Felix fought the pounding headache as he read. The recent discussion elevated his emotional dissonance above normal levels.

It’s been hours but that conversation on war is still playing in the back of my mind. Damn unruly thoughts. I need a change of pace.

Setting down a book on the benefits of multi-element techniques, he grabbed the small pile of manuals he had set aside. Each one had met his minimum standard as something worth pursuing and he laid them out in front of him.

“Xue, I want to move forward and pick my movement techniques. These are all the ones that my gift said was powerful and seemed useful. What do you think?

“All of them are good. I watched you set them aside and would have said something if I believe otherwise. Just pick them one out and try it.”

“I was hoping you could give me some insight one which to choose and what works together. You can explain your reasoning of course.”

“Fair Enough,” Said Xue. “Give me a minute to review each and I’ll tell you.”

Xue picked up the book on the left, flipping through the pages. Only occasionally would she slow down, staring at one particular passage or another in thought. Felix watched her face to try to understand what she was thinking but was only able to catch the rare micro expression.

“That should do it,” Said Xue, setting the last book down. She set aside most of the books Felix had chosen, leaving five on the table. “I would advise you to work on these. They should work well together in the long run and maybe you can combine them later.”

Nodding, Felix touched each manual and reviewed system status information.

Movement

[Shifting Sands (Mortal 1)]

Power: Weak

Comprehension: (0/50)

Stage: Qi Gathering

[Heaven’s Fulcrum]

Power: Weak

Comprehension: (0/50)

Stage: Qi Gathering

[Rooted Step]

Power: Weak

Comprehension: (0/50)

[Crushing Fruit]

Power: Weak

Comprehension: (0/50)

Stage: Qi Gathering

[Seismic Step]

Power: Weak

Comprehension: (0/50)

Stage: Qi Gathering

“Why not [Soft Earth]?” Said Felix, pointing at the discarded books. “That one seemed good. It even had the strongest rating by my gift.”

“No, that’s meant for female cultivators.” Said Xue. She eyed Felix. “Nor do you have a special physique that would allow you to take full advantage of it. Unless you plan to try and change that? If you really want to use it, I can recommend a body cultivation technique. There are some side effects…”

“Wait, what? No, no I am fine.” Said Felix. “…Wait, what are the side effect?”

“As I said, it is meant for women.” Said Xue with a laugh.

Hell no. Thought Felix.

“So, you can change your sex?” Said Felix slowly

“Cosmetically, certainly. Foundationally? Maybe. Few things are impossible for those determined enough. Now, let’s focus. These five manuals should be a great starting point. The [Shifting Sands] technique is a more traditional movement technique and what you should focus your gift on first. The second two are more akin to support movement techniques while the last two are actually attack methods.”

“Maybe we can combine them so I can upgrade them all at once?” Said Felix.

“We can try that after you have become an expert in all three but making a truly cohesive technique is harder than that. When you make a new technique, you want it to be more than the sum of its parts. We will see what we can do as you grow in strength and we become more familiar with your gift.”

“Oh.” Said Felix. “I guess that makes sense. Why do you think these five in particular would be good together?”

“Well, all but [Crushed fruit] are based on concepts of earth so it should make it easier for you to squeeze the maximum potential out of them considering your cultivation method. This also means that it will be easier to blend them.”

She reached out a finger to tap on each manual as she talked about them.

[Shifting Sands] is in many ways similar to many water and wind movement techniques. It is not focused on speed or efficiency, but the ability to react to changes in a battle, allowing a cultivator to dodge. Like sand, your movements will keep going until you find a stable position and lead your opponent to a poor one. If you master it, then you will not only to doge but position yourself into positions in which you are able to counterattack.

[Heaven’s fulcrum] is a weird movement technique because it doesn’t focus at all on actually allowing you to move more than a meter.

“…What? I skimmed that one, but it had some pretty complicated footwork from the diagrams I saw.

