Chapter 542

Chapter 542

Its been almost eight years since I came to this world, and I like to think Ive accomplished quite a bit in my time here.

Those who know my history would probably agree. I mean, I started off as a frail, helpless slave, and in less than a decade, rose up to become the publicly acknowledged Number One Talent in the Empire. Thats not half bad, even if I never really deserved the title, and its not like my exploits are limited solely to the Martial Path. Putting aside my ability to identify plants and concoct various herbal remedies for a wide variety of ailments, I can also cook delicious meals, ride a quin, tan a hide, gut a fish, and dozens, if not hundreds, of other miscellaneous, everyday tasks which need doing in a pre-industrial society like this one. I can patch a roof, milk a goat, mend a fence, and still have a piping hot breakfast for five ready before eight in the morning, which I think is pretty awesome.

Hooray for basic life skills. Whooooo.

Dont get me wrong, nothing in my aforementioned list of skills is particularly difficult to learn, not even combat or health care. Im no battle genius or medical saint; most of my achievements in the former are due to dumb luck while my skills in the latter make me little more than a qualified battle-field medic rather than actual physician. I wont be dazzling people with my consummate sword skills or diagnosing and curing peculiar and inexplicable ailments, but I can hold my own in a fight and whip up something to soothe a rash or settle a cough. Im no authority figure, but Id say I qualify as competent in both fields, without ever having struggled too too much with learning either skill.

Granted, I put a lot of hours and effort into learning over the last eight years and probably stunted my growth with the lack of sleep, but in my defence, my insomnia wouldn't have let me sleep anyways so at least I put the time to good use. Im not saying all this to toot my own horn. I learn things quickly, or at least quicker than most, its just how I am. Does this make me intelligent? Hell no. I know a lot of things because of hard work and my past lifes memories, but for all my talk of science and reasoning, I can sometimes be dumber than a bag of bricks. All I really have going for me is a good memory, a sturdy foundation of higher knowledge, and a keen mind thats quick to pick things up.

Why is this relevant? Because even after all these years, Common Script, the written language I see and use every single day, still sometimes seems like a bunch of indecipherable moon runes to me.

Theres a good reason for this, and its not just because Im stupid. Its because the written Common is stupid, and I hate it. Unlike English, where each individual letter represents a sound or an array of sounds, each Common character represents a word, phrase, or concept, which means there are as many characters as there are words. Forget twenty-six letters, I wouldnt be surprised if someone told me there are twenty-six thousand unique characters used in Common Script, which is a pain in the ass to memorize even with the perfect recall granted by a Natal Palace.

Not that mine works anymore. Stupid broken Core.

Now, this isnt to say I cant read Common, because I totally can, even without perfect recall since I learned long before I even heard of a Natal Palace. Only two or three thousand characters are used on a regular basis, while unfamiliar characters can usually be identified using contextual clues, and sometimes can even be guessed at because theyre made up of more common characters. For example, wood is written (), so when you see three wood characters stacked in a pyramid like (), its safe to say this particular character has something to do with a lot of wood. Its still not all that cut and dry, since () means forest and not wood-pile like I first guessed. To make matters more confusing, the written character has no bearing on pronunciation; wood () is pronounced Mu, while forest () is pronounced Sen, so I feel I am right to say Common is stupid and everyone should learn English instead.

So... I drawl, inwardly floundering in ignorance, Cultivation is written Xiu Zhen (), which means nurture truth. Nodding mindlessly just to burn off a little nervous energy, I follow up my inner rant and outward concise summary of Akanais explanation with, ...I still dont get it.

Im not stupid. Fucking moon runes are stupid.

Judging by the chorus of sighs induced by my admission of ignorance, Im probably the only person in the room who thinks so. Considering theyre all older and therefore wiser than I am, it probably means theyre right and Im wrong, but what sort of person would I be if I let facts and information sway my opinions?

Wishing Id lied to Song and kept Blackjack hidden in my pouch, I suffer in the absence of a comforting floof and squirm beneath the collective gazes of every person in the room. Peak Experts one and all, these gathered individuals stand at the pinnacle of the human race, whether it be Hero of the North Nian Zu and his right-hand man Han BoHai, or Great Teacher Du Min Gyu and thirty-seven year old Eastern genius Kuang Biao. As for Monk Happy, he isnt exactly a world renowned warrior, but he is an educated and scholarly ascetic whose in-depth explanations and general philosophies have been widely accepted by the others. Sadly, even his cheery smile has melted away in the presence of my overwhelming ignorance, seated off to one side and mopping his shiny bald head with a handkerchief while he struggles to come up with an explanation I might actually understand. Mom, Ghurda, and Yaruq are also here, and for some strange reason Gerel too, but there are a few people who are conspicuously absent, like Taduk who ran off to tend to his garden or Dastan, BoShui, and Jorani whose respective Paths share many similarities with my own. My Teacher has always been notoriously indifferent towards the Martial Path, but I wouldve liked to have a few friends around to bounce ideas off of and maybe take some of the pressure off me and my utter stupidity.

