Is it to keep her out of trouble, or is someone hoping she will marry a monk or official later?

Tones of fright and awe rippled through the girl’s theme, accompanied by a niggling curiosity as the girl eyed Amdirlain’s dark silk pants. Amdirlain heard a nascent Ki pool within her melody that swirled erratically beneath her heart chakra.

Amdirlain nodded in reply, more for the watching farmers since the girl couldn’t see and motioned her up. “You can straighten. How have your classes been going? Do you have a favourite lesson?”

Though the girl straightened, she crossed her arms before her face with her forehead angled towards them. The loose sleeves of her grey cotton robe were a curtain before her eyes. “I like them very much, Lady Am, especially the Ki lessons.”

“Remember, it takes dedication and consistent effort. Failure only comes when you stop trying. Before that, you’ve learned what doesn’t work,” said Amdirlain before straightening. She eyed the half-filled water bucket and cups near the girl’s feet. “I’ll let you return to your duties.”

“Thank you for your words, Lady Am.”

“It was a pleasure to meet you, Ming.”

With her sudden appearance having caused a fuss, Amdirlain opted not to Teleport to her hall. Instead, she followed the seniors’ example, lifted into the air with Ki Flight, and sped up the mountain. Behind her, determination soared in the girl’s song, Muse’s Insight having set seeds with a few simple words, and Amdirlain’s projected reassurance.

As she landed in her courtyard, Amdirlain heard Master Cyrus start toward her. With only a few minutes before he’d arrive, she waited in the courtyard and mentally prepared high-level plans for the obstacle course, including components from Ori’s arena.

I’ll set them up like a slalom course and push myself to get faster times. Then I could let the students use the course for Ki Flight training, but I’d have to be more careful if I put something damaging in it. How do I advise folks on Qil Tris about the hollow Earth setup if I take that approach to shortcut the creation of all those training facilities?

I could create one and segment it into the sizes I need. The existing demi-planes have a fake ceiling, so they wouldn’t have to know it’s not an individual Demi-Plane.

She was still tossing around options when Master Cyrus landed in the courtyard.

“Lady Am, you made quite the impression,” offered Cyrus in the way of greetings.

Amdirlain bowed to him and offered an innocent smile. “Master Cyrus, I appreciate you assisting me in practising my etiquette.”

“You might need all the practice you can get,” cautioned Cyrus. “Livia spoke to me about the noble individual who was recently here. Do you know why he might have visited the Jade Emperor’s Court?”

He’s avoiding naming Bahamut.

“That would be because he is concerned for me,” admitted Amdirlain. “He and Ori were long-term friends, and despite my reincarnation, he still holds that concern. Did his presence cause a commotion?”

“The correct term would be ‘is’ causing a commotion,” clarified Cyrus. “At least as far as I could tell from an enquiry I received from a friend who is a clerk in the outer court. They are unsure what to make of him, and functionaries had been passing his request to speak to the Jade Emperor up the chain of command.”

Bahamut said he might go see him, but didn’t say when that visit might occur.

“That is quite the surprise. When did he arrive there?” asked Amdirlain. “And how long do you think they’ll procrastinate while passing the buck?”

“He had passed through eighteen different officials before the Jade Emperor sent his First General to escort him to a meeting,” Cyrus advised.

I wonder how well he took the officialdom.

“He didn’t have to threaten any of them, did he?” questioned Amdirlain.

Master Cyrus froze momentarily before his posture relaxed. “One of your jokes?”

“No,” replied Amdirlain. “He turned up here dressed disreputably, and I could see that causing someone particularly fussy to get in trouble with his escort, if not directly with him.”

“I understand his mere presence was enough for the first official to simply write him an additional introduction letter and pass the problem along,” Cyrus advised.

“Wise move. I’ll have to remember that passing the buck is a survival trait of some officials,” quipped Amdirlain. “Since there is nothing either of us can do, shall we get to training? Wait, an additional introduction letter? Who wrote him the first?”

“He had a metal plate with Nüwa’s sigil upon it glowing with her authority,” said Cyrus. Amdirlain froze, terrified the weight of her attention would hit any moment, and Cyrus frowned. “What is wrong?”

Is she watching but not tipping her hand?

“Please never use her name again in my presence,” said Amdirlain. “She is not the same Goddess of your tales.”

“Her name is in the main of our oldest tales and is spoken at many festivals,” argued Cyrus.

