Chapter 695

Chapter 695

Body aching from head to toe and mind throbbing with every beat of my pounding heart, I stand over Goujians headless corpse and relish the sweet taste of victory.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

For all of a single, infinitesimal fraction of a moment, until the Heavens step in to say, Fuck you in particular.

Reality ripples and my stomach threatens to empty itself, a visceral response to this glaring violation of natural law taking place before my eyes, a transgression which taints the very air inside the Abbots tranquil abode. The weight of the world bears down on me as the Confessors headless, herculean body convulses to the rhythm of his pulsing, palpitating heart. The beat swells in both cadence and volume until it threatens to overwhelm the senses, and it is all that I can do to retrieve my sword from the corpse and retreat from this monstrous manifestation, as thousands upon thousands of severed slivers of souls slip their chains and emerge from within the Confessors repressed psyche. A black, writhing mass of despair and dysfunction, many of these Spectres were birthed by the Confessor himself, his constant inner turmoil over decades of fiendish existence an ideal breeding ground for these tortured, half-living remnants of humanity, but their numbers pale in comparison to the grudges born from the countless victims he tortured and killed. Creations of wrath, resentment, rage, and hatred, these Spectres spring forth to consume most of the Confessors soul before it can pass on into the afterlife, leaving only a tortured remnant behind in order to chain him to this unholy existence so that they might use his physical form to experience the vicissitudes of life once more.

Or so the Spectres believe, and if there was only one, singular Spectre in the mix, it might even work, but with so many hands fighting to steer the ship, the end result can only be described as a godless abomination.

The Confessors body writhes and pulsates in a way that has nothing to do with physical movement, reality as we know it warping as millions of fractured Intents vie for ultimate domination, all of which transpires in the blink of an eye. Rather than one Spectre emerging victorious, the end result is a vile and corrupt amalgamation of something that resembles a soul, yet is still wholly lacking in almost every way. This is the worst that humanity has to offer made manifest in reality, a profane creature that is anathema to life itself, for it lacks that true spark that we humans and animals hold within ourselves that separates us from other living things like plants and microbes.

Quite simply, this aberration lacks a true soul, and for this reason alone, it will hate anyone and everyone who does have one.

Worst of all, I can feel its hatred rolling off of it in waves, an inborn contempt which overshadows anything I could consciously muster, but not without motive. Having been denied what it desires the most, this abomination seeks to consume life and form a true soul, or failing this, destroy all instances of that which they cannot have. Driven by lingering animosity severed from countless human souls and cast out into the Void, this is a calamity of our own devising, but philosophical musings will have to wait as this War of Spectres culminates in an inevitably Pyrrhic victory and the Demon emerges from within the Confessors flesh. His severed limbs reform in the blink of an eye as his flowing Runic robes adhere to his pale, pasty flesh as blood seeps out of his pores to stain cloth and skin a vivid, visceral scarlet hue. Rising to its feet like a vampire rising from the coffin, the Demon strikes a stance reminiscent of a Brotherhood monk, with palms pressed together and neck bent as if his missing head was lowered in prayer. All around us, the bodies of fallen Chosen and slain Wraiths melt into piles of black sludge, writhes and wriggling as it courses towards the Confessor, seemingly possessed of a mind of its own as the piles merge with the Demons body. The nightmarish ooze ripples and swells to form eight, obsidian limbs over-top the Demons torso, each one so dark they seem to drink in the light itself. Four long, massive arms emerge from his back, two angled under his human arms while the other two arc over, fitting themselves perfectly so as not to get in each others way. At the same time, four nightmarish legs emerge from its waist, arranged in a crab-like formation horizontally around his hips. Each limb is so massively oversized they dwarf his herculean figure, and yet even then, his transformation is not yet done. Two massive hooked swords emerge from his topmost hands, weapons reminiscent of the one he used in life, only these ones are longer than his towering, transformed body is tall. Cast in the same ebony shade as his extraneous limbs, the weapons emanate a black, nightmarish light, one which wriggles and writhes about the blades as if possessed of a life of its own, the stuff of death and suffering made real analogous to a poison of the soul and mind.

Finally, three burgeoning masses burst out of the Demons neck, each one taking the shape of the Confessors missing head, their expressions distorting and contorting as it struggles to decide on what appearance to take. When the struggle subsides, each head displays Goujians face in life only in a twisted caricature of emotion. Rage, despair, fear, and agony, his faces flash though these and a thousand more expressions, only for the heads to collapse in on themselves before splitting into three again, all pressed together cheek to cheek to form one red and black head with six eyes, three noses, three mouths, but only two ears on a skull wider than the norm. The left face of wrath, the right face of despair, and the central face impassive with eyes closed in quiet contemplation, the end result is a Demon that almost seems holy if depicted in a colourless sketch, yet would never be mistaken as anything but evil when seen in real life.

