“I have to say, that’s one massive tree.” David looked up, whistling. “So, is this what you wanted? Judging by Raidre, it’s a big deal.” The building glow of prismatic ether shimmering around the Tree and the surrounding area was drawing their attention.

  “This… do the treekin know about this?” Raidre said, frowning. “This Tree… the strength of it matches the great Trees that Primal Forest has in his diminished groves.”

  “Not in truth.” Asha said wryly, addressing the Selkie. “Though my precious Tree has grown indeed. It will one day soon match them, I believe it.” She smiled at me now, the faith in her yellow eyes unshakable. “Instead…” she tinued. “… this is the act of w together, of bining strengths, under Akio’s leadership. As for your question…”

  “Yes, Primal Forest is quite-quite aware.” Shaeu answered for her, arriving with the irls, their treasures selected. “Perhaps he does not-not care for such Trees being uhe dominion of others, but he respects that Asha, the Dryad of the Tree, has chosen so…”

  “Great Dryad, I wooould say.” Hyath giggled, interrupting, and Shaeu’s eyes glowed amber as she looked at Asha, before nodding, a pleased smile on her face.

  “I see-see. Yes, gratutions Asha. You now have the power to stand beside us. And more-more. Are you happy?”

  “Of course. My decision was made when you saved me, all of you. I am merely living such a choice I made already.”

  David looked at Eleanor and Raidre, Eleanor looking a bit puzzled by the versation. “I ’t say I get all this shit, but when it es down to it, they’re making us look like losers, right? Raidre, expin it better, you’re like them, right?”

  Raidre looked sour, but did so. “The Rhyming Trees are precious Fae pnts, not merely simple trees. They bring prosperity to the Seelie Court, strengthening the elements and filling the twilight with light. Over the long years, their numbers have deed, lost to war, misd other sorrows. Those that remain, the treekin and pntkin led by Primal Forest, one of the lords of the Seelie, they see as theirs, their nature making them perfectly suited to be their custodians. Though against the word of a Dryad…” he trailed off, rather shocked at the great number of powerful Fae here.

  “He would have little recourse.” Ulfuric rumbled. “Besides, Primal Forest is a slow, but a deep thinker. He is no fool. None of the Princes or Princesses are. To test the liberators of the Spring of Clear Refles is foolish, especially when our princess here…” he Shaeu, as she was tinuing to gratute Asha. “… has made it her dream to restore nature around the Spring, and not just there, but in the Mortal world as well.”

  Raidre nodded, unwilling tue with Ulfurid that irritated David. “You’re a big bastard. I tell you’re skilled too. Your movements, the way you’re stantly alert… you’re a fighter.”

  “Show some respect.” Raidre hissed, surprising him, as he seldom spoke well of other Fae. “That is Ulfurie of the st badgerkin of Samandrastrae, and a mighty warrior, leader of Prince Shaetanao’s armies. To see him here, w for a mortal…”

  “I work for the princess and her sort.” Ulfuric corrected. “The Prince wishes his precious daughter to be able to spread her wings and tinue her journey. You merely know the rumours, not the truth of things.”

  “So it seems.” Raidre admitted. “Nothing surprises me n Gates, Rhyming Trees, famous Fae…”

  “So I was right. We do look like losers.” David snorted.

  “David. Be polite!” Eleanor said, embarrassed, but he merely shrugged, chug nastily.

  “Why? I know you’re annoyed as well. uy here, he and his girls are plundering you dry. Sure, it was a deal, but you ’t tell me you’re not unhappy.”

  “I don’t see why you should be.” Eri said, her dark eyes hard, ears twitg. “Aren’t your lives more important? Akio, Shaeu, Shiro, Hyath… Grulgor too…” she didn’t mention Na, not knowing or g about her. “… they put their own on the line. Good deeds should be rewarded. Besides, I know Akio pns to defend you iure and help you bee less vulnerable.”

  “That’d be more ving not ing from a catgirl.” David snorted, and as Eri’s dark eyes glimmered, Eleanor stepped in.