“She’s a shard of the same Primordial being, but she isn’t the same,” clarified Amdirlain. “In this realm, she is the Great Mother of the Kytons and was sealed in the depths of Hell at her own request. She will live until the realm perishes, chained to one of the foundations, or until she leaves the realm.”

Cyrus’s lips thinned. “Why?”

“She draws strength from the realm so that she can never die while it remains intact,” explained Amdirlain.

“But why is she in Hell?”

“Unpleasant events from the last realm she lived in made her want her daughters in this one to punish the wicked. She was the de facto ruler of Hell until the primordials in the Abyss created the demons. Since she wasn’t interested in that conflict, it required recruiting other forces to fight them and stop them from dominating all the lower planes.”

“Your explanations just raise more questions,” said Cyrus. “Why are these devils from outside the realm interested in fighting demons?”

“The leader of Hell now is more interested in being in charge of all evil, and so works to put down their greatest foes first,” explained Amdirlain. “It’s not a fight he’s ever going to win, as the Abyss has endless numbers even without the damned adding more. Can we change the subject? Your use of her name has already caused me a risk, and these aren’t subjects to raise in Livia’s Domain.”

“I felt nothing,” said Cyrus. “And your friend seems free with her name?”

“Neither of us is Bahamut,” Amdirlain sighed. The mention of his name brought a sense of his awareness, and she felt his strength touch her reassuringly. “Does the Jade Emperor talk to the Yomi King?”

“Yes, at times,” admitted Cyrus.

“From what I gather, the three greatest dragons in the realm talk to each other.”

“Dragon?”

“You didn’t know that?” asked Amdirlain. “I don’t know whether her original shape was that of a Dragon, but in this realm, she looks like an Eastern Dragon with dark blue scales and sulphurous eyes.”

Cyrus frowned briefly but headed towards the benches. “Let us review your text then. Since Kadaklan advised me that I need to give you context for the classics.”

“You don’t want to sit inside?” asked Amdirlain. “Comfortable chairs and less noise.”

“And endless pots of tea,” said Cyrus, and he adjusted his course towards the training hall. “I’ve got copies of the Middle and Southern courts' classics. You’ve read neither?”

“That’s correct. I could have peeked at the books around the place, but I don’t know what texts are involved,” admitted Amdirlain. “I know bits of Chinese folktales and plays, but I’ve picked up only a smattering of odds and ends. There are options for me to fast-track my understanding, and I’ve got Knowledge points that I could dump into the lore to learn what I need to know. However, I don’t control what knowledge is provided when I do that, so I thought it would be a waste, and leave potential gaps in my understanding.”

“Your Profile access seems both a blessing and a curse. Study, pondering, and use are all equally important to promote a proper understanding,” said Cyrus. “As we go through the next pages together, I’ll point out the references, and we can refer to the associated classic text to review its hidden meaning.”

“That would be appreciated, Master Cyrus,” replied Amdirlain, and she opened the training hall door for him.

Master Cyrus headed for the closest set of stairs. “Are these constructions merely some magical gemstone or your special crystals?”

“A mixture of crystal and black diamond, along with mithril and adamantine,” advised Amdirlain. “I thought it might be best to make an impression yet hide the True Song Crystal in case someone was looking for it.”

When he selected a seat on the first level, Master Cyrus’ brows lifted in surprise at the furniture adjusting. “Most unusual.”

“Not too decadent, I hope,” remarked Amdirlain.

“Comfortable yet functional chairs aren’t decadent,” replied Cyrus. “Kadaklan told me about some things he’d experienced while staying with you. His tales reminded me of our old realm but powered with magic instead of electricity."

“It’s just as well he doesn’t follow an ascetic Dao,” said Amdirlain. “Otherwise, I’d have been a bad influence on him during that trip.”

“To indulge or not would still have been under his control, and an ascetic’s Dao is stronger for dealing with such temptations,” said Cyrus.

The apparent sense of that was clear to Amdirlain. “Like challenging any Skill, if an ascetic just lives in sparse accommodations, they’ve had no choice but to stick to their way. Surrounded by luxury, they have to decide why they should stick to their way and not live an easier life.”

“Yes, and their reasons would help them gain a deeper understanding of their Dao and why it is the path for them,” confirmed Cyrus. He withdrew a set of texts and placed the books and scrolls on a nearby table. “A copy of the fundamental classics from the western and southern courts for your study. They are normal books, so I’m well within the rules to loan them to a friend.”

“I wouldn’t upset anyone by just making a copy of them?” enquired Amdirlain.

