Chapter 728

Chapter 728

When in doubt, always ask Dad.

Its really the most effective solution for any given problem, because even though hed rarely ever solve my problems outright, he always knows what direction to point me in so that I can solve them with my own strength. There was a time when I thought Dad was kinda a terrible Mentor, what with leaving me to my own devices all the time and letting me stumble along by myself, but having come so far along the Martial Path, I now realize hes done a phenomenal job of guiding me towards the right answers. While I have my grievances regarding the Martial Path and the way the Empire in general approaches it, Dad has always been there to help me find the answers I needed and support me whenever I stumbled or faltered. The answers I had were rarely ever directed towards questions Id asked, and it always took me a while to figure out how they applied to any given situation, but thats really more of a me problem and my lacking comprehension. In the end, we all must walk our own Path, and Dad did more than just tell me this truth; he gave me all the tools I would ever need to not only make my way forward, but also to find my way back should I ever make a misstep or twelve. Akanai spent many mornings teaching me how to fight, while Grandpa Du, the Abbot, and the monks have wasted countless hours debating the Dao and helping me understand Chi in general, but Dad showed me how to learn, live, love, on top of helping me become the man I am today, not just through words and lessons, but by exemplifying the type of man I aspire to be.

My Dad is more than my father and Mentor. Hes my hero, and I rely on him all too much, but he never complains and in fact is all too happy to help, so after a simple meal of cold noodles and beef soaked in chili oil, I carry my beloved Mila back out onto deck to ask Dad about her condition. As per usual, he doesnt answer right away and instead takes a long moment to think things through, which is one skill Ive never really picked up for myself. Im great at planning and scheming when theres room to breathe, but once the pressure is on, I feel compelled to act first and think later, probably because Im not great at thinking on my feet. I always get bogged down in my thoughts and distracted by inner ramblings, which is not ideal when staring down the pointy end of a Defiled spear, so I have a tendency to overcompensate by turning my brain off and going with balls to the walls aggression. Its worked out for me so far, but only because I put so much effort into learning how to Heal and was blessed enough to have Taddy and other talented Healers waiting around to patch me up after the fact.

Not to mention a plethora of Peak Experts watching over me most of the time, even though they werent always paying attention. Im still a little miffed at Jochi and Argat for losing track of me during the whole Sanshu kerfuffle, but then again, if they had been paying attention, I wouldve never found Blobby, learned how to Devour, or come across Banjo and Baloo, so theres that. On the other hand, Qing Qing would still be alive, Gen might not have turned Defiled, and BoLao couldve eventually been saved from the Confessors clutches or maybe kept him from spiralling out of control to eventually become the three-headed, six-armed, eye-laser blasting Demon he is today, so its difficult to call it a net positive. On another note, I should head back to Qing Qings village to fix up the ruins and maybe put up a grave marker for her and her village. I told Nian Zu that funerals are for the living, so perhaps its high time I listened to my own advice and let myself truly grieve.

I didnt know her all that well, but she had this way of seeing the best in everything that I envied and desired, a boundless optimism and grounded fortitude that would have brought her far in life if she never stumbled across a half-dead fool...

Sensing my melancholy, Mila overcomes her embarrassment long enough to remove her face from my chest to check on me, which is where she was hiding from her Mama and Father-in-Law. Even though weve been married for so long, shes still ashamed to show more than a scrap of physical affection in public, which means being carried around in my arms or sat on my lap is almost as bad as canoodling in plain view. Personally, I think we have a perfectly valid excuse for snuggling in plain view, but even though were all Concealed from the soldiers and sailors bustling around us, my beloved wifes cheeks are still fiery red to match her ruby red ringlets.

Just knowing I have this wonderful woman looking out for me is enough to lift my spirits, not to mention two more who are currently running about the rigging and masts above. Then theres Luo-Luo who straight up declared her love for me in the days before Lin-Lins wedding, just because I treat her like a person. The low bar makes me feel like I dont really deserve her affection, and that she really needs to work on her self-confidence and self-worth, but thats neither here nor there. I also have Li-Li, who is like my celibate floof wife, working hard to look after our floofy children back home and give me grief for never doing enough for them, while Im just glad shes happy to be here. Add in my wonderful family and supportive friends and its clear that I have been blessed in love, but the heart is not so easily convinced. Qing Qings death might well haunt me until the end of my days, for there is no cure for regret, and I failed her in so many ways I can barely even keep track. A kind, clever girl took in a wounded boy and nursed him back to good health, only to be rewarded with death and suffering before ever realizing her simple dream, to see more of the world beyond her isolated home village.