  “Don’t mind David. Despite his rough speech, he’s not a bad guy.”

  “I know that.” Eri sad, gng at Motoko and Natsumi. “They’ve mentioned him. He’s not too smart though, if he thinks he fight Akio and win.”

  “Not too smart does describe him.” Eleanreed. “When he sees a strong oppo he gets excited. Men be little boys. My brother Henry is the same…”

  “Hey now.” David protested, but Eleannored him.

  “Your axe… I was surprised I had no affinity for it, sidering I wear the armour of the Green Knight, but the treasures of the Tower choose who they will. Perhaps we are simir then?” she said. “And there must be a tale behind your appearance, surely. You’re human.”

  “It’s a long story. And not one for now.” Eri shook her head. “What matters is what we were talking about, right Akio?”

  I agreed. “That’s right. I think give-and-take is a solid basis for a retionship, an alliance. We’ve fought together against a dangerous oppo and came through it, so that makes us friends, right? And now we work together, making us all stronger. You’ve seen the Ring Gate, we ow e and go between our Territories easily enough…”

  “So long as they aren’t sabotaged.” David pointed out, looking around. “Y tree too. I don’t want to put a dampener on your enthusiasm, but nice as your set-up is, there’s a ton of security fws anyone see after just a quick look. And we know the dangers of that.” He looked sad for a moment, perhaps thinking of someone.

  “Yes, you’re n. Obviously, some things are fixed, like we have to have the Ring Gates where the earth element is. But we’re definitely intending to rework what we . On your end you o fortify the Ring Gate too. Fortunately Raidre and his Selkie live there, which is one line of defence, but it’s not enough. With the Gates, we dispatch forces to aid each other within minutes. I also pull from Kyoto as well, if necessary.”

  “That would be reassuring.” Eleanreed. “Your Territory is bustling with citizens and active. Not like ours.”

  “It’s busier during the day. It’s te night here in Japan right now.” Hinata said. In her arms she was carrying a rather or, crafted from a reddish cy, and inid with what looked like emeralds around the rim. “We have all sorts of people here during the day, other trainees, soldiers, Akio’s private merary pany… it gets quite busy.” Her face was clearly expressing her wish for me to tell her the details of what she was carrying, so I let my Eye shine.

  Pot Of Faerie Gold – Item Css [em Type [Rule]

  This pot tains the treasures lost by sin Fae, killed by mortals in a dispute long fotten. Golden and silver s be retrieved from the pot, as well as bright gemstones aherites. Faerie treasures are fickle and illusory though, and if the bearer allows their greed to overe them or is g willpower, all that will be produced is fool’s gold, worthless pyrite, cheap gss baubles, and valueless junk that will fade away with the light of dawn.

  “That’s so very you.” I ughed. “But… it doesn’t strike me as much use. I mean, the Etherites it tains are always in demand, but we have gold and other metals from our mines…”

  “Maybe so.” Hinata said, agreeing. “But it called to me, so I took it. Besides…” she looked at me, her smile her usual impish, sly one. “… who is to say I ’t make it work ierial world? It isn’t like we need money, my family is riough, but doesn’t it thrill you, a pot of mysterious treasures? And who knows… maybe it even tains some that should be given back. That’d win Shaeu some more respect, right?”

  Seeihinking of others, I stroked her hair gently, before whispering something in her ears, so softly only she could hear. Her eyes widened, and she flushed, her face fming, before nodding. “It’s fine. I’m not oo shy away from what I want. But for now… let me talk tuests, there’s someone else who is desperate to seek your approval.” She ined her head, and I could see Daiyu waiting patiently, also carrying an ornate jar, although…

  Sacred Water Blessed By The Lady Of The Lake – Item Css [em Type [Law]

  Sacred Water blessed by ?????, the Lady of the Lake, one of the most powerful of all the Fae, she who holds court over her sacred ke. This Water is a blend of a water from the Spring Of Clear Refles, long before its loss, and the ke which she still guards and dwells in. ing the Water of this vessel will increase the affinity and uanding of the element of Water, and will allow a state of enlighteo be achieved for a short time, allowing rapid strengthening of Water element aed abilities.