Cyrus shrugged. “Some make contributions points that way, but there are more points involved in copying the technique manuals with their illustrations.”

“Then let’s begin,” said Amdirlain. A slight smile appeared as she memorised the lot using Resonance to scan the text within the books, scrolls, and across the wooden slates. “Right, I’m done reading. Now, what do you suggest for gaining a proper understanding?”

[Chinese Literature Unlocked!

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Note: Memorisation and understanding aren’t the same thing.]

Yeah, no shit Sherlock. I didn’t need the statement of the bleeding obvious, Gideon. I’m still not a fan of the games you enjoy playing.

“Let’s start with the book of rites,” said Cyrus, resting his hand on a bundle of scrolls. “Give me your perspective on it.”

Amdirlain casually shrugged. “It’s odd to me that a collection of scrolls is referred to as a book.”

“A translation of its name,” said Cyrus. “Since these texts were around before books came about, feel free to consider them a collection if it makes you more comfortable. The important thing is in the lessons, not its appearance or form. When you seek to categorise something, you are stepping along the path of logic rather than understanding.”

“To me, its main focus is a mixture of religious and what seems like ceremonial obligations of the tiers of society,” offered Amdirlain.

“Not just ceremonial but also day-to-day etiquette,” corrected Cyrus. “The texts go over who needs to perform various acts for their seniors and why. While some of the duties are ceremonial matters for different seasons, it’s best not to assume all are simply because they seem formal to you. In their content, you’ll find the foundations for why etiquette is important."

“Propriety is seen in humbling oneself and giving honour to others. When the rich and noble know to love propriety, they do not become proud nor dissolute,” offered Amdirlain.

“If you are going to quote a reference, do so fully,” Cyrus instructed. “You left out half of it. You can’t just pick and choose lines you like from a reference. There is a difference between being concise and obtuse enough to lose the true meaning.”

“Propriety is seen in humbling oneself and giving honour to others. Even porters and peddlers are sure to display this giving honour. How much more should the rich and noble do so, in all things? When the rich and noble know to love propriety, they do not become proud nor dissolute. When the poor and mean know to love propriety, their minds do not become cowardly,” quoted Amdirlain.

“You’ve picked the reference. What does it say to you?” enquired Cyrus.

Amdirlain relaxed in her seat. “I’m trying not to be cynical.”

“That would be a first,” replied Cyrus.

“I learnt lots about diplomatic behaviour,” protested Amdirlain. “It’s not about peasants being subservient or nobles being puffed up to those they see as lesser. It’s about following standards of behaviour and morals. While I disagree with the society’s distinctions, it means a peddler should be respectful to a noble but not snivelling.”

“To behave in such a degrading fashion would be when they’ve crossed the line into a cowardly state,” said Cyrus. “Likewise, the noble shouldn’t behave so threateningly as to drive a peasant into believing such fearful conduct is required to ensure their safety. Yet that is only the surface: a liar, thief, or vandal’s actions are all cowardly. Unfortunately, the standards within the classics are ideals and not followed by all who should do so. To you, the peasant and the noble are only people, and they should treat each other as they wish to be treated.”

“Even in my world, that didn’t get followed. While you’d find rich people who were nice, there were also those who liked to flex the financial leverage they possessed over others,” said Amdirlain.

“The noble holds responsibility from the Emperor to keep parts of the kingdoms safe, manage troops, and, if they are fit nobles, even lead them into battle against monsters or other armies,” offered Cyrus. “Should you not respect the person working to keep your family and village safe?”

“If they are doing that, then yes, I’d treat the person respectfully,” replied Amdirlain. “The key is ‘if’. It’s another thing to expect me to kowtow because they’re born into the right family. An official whose only job is to count coins for someone more important isn’t due any more respect than a street vendor. I’m not saying I wouldn’t respect the street vendor; I’d be polite to them, and I’d be polite to an official, until they disregarded the plight of people, which should be their concern.”

“However fine the viands be, if one does not eat, he does not know their taste. However perfect the course may be, if one doesn’t learn it, one does not know its goodness. Therefore, when he learns, one knows one’s own deficiencies. When he teaches, he knows the difficulty of learning. After he knows his deficiencies, one can turn round and examine himself. After he knows the difficulties, he can stimulate himself to effort. Hence it is that teaching and learning help each other, as it is said, ‘Teaching is half of learning’,” quoted Cyrus.

