Torsten Hewson
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V3c31: Rejection
🕑 Added 2022-08-15 05:36:26 +0000 UTCBi De hopped across the rooftops of Verdant Hill, heading towards the palace in the center. While he was quite satisfied with what he had learned… his smile was not from that. He snorted to himself at the shouts of outrage and cursing that was drifting up to from the streets, as well as the shrieks of children.
Bi De had just been leaving, after watching the fight rage for a moment, when he witnessed a shift in the balance of power.
Grandmother, her good eye rolling, had offered a child who had shown up to watch the battle a goat ride if he intervened in her behalf against “the Bald one”
The child had obliged.
The escalation had prompted Bald Shu to offer sweets in retaliation to a pair of brothers who had come to watch the battle.
Now there was a miniature war in the streets, as snow flew every which way, and dragged more and more people into the chaos.
Chuckling, he reached his destination, landing on the Grand Coop of the Lord Magistrate. Before, this had been the biggest building he had ever known.
Now, he knew how small it really was.
He had all the answers that he had sought. Yet instead of a puzzle completed… it only revealed a larger puzzle to solve later.
He had been given a map…. And now through a series of events, a spirit thought he was to be the Master of the Azure Hills.
And yet the task was one that Bi De thought could not be completed. Apologize to Tianlan? He would convey the message to her as soon as he was able. Repair and protect her? To his dying breaths.
Reform an Empire?
He did have to admit that something deep within him found the idea appealing. To have an entire province as his flock. To rouse them with the sun, and protect them from the foxes and the wolves. It was in his nature. He was a rooster, the greeter of the sun… and it was his duty to protect and lead.
He was interested as well, in the lessons Xiaoshi would see fit to impart on ruling and politics. The subject matter, whenever his Great Master discussed it with Disciple Xiulan, was most intriguing.
But... did he really want to rule?
No. No he did not.
But the Spirit had been unstable. Extremely unstable. Politely refusing was likely to damage its essence as its purpose for existing would remain unfulfilled. He needed a good reason on why he could not become some manner of emperor.
He sighed, and looked down at the giant coop again. The giant that was now small.
He mulled over what he was going to speak to it about.
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Deep in the depths of a crystal, the spirit that was given the name Shenguashi took stock of itself.
A new Lord and Master. Its purpose would be fulfilled. A sense of rightness formed over the construct.
But… there were problems to be attended to as well.
The Spirit knew it had been in stasis for a long, long time. Asleep, to prevent any degradation of itself… but it appeared that those measures had not proved wholly affected. There was corruption in its bits of ‘self’. Like some other being had been stored beside it. Entire swathes of time were missing.
Missing missing missing—was it missing anything important?! Would it fail in being a teacher? Would it fail in its duty—
The spirit shuddered, as something flickered within it, and the sudden tide of emotion stopped.
It was troubling, the missing time. But it was nothing to be truly worried about. Additionally, different parts of its matrix were still activating.
The time was irrelevant. The time that had passed outside was immaterial. All that mattered was the present, and that its maker’s will be done in the present.
Even Shenguashi’s new Lord and Master, the Heir to a glorious, prosperous, and beautiful Empire was.. Well, a chicken.
It was not ideal. Not ideal, not idealnotidelnotideal—
But it had to teach anyway.
Teach! Make Emperor! Command of Creator! Purpose!
But it was fine. It was going to be fine. Nothing to worry about. The rooster was noble. A true Lord!
And Spirit Beasts could turn into humans, anyway. Many chose not to, preferring their own forms over being small. However, the noble rooster would surely see the wisdom in having a form better suited to ruling.
The spirit shuddered.
It shook itself.. And then there was a feeling. Another consciousness suffused the crystal.
Its Lord, Its Master had returned.
Its purpose was available.
The spirit’s matrix shuddered.
“Young Master!” Shenguashi shouted eagerly, as it manifested before Bi De. “Greetings, Young Master. This one has been preparing for your arrival! I trust you have given your purpose all due consideration!”
The spirit saw the resolution in the rooster’s eyes. It was true! He had the bearing of an emperor.
The rooster took a breath. “I must apologise, Spirit. But this one cannot become Emperor of the Azure Hills.”
“Excellent we can begin—” The words processed. The Spirit shuddered.