Then theres my Mentor and Grand-Mentor themselves, Dad and Akanai, two people who stand shoulder to shoulder with these famous or respected names and are also jointly responsible for my meteoric rise to glory. More dour than usual, theyve lost much face today in front of their peers, for my ignorance reflects poorly on their teachings, but Im not exactly going to lose sleep over it. I dont know things because they never properly explained them to me, though a small part of my mind notes that Ive also never really asked about the nature of cultivation or any other esoteric, mystical, or even downright religious aspects of the Martial Path.

Because really, who cares? It hardly matters in the grand scheme of things if I know that cultivation means to nurture truth. Seriously, what changes? How does one even nurture truth? It doesnt make sense. Besides, I dont cultivate, I train to fight. A rose by any other name and whatnot. Also, does it really matter that humanity views the Martial Path as the only viable Path to Divinity because the Mother handed down the Eight Forms? Its not like wed stop fighting and only settle our differences through musical competition if She had passed down the Eight Symphonies instead. Hell, things would probably be easier if She had. I could be the Azure Empires first and only conductor, taking the world by storm with the overwhelming power of a concert orchestra, one complete with strings, brass, reeds, and percussion. Or, better yet, I could channel my past lifes memories and become a freestyle rapper, one able to convert Defiled jazz aficionados and drive back the disgusting Enemy with my sick beats and dope lyrics.

...Now that I think about it, that would be pretty fun. Get on it, Mum on High. Turn my life into a high school musical please.

Clearing my throat in a misguided need to fill the empty silence, I immediately regret my actions as I once again become the sole focus of attention, but its too late to turn back now. This morning, I begin, doing everything in my power to sound patient, respectful, and not the least bit snarky or frustrated, When Dad told me he set up a meeting with the greatest Martial Warriors in the Citadel to help clear things up regarding my Martial Path, I figured Id have the chance to ask a question or two, not sit through an interrogation regarding every decision Ive ever made, followed by a lecture answering questions I wouldve never thought to ask. Questions which have zero bearing on my current situation, I might add, but with a herculean effort of will, I dont. Its not that I dont appreciate your time and efforts, but how is etymology or philosophy supposed to help me figure out why my conscious mind cant use Chi when my unconscious mind can?

Despite my efforts to be as respectful and considerate as possible, the gathered geriatrics react poorly to my polite observation. Mom, Dad, and Akanai all purse their lips in disapproval while Han BoHai and Du Min Gyu erupt with similar snorts of derision. Even Monk Happy and Nian Zu frown at my words, but no one cares to explain why theyve chosen to instruct me in such a roundabout manner. After yet another round of silent Sendings, Gerel opens his mouth for the first time this entire discussion and says, The mere fact that you are so dismissive of the vital information presented here today is indicative how inadequate your comprehension truly is. Continuing before I respond with a snarky rejoinder Ill no doubt regret, Gerel asks, What is the Martial Path to you? Come, answer without thinking, as you so often do.

Smart-ass. The Martial Path is the process through which I gain Martial Strength and an understanding of how to utilize Chi.Follow current novels at novelhall.com)

And this impersonal, utilitarian view towards the Divine is why we feel the need to educate you in matters of etymology and philosophy. Without giving me time to retort, Gerel explains, You take the words Martial Path at face value. Written Wu Dao (), the Wu is self explanatory, for Martial references the combative and warlike nature of the subject, but Dao () is the more important of the two and not so easily explained.

Yea, I know. Doing my best not to roll my eyes, I set out to prove Gerel wrong, even though I hate these stupid word lessons. Dao () can literally mean a route taken or direction in which something moves, but it can also mean doctrine or principle. In general, when Martial Warriors reference the Martial Path (Wu Dao), they mean the latter and are using Dao as a catch all phrase for the underlying essence which makes up reality as we know it, the rules by which the world, both physical and metaphysical, abide by.

Yes, but it is more than just rules and laws to abide by, more than a track to power and strength. Evidently having trouble expressing himself, Gerel pauses to consider his words before continuing. The Dao is everything, and Wu Dao is merely the means through which we explore it. The Martial Path is also a calling, one bestowed upon us by the Mother Above. We are Her Chosen, Her conscripts, Her appointed defenders of humanity. With Her blessing, we wield the Energy of the Heavens, the power of Divinity itself, against the Father and His minions most foul. These are our trials and tribulations, given to us so that some day, one amongst us might rise above mortality and soar into the Heavens to join hands with the Mother Above, where together, they will topple the Father once and for all.

Only... Du Min Gyu already knows all this, so I doubt he actually expects an explanation, which means hes just bringing it to my attention. I could talk about how you feel the flow of Chi, I begin, mostly thinking out loud, Or I could make mention of the different ways one can go about Honing, but neither of those things comes close to a proper explanation. It just... happens, like picking up a cup of tea and bringing it to my lips, all done without planning or thought. Chi flows out into my weapon and the edge is Honed, but theres more to it that I cannot explain.