Gazing into Milas beautifully concerned eyes, I pray she does not meet a similar fate, and the same goes for everyone else in my life. Were it up to me, we would all live long, happy, and peaceful lives only for me to die in my sleep at a ripe old age before anyone else can kick the bucket. Hardly realistic considering Mom and Grandpa Du are both much older than I am, but if Im going to wish for something, I might as well wish big. A large part of my trepidation is due to the upcoming offensive, a move I am convinced is the best option available for a plethora of sound reasons, but at the end of the day, battle is always a risk. No one is safe, not out on the field or hiding behind the Citadel walls, which means that no matter how carefully I prepare or how many weapons of mass destruction I pull out, theres no chance everyone will make it back home alive.

I only hope I have the strength to remain strong in the face of adversity, but I fear losing even one of my beloved family members would leave me gutted and worthless to the cause.

As Mila hugs me tight and soothes away my dour mood beneath Akanais disapproving grimace, Dad scratches the stubble thats grown since this morning and finally weighs in on my beloved wifes disappearing and reappearing nausea. Your... Mother-in-Law and I, he begins, clearly intending to say grandmother until said grandmother elbowed him in the ribs, Both agree that there are two possible explanations for little Milas fluctuating condition. The first is that you have somehow discovered a means to Heal seasickness, which is... possible, but unlikely as far as we understand it. Your Grandfather suffers from a similar condition, and your Gr Mother-in-Law searched high and low for a cure, but even your Teacher was unable to help.

Yea, I dont think I stumbled across a cure exactly, I reply, having already thought this through with Lin-Lin. As she so rightly pointed out, motion sickness in general is caused by the brain, as it is unable to properly process the information being delivered by the body. Even though you know that youre on a boat that is moving beneath you, your brain cannot understand the conflicting information, such as your body remaining stationary while the scenery moves about or your inability to remain upright, or at least upright as the brain understands it. Humans were not designed with vehicular movement in mind, so some brains interpret the conflicting information to mean that their host has been poisoned, and the nausea is merely the cure for said sickness. Thus, there shouldnt really be a way to Heal seasickness since it is a self-inflicted symptom, as I cant Heal the brain into understanding that Mila is standing on a moving boat.

Theres no need to explain all of this to Dad or Grandma, as they both understand it well enough. Which brings us to the other explanation, Dad says, smiling wryly at the need to tell me answers I should already know. That rather than treating the symptoms, you have instead treated the root cause.

...The moving boat?

In a way, yes. Leaning into the sway of the ship to better emphasize his point, Dad asks, You likely know the answer better than we do, but how does the human body retain balance?

Umm... it has a lot to do with the ears? We have these err... sacs of fluid deep in our ear canals that are sensitive to gravity, and our brain uses them to help determine which way is up and down. Thats why people tend to have trouble standing upright after an injury to the inner ear. Grandpa Du uses this concept by driving compressed Air deep into his opponents ears to set himself up for an easy kill. Which honestly, is one of the most efficient uses of Chi Ive ever seen, though its fairly easy to defend against so long as you have a Domain. All you need to do is cover your ears with Domain, though Grandpa Du can still force his way through with enough effort, and anyone lacking a Domain would die to his blade even with their eardrums intact.