  That… it’s a one-use item. And it doesn’t say who the Lady of the Lake is, huh? As I thought that, Daiyu nodded, seemingly guessing my thoughts. “Yes, while Cultivators oftealismans, ons and treasures to fight with and protect ourselves, we would cast aside even the most powerful to find something that increase our Cultivation, for in the end, one’s own power and Dao is all we truly rely on. A dragon’s scales, a phoenix’s fmes, a tiger’s cws… all are worthwhile, but pared to solidifying my Foundation, all are simply distras.”

  David cocked his head, not uanding her Mandarin, but Shiro transted, and David nodded, smiling. “Yirls, they have good heads on their shoulders. Anhter, huh? Tell her this.” He said, serious. “You’re right. Honing your body and your skills will never betray you. Keep that attitude, and you’ll grow up to be a great warrior. Queen of the Octagon.” He ughed.

  As Daiyu nodded, not knowing what an octagon had to do with anything, I snorted, amused. “Daiyu is already a warrior. She’s been training lohan any of us, living a life of aesthetic rigour and occult practises we only imagine. Now then…”

  I looked at the patiently waiting Motoko and Natsumi. Both were wearing their reasures, sihey had selected pieces of armour. “I’ll let you go first, Motoko.” Natsumi said, but she shook her head.

  “No, you should not always defer to me, Natsumi. We are equals here. Besides, I am curious about your treasure as well.”

  “I won’t stand on ceremony then.” Natsumi bounced over, nodding at David. “Here.” she stuck her arm out, a leather bracer c the wrist of one arm, a stylised eagle stitched on it in golden ahread, some faint stains that might have been a, dried up blood remaining on the leather.

  Bedwyr’s Protective Bracer – Item Css [Powerful] Item Type [Artifice]

  This bracer was used to protect the spear arm of a great one-handed warrior. Those wielding the spear will i a portion of his knowledge of the on, a residue of his thoughts and will during battles. While wielding a spear, the wearer will find their Fortitude and Acrity increased. However, if the spear is used for evil, this bracer will offer no prote, and will tighten, strig blood flow to the arm, leaving the bearer weakened aually the arm will atrophy.

  Ouch, that’s a nasty penalty. Not that I ever expeatsumi to be doing evil, but still… I expined, a little worried about the residue knowledge, but she surprised me. “I uand your s, and I’m happy you worry about me, but Motoko and I are resolved. When we were helping you traioo were resolved to ge and improve the Tsumura Arts, right Motoko?”

  She nodded gracefully. “As long as we incorporate the best of them, they remain Tsumura Arts. But to reject other teiques and skills that could strehem is folly.” She g Ulfuric, who was discussing something with Raidre. “No, rejeg the advice of a great master of the spear, even one long dead, is not a mistake we will it.”

  She then revealed her own treasure, a glove crafted of a series of interlog bronze and copper rings and ptes, proteg her hand and wrist, simir in fun to what Natsumi had chosen. “We do think alike.” Motoko said fondly, looking at her friend.

  Pelleas’ Glove Of Lovelorn Folly – Item Css [Powerful] Item Type [Artifice]

  This glove was worn by a mate but foolish knight, who was equally skilled with sword, spear and bow. Never will bde, shaft or string slip from the wielder’s grasp so long as their love is pure, and in fighting in challeo defend their honour or those of ohey love, the faint traces of his determination and folly will raise the Acrity and Might of the bearer. However, should love ever turn to hate, this glove will bring great ill-fortune, and attract the attention of Fae of a darker persuasion.

  “Those names…” Eleanor said thoughtfully. “They were supposedly knights under King Arthur, not that he existed in the form we now know of.” She scratched her head, trying to remember. “If Henry was here, I could ask him. Men like those stories much more than us women.”