And in that ineffable experience, Du Min Gyu says, his voice quiet and reverent, I see the Divine hand of the Mother at work, shaping my Intent into reality. Seeing my frown, he smiles and continues, The future might prove me wrong, but who can say for certain? Until such a time, however, I must agree with young Gerel here, and ask that you at least take his assessment into account.

It takes a long time to parse through his needlessly enigmatic conclusion, but even though I get there eventually, Im still not entirely certain I have it right. You really think I cant use Chi... because I lack faith?

What is Intent without conviction? Du Min Gyu counters. And what is conviction if not faith? You say youve never had faith in the Mother above, but you must have had faith in something, even if it was merely faith in your sword or yourself.

Now that I think about it, like really think about it, there might be something to all this. I mean, every living person in the Azure Empire can regrow their adult teeth because they dont know any better, but somehow, I feel like comparing devout faith to widespread ignorance will put everyones loincloth in a twist.

Yes, of course! This explains everything with Brother Almost forgetting himself in his excitement, Monk Happy just barely stops himself from revealing my shameful history of mental illness to everyone in the room before switching to Sending. With Brother and Baledagh, he Sends, his eyes lighting up in excitement even as I breathe a sigh of relief. You said Baledagh was the one who believed, and he had no issue accepting Insights and such, whereas Brother, the skeptic, relied solely on mundane practice to progress along the Martial Path. Perhaps this itself was an Insight from the Heavens, a way to circumvent your distrust and disbelief and bestow Heavenly guidance upon you.

Why does everything sound so fucking crazy, but also doesnt? I mean, it makes a twisted sort of sense, but I cant tell if Ive got a screw loose or its the rest of the world thats insane. No, it doesnt make sense. If faith is the issue, I ask, directing the question at Dad and Akanai, Then how come you guys cant Hone your Auras? Ignoring the hubbub from those who didnt know about it, I speak over them and continue, Ive shown you its possible, so shouldnt you guys be able to replicate it? It wasnt an Awakening or Insight, it was just... Just Blobby showing me it could be done. Sorta. Unless Blobby was another manifestation of my twisted psyche. No weve been over this, GangShu was chasing Blobby, which means that stupid droplet totally exists. Then again, I mightve anthropomorphized the droplet and given it a personality when it in fact never had one, because that totally sounds like something Id do. Fuck, this is complicated.

Knowing something is possible does not mean it can be done, Dad says, patting my head to console me. In Sinuji, you watched Nian Zu unleash the Shooting Star, but can you replicate it? Many have tried, including myself, but until now, none have succeeded.

...That makes sense. Wish it didnt. I need to poke holes in this faith theory, because... well because if the Mother exists, I should totally bitch slap Her right across the Divine face for what She put me through. The Father too, He deserves a boot to the ass and many stomps to the back of His neck just for being a real bastard.

No, hang on. It doesnt have to be faith in the Mother and Father, Du Min Gyu even said as much. Confidence, thats the problem. I just need to believe. I think, therefore I am awesome. Maybe. Or not. I dont fucking know. Gah.

Stop. Go over what you know. Lets take a step back for a second. I use emotion to bind Heavenly Energy, which turns it into Chi. Having been changed by my emotions, Chi is now able to understand my intent, which I convey through visualization. Then, all I need to do is have faith that it will work, and it will. Does that sound right to anyone?

It does not matter if it sounds right to us, Dad replies, squeezing my shoulder for support. Only if it sounds right to you.

You know, I say, rubbing my temples to take the edge off my newfangled headache. Im starting to understand why we dont talk about the Martial Path. None of this shit makes any sense.

Or it makes perfect sense, Akanai retorts, And we merely lack the capacity to truly understand.

Right. Like the blind man and colours. So where am I supposed to go from here?

Wherever your Path leads you, Monk Happy replies, pressing his palms together and following it up with, Eh-Mi-Tuo-Fuo.

How utterly unhelpful, but then again, that seems to be the theme for todays meeting.

Right now, I think my Path wants me to find the closest toilet, I quip, smiling at the room of stony faces. No one appreciates my jokes. Afterwards, I suppose itd be a good time for lunch, so... would anyone care to join us? My treat.

All in all, I think Ive had enough discussion regarding the Martial Path to last me an entire lifetime. Is it weird that I find reading a psychopathic torturers research notes more palatable than talking to some of the greatest Martial minds in the Azure Empire? Definitely weird. I should probably stop, but know thyself and know thy enemy and what not, and since my Martial Path is just a giant mess, I might as well focus on something I can sort of understand.

...Then again, I could just say fuck it and drink the Brotherhoods kool aid. I mean, finding religion worked for BoShui and it kinda worked for Jorani too, so wheres the harm in trying? Worst comes to worst, I could always ask Taduk to grow my dick back. Thatll be a fun conversation. Hello, future father-in-law? Could you regenerate my penis, which I will later use to violate your sweet daughter and my three other wives?

Just another day in the totally normal life of Falling Rain. Fun, fun, fun, fun, funnn...

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