Yes, something like that. Shooting a sidelong glance towards our destination, Dad bristles with equal parts respect and jealousy, no doubt wishing he himself had a Blessing to work with too. They dont necessarily make a Martial Warrior stronger, but its always nice to have more options to work with, and I wholeheartedly believe that Awakenings are not what we believe them to be. As the name implies, the world at large sees them as a Blessing bestowed upon a Martial Warrior by some higher being, similar to how Domain is a metaphysical expression of limited authority over Chi and the Energy of the Heavens, but I see things differently. Since I was able to seize authority and even grant it to Rustram, there must be a similar method to induce an Awakening in a Martial Warrior. Then again, why is an Awakening even needed? Much like how Talents are simply complex Chi techniques that are difficult to teach and master, I believe controlling the Elements should be similarly difficult to understand, but ultimately something anyone can pick up so long as it is taught in the right manner. If the Primal Blessings simply represent the unique forces of the universe broken down into four fundamental units, and we manipulate said forces through the use of Chi, why is there an extra step needed to utilize elemental Chi, as opposed to neutral Chi?

The fact that the Tyrant can make Runic items which utilize Elemental Chi supports my theory, though she still needs a source of said Elemental Chi, namely Lei Gong. A shame none of the Stormguards I raised from commoners to Martial Warriors ended up receiving a Blessing, though theres still plenty of time for that yet. Who knows? Since my Natal Souls played a part in their Core Formation, maybe the Stormguard will eventually all Awaken to the Blessing of Water as well, or maybe it doesnt work like that. Either way, Im almost certain theres a way to induce or work towards an Awakening in a logical and methodical manner. I just dont know what that method might be.

Alas, Dads unexpressed desire to possess a Blessing will have to wait, as I stumble along my Path with both eyes closed and somehow fail my way to success. You touched upon the physical mechanisms behind mechanical balance, Dad continues, bringing us back on topic, But for Martial Warriors, there is more at work than just that.

Under his expectant gaze, it takes longer than I care to admit to catch on to his gist, and the answer only arrives when Mila so helpfully supplies it through Sending. Stability? I ask, the word failing to click until I remember that most mysterious of Chi skills which I never use. Oh, Stability. With Chi.

Though Akanai purses her lips at her daughter for helping me cheat, Dad merely chuckles and shakes his head at our antics. Yes, Stability, one of the most widely used Chi skills, yet least understood.

Widely used?

Indeed. Think on it son, and I believe you will soon understand. Grinning at my doubtful expression, Dad leans on the ships banister and crosses his arms to wait while Akanai continues to loom over us, not out of any desire to intimidate, but because thats her natural state.

Putting my gorgeous yet intimidating Mother-in-Law slash Grandmother out of mind, I hug Mila close and ponder Dads statement. Stability being the least understood Chi skill makes sense considering I barely know anything about it, but most used? I can count on my fingers the number of times Ive used Stability, mostly while running obstacle courses. Even then, I soon discovered that I didnt really need Stability to walk across a balance beam or hop from column to column, as my natural grace, agility, and reflexes were good enough to get by. In fact, I cant remember the last time I saw a Martial Warrior fall off of a balance beam, or even really slow down all that much while crossing, and even Tali and Tate dont have too much trouble with them now. The animals took some training to get it right, but eventually, even my derpiest of bears figured out how to walk across a balance beam, though to be fair, it was more a matter of building confidence than lacking grace when it came to Baloo.This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

As for other uses... I know roosequins use Stability to help them run up the steepest of cliffs, and Ive seen BoShui improve by leaps and bounds through proper use of Stability, as it enabled him to use better footwork while closing the distance to get himself into punching range, but otherwise, I dont think Ive ever seen anyone really using the Chi skill in any real, meaningful manner. I mean, how would you? Stability mostly just helps you with your balance, but the regular human body is perfectly capable of standing upright without any need for magical assistance. Then again... how true is that? I mean, I seem to recall most people in my past life having issues running through tires laid flat, and there were whole game shows where idiots tried and failed at running obstacle courses to comedic effect. Can martial training really account for a Martial Warriors improved sense of Balance, or are we all using Stability without meaning to? It makes sense right? Especially when you take into account how so many Martial Warriors were able to stand on floating logs with relative ease for the water lacrosse game during my wedding.

So youre saying, I begin, trying to make sense of this whole situation, That I might have used Stability to treat Milas motion sickness? External Stability? Is that a thing?