  “The Lady of the Lake is real.” I said, remembering I had heard Shaeu mention her once or twice, and it was on the description of the water Daiyu had taken. “And there’s too much other evidehat they were real. Sure, the stories are probably greatly ged, but then, the Fae aren’t quite what the books say either, are they?” I looked at Raidre and Ulfuric, then at Asha, Shaeu and Hyath. “I think it’s an area ripe for study.”

  As I talked, I realised there was one person who was standing a bit away, looking embarrassed. On seeing her, I gestured for her to e over, and she did, a bit shy, casting g Eleanor. On seeing that, she was amused, not used to any deference from my party.

  “Kana, why are you hiding over there?” I said, and she gave me an unfortable look, stroking a golden korc which was arouhroat. It was slender and elegant, looking quite fitting on her slender neck, with snake-like scales and a serpentine head carved into the gleamial.

  “I just… I’m not sure I deserve this.” Kana said. “pared to the others, I feel a bit of a fraud.”

  “At st, one of you with some sense of shame.” David chortled, only for Eleanor to shush him as Kana blushed and tears formed in the er of her eyes. I put an arm around her shoulder, pulling her against me, and stroked her hair reassuringly.

  “Kana, you’ve done a lot, and you deserve it just as much as anyone. You don’t see Daiyu looking worried do you?” She was still hugging the jar of water, casting me inviting gnces, and I knew I would have to aid her with using it shortly. “Besides, you’re my girlfriend, aren’t you?” At that David grimaced, muttering about the tenth round I owed him. “What kind of guy would I be not to get you a present?”

  “But…” she looked at Eleanor. “They came from her, right?“

  “They did indeed. But as Akio here says, a deal is a deal. At least we are done now, the plundering pleted.” She said wryly, only for me to disagree.

  “Not quite. There’s still Asha, she hasn’t had her treasure yet. My sister and the vassals too.”

  “But Asha, she took the power that sleeps beh the Tower…” Eleanor protested, only for me to deny her again.

  “No, that wasn’t for her, that was a different arra. Besides, strengthening us is strengthening you.” I looked up at the Tree. “In fact, sihe Tree and Shiro’s buffs have exceeded what I pnned, I’m thinking of a downpayment above what we agreed on. Since I’m very grateful for your support.” I smiled brightly, and Eleanor looked down, embarrassed.

  Yes, we’re not too far from getting all of Haru-san’s Spires to Rank 3. The rest of the day’s ether we send through to London. There’s a lot they o do… “You spend the windfall on proteg the Ring Gate, and also relog all your Ether Spires and simir structures. The Tower sure is something special but it does have one hell of a downside. You’ll o move as much of your key facilities away from it as possible.”

  “We should defend the borders where we overp with that redheaded traitor and the bastard.” David cursed the two who had betrayed them, though again his expressiorayed his mencholy. “It would be easier just to just do what she did, and damn the sequences. If they die… so be it.”

  “No, I’ve told you David, we have to be cautious.” She looked at me then. “Do you think that you provide us enough to make things secure?” She looked at the shimmering energy around the Tree, which was being sucked into my Silos.

  “I think I provide you with more than you think is possible.” My smile was reassuring. “So I hardly think a few extra treasures from the Tower are going to be a problem in exge.”

  “So, how many vassals do you have?” David asked “And how many of them are women?”

  “Good question. I have five. Three are women, but there’s nothing going on with Haru-san, Miyu and Suzu-san.”

  “That’s right.” Shiro said. “Suzu is a total airhead, she only cares about her performances, being an idol. She’s quite ruthless when it es to battle though. Miyu's more ied in girls, I think. And Haru… yeah, David, you should be more careful about what you say. Her life has been tragic. Fortunately, her afterlife…” she made the same sort of joke Haru-san would, and after Shiro expined, Eleanor was sympathetic, her fan, while David ched his fists, then cpped me on the back.