And so, here stands the Bloody Confessor, in all his unholy abnormality.

In an effort to stop this depraved transformation, I deploy my Domain and attempt to reject this existence from reality, to cut off Goujians corpse and the Spectres within from accessing the Energy of the Heavens, but the creatures Domain proves inviolable to my actions. Even Honed Domain is of no use here, despite having worked so well to help sever the Confessors still living flesh and secure my victory, leaving me with nothing to do but stand and watch as this Demons transformation completes. The left and right faces blink as they come into focus for the first time, only to immediately dart towards me in a mixture of fear and rage, emotions which wash over me and leave me in dire need of a deep cleansing scrub. Microseconds later, the central faces closed eyes snap open and emanate a piercing beam of blood-red light, twin lasers which hit me with the force of a thousand hammers. The world blurs by only to stop all too quickly as I smash into the stone wall for the second time today, and long seconds pass before Im back on my feet. Long seconds pass before I find my bearings again, only to discover the Guardian monks peering curiously at me and the Demon and Defiled nowhere in sight, fleeing as quickly as they arrived without any warning.

Because having things wrapped up nice and neat was too much to ask for. Got it.

Glancing at the four, formidable guardian monks, who are merely standing around with looks of concern, I stifle the urge to criticize them for letting the Enemy flee unhindered, but I suppose some of my frustration must have shown on my face. Eh-Mi-Tuo-Fuo, the oldest looking monk intones, offering me a slight bow with one hand raised in prayer. This monk and his three brothers were entrusted to defend the Brotherhood from external threats, to do what our brothers can and will not. Though we are not constrained by the Noble Eight-Fold Path, we do our best to adhere to it whenever possible, for sin only begets sin. Their spirits are broken and thus our foes have fled, both from here and the monastery proper, so this monk saw no reason to pursue and continue the bloodshed.

Sin begets sin. Trying something new and exciting, I think before I speak and try to see things from the monks perspective, but in the end, I cannot agree with his decision. But half-measures benefit no one. How many people will those Chosen Peak Experts and Half-Step Divinity Wraiths kill now that theyve escaped unharmed? What of the Demon Confessor? Better to remove them from the board now, so that they can cause no more harm in the future.

A view which is only Right if those Chosen and Wraiths are beyond redemption, the elderly monk replies, and theres nothing I can do but sigh before his boundless optimism. At least he didnt say anything about the Demon, who I know is beyond saving. I managed to free Beis soul from the grips of her captors, but she died all the same, so what was the point?

Is it worth it? I ask, not to question his beliefs, but because I truly want to know. How many Defiled can you save, and how can you ignore the cost in lives when seeing how much pain and destruction they create?

The Confessor was famed for his severe measures, the monk replies. Better to kill a thousand innocents than suffer a single Defiled to live, such was his mantra. This monk believes the reverse, that it is better to spare a thousand Defiled than kill one who can be redeemed. As for the cost, you act as if the Defiled are the only ones who kill, maim, and torture their own kind, overlooking the atrocities committed by those born and raised in the Empire proper. You ask how I can ignore the cost in lives? This one is but a humble monk, and thus can only take responsibility for his own actions. What others do is up to them, so this monk can only hold true to his Path. Sensing were at an impasse, the monk smiles and dips his head in quasi-apology, a sorry-but-not sorry sort of thing, and we both agree to disagree on the matter for now as Taduk, Lin-Lin, and the rest return to check on our status and I have more pressing matters to attend to.

Like hugging my sweet, adorable, shockingly powerful little wifey.

There are so many questions I want to ask, so many mysteries to unravel, but as I lift her into my arms and spin her about, all my curiosity melts away and is replaced by love and affection. Her loving gaze and cherubic smile set my heart at ease as I touch my nose to hers, our foreheads pressed together in quiet contentment as we bask in our boundless, mutual love. Shes worried Ill ask questions and doesnt know how she will respond, but if shes that concerned, then I am more than willing to wait. This is my sweet wifey after all, the woman I love and intend to cherish for the rest of my life, and perhaps even beyond that if possible. Who am I to begrudge her a few secrets, especially considering how many I have of my own? Love you, wifey, I whisper, for once, getting the first word in as Lin-Lin struggles with what to say, and seeing her delighted expression is worth more than all the riches in the world.

Love you more, hubby.

And thats all we need to say. Whatever Lin-Lins secrets might have, she keeps them for a reason, so I will not press her for answers just yet. Shell tell me when shes ready to tell me, and not a moment sooner, so I hold her close a little longer until Taduk clears his throat to break the silence. Cheeks burning from embarrassment at having forgotten about our audience, I put Lin-Lin down as Taduk points at the corner and asks, Wonderful victory and all, Rain my boy, but what do you intend to do with him? Surely you arent going to...

