On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

“That was quite interesting.” Yu-mi let out a soft laugh. Violet-noona had stayed in the living room with my mom, and they were hitting it off surprisingly well, although I was a little worried, as Violet-noona had asked for alcohol, and since it was still the early morning I felt it was a little premature for that. I hadn’t the heart to refuse though, so I let her indulge. I seem to be surrounded by women who like to drink. Oh well, as long as she doesn’t get mom started, even with her stat boosts she’s gained recently she’s still a total lightweight… “Mother is nice.”

“Mother?” I said, puzzled.

“Your mother, I mean.” Yu-mi chuckled again. “I can see where you get your free spirit from. If she’s your mother, no wonder you’re such a playboy.” She winked teasingly.

“Actually, mom was big into me marrying Eri at first. She’s always wanted it, since she and mother-in-law Hana have been close friends since before my sis was born. But… when she finally accepted Shaeula and Hinata… I guess she broke. Now she jokes about having a Rugby team of my wives.”

“A Rugby league.” Daiyu disagreed. “She says a team will no longer suffice.”

“I bet that’s an annoyance to you.” Yu-mi commiserated. “But at least you get one day a year all to yourself, to have him spoil you. At least until he gets another girl with the same birthday. Oh, mine’s February nineteenth, by the way. Don’t forget to bring me a present, I’ll be working hard. And speaking of…”

“There’s no need to hesitate.” A present, huh? I guess I do need to start remembering my subordinate’s birthdays, being a boss is a thankless task. And she will be helping run my Korean operations, along with Violet-noona, so… got to treat her right.

I was surprised, as Yu-mi actually looked to Daiyu. “Sorry to bother you, but this matter, it’s actually more for you to deal with.”

Daiyu thought for a moment, her English less practised than her Japanese, but eventually she answered. “Speak. Akio has goodwill towards you, so I shall… hear you out?”

“Goodwill, huh?” Yu-mi glanced at me sideways, twirling her brown hair idly with one finger. “Never mind. Anyway… I was in a bit of a quandary, but I think I have a solution. You remember Kim Eui, the girl you rescued who was going to work with you and Haru-unni?”

Haru-unni huh? I guess that they’ve grown closer in their time in Korea. “Yes, I could hardly forget her. She was a fighter, did what she had to do to survive. In her place, I don’t think many people could do the same.”

“Well, Haru-unni suggested that since she’s going to be rather busy, since matters with the government aren’t going well… sorry about that, by the way. I can’t help but feel responsible for that, since my father asked you for help.” I waved that apology off, and she continued. “…oh, in any case, Daiyu here was looking for trainees too, wasn’t she? And it apparently requires discipline and mental strength?”

I had to translate some of the more difficult words, but Daiyu nodded.

“She may still be physically frail and a bit malnourished, but she’s got a mind like iron. And… I thought maybe if she had something to take her mind off things… I know it’s only been a few days, but she’s really struggling to reacclimatise to a normal life. She’s seen and done far too much.”

“I see. I will assess her then.” Daiyu agreed. “Next time you return, you can bring her.”

“I already did.” Yu-mi admitted. Seeing my quizzical look she sighed, looking frustrated. “But she’s… rather withdrawn and sullen. Understandable really. She didn’t want to intrude as this is a happy home, and she feels stifled, unable to deal with ordinary people. I left her outside. I’ll go get her…”

As she left in a hurry, I shrugged. “Seems like everything is under control…” It was then amber letters flared across my vision.

A Vassal Territory has reached Rank 3. Your Class, Conqueror, has increased from Level Twenty-two to Level Twenty-three.

Moments later my phone rang, and I pulled it out to see it was Miyu calling. I guess it’s her who Ranked up. It has been a while, so…

“Akio, please pass on my apologies to Daiyu. Michiru and I will be there shortly, we are boarding the helicopter now. But I felt it was worth waiting a little. I have been gathering ether for a while, so I have finally been able to strengthen my domain.”