That.. wasn’t right. It wasn’t right it wasn’t right it wasn’t right—
Rejection. Rejection. Rejection. It would not be able to complete its purpose.
Why? Why the rejection?!
“Is this about your form? Worry not! You can turn into a human! Though you are indeed a magnificent specimen, it is no issue!” Shenguashi tried, its Qi bubbling erratically even as it babbled to stall for time to think.
The rooster shook his head. “It is not my form. There are several reasons. Firstly, I have meditated upon what I have seen, in your creator’s crystal. One reason for the fall of these hills was that there was a sole pillar holding it up. Strong, but if that pillar falls, then so too does the rest. This Bi De would request that, instead of myself being the sole inheritor of your Master’s will… That the august spirit before me teaches several people in the ways to make this land prosper. That way, if something unexpected happens, then not all is lost.”
That.. that was actually a good idea. The Rooster had no heir yet, so teaching another would be a wise idea! Teaching many would be even better. Even now, the rooster proved his forethought! But refusing outright to be Emperor?
The spirit’s matrix spasmed.
That was not ideal. But he was offering to introduce Shenguashi to others!
That was ideal!
If the Rooster refused to be Emperor… But still wished to learn. It matched all the criteria of Shenguashi’s creator.
In time, the Rooster would come around! It was fate! To follow the request of a future Emperor while trying to convince that same person to be an Emperor was a quest most ideal! Two tasks done at once!
The spirit would say two birds, one stone, but ah… that seemed… less than ideal.
“The second reason, however, is by far the more pressing issue, on why none can become emperor of the Azure Hills. What do you know of the Crimson Phoenix Empire?” The rooster asked.
The name did not register for Shenguashi. “A rival state from the Great Beyond?”
The rooster grimaced, and then breathed out silver light.
A map formed, from nothingness. The Azure Mountains, as seen from above. Shenguashi grimaced, his creator’s pain a phantom. Pale Moon Lake. The Grass Sea. It was where the most people had lived, and consequently, some of the most damaged places by the fall.
“This is the Map I have of the Azure Hills.”
“The Azure Hills?” Shenguashi asked.
“Yes. And this… this is a map of the Crimson Phoenix Empire.”
The map, to Shenguashi’s surprise, started expanding.
There were other lands, beside the Azure Mountains. That much was known for certain. The Great Beyond was surely home to them.
But Shenguashi was unprepared just for the extent of things, as borders formed, and names swam into existence. The Howling Fang Mountains. Yellow Rock Plateau. Green Stone Forest. Raging Waterfall Gorge.
The spirit could only stare at these places… and yet the map kept expanding. Phoenix’s Rest Plains. The Alabaster Karsts. The Goldgrass Steppes. Soaring Heaven Archipelago. Storm Breaker Coast. Forge Bellow Volcano. Seeping Water Swamp. The Amethyst Caverns. The Sapphire Strand—
It just kept growing, and growing, more and more and more names appearing. Rolling Dune Desert. Emerald Leaf Jungle. Poison Fog Valley.
The map expanded until it once more touched the ocean, forming a complete landmass.
It utterly dwarfed Shenguashi’s known world. It expanded east, west, and south, to the extent that it could hold over fifty Azure Mountains within it.
The Spirit’s matrix buzzed.
“And this.. this all is the Crimson Phoenix Empire?” Shenguashi whispered.
“Every province upon this Map is a part of the Empire, including The Azure Hills. And it has been for thousands of years.” The rooster before him let out a breath. “It is enormous, is it not?”
The World of Shenguashi’s master…. Was so very, very small.
Something in the spirit’s body spasmed.It went through a hundred thousand scenarios, provided by its lord. It went over rebelling against another unjust ruler. It spoke of uniting the hills.
But this? This big? This many enemies?! This many, that would likely fight against the Azure Maountain’s ascendancy?
All at once, everything stilled. The corroded parts of its matrix pulsed.
Oh. Of course there could be an Emperor of the Azure Hills.
They just had to be the Emperor of the Crimson Phoenix Empire.
The bubbling panic faded.
“Your Servant sees, Bi De. That is indeed a problem. But This one has no objections to your current plan. I wish to meet those who would see this land prosper!”