  “Good fug job. Too an end for the piece of shit. Just like Donovan, the little armless prick.” He sighed. “Yeah, I may like to mock, but I’d rather my ally look after those he cares for, even if he’s greedy and loose with women. Less likely to stab us in the back, Princess.”

  “Aki? Backstab you? There’s no way. Shit, if anything, we should be watg you.” Shiro shot back. Before it could break out in an argument, I held up a hand.

  “That’s enough of that. We’ve all fought together, and this has sealed our allianow, to finish, we might as well get the details o treasure.” I looked at the quiet Kana, who took a deep breath, before smiling at me happily.

  “I guess you win, Akio. Sorry. I just…pared to those who fight, I feel a bit pathetietimes. I guess my old inferiority plex over my abilities is harder to overe than I’d like. But…” she shook her head. “No more. I’m yirlfriend. I’ll be as good as any of the others!”

  “Well said, Kana-san.” Eri said, and Kana smiled at her.

  “I learned from you, Eri-. You never back down, not even in the face of oppos like Shaeu, Shiro, Motoko- or Hinata-. Whether they are beautiful, strong, rich or noble, you think you are their match, right?”

  “Their mato, I know I’m the best for Akio. You’re wele to think the same, Kana-san.” she shot back, and David groaned.

  “We’re not here for your damn soap opera romance. Just tell us the details. I’m bored…”

  “Yes, I should.” I agreed, my Eye shining.

  Earth Serpent’s Torc – Item Css [em Type [Rule]

  This torc was once worn by the leaders of a en who had traffic with the Fae, before war and strife led to the sundering of retions, and the fall of this , their people scattered, the survivors abandoning all their treasures. This tortains the blessing of ah serpent, wound into the gold and silver threads that make up the tord it signifitly strengtheh-aspected powers and abilities, as well as increases the beauty aility of the wearer. However, the wearer must never kill a shout good cause, lest they be cursed with iility.

  “That’s troubling. I wouldn’t want you to suffer that…” I said. “But it is perfect for you. You are the shrine maiden of Shirohebizumi, after all. Looks like you ah-aspected snakes have a destiny.”

  “I don’t kill anything without good cause.” Kana insisted. “Uh, I don’t mind having greater beauty, but fertility…”

  “Just use birth trol. We do.” Shiro chimed in, and Eri nodded.

  “Enough with this crap again.” David protested. “Looks like the girl over there is fit to burst, do something!” He poi Daiyu, whose usually expressionless face was o be seen, the naked hope in her eyes painful.

  “Fine, while I’m doing that, Ixitt and some of the others give you the grand tour. No café terrace at the moment I’m afraid due to renovations…” I looked up at the t Tree, chug. “… but there’s a lot to see and do, and he ahe first Mobile Ether Silo caravans so you make a start on your ow. I’m fident the tour should blow away any remaining doubts you have about our alliance…”

  ********

  After David, Eleanor and Raidre left to check out the rest of my Territory, Raidre shrinking in on himself even more when Shaeranna turned up, I turned my attention to Daiyu. We had moved to an area with more privacy, creating a dome of earth and vio hide us from view, and the girls had gathered around us, curious, and Shiro was transting for me, though Daiyu was saying more and more of her thoughts in Japanese nowadays. Though she still needs more study, but in a few weeks she should be fluent, maybe less…

  “I am ready.” Daiyu said, aween Shaeu and I, we mao squeeze out a few more tiny drops of High Spirit Water. Ordinarily such would merely have been a little help to Daiyu, but she was hoping the treasure she had gathered would aid her in breaking through to uanding of the Spiritually Pure Physique. “This treasure would be priceless, even in Kunlun. I feel I did not earn it, but I am not too proud to accept treasure gained by you, my Dao panion. One day I shall repay you in kind, and if not…” she blushed. “… with my panionship and care.”

  At that, Kana looked at me wryly, reising her own worries but different viewpoint.

  “I’d rather have it strengthening you, than sitting in that Tower until someone else cims it, if they ever do. Or it could be destroyed. Apparently a number of relics were ruined by that bastard Max Power. So go ahead. I’ll be watg.” My Eye glowed, illuminating the inside of our makeshift hut.