Daiyu, listening, shrugged to indicate she understood, and after a few brief words, I let her go, as the noise of the helicopter made communication difficult. “Excellent, that’s good news. I know she’s been focused on building defences, as the goal of her Territory isn’t to expand, but getting to Rank three gives her more options. Really, I should have funnelled her and Kikuchi-san resources, but especially in Kikuchi-san’s case, there’s no rush as his Territory is enclosed by mine. As for the others…”

Daiyu understood. “There is little point in using resources that way. In case of the worst, and your emergency plan is activated…”

Since my Foresight was blaring warnings, this time we were not going to be unprepared. I had discussed matters with the Ministry, the Prime Minister, and also grandfather-in-law Katsuro Tsumura. We had a number of plans depending on the severity of the event, and several of those meant ceding certain advantages for greater safety.

Our discussion was interrupted by the return of Yu-mi, who was trailed by Kim Eui. She looked better than last time we had met, her face and hair clean, wearing a casual tracksuit not dissimilar to what the idols wore, just in black. Though she was still too thin, her suffering and hunger unable to be washed away in just days. Despite that, her big brown eyes held a fire of resentment within. “We meet again.”

“Yeah. You’re looking… well?” I replied.

“Why was that a question?” Eui frowned. “No, don’t answer that. I know I still look dreadful. I don’t feel much better…” She then glanced over at Yu-mi. “Sorry, that was rude of me. I shouldn’t take it out on you, you saved me and my friends. Too late, but…” Fortunately she was speaking English so Daiyu didn’t fully understand her, but Yu-mi snapped back in Korean, and as Eui flinched, she moderated her tone, but she was still rather annoyed.

“That’s hardly fair, Eui. I know you’ve had it hard, but to blame Akio for not being there faster is…”

“Entirely normal, unfortunately.” I soothed Yu-mi, slightly amused at how angry she was. Eui looked contrite for a moment, before her expression hardened, though I could see a lot of it was her trying to project strength, perhaps still stuck in the behaviours she had to display to survive in Choe-Museon Academy. “Such terrible events don’t provoke rational responses. I can’t change the past, but… I think it’s a good idea to come here. Haru can help you cope with your emotions when she’s free, but I think the best thing for peace of mind is the strength to resist such unfairness in the future.”

As we talked, I could hear the idol girls whispering, asking Motoko and Natsumi if Eui was one of the victims of the Korean incident, which had been on the news. Displaying rather more than I’d like known, of course…

“Yes, it seems so. Akio rescued many. Though he did have help. The strange woman from earlier is a Chosen as well, I believe.”

“I wonder, does Akio think tattoos are cool?” Natsumi tilted her head, thinking. “Though obviously we can’t get them, can we?”

“I see. I… just want to take my mind off things. Dad and mom are trying to understand me, and Haru-noona did speak to them, saying if they tried to blame me or punish me she’d be angry…” She let out a slightly bitter laugh. “That shut mom right up. She loves me, I know, but… I was her pride and joy, a daughter she could brag about to her friends, and now I’m … like this. Dad worries the company reputation will take a hit too. But… I know they care about me, in their own ways. It’s just… they don’t know how to handle me. I don’t know. But… at least here people understand me better.”

“I don’t. Not really.” Yu-mi shrugged. “I felt I was an unfortunate person, having to marry a stranger to save my cousin. Compared to you… well, there’s no comparison, is there?”

As we talked, eventually Eui calmed down, and Yu-mi, patting her shoulder gently, promised she’d be fine here with us. “I’ll be in another room if you need me. I should pay my respects to your mother.”

“If she’s drinking, try and get her to stop.” I warned her, and Yu-mi giggled.

“I don’t know about that. It might be fun to hear stories about your younger days, before you were a hero.”