As if afraid to give voice to the issue and will the matter into existence, Taduk trails off before completing the thought, but Im afraid Ill have to disappoint my silly Teacher today. Yes, I reply, trying to sound both firm and respectful at the same time, but to my ears, it sounds like Im asking for permission instead. I do, and nothing will change my mind. Unless, you know, Taduk or Lin-Lin tells me not to. Its almost impossible to say no to either of them, for no other reason than because I love them so and do not want to disappoint them.

Nestled in my hair, Pong Pong notices what were talking about and radiates disapproval, but hes a grumpy goose whos even more anti-social than I am, so his opinion is invalid. That being said, hes a real homie who stuck around even when things got bad, and Im pretty sure I wouldve died to Goujian without his help. Even though Pong Pong never revealed his presence, he lent me a hand when I was stuck on the back foot and getting pounded into oblivion, using Deflection to draw all of Goujians attacks to my upraised shield and somehow blunting the impact of his blows by spreading the force to the air and stone around me. A subtle working of Chi that I dont entirely understand, but theres no denying his efforts, or the touch of his curious Aura of concern and consideration asking if he should intervene while I was getting my ass handed to me. The little guy is really smart and knows to keep his head down, but I didnt know he was smart enough to understand I didnt want him interfering at all. If he did take action and was noticed doing so, then it could be construed as breaking the Treaty, seeing how he is a Divinity-level existence after all. Granted, he never signed anything and the Treaty is worth less than the paper its written on, assuming its even a written agreement, but if an all-out battle between Divinities were to break out here in the Arid Wastes, then the Brotherhood would have had to bear the costs, an outcome I was not prepared to accept.

Thankfully, Pong Pongs subtle interference went unnoticed in the grand scheme of things and I not only survived the endeavour, I also emerged victorious. I really should take some time to go over how I won and did what I did, but not only am I tired and aching all over, I have the mother of all headaches from overusing Chi. While I can technically replenish my Chi faster than I can spend it thanks to Devouring, there is still a cost associated with using it, one that I suspect is similar to muscle fatigue, only for that theoretical metaphysical spiritual system through which we control Chi. Unfortunately, even though I know it exists, I have no idea how its structured or laid out much less the mechanics behind it, so I have no idea how to alleviate Chi fatigue except with time and rest, albeit with a bit of insomnia sprinkled in as an added effect.

Her name is Gorgeous? I mean, shes not wrong, but still seems a little conceited. Then again, Mei Lin means beautiful jade, so really, who am I to judge?

Tch. Sucking his teeth in annoyance, Taduk stomps his foot down in pure frustration, more aggravated than Ive ever seen him. That being said, knowing hes an Ancestral Beast changes things ever so subtly, because despite his exaggerated actions, I now know just how much strength hes actually holding back. Thats probably why he kept his heritage a secret, because he knew people would treat him differently regardless of their intentions, because even Im wondering if hes truly upset or just putting on a good show. Taduk deserves better than that, so I will do my best to treat him like I always have, with all the love and respect in the world. Ive said it before and Ill say it a thousand times again, my goofy teacher declares, standing tall and proud as can be. Just because I blurted out my thoughts and called you gorgeous the first time I saw you does not mean I fell in love with you at first sight.

...Oh thats adorable.

Responding as if theyd had this argument a thousand times before, Hua Lie smirks and ignores Taduks statement while emanating an air of superiority as if shes already won, which my teacher simply refuses to tolerate. However, since he cant come up with anything to say to her, he turns to me and wags his finger while wearing the sternest expression Ive ever seen him use. And you, dont you dare encourage her. This descendant of a disease-riddled fur-bag of a vermin is my greatest nemesis and you will treat her as such, understood? Never mind anything she does or says, all her efforts are undertaken with ill-intent.

With the daintiest of snorts, Hua Lie retorts, Ill-intent? Is wanting to have your child really so terrible?

You stupid, idiotic creature. Offering no mercy to the woman who only just voiced her desire for him, Taduk takes hold of her white-furred rabbit ears and lifts them up, ostensibly so she can hear him better. How many times must I tell you before you will listen? A hare cannot breed with a rabbit. They might look like similar animals, but they are different as night and day, to say nothing of the illustrious creatures that are Cloud Chaser Hares compared to flea-ridden, herb stealing Bicorn Bunnies.

True. Nodding in perfect agreement, Hua Lie adds, But I am not a rabbit, and you are not a hare, not anymore. How can we know if we can or cannot have a child if you will not even try it?