You seem agitated. Indicating towards his empty cup, Grandpa Du politely asks me to refill it, and I do so without reservation. Some might see it as a power play, but I know Grandpa Du just wants me to get out of my head, even if only for a bit. This is not like you. Sipping his tea, he holds my gaze before continuing, You are one of the most level-headed young men I have met, so I find it concerning that this bare modicum of manoeuvring has had such an effect.

Since I came here on the pretext of visiting Grandpa Du, I could hardly just leave right away, and truth be told, I missed the old mans company. Im... stressed is all, I reply, though Im not sure thats the whole truth. Theres a lot on my plate right now, and the last thing I need is to coddle another mans ego.

Is that why you think Shuai Jiao refuses to heed your orders? Raising a bushy white eyebrow, Grandpa Du gestures at my cup of tea and encourages me to take a sip. If so, then you are gravely mistaken. Say what you will about his methods and ambitions, but Shuai Jiao is an honourable man who always moves with what he believes are the best interests of the Empire in mind.

Taking a deep drink from my cup, I barely taste what is probably an expensive tea before putting the cup back down. And I suppose Im the rabble-rouser making a stink of his beloved Empire, which works perfectly as is and couldnt possibly be improved in any way, shape, or form.

Do not put words in my mouth, boy. Flashing a smile which is both friendly and challenging, he adds, You are not so strong or dignified yet that I cannot put you over my knee. What I mean to say is that Shuai Jiao has his own reasons for opposing you, and they are not entirely wrong. Your plan to retake the Western Province is an ambitious one, full of risks and with little reward for him or the Empire as seen from his perspective. Keep this in mind when you meet with him, and do try not to incite him to violence in order to appease your conscience. I have long since come to terms with Jin Kais death and accepted that you are not to blame, but it would be a lie to claim the grievances between you were wholly unjustified, even if he was the one to instigate the conflict to begin with.

...Fair enough. I suppose I did go a little far in publicly demanding my kow-tows and calling him a bitch, which I now realize could only have ended in violence. I am a mean drunk sometimes, so Ive been sticking to tea more and more lately, especially now that I dont have to pack it chock full of butter. However, I continue, holding Grandpa Dus gaze to show him the depths of my conviction, I will brook no further delays in the campaign to retake the West. The people there have suffered long enough, and its high time the Enemy paid for what theyve done.

Stifling a sigh as I refill his cup, Grandpa Du nods along in reluctant agreement. Such is the fire of youth, he murmurs, adding, Though I cannot say I disagree. Just tread lightly, child. You wont save any Westerners at all if matters devolve into civil war.

Dont worry. Reaching out to pat Grandpa Dus hand and assure him nothing will go wrong, I say, I wont let things get that far. Because there wont be a civil war without a rebel leader.

Leaving Yan and Kishi to bring Kyung and Grandpa Du back to my manor, I leave with an even smaller contingent of Death Corps guards and Jorani still at my heels. The man looks positively parched despite sucking back an entire pot of tea by himself during my brief exchange with Grandpa Du, his brow glistening with sweat from uncontrolled anxiety. Poor guy, but to be fair, Im not feeling all that much better. The only reason Im not even more nervous than he is is because Ive had five days to consider my options and come to terms with what needs to be done. If we cant work together, then I must seize power for myself, which means getting rid of Shuai Jiao and his most influential allies in one fell swoop. Marshal Yo and Marshal Quyen both made the short list, as did eight General Officers from Central and South both, but I pray Jeong Hyo Lynn is willing to listen to reason, because Id hate to have to kill her as well.

No, no, dont think about bloodshed. Not now, not later, not until it comes time to draw blades. Your Aura gives it away too easily, so rein your emotions in and get a handle on yourself.

Shuai Jiaos manor is large, but unembellished, a massive estate that is frankly an eyesore to look at. Theres humility, and then theres just plain ugly, and the manor clearly falls into the latter category, with its ugly steel-reinforced wood walls lacking any and all decoration. While the gate guards have the gall to ask that I wait outside while they seek orders from within, Ive no desire to be left standing outside like a lowly messenger waiting for my tip. With little more than a nod of my head, Kuang Biao leads my strongest Death Corps Guards to open the gates, without causing too much harm to the manor guards. Alas, a few bruises are needed to subdue the loyal soldiers watching Shuai Jiaos gates, as they would need to be considering theyre willing to ignore the orders of their Legate, but Ive no beef with them, and make an effort not to remember their faces.