It was then the door to our training room opened, and Eri came in, leading Miyu and Michiru-san, as well as Kazumi-san. Miyu and Michiru-san were both dressed in their elegant black uniforms from Hanafubuki, while Kazumi-san wore a suit similar to what the Fujiwara Security Services donned. On seeing them, Daiyu nodded, pleased.

“I hope you don’t mind, Daiyu.” Eri said quickly. “I know it’s your day, but I’d like to take lessons with the others. You’ve taught me a little, but it might be a path to improvement.”

Daiyu nodded, not unwilling to teach Eri further, but one of the idol girls, the youngest, Ema-san, suddenly let out a shrill cry. “Oh God, is that the Hanafubuki uniform? Are you the Goddesses of Tokyo?”

Goddesses of Tokyo? At our inquisitive looks, Ema-san flushed. “It’s my brother. He’s always going on about how the perfect girl isn’t an idol like me, but a refined, quiet Goddess from the legendary school for nobles. I make sure to hit him then, the jerk!” She clenched her fist for emphasis.

“I am indeed a student at Hanafubuki, as is Michiru and Kazumi here.” Miyu said, nodding elegantly. “But you have been talking to two such this whole time. Motoko-san, Natsumi-san, it is good to see you.”

“Really?” Ema-san raised an eyebrow, and Motoko nodded. “I am Tsumura Motoko. My grandfather is head of the Japanese armed forces. Even so, my lineage pales compared to…”

Keiko-san was pale. “Fujiwara…. You mean Fujiwara Security, banking and media?” At Miyu’s nod, she started to tremble. “Isn’t that like… one of, if not the richest families in Japan? Even on a worldwide scale, we’re talking top one hundred, right?”

“Indeed, though it is uncertain whether my house or Ichijou house is the richest in Japan. Besides…” Miyu looked at me, a slight smile on her face. “I believe soon Oshiro house will overtake us.”

“It seems we were saved by a very impressive person.” Asuka-san pointed out impishly. “So, what does this training entail? I know we tentatively agreed before, and our manager was amazed at our improvement in stamina, memory and grace.”

“That’s why they agreed to let us come. We’re all set for the weekend anyway.” Keiko-chan broke in. “But we still don’t quite get it. Though we’re grateful for the opportunity, teacher.” She bowed to Daiyu, who smiled warmly.

“You can call me Matriarch, for I am currently the head and sole practitioner of the Incorruptible Jade Sect. You will be my disciples…”

As she explained, Suk-ja tugged at my sleeve, a little worried. “So what should I be doing? I’m getting paid for this, it’s an official job, isn’t it? I don’t speak Japanese, or even English. In fact, I was never very studious.” She whispered to me in Korean, before giving a nervous giggle.

“It’s fine. I can translate the important parts. Like I said, we just need you to provide us crystal element. It’ll be easy money.” I promised, and as Daiyu had everyone adopt the lotus sitting position for meditation, I followed suit, and Suk-ja hastily copied me.

“… Cultivation is at its heart, a method to seize power from the natural world, the Earth and the Heavens. And not just for the sake of power, but eventually, all Cultivators seek three great goals.” Eri was translating for Eui, since English was the common language they shared. “The first is agelessness, immortality. To free oneself of the bounds of natural death. The goal is distant, but… we have seen the heights. It can be achieved.” That grabbed everyone’s attention.

“The second is strength. Not external strength. For while external power can be used and should be used, only strength belonging to oneself can be truly trusted. Turn the power of the Heavens and the Earth into your own, and then you control your destiny, your life.” Eui shivered at that, and her brown eyes were suddenly burning with intensity. Yeah, maybe this is what she needs. Yu-mi was right. “The strong are those in control. The third… that is the Dao. Now, I cannot tell you of the Dao. It is individual, yet regimented, strict, yet flexible, powerful yet weak. Just as Yin contains a drop of Yang, and the opposite is true, so too the Dao is everything and nothing. It is the path you embody and seek. Be it of martial prowess…” Motoko, Natsumi, Kazumi-san and Michiru-san all nodded. “…or of a concept such as beauty, love, fire, ice, even time or space. In time you will know it, but… the road is long, and never ends. Become an embodiment of the Dao that best suits you, and your power will be limitless.”