  “Then, I shall begin.” Daiyu said, lig the drops of precious Spirit Water from her palm. She shuddered, feeling the energy surge within her, before quickly breaking open the jar and gulping down the tents, her throat w. Once she emptied the jar, I could see a surging tide of water energy inside her, and it was very patible with the Spirit Water, perhaps as some water from the Spring was mixed in. Daiyu’s sacral chakra surged wildly, a maelstrom of brilliant e energy f. Sweat was leaking from her, silver and bck, and I reised them as impurities. Her body was being purged, and I realised that she would wake up ba the Material covered in filth.

  “I am… pure, I am… resolute. My Foundation is unshakable.” Daiyu was ting to herself as she trated. Her focus was incredible, enviable, and I once more realised the differeween someoh talent and those without. Though it’s not just talent. She works hard and has all her life. The path of Cultivation requires such rigour.

  As the girls stood around her, either in silence, or quiet support, I watched, holding my breath, my Eye able to see into her, where her subtle body was ging. Hers was arranged differently tht Moons Chakra work, certainly, and thus I wasn’t able to fully guide her, but I had expined what had happened when I gaihe ability many times. As the energy formed a sedary pool, a brilliant e star behind aween her root and sacral chakras, she suddenly groaned, a wave of brilliant energy passing through her body. She coughed, throwing up a vile, disgusting bile, and her pores were leaking a virulent mist.

  I didn’t ooze anywhere near as much impurity here in the Boundary… is it something to be worried about? I reached out to offer Ether Healing, but her onyx eyes snapped open, and she shook her head slightly, mouthing that she was fine and could bear it.

  “I believe she shall-shall be fine.” Shaeu reassured me, also watg, and having had the same experiehe water she drank owerful ihis is a trial she must-must overe. If she ot-not break through, even with such aid…”

  “She’ll do it.” I said, no trace of doubt left withi my words a smile crossed Daiyu’s face, and she focussed her will, drawing oher around us aher within her. Is that Qi? It’s definitely mostly aether… I had noticed there was a signifit portion of wastage before when I observed her, her body not verting all the aether into the alternate form, but as I watched that pertage was dropping signifitly, her body, now awash with brilliant e elemental power, rapidly adapting as it repelled impurities. Soon her effective rate of version was around y-nine pert, only a small amount still cirg as aether.

  “I… my Foundation…” The earth energies she had gathered had deo a hard ruby ball around her chakra work, it no longer cirg, and likewise, the faint wisps of light element, that she called Yang energy, had also solidified, looking almost crystalline. With those obstrus gohe power of the water energy increased, now fully pure, and soon her Astral body settled down, and Daiyu shuddered, tears at the ers of her eyes.

  “It is stable.” She said at st, her expression radiant, before she wrinkled her nose, realising her body and clothes, as well as the ground around her, were soaked with foul impurities, and that she ttered with dark vomit. Flushing a little, she looked as us all watg with warm expressions on our faces.

  “gratutions, Daiyu.” I said, and the others ee.

  She managed a nod, before drawing on her Qi, which was then dyed with the shimmering e elemental energies of the High Spirit Water. Yeah, there’s no moonlight in it. But it’s still powerful… I was curious at the very different way she was maniputing the water element, but as a tide of water poured down over her, she rubbed the filth from her body and hair, her clothes stig to her body. Seeing me looking, Shiro elbowed me.

  “I’m just cheg out her teiques.” I protested. And Shiro rolled her eyes.

  “Sure you are, Aki, her teiques, not her assets.” Shaeu, Hyath and Eri all ughed at that. Realising she was in an embarrassing state again, Daiyu frowned, but I took pity on her, drying her off with a little fme and wind energy, creating a warming breeze.