Because I am petty, so I would probably be none too pleased if I ever recognized one of Shuai Jiaos former supporters. No, stop talking like hes already dead and gone. Theres still a chance we can come to an agreement. A snowflakes chance in hell, but still a chance.

Finding Shuai Jiao inside the manor is easy enough, as hes holding his discussion in the courtyard gazebo. Looming in his seat on the raised structure and looking down on me from above, Shuai Jiaos displeasure is clear to all, which means its a carefully crafted facade meant for our audience. Aside from the Commander General, theres Yong Jin sitting beside him, while Aunty Jeong, Dain, and Seoyoon sit across from them, with a few empty seats separating the two parties on both sides. Geom-Chi is conspicuously absent, probably because he dotes on his younger sister and wouldve objected to this political marriage, but otherwise, there are less than thirty guards and servants present, including my Death Corps escort. The audience I was talking about however is not present in the flesh, but rather enjoying the show from a careful distance through Scrying or other mundane means.

That being said, I would like to note that the gazebo looks pretty new, and it conveniently blocks direct line of sight from elevated positions outside the manor. Smart man, this Commander General, and adaptable too, but unfortunately for him, Im streets ahead.

...Is that a saying? Streets ahead? That sounds way too stupid to be a real thing, from this life or the last, so where did it come from?

Legate Rain, Shuai Jiao begins, all too familiar and without offering a salute or even getting out of his chair. This one was not expecting you to grace us with your presence. Eyeing my Death Corps Guards standing over his subdued soldiers, he adds, If you had sent word ahead, I would have gladly left instructions for my gate guards.

Sure. Not even caring to play along, I wave Kuang Biao aside and approach the gazebo, stopping mid-way to turn back and gesture for Jorani to come along. Hello Aunty Jeong, I begin, stepping up to the table to stand between the two parties but refusing to take a seat. A power move, to loom over the seated guests, or it would be if I wasnt still shorter than most of them. At least Dain and Seoyoon arent freakishly tall, and Yong-Jin is below eye level too, but things only get worse from there. You dont mind if I keep calling you Aunty, do you? Dain, youre looking well as always, and Seoyoon, I suppose congratulations are in order? Tilting my head to study her icy expression, I ask, They are right? If not, then you only need to say the word and...

Betrayal or not, Fung loves this woman, so for him, I must make this offer.

You

Angered by the implication, Yong-Jin surges to his feet only for his Mentor to push him back down into his chair. Unperturbed, Seoyoon clenches her fists and meets my eyes with what can only be described as apologetic resignation. Thank you, Rain, she says, using my name rather than title for the first time. I am... regretful for the circumstances, but wholly in agreement with this marriage moving forward.

Hardly the most enthusiastic of brides, but a willing one it seems. Turning to Aunty Jeong, the formidable woman shows no shame or contrition, only the determination to do what is best for her family. As a young girl, I ran away from home to marry the man of my dreams, and I have never regretted a moment since. Softening as she turns her gaze upon her youngest daughter, Aunty Jeong adds, I would not force my daughters to do something even I would not. She had the final say, and only then did we move forward with this marriage.

I see. Disappointed though I might be, the Ryo family owes me nothing, so I take their betrayal in stride and turn to Shuai Jiao instead. Well congratulations. Gesturing at Jorani, I continue, This is Jorani, the commander of my retinue. Hes here as a distraction. Anyways, sorry to interrupt the planning process, but Ive come on urgent business to ask about my armies, the ones which have yet to arrive in SuiHua. Fingers clenching so hard the wooden chair groans beneath the pressure, I narrow my eyes at Shuai Jiao and ask, Where are my soldiers, Commander General?

...You know, now that Ive heard what I just said and how I said it, I can understand why Grandpa Du was so worried about my agitation, because he knew exactly how I was going to react. Hell, I knew too, but I just let it all loose, and men in power generally dont like being talked down to.

Then again, insolence and all-out aggression has worked out for me so far, so if it aint broke...

Chapter Meme