As Daiyu talked, I felt it was a good time to check over my Status once more, since I had achieved a number of gains. Though at the cost of nearly dying a number of times…

[Material Statistics]

[Intangible Statistics]

Might

1903 2075

Fortune

41 42

Fortitude

1887 2057

Majesty

32 34

Intellect

2043 2209

Charm

48 52

Resilience

2234 2550

League

28 30

Alacrity

1975 2149

Determination

27 46

Precision

2055 2225

Foresight

34

Aether

7363 7903

Fate

25 28

[Material Skills]

Rank

Class

Type

[Aetheric Skills]

Silver Connection

Rank 5

Rank 6

Imperious (6)

Rule (5) Artifice (6)

Eight Moons Chakra Network

Rank 6

Imperious (6)

Rule (5)

Aether Manipulation

Rank 7

Noble (5)

Foundation (4)

Aether Combat Technique

Rank 5

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

Boiling Blood

Rank 1

Imperious (6)

Principle (7)

Ether Healing

Rank 9 Rank 11

Imperious (6)

Artifice (6)

Principle (7)

Aetheric Chirurgeon

Rank 11

Legendary (7)

Law (8)

Adherence Manipulation

Rank 5

Noble (5)

Law (8)

Crude ???????? Manipulation

Rank 1

Powerful (4)

Law (8)

Split Thoughts

Rank 6

Imperious (6)

Rule (5)

[Elemental Skills]

 Crown Chakra Of Space

Rank 3

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

Space Manipulation

Rank 3

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

Third Eye Chakra Of Full Moon Light – Mangetsu

Rank 4

Noble (5)

Foundation (4)

Light Manipulation

Rank 5

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

Throat Chakra Of New Moon Darkness – Shingetsu

Rank 3

Rank 5

Noble (5)

Foundation (4)

Darkness and Yin Manipulation

Rank 2

Rank 4

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

Heart Chakra Of Wind

Rank 6

Noble (5)

Foundation (4)

Wind Manipulation

Rank 6

Noble (5)

Foundation (4)

Solar Plexus Chakra Of Flame

Rank 6

Noble (5)

Foundation (4)

Flame Manipulation

Rank 6

Noble (5)

Foundation (4)

Root And Sacral Chakra Of Wood

Rank 3

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

Wood Manipulation

Rank 4

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

Sacral Chakra Of High Moonlight Spirit Water

Rank 4

Rank 6

Noble (5)

Foundation (4)

Water Manipulation

Rank 5 Rank 7

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

Root Chakra Of Earth

Rank 5

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

Earth Manipulation

Rank 5

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

Lunar Chakra Of Seven Primal Elements And Wood

Rank 4

Rank 5

Imperious (6)

Artifice (6)

[Cultivation Skills]

   Moonlight Jade Qi Refining

Rank 2

Powerful (4)

Artifice (6)

Spiritually Pure Dual Cultivation

Rank 2

Noble (5)

Artifice (6)

Spiritually Pure Physique

Rank 3

Noble (5)

Principle (7)

Third Noble Pursuit: Talisman Crafting

Rank 1

Rank 2

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

[Physical Combat Skills]

Spatial Perception

Rank 3

Powerful (4)

Rule (5)

Spear Technique

Rank 5

Cantrip (1)

Simple (1)

Sword Technique

Rank 5

Cantrip (1)

Simple (1)

Combat Technique

Rank 5

Cantrip (1)

Simple (1)

Elemental Weapon Technique

Rank 3

Sufficient (3)

Foundation (4)

Void Motion

Rank 2

Noble (5)

Principle (7)

Tsumura Arts

Rank 2

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

[Practical Skills]