  “You have my thanks.” She said. “Even with the sacred treasure which would have ore than my own self in Kunlun, it was a great trial. But the path to the Heavens is seldom smooth. I had to make a sacrifice…”

  “You mean log your earth and light energies?” I asked, puzzled. “How did you do that? It’s like they have stopped. Also, your way of using the water element is strange.”

  Daiyu tried to expin. “I create the water Qi and manipute it. Speaking of Qi…” she was excited now. “I feel my Qi Refining has improved dramatically. The Qi I and is now nearly pure Earthly Qi.”

  “That I do uand. Before, you were vertiher, but not all of it. Now it’s nearly a hundred pert effit. In fact…” my Eye could see fvours of aether, at least the lowest csses, and the previously red Qi, with occasional e flickers, was now almost entirely e, with only faint hints of red, and some I couldn’t determine, which I guessed might be yellow, maybe? “…the shade of it has ged too.”

  “Fasating. Your Eye truly is a great tool. And now…” she let out a sigh, relief writ rge on her features. “… with my Qi Refining and Foundation improved beyond my wildest dreams, even if I had tely seal my work on my previous Foundation, I finally progress to the Accumution Realm.”

  “What about your frozen chakras and their elements, the leftovers from your discarded teique?” I asked. “Wont it cause problems ter?”

  She nodded. “Shortcuts to power often have great sequences. But… I do not io abandon them forever. After all, the Invincible Jade Yang teique is treasured knowledge of my Sect. I will see the heights of Kunlun and beyond.” She assured me, fidently. “However, the Accumution Teiques… finding one suitable for me is not something I would do recklessly. Accumuting water Qi would now be trivial, but… I am greedy. I wish to recim earth and yang Qi, as well as perhaps…” she smiled at us then. “I am jealous, you find it so easy to obtain further elemental Qi…”

  “Easy, she says?” Kana snorted. “I don’t think so. We have tle for every single success.”

  “You say that, but mastering the elemental Qi required for Foundation Teiques is a harrowing trial. Whereas many of you know multiple elements.” Daiyu demurred, Shiro and I transting the more difficult words. “And I o longer settle for merely what my Sect sidered a success. Not now. Now when my Foundation and Qi Refining are as solid as any from a, departed Kunlun.” She said, determined. “My Accumution must be greater than any I had dreamed of. To that end…” she bowed to me. “I will be in your care. One way to Accumute is certainly through Dual Cultivation, especially for the yang element I so desperately o make a breakthrough to a potential double Foundation.”

  “This again?” Eri rolled her eyes, tail shing, but Hinata took her hand, blushing.

  “It’s all right, Eri. It’s time for this. After all, Asha has joined you all, and I…” she looked at me, remembering my earlier words. “… soon.” She said, face scarlet, which was so cute Eri sighed, shook her head and squeezed her hand.

  “I’m not mad, not really.” Eri said. “Everyone here is fine. Even you, Kana-san. I’ve accepted it.”

  “Well thanks, Eri-. That’s big of you…” Kana ughed.

  “I still have strong feelings about profiting from sex, but I accept that Daiyu would be doing it anyway, so… I suppose it doesn’t make a difference. But Akio wao be sure it didn’t cause problems with your Cultivatiht?”

  Daiyu agreed. “Yes, he is kind like that. But…” she looked at me, her dark eyes intense. “… you are my goal. I want strength like yours. And your mastery of the elements… I would feel shamed unless I could be parable to you all. Merely water, I ot accept it, no matter how potent a water it is. So, Akio, enlighten me. How high is Mount Tai I see before me? I would know before I start climbing it. Though the height will only thrill me.” She flushed, and Shiro ughed uproariously.

  “Shit, she ’t wait to start climbing you, Aki. And that was totally a refereo your…” at Eri’s stern look she chuckled, whistling ily.

  “Indeed, you bme-bme her for looking at Akio with yearning?” Shaeu agreed. “I do not-not. But I too am curious. It has been a while since you shared your full-full strength with us. And you have made many gains.”