Amdirlain raised an eyebrow. “I gather you’re not using that reference for the subject of either learning or teaching.”

Cyrus smiled drily. “Indeed I am not.”

“If I have not conducted someone’s duties, then I don’t know their difficulty,” Amdirlain inquired. “Especially if I’ve neither taught them nor learned from them?”

“Is that what I meant?” Cyrus questioned. “I’m sure you can hear the effort in someone’s song or learn it from their mind. Others don’t have that advantage, nor can they access your evidence. If you behave in such a manner before those who don’t have your evidence, you encourage them to behave in that fashion to that official and to others of similar rank, even those who haven’t earned your ire. Your example teaches them that the official isn’t worthy of respect, but you won’t be around to see where that learning takes them. Something to think about?”

“Even when someone has displayed that behaviour?”

“Have you lived every day in their skin? You have suffered, but have you suffered their trials and disillusionment?” asked Cyrus. “What might they excuse as a single lapse? What lesson might be better taught through gentle correction as one would a student than through disrespect, which then teaches them to hate you?”

“Which takes us back to propriety?”

“Does it?” questioned Cyrus.

Amdirlain narrowed her eyes at the merry chords that surged in him despite his outward composure.

“I’m sure you’re listening to my song,” said Cyrus. “When you do that, it is more difficult to help you progress towards understanding, as you have not taught nor learnt as I have. Seen from a great height, everything looks like an ant.”

“How does the Jade Emperor avoid that then?”

Cyrus’ brows lifted dramatically. “Are you implying the Emperor is not perfect?”

“If he is perfect, how did the Yomi King tip the balance in his last realm?”

“Man tipped the balance, but the Jade Emperor doesn’t claim to be perfect. Also, neither he nor the other Shen keep solely to the lofty heights,” countered Cyrus. “Will you keep yourself to your heights? We’ve discussed sitting under a tree high on a mountain, living off rainwater and pine nuts.”

“We did. It being a fine activity if one is a shrub,” said Amdirlain.

“Indeed it is,” said Cyrus. “I take it our discussion has shown enough that the subject of the references is not purely in the context of the text but in life.”

“Memorising them isn’t enough,” agreed Amdirlain. “They’ve not all got deeper meanings, though, as some are just particulars of dress for certain occasions.”

“That would depend on how the person uses the reference,” Cyrus countered.

“I think this will take me much longer than expected,” sighed Amdirlain.

Cyrus smiled. “Comprehending one’s ignorance is the first step to understanding.”

“Thank you, Sifu,” murmured Amdirlain.

“It is my honour indeed,” said Cyrus. “Let us start at the beginning of the Ki Blast technique and see what references you can spot now you’ve memorised all these.”

During the lesson, Amdirlain received an acknowledgment from Morgana, confirming that she’d teach whatever arcane subjects Amdirlain wished to learn. A few exchanged messages had her an arrival point and timeframe organised.

♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫

When Master Cyrus left her standing in the courtyard, Amdirlain’s mind was still churning over the Book of Rites. Though the collection wasn’t the longest of works (maybe three hundred odd typed pages), the references in the classics and how they were called upon allowed many permutations of meaning.

It would be easier if the references were a static cipher key that added or removed meaning from the technique’s text, but it’s all subject to interpretation, dependent on the schooling.

When Master Lu Jinfeng led her twenty students in and stopped, she offered a nearly forty-five-degree bow, and her students bowed as if hinged at the waist.

I never expected that much deference from any of the masters here.

Though discomforted by the way they kept their upper bodies parallel to the ground and their eyes lowered, Amdirlain restricted herself to a minimal bow.

“I appreciate the time you’ve taken out of your schedule to fulfil my request, Lady Am,” said Jinfeng.

“You’re quite welcome. Please come in, Master Lu,” replied Amdirlain. She turned partly on her heel and motioned Jinfeng to walk with her. “What is your preferred style for sparring?”

“Might we cross blades?” inquired Jinfeng as she stepped into the training hall.

Amdirlain nodded a ready acceptance. “What type of blade do you prefer?”

“The Jai,” answered Jinfeng. “Are you trained in it?”

“No, I normally use a very different blade,” replied Amdirlain. “It’s a lot heavier, shorter, and not an Eastern weapon, though I’ve some training in blades similar to the Jai.”

“Would you use the one you are used to?” requested Jinfeng. “If I’m always fighting opponents with weapons I’m familiar with, then it limits my learning.”

Amdirlain smiled. “Please ‌use your normal weapon.”