 Crude ???????? Crafting

Rank 1

Rank 2

Powerful (4)

Law (8)

Adherence Crafting

Rank 1 Rank 3

Noble (5)

Law (8)

Ether Crafting

Rank 5 Rank 7

Powerful (4) Noble (5)

Foundation (4)

Rule (5)

Dvergr Techniques

Rank 2

Noble (5)

Rule (5)

Alchemy

Rank 1

Sufficient (3)

Foundation (4)

Shapercraft

Rank 2

Noble (5)

Artifice (6)

[Intangible Skills]

[Unique Skills]

 Mystic Eye Of The Tree Of Knowledge

Rank 5

Legendary (7)

Law (8)

Kin Bonding And Restoration

Rank 6

Rank 7

Legendary (7)

Principle (7)

Foehn, Inextinguishable Blaze

Rank 7

Imperious (6)

Principle (7)

Might Of Indestructible Jade

Rank 2

Noble (5)

Artifice (6)

The Future Reflected By The Moon

Rank 3

Legendary (7)

Fate (9)

Prominence Twilight

Rank 2

Imperious (6)

Principle (7)

Boiling Blood Resonance Link

Rank 1 Rank 2

Imperious (6)

Principle (7)

Soothing Waters Of Self-Sacrifice

Rank 2

Imperious (6)

Principle (7)

[Level]

145 148

[Class]

Kami-Blessed 12/20  Conqueror 22/50 23/50

Wielder Of A Mutated Element 7/10

Wielder Of Elements, Primal Seven 2/20 8/20

True Faeduine 5/30 7/30  Qi Refiner 2/10  Dual Cultivator 2/10

Master Of Many Crafts  1/20 7/20

Prodigy Of The Lower Worlds  1/10 7/10

Shaper Of Flesh And Spirit  1/20 3/20

Namebinder 6/20

[Mastered Class]

Fae-Souled 30/30

Wielder Of Elements, Classic Western 10/10

Wielder Of A Mutated Element 10/10

Territory Rank

3

Nice. Having another Class maxed out is a good feeling. The other gains were significant, but what stood out was the massive jump in my Resilience and Determination. While all my Material Statistics had leapt due to my Silver Connection growing stronger, Resilience had grown by an unprecedented amount, Determination too, likely as I forced my way beyond my limits in enduring the suffering Tamamo-no-Mae had.

Working on the Right Hand Of Tribulation, which I was not going to refer to as crude, had boosted my Crafting Skills, and oddly enough, Talisman Crafting and Crude ???????? Crafting had both Ranked up. I understand Talismans, after all I was trying to replicate some of the Formations, and there’s definitely crossover between the two, but ???????? Crafting? Is it a hint?

“Qi is a force around us, an energy, invisible and imperceptible.” Daiyu was continuing to explain, everyone listening intently. “Normally, a Cultivator starts preparing very young, honing his or her body to be able to draw in the energy surrounding us, and refine it to a useable form, Qi. It is not quite so simple, as I have since learned that Qi, while an energy of itself, is also a derivative of aether.” She then gave a brief summary of ether and aether. “…Qi, when processed, can be used to fuel many abilities some might consider magical.”

At that, the eyes of the idols were sparkling, and so were Michiru-san’s. Our ninja girl is as excitable as ever, I see.

“It is hardly easy though. In the recent past, only the most talented could reach the peak of Qi Refining, let alone break through to Foundation Realm.” There was pride in Daiyu’s voice now, and I remembered she was a true prodigy, one that had managed it without any assistance from Divine Favours. “Fortunately, times are changing, and we have… a number of advantages.” Daiyu looked at me, and everyone’s gazes followed.

“It’s true. I have a good eye, and I also have the ability to improve the spiritual bodies of others.” At my words, the idols looked uncomfortable, remembering the pain. Even Kazumi-san nodded, but Michiru-san was of course unmoved by such memories, only eager. “Of course, all I can do is help create the relevant pathways and unblock meridians and acupoints, make sure your Chakras are clearly defined.”