The rooster blinked, clearly shocked, but a tentative smile overcame his face.
“I see. Thank you for being so understanding. I shall go and Call my Master. He wishes to meet you as well, and listen to some of this tale.”
With that, the rooster disappeared from the crystal.
Shenguashi turned to the map.
Overthrow an Emperor, and install a new one.
That was how his lord became Emperor.
The Spirit would most certainly have to learn more.
But it had waited for thousands of years. A few more wouldn’t hurt!
Bi De reentered the crystal, along with another. Another, that made Shenguashi’s essence thrum.
“May I introduce my Great Master. Rou Jin.” the rooster announced.
The man, who was filled with Golden Light. The light of Tianlan. The Master of the Earth.
The Spirit stared in awe. Its ancient matrix activated, forcing out a question that though time and the slight corrosion, ended up abbreviated.
“Will you be the Emperor?”
The man stared directly at Shenguashi. He glanced at the rooster, who seemed mildly confused.
“No.” he replied.
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The last update before my break for the week. I'm a little unsure if it came out how I wanted it.
Shenguashi is intended to be a very minor character, in all honesty.
Also, world building! I really should get on a map, but the continent is huge...
Comments
jay
I see your point but i prefer monogamous relationships over polyamorous. And LanLans character just works better without a significant other, i feel like all the potential relationships put aside in favor of her growth work better.
Sarnon
I really want the spirit to eventually turn into Kongming. The idea of THE tactician being represented by a blubbering robot fussing over things not being perfect is wonderful to me.
is_dave
A Mister Meeseeks doomed to never fulfill his purpose
paul Emmer
Robert Jordan Wheel of time series it was thoughtfully done Each woman was accomplished with different skills spending time with 1 of them at a time only sexual references and they were seldom together. They chose to share Rand before he knew that my only comparison so yes it needs to be done right if at all
B L
Bargle, have you read stories that treat poly relationships with the same respect as couple relationships? That shows it's strengths and weaknesses (like if one partner passes away)? I ask this because the both of you are focusing on just Jin. You won't find much on the Asian side because it's being displaced by gross crap. If the development is organic, there is communication, there is consent, there is lots of compersion, etc; then these things can come in many forms. I've read many stories, and I think I'm seeing hints of them becoming a triad. Like, have you read the descriptions about how they playfully bump into each other, make jokes, and sit when they are together? And "I sincerely hope Jin remains monogamous." can be done in many ways. For example, he could discover he is monoamory (and by extension monogamous) during the story as a new-ish relationship doesn't quite work out. I wish we had more mundane stuff like that. But like the Yuri and Yaoi of ye old, it is dominated by power fantasy, stereotypes, male-gaze etc. All in all, it's very nice to come across a real, growing and wholesome relationship (with it's own mundane and unique quirks) that improves lives and quality of life. Sadly, I haven't seen a TV show, anime, etc that has done this yet. Maybe 40 years from now lol.
paul Emmer
So a few questions in this time period are marriages some time formed for political reasons or to formed alliances or address legal matters Did we determine what the Easter egg was Last is it possible Jin could have 3 wives the third being the lady from the trading company
Mikkel Raffnsøe Koefoed
Agreed
taukid
Don't forget about the expedition for chocolate and other exotic foods. I feel like Yun Ren and Washy will take part to expedite it and explore.
BargleNawdleZouss
Speaking only for myself, I sincerely hope Jin remains monogamous.
paul Emmer
I wonder if Jin will end up with a second wife in this volume or the next one
Seaspike
The crystal corruption, the missing memory, the feeling that there is another in the crystal, and the strange pulses that influence the thought process... a demon in there too?
Lord Felidae
Hey, how about you switch to a twice weekly schedule instead of thrice? Give yourself plenty of time to write each part, and relax and de stress without the obligation hanging over you.
paul Emmer
We will have to see on the dragon vains but I agree in principle and perhaps to return it to the atmosphere as it once was
paul Emmer
Knowledge is power and people will Argue to be in control you have to have a system to distribute the knowledge that is viewed fair by all therefore a council of some sort is probable
Carl Mason
If they spread the knowledge equally, or at least give each sect their own original stuff, why would there be any fighting? Not that there won't still be a need for an Azure Council, but likely the greatest issue is going to be sinking the dragon veins back down and renewing their supply of qi.