  “Fihen.” I agreed. Yes, it’ll be good to take stock, as while I will be tinuing my training, especially with trying for a bat style, the step is to build my Territory…

  [Material Statistibsp;[Intangible Statistibsp;Might1580 1762Fortune33 38Fortitude1571 1752Majesty25 29Intellect1640 1820Charm39 44Resilience1831 2051League22 26Acrity1660 1839Determination22 25Precision1651 1833Fht30 32Aether5857 6463Fate19 21

  [Material Skills]RankCssType[Aetheric Skills] Silver Cord Silver eRank 5Powerful (4)

  Imperious (6)

  Foundation (4)

  Rule (5)

  Eight Moons Chakra workRank 5 Rank 6Noble (5)

  Imperious (6)

  Rule (5)Aether ManiputionRank 7Noble (5)Foundation (4)Aether bat TeiqueRank 5Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Body EnhaRank 4 Rank 5Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Ether HealingRank 9Imperious (6)Artifice (6)Aetheric ChirurgeonRank 9Imperious (6)Principle (7)Spiritually Pure PhysiqueRank 1 Rank 2Noble (5)Principle (7)Adherence ManiputionRank 3Noble (5)Law (8)Split ThoughtsRank 4 Rank 5Noble (5)Foundation (4)[Elemental Skills] Chakra Of Spak 3Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Space ManiputionRank 3Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Third Eye Chakra Of Full Moon Light - MasuRank 4Noble (5)Foundation (4)Light ManiputionRank 5Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Throat Chakra Of New Moon Darkness - ShisuRank 3Noble (5)Foundation (4)Darkness ManiputionRank 2Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Heart Chakra Of WindRank 6Noble (5)Foundation (4)Wind ManiputionRank 6Noble (5)Foundation (4)Sor Plexus Chakra Of FmeRank 6Noble (5)Foundation (4)Fme ManiputionRank 6Noble (5)Foundation (4)Root And Sacral Chakra Of WoodRank 2 Rank 3Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Wood ManiputionRank 2 Rank 4Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Sacral Chakra Of High Moonlight Spirit WaterRank 4Noble (5)Foundation (4)Water ManiputionRank 5Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Root Chakra Of EarthRank 5Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Earth ManiputionRank 5Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Lunar Chakra Of Four Elements, Light And Darkness

  Lunar Chakra Of Seven Primal Elements And Wood

  Rank 3 Rank 4Imperious (6)Rule (5)

  Artifice (6)

  [Physical bat Skills] Spatial PerceptionRank 2Powerful (4)Rule (5)Spear TeiqueRank 5trip (1)Simple (1)Sword TeiqueRank 5trip (1)Simple (1)bat TeiqueRank 5trip (1)Simple (1)Elemental on TeiqueRank 3Suffit (3)Foundation (4)False Void Motion Void MotionRank 1 Rank 2Noble (5)Principle (7)Tsumura ArtsRank 1Powerful (4)Foundation (4)[Practical Skills] Ether CraftingRank 5Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Dvergr TeiquesRank 1Noble (5)Rule (5)[Intangible Skills] [Unique Skills] Mystic Eye Of The Tree Of KnowledgeRank 3 Rank 4Legendary (7)Law (8)Kin Bonding AorationRank 5 Rank 6Imperious (6)

  Legendary (7)

  Principle (7)Foehn, Iinguishable BzeRank 6 Rank 7Imperious (6)Rule (5) Principle (7)Might Of The Furious EarthRank 2Powerful (4)Foundation (4)The Future Reflected By The MoonRank 3Legendary (7)Fate (9)PromiwilightRank 1 Rank 2Imperious (6)Principle (7)

  [Level] 127 134[Css]Kami-Blessed 10/20

  queror 17/50

  Wielder Of A Mutated Element 6/10 7/10

  Wielder Of Elements, Cssic Western 6/10

  Wielder Of Elements, Primal Seven 2/20

  True Faeduine 3/30

  [Mastered Csses]Fae-Souled 30/30

  Wielder Of Elements, Cssic Western 10/10

  Territory Rank3

  ShipTeaser