“It bypasses the limitations of aptitude.” Daiyu agreed, proud of me. “Though talent is indeed still a factor, hard work will achieve some results with these benefits.”

She then began to go further into the details of the various stages of Cultivation, so I took the opportunity to examine Daiyu to see her progress.

Zhao Daiyu

Bonded Kin

Chosen Of Chang’e, Immortal Goddess Of The Moon

[Material Statistics]

[Intangible Statistics]

Might

244 444

Fortune

9 10

Fortitude

256 461

Majesty

3 6

Intellect

305 495

Charm

5 7

Resilience

499 721

League

6 7

Alacrity

303 503

Determination

9 14

Precision

267 465

Foresight

3

Aether

1570 2196

Fate

3

[Material Skills]

Rank

Class

Type

[Qi Skills]

Silver Cord

Rank 4

Rank 5

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

Cultivator Chakra Network

Rank 3

Rank 4

Powerful (4)

Rule (5)

Lower Dantian Of High Spirit Water, Yang Moonlight And Jade

Rank 2

Noble (5)

Artifice (6)

Qi Manipulation Of Water, Yin, Yang, Earth And Jade

Rank 6

Rank 7

Noble (5)

Artifice (6)

Qi Perception

Rank 5

Rank 6

Powerful (4)

Artifice (6)

Qi Combat Techniques

Rank 2

Rank 4

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

Third Eye And Root Chakra Of Jade

Rank 1

Noble (5)

Foundation (4)

Third Eye Chakra Of Yang Moonlight

Rank 1

Rank 2

Noble (5)

Foundation (4)

Throat Chakra Of Yin Darkness

Rank 2

Noble (5)

Foundation (4)

Sacral Chakra Of High Spirit Water

Rank 3

Noble (5)

Foundation (4)

Root Chakra Of Earth

Rank 2

Rank 4

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

[Cultivation Skills]

 Spiritually Pure Qi Refining

Rank 9

Rank 10

Noble (5)

Artifice (6)

Spiritually Pure Foundation Technique

Rank 7 Rank 8

Noble (5)

Artifice (6)

Spiritually Pure Dual Cultivation

Rank 2

Noble (5)

Artifice (6)

Spiritually Pure Physique

Rank 2

Noble (5)

Principle (7)

Second Noble Pursuit: Formations

Rank 1

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

Third Noble Pursuit: Talisman Crafting

Rank 3

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

[Physical Combat Skills]

Combat Technique

Rank 4

Rank 5

Cantrip (1)

Simple (1)

[Intangible Skills]

[Unique Skills]

Lovers’ Link

Rank 5

Rank 8

Noble (5)

Imperious (6)

Artifice (6)

Chang’e’s Moon Elixir Of Immortality

Rank 3

Rank 4

Imperious (6)

Principle (7)

[Level]

37 49

[Class]

Dual Cultivator 2/10 Accumulator 0/10 Wielder Of A Mutated Element 5/10 6/10

Karmically Pure 1/20 2/20 Fae-Bonded 6/20 8/20

[Mastered Class]

Qi Refiner 10/10 Foundationist 10/10

Territory Rank

None

Daiyu’s certainly grown stronger. Now her foundations… wait, I need to be careful, that gets confusing when talking about Cultivators, as a foundation is not the same as Foundation. Anyway, she’s adjusted well, her stats all what they should be. While she lags behind Shaeula or Divine Possession Shiro, Daiyu’s excellent healing, Combat Technique and overall stats, as well as her insight, I don’t have many worries trusting her on the battlefield.

It also seemed that she had managed to obtain the Second Noble Pursuit as well, perhaps exposure to the works of the Saint of Swallowing Sorrows having triggered her evolution. In general though, Daiyu, being a dedicated hard worker, had just made incremental yet significant improvements. She now had access to darkness element, as well as Yin, likely sourced from the Dark Rhyming Tree, and I knew why she had striven to obtain it in her free time. Beside me, Suk-ja whispered a question.