paul Emmer
I do think the short tem conflict will be the sets fighting over the new knowledge and fa Ram will have to step in and establish some kind of council to over see things and they may find a means to restore the qu to the reagon
paul Emmer
I wander if the spirit has been compromised
paul Emmer
He all ready said the spirit is a small character so I suspect that Bi De will go out and assess the resources he's offering the demons are already being fought so any conflicts will come later ,foxes situation is a possibility I think right now Bi De will work with the spirit to check out resources they will introduce a train system and they will go south to look for coffee or so I speculate there are a few other like maybe a crystal deposit discovery at the farm and others I missed it will be a while for any major conflicts I believe
Daniel Gesualdi
The spirit reminds me of data from star trek with some glitching... Very procedural with only slight inflections at time but very emotional y poignant.
Eric Manwill
Hello, tech support? Yeah, my enchanted crystal just crashed to desktop. Mhmm, mhmm, yeah. No, I already tried turning it off and on again. Yeah, I tried an RMA, but the warranty's expired and they don't make this model anymore.
BaguaBrady
eh? we've got the tensions with shrouded mountain when they find out he's harboring foxes. we've got the demons brewing and working from the shadows. and we've got the likelihood of imperial tensions when they find a new "Lord" of the azure hills is present. plenty of tension building
paul Emmer
The slice of life approach works. I just hope we get enough substance along the way to keep the story alive We are in for a long adventure with many little adventure planted but no major conflicts on the horizon could be concerning but let's wait and see I guess
maximilianshade
Shenguashi is intended to be a very minor character, in all honesty. -- And that's how you end up with a new fan favorite and crowds clammoring for Shenguashi to find some kind of fulfillment and contentment even if it's not in raising an Emperor.
Bobtur
« The Spirit knew it had been in stasis for a long, long time. Asleep, to prevent any degradation of itself… but it appeared that those measures had not proved wholly affected. » affected > effective ?
V01D
“proved wholly affected” - not ‘effective’?
KnightRider007
Typos: Something in the spirit’s body spasmed.It went through a hundred thousand scenarios, provided by its lord. - Missing space But this? This big? This many enemies?! This many, that would likely fight against the Azure Maountain’s ascendancy? - Mountains'
StarBat
Can't wait to it sees familiar Spirit of the earth
Demian Buckle
Thank you for the Chapter.
SuperiorFreak
Man, that poor spirit needs a hug lol. Its very purpose for existence seems keen on rejecting him at every turn.
Bunny Waffles
If this were any other story, I would be EXTREMELY worried about Shenguashi. What is essentially an AI that is clearly degraded and malfunctioning and is currently on the side of helping the protagonists whose goals don't exactly align with the AI's prime directive? I have seen/read/played enough Sci-Fi to see how THAT scenario shakes out.
Baines
ahhh I want recurring spirit hijinks
Carl Mason
What else is there to be done upon the great Fa Ram while the land sleeps but to grow Oneself and one's household?
AG
I hope Jin and Bi De can help Shenguashi overcome its programming and gain true free will
BargleNawdleZouss
Yes, I'd love to see an expanded map! Thank you for naming some more regions. Enjoy your break!
Teh One & TrueTabi
This poor spirit is gonna break itself trying to do it's directives justice.
Sean McClain
The spirit could be very dangerous I'm a round about way. Much like the threat of the paperclip AI. An ai tasked to make paperclips and so will use all resources at its disposal to make more paperclips up to and including destorying society to replace it with a paperclip focused one. This spirit has one task, get a new emperor to protect it's people and it will do whatever it takes to ensure that goal. If it needs to instigate a war and threaten the family of his most promising candidate to get him to become a war hero and thus in running for emperor, well that's just the price of doing business.
Kioras
Yeah, a programmed spirit, but one with a shackled free will. Bound to compete something that can not and likely should not be done. A failure to in the creator to understand an out of context problem. The Hills being subsumed by a righteous empire that still has the mandate of heaven. In the end the spirit will fade away, due to being broken now and also no linger being the original crystal.
KnightRider007
Ooh, looks like Bi De has been paying attention to Yun Ren’s lessons. It’s lovely to have “casual badass” moments that aren’t even combat-related.