I’ll either have to create a pair of swords to match the quality of her blade or use some of the practice weapons.

“It carries enchantments, and my techniques pass Ki through the weapon,” cautioned Jinfeng.

“In a similar fashion to Sword Light?”

“Nothing so advanced, Lady Am,” demurred Jinfeng. “It is a progression of the Ki Strike ability.”

“Does it interfere with your ability to use it with an unarmed style?” inquired Amdirlain.

Jinfeng frowned slightly.

“My apologies if the question was improper,” offered Amdirlain.

“It is not normally done to speak of the capabilities of one’s techniques beyond your martial brothers and sisters,” advised Jinfeng. “I would entrust my senior to get the other students settled.”

“That is fine. I’m sure they’ll all respect my home and enjoy the comforts of the conversation levels,” replied Amdirlain.

Master Lu signalled the man following her towards the closest staircase, and he stepped out of line to usher the students ahead of him.

Amdirlain motioned an invitation to Master Lu and headed towards the weapon rack near the sparring area.

“Are those practice weapons?”

“Yes, they are,” confirmed Amdirlain, and she picked up the first steel Kopis. “That is the type of sword I’ve typically used for a few years now.”

“With its curvature towards the blade’s end, it is similar to the Pandat blade that some islanders beyond the South Wind’s court use,” noted Jinfeng. “But those just have a sharp angle in the middle, and your blade appears heavier. Single-edged and best used for downwards attacks. A cavalry weapon?”

“That is correct, but it doesn’t come from any of the kingdoms you’re familiar with,” advised Amdirlain. “If I find its style to be a good blend with my own.”

“It would seem I will indeed be hard-pressed,” said Jinfeng eagerly.

“We shall see,” replied Amdirlain, and she picked another blade from the racks before stepping through the blue barrier.

Jinfeng hung her outer robe on the end of the weapon rack but oddly left her curtain of long black hair unsecured. Threads of Ki started to run down them to their very tips, and the strands began to sway out of time to her motions.

It’s under her control, but how does she use it: as a weapon, barrier, or distraction? All three?

Amdirlain moved a few hundred metres from the barrier and turned to face Jinfeng as she approached. “Just weapons, or Ki techniques as well?”

“Whatever Ki techniques you wish,” Jinfeng offered. Her blade lifted into a high guard stance, and Ki ran into it. The energy caused the edge to emanate a white glow, and a scent of heated metal tickled Amdirlain’s nose.

The technique incorporates Ki Infusion as well. Cool.

Without a physical cue providing a warning, Jinfeng flowed in. Quick probing strikes darted about testing Amdirlain’s guard, and as she deflected the strikes, strands of hair stabbed at her wrist while others pushed against her blade to deflect its course. A smile quirked across Amdirlain’s lips, and she effortlessly shifted the blade back and spun along the other side of Jinfeng’s blade. As it came back in line with Amdirlain’s torso, she slipped past and laid the flat of her blade against Jinfeng’s throat. She’d barely had time for her eyes to widen.

Amdirlain disengaged and blurred back to salute her politely. “Interesting technique when a fight is balanced. Making even a tiny opening in someone’s defences can tip things in one’s favour.”

“I wanted to see how far below you I stood, Lady Am,” replied Jinfeng.

“I’ve fought a lot of dangerous opponents and fallen short many times if that helps,” offered Amdirlain.

Jinfeng coughed. “I’m a Grandmaster with the Jai, and you just handled me like a child.”

“Past life memories or dedication since childhood?” enquired Amdirlain. “I can tell you’re only in your forties.”

“My dedication to the blade awakened memories,” advised Jinfeng. “It was shocking.”

“Memories that come out of nowhere,” replied Amdirlain. “Another thing we have in common.”

Jinfeng frowned. “Master Livia said you’re a Grandmaster, but I didn’t expect you to have equal advancement with a blade and your open-handed style.”

“My style incorporates multiple weapons and unarmed techniques from multiple sources,” clarified Amdirlain. “It’s like comparing your ability in one to someone with dozens of unarmed styles.”

“Perhaps meeting you might be more auspicious than I first thought,” allowed Jinfeng. “Another exchange?”

“Shall we focus on our blade work?”

Jinfeng nodded.

I’d love to know what her Dao is, but it's rude to pry.

As Jinfeng tried to flow around her, Amdirlain kept her response times slow enough to match. Though the young master’s hair had relaxed into normal movement, Amdirlain sank into the meditative state of Harmony and set to mirroring her.