“Are you all right? Your face seems flushed.”

“It’s nothing.” I muttered, knowing my face was a little red. “Just listen to the explanation.” I continued to translate a little for Suk-ja, despite her not being one of Daiyu’s students. Who knows, if the crystal element we can extract proves as valuable as I hope, maybe I’ll try and negotiate a longer-term transfer with her Guild Leader.

“…there are indeed other methods of Cultivation. Though some are unworthy.” Daiyu and I exchanged glances, and the resolution in her black eyes to never use such methods was plain to see. “Cruel ways such as stripping the Qi from other beings and devouring it… that is the way of evil. No, in the Incorruptible Jade, such is not tolerated at all. And it is not needed. With our advantages, we shall grow stronger through our own merits.” She paused then, her face also slightly pink.

“There is another method, one with the joining of body and heart. A Cultivation method between two people. Yin and Yang is shared, and Qi resonates, and through this combination, strength is generated. Though such an act must not be considered recklessly. It can only be with one you respect and cherish, one you… wish to be a companion for life.”

“She means through sex.” Eri rolled her eyes. “Dual cultivation, she and Shiro call it. But honestly, it’s not something you’ll be doing, is it? Well, I suppose I can, and Motoko and Natsumi too…”

“I have a question!” Keiko-chan asked, raising her hand like she was back in school. “Bear in mind that we’re idols, we can’t have boyfriends, although… no, forget it. But… is it… necessary?”

“Not at all.” Daiyu shook her head. “I am merely explaining the ways in which we can Cultivate. In fact, I too looked down on such methods. Dual Cultivation is seen as weak, relying on others instead of one’s own self. Now, however…” She smiled at me joyfully. “I realise it is merely an added benefit of having a loving Dao companion. Should you find one such, then the method can be given to you.”

“I have a question too!” Michiru-san’s hand shot up, the scarf she wore around her neck blowing from the sudden motion. “This ninja wishes to know… must it be a man, this Dao companion?” Her efforts not to look beside her gave away her intentions, and Miyu tried to keep her face impassive, but she flinched a little.

“A Dao companion is simply who your heart yearns for. I do not believe gender is a concern. As for the Dual Cultivation technique itself…” Daiyu frowned, thinking. “The techniques our Sect has are all for female and male pairings, Yin and Yang. Perhaps it could be modified, or other Sects know more… there are Sects that only have female disciples, so… honestly, it would not work the way my technique does, but perhaps.”

“Will this be a Sect of only women then?” Miyu asked, looking back at me, and Daiyu answered quickly.

“No, not at all. Suitable male candidates will be welcomed. Of course, I shall never practise Dual Cultivation with any but Akio. But if other disciples choose their companions I will offer instruction.”

“Instruction, huh? You mean… watching?” Eui spoke up, rather disgusted, once she heard the translation.

“I am no exhibitionist.” Daiyu shot back. “No man shall see my skin, or my secret places, other than Akio. For… women… well, we bathe together, do we not? And in this house, there is usually someone observing. But if Akio does not mind, I can instruct women. But it is not merely an act of gain but of love too. Set this aside for now, for we get off the main point.”

Eui nodded slowly. I heard Michiru-san mutter “If it has to be a man, then surely…” and glance back at me, hiding her face with her scarf, only her eyes visible, and I sighed. Not this again…

“Now, time for my first practical instructions.” Daiyu led the group in starting to gather ether, ready to begin conversion.

“Should I join in?” Suk-ja asked, uncertain, and I shrugged.

“You can if you want, but if you’re not going to take it seriously, you’re most likely better off continuing down your own path. Anyway…” Daiyu was signalling me for assistance, so I ventured over, Eye glowing, ready to help correct any mistakes and aid in their first steps towards Qi Refining…