Im starting to understand Taduks refusal to accept this beautiful woman as his wife. Theres no love or affection in the way she treats him, only casual familiarity and friendliness. Add in the fact that her desire for him is rooted in her desire to have a child by him and things get really uncomfortable really fast. I mean, theres nothing inherently wrong with her wanting a child, but to bring a baby into the world for the sake of experimentation just feels wrong. Whats more, the child of two Divinities will also be a Divinity, or so Ive been told, which is just all sorts of terrifying. I mean, I love kids and think theyre adorable as hell, but Ill be the first person to admit that they can be a real handful, especially after the age of two. Terrible Threes, Fearsome Fours, Ferocious Fives, and more, things only get worse as children age because theyre just so pure and innocent as babes.

Personally, one of my greatest fears is Tali and Tate becoming actual teens and developing an attitude like most kids their age. That would just be the absolute worst. Add in the powers of a Divinity and thats just a disaster waiting to happen.

All this being said, I take a step back from Taduk and Hua Lies argument and sidle up to my sweet wifey instead, offering her a look of commiseration while bringing her to check on the Abbots health. Dropping Concealment as I approach, Kukku presses his feathery head against my chest in search of care and comfort, all the while trying to watch Rakshasa lying in the corner and simultaneously hide from the fearsome feline. Alas, Kukku is not the smartest animal around, and it appears he believes that so long as he can only barely see his foe, then that means hes hidden, neglecting to take into account the fact that the rest of his plump, feathery body is still in plain view. Honestly, without the Abbot to keep him safe and sound, Ive no doubt Kukku would have long since been killed and eaten by Rakshasa.

After consoling the rooster, I turn my attention briefly to the adorable panda, nestled beside the comatose Abbot and suckling his paw like a sweet, wide-eyed baby. Soothing his nerves with some Aura and head pats, I finally fix my gaze upon the Abbot and do my best not to despair, for his emaciated body looks more dead than alive than ever, for now I can see beyond his physical ailments. Though untouched by the chaotic battle, the Abbot is barely drawing breath while laying atop his straw pallet, his eyes closed and heartbeat so slow I can barely stay focused long enough to count the seconds between them. Hoping my sweet wifey might catch something I missed, I ask her to check the Abbots health as well, but Lin-Lin clutches her scarf close and frowns. Why? she asks, and Im at a loss on how to respond, until she clarifies with, I cant fix him hubby, but you probably can, ya?

She has so much faith in me, it hurts to disappoint. How am I supposed to fix him though?

I dunno. Shrugging, Lin-Lin says, Just... fix him the same way you just fixed yourself, ya? Just do that again, but with him.

Except I have no idea how I fixed me, not really. I mean, I get the basic gist of what I did, expanding my Core throughout my physical body in order to fit my oversized soul and Natal Palace inside, but thats just a broad strokes sort of explanation that really doesnt say much else at all. Its like saying I built a house by putting up four walls and a roof; accurate, but not at all useful to anyone looking for advice. Wary of saying something that might inadvertently affect Lin-Lins Path, I struggle to come up with the right words to give voice to my frustrations. I mean, I just sorta envisioned what I wanted, and it happened, but I dont understand how I made it happen, you know? Even going in, I wasnt entirely sure how to do what needed to be done, I just... closed my eyes and took it one step at a time. Insight helped me find my way to success, but I cant exactly count on that to save the Abbots life, now can I? If I go in haphazardly, I might end up hurting more than helping, which means I need a plan of action before going forward from here.

Youre so silly, hubby. Reaching up to give my forehead the daintiest of flicks, Lin-Lin puffs her cheeks and says, Test time. Infusion of willow bark. What does it do?

Youre starting to sound like your father, I tease, delighting in her adorable grimace. This one is easy though. It can completely alleviate mild to moderate pain, while having a lesser effect on extreme pain. Use it for cramps, headaches, minor injuries, and the bark can even be ground up and applied topically.

Good. Behaving as if shes already made her point, Lin-Lin asks, How does it work then?

Uh... Blinking like a deer in headlights, I realize I have no answer to give her, because I dont know. No one knows, not even Taduk. It just works, and we accept it, because its medicine. Oh! The lights finally turn on, albeit after a lengthy delay, and I get the point Lin-Lin is trying to make. Youre saying I should treat Heavenly Energy like medicine, and just trust it to do what its supposed to.

Exactly hubby. You dont fuss about the details when it comes to medicine. You learn what it does, when to use it, and when not to use it, as well as what to do if things go wrong. Flashing her beautiful smile, she concludes, So just take that philosophy, apply it to Heavenly Energy, and do your best, okay? Besides, hes dying anyways, so its not like you can make things any worse, ya?

Though the last bit wouldve been better off not said, the guardian monks seem to agree with my wifeys sentiment, and while I still have my reservations, what else can I do but give it a try and hope for the best?

...

In case things go wrong, farewell Abbot. We hardly even knew you.

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