The issues became immediately noticeable to Amdirlain; the curved tip of her blade and her flowing movements frequently interfered with Jinfeng’s strikes. As soon as Jinfeng adapted, Amdirlain switched hands, though she continued sparring with only a single blade. Little tells of frustration flared only to be quashed, and Amdirlain caught the first moment of insight within a shift in Jinfeng’s grip.

Amdirlain kept the pressure on and Jinfeng’s movements and balance changed at first by tiny adjustments to the blades' tempo against each other, followed by wholesale shifts in posture.

As Amdirlain ratched the pressure further, a notification flashed.

[Muse’s Insight [S] (111->112)

Perception [S] (146->147)]

Oh! But I wasn’t even trying to inspire her?

Though Jinfeng possessed Immortal Spirit, she still had far to go, and with only the speed of Mortal flesh, Amdirlain could have easily overpowered her. As the adjustments in Jinfeng’s techniques grew more pronounced, Amdirlain changed things further. Her blade straightened to a matching Jai, and she started to switch hands in mid-attack. Once Jinfeng began to adapt to that, the blade started to shift forms from one moment to the next. Through it all, Amdirlain continued to counter her attacks and press when she retreated.

Throughout their exchanges, Amdirlain learned about her sparring partner’s physical limitations, and she quickened the pace slightly beyond what Jinfeng could manage. Cuts started to appear on Jinfeng’s body, and she desperately fought to establish control by excising ounces of inefficiency from her motions. The Ki moving through her body sealed the wounds and eased the strain on her lungs and heart as Jinfeng recovered ground.

Each time they reached a new equilibrium, Amdirlain pushed Jinfeng harder. Her blade again opened nicks in silk and flesh, but Jinfeng endured the injuries rather than surrender.

Amdirlain saw the instant when inspiration turned into evolution, and the efficiency of Jinfeng’s motions leapt. Her steps gained a dance-like quality that was a pale imitation of Amdirlain’s lethal grace but spoke of the session’s impact. The slightest flexing of her arm or shift in her posture now dramatically shifted the approach of an attack or counter.

Still, the brutal session wasn’t without cost, and with Jinfeng breathing hard, Amdirlain slowly wound down the pace until they lowered their swords simultaneously.

[Dance [G] (24->25)

Perception [S] (147->148)

Muse’s Insight [S] (114->115)]

“How are you feeling, Master Lu?” asked Amdirlain. A song that Amdirlain added to the anchors cleaned and restored Jinfeng’s clothing.

Jinfeng clasped the palm of one hand over her fist and bowed deeply. “Sifu, I would be honoured if you’d call me Jinfeng.”

I got promoted to teacher after playing Death by a Thousand Cuts for two hours. I doubt she’d find it acceptable to call me Am.

“Don’t you already have a Sifu, Jinfeng?” asked Amdirlain. “I find it hard to believe one as skilled as yourself in this monastery is without a mentor.”

“My original Sifu was a guard in my family's employ, but he wasn’t a practitioner,” explained Jinfeng. “My parents hadn’t allowed me to come study at the monastery, and my proficiency with the blade turned off those suitors they sought for me. When my memories stirred at seventeen, I was already past the age when most masters would select a student to guide in their special techniques, and my family were merchants without a martial or monastery influence.”

“And you hadn’t selected a Class?”

“My Sifu believed my growing Skill would see me gain something far better if I held off,” explained Jinfeng.

“You’re an acknowledged Master while I’m a monastery guest,” noted Amdirlain. “Why would you wish to have me as a Sifu? Might it not cause you trouble with other masters?”

“I control my decisions and do not control theirs,” replied Jinfeng. “Even if they don’t react as I would like, it is still in my control to decide how I’ll react.”

“I run a teaching session before breakfast and currently teach my only other student here. You can also bring whoever can convince you to share that time with them.”

Jinfeng bowed again. “I’ll ensure only those who understand the worth of your time come along.”

“I hope you’re ready to work hard.”

“Sifu, I would be disappointed with anything less after today’s session.”

“Best get your students on their way,” instructed Amdirlain. “It will be time for the evening meal soon.”

Jinfeng straightened, spun on her heel, and glided towards the training hall’s entrance. As she did, Jinfeng issued instructions that lit a fire under those still seated.

My decisions are in my control, but I hope I don’t screw up.

When her latest guests departed, Amdirlain shifted to an empty Demi-Plane.