Xue nodded. “It was built by a cultivator that hated the idea of retreat yet knew he would encounter those more powerful than him. This technique is all about using your legs to support the rest of you. Using it, you become the fulcrum by which you redirect your opponent’s technique. The [Rooted Step] technique is designed to allow you keep your footing. These three together should help you react and respond with strength.

“However, you should start with just [Shifting sands], it is one that is actually focused on moving. More importantly, the other two put great strain on the body. In fact, I would not recommend them at all for someone who does not plan to be a body cultivator. So, once you pick out a body cultivation technique, you can train them as well.”

“Do all those work well with my Ragnarök technique?” Said Felix.

“There is synergy there. Well maybe… I will have to think about that. Your technique is a little weird. Manifestation outside the body is less common in manuals that can work for an essence gathering cultivator. So, it is weird…. However, it does not clash. We will find you a sword technique that works but for now, just use basic sword methods for a foundation.

“Okay

Standing up, Xue pushed the tables in the rooms against the shelving. She paged through the book then closed her eyes for a moment.

“I will just show [Shifting Sand]. If any of the others go wrong in here, I would get in trouble. Though my cultivation prevents me from properly performing [Rooted Earth] and [Seismic Step] anyway.”

“Wait, wait, wait. Why can’t you use those, and you can do the others.”

“Well, my cultivation pretty much makes it so that my body is meant to use qi in extremely specific ways. Crushing fruit on the other hand is a technique that just requires a strong body.”

Then she moved.

Felix strained his eyes trying to follow her. She stayed relatively in a two-meter area but she kept making direction changes, yet her movements somehow misled where he thought she was going to go. About a third of the steps appeared to be a microstep, one foot only barely in front of the other. Then she retreated, and Felix blinked as some of her backpedaling resembled moonwalking. A few minutes later she stopped and gave Felix a raised eyebrow.

“So, did you get any of that.”

Felix stared at her feet as he combed through the memory.

No.

“A little.” Said Felix. “But could you do it again?”

They stared at one another and then Xue shook her head.

“No, let’s have you study it in depth first.” said Xue. “I will work with you on it, so you don’t have to spend a point on it. Hopefully, that will work.”

Xue took a seat to his left and they began combing through the manual.

She was merciless. Felix asked questions as soon as he was confused and then Xue began to quiz his understanding when he seemed unsure.

She showed off the technique again, describing each step as she went. He would then attempt, to sometimes embarrassing results. Hours later it finally clicked, and he was able to perform each movement.

“You know,” Said Xue. “You might have some talent beyond your gift.”

Felix grinned and brought up his system status for the technique.

[Shifting Sands (Mortal 1)]

Power: Weak

Comprehension: (50/50)

Stage: Qi Gathering

Nice! Though it would have been so much easier just to use my gift. I was able to use the technique at a lower proficiency way before I reached 50/50. Thank goodness for Xue’s help. I bet it would have taken me days at least to reach that alone.

He focused away from the prompt to Xue’s indifferent yet somehow expectant face.

“I think that did it Xue.” Said Felix. “It now has me at fifty out of fifty.”

“Fantastic.” Said Xue, flashing a brilliant smile. “It is interesting since your application of the technique still left a good amount to be desired. Your usage shows you understand it but people you truly level in a technique often bring them to a higher height than wants written on the paper. Maybe we can have you examine someone who has done so at some later point. Now start your improving thing.”

“Do you want to watch?” Said Felix.

“Of course, I do. I didn’t do all that work for nothing. Taking advantage of a weak Fairy is rude.” Said Xue.

Felix gave her a raised eyebrow and shook his head.

Weak Fairy my ass.

He took out a stack of fresh paper, a brush, and initiated the improving process for 1 KE. Xue watched from over his shoulder as he fell into the weird state, writing improvements and muttering to himself. An hour later, a notification appeared in his mind’s eye.

[Shifting Sands (Mortal 2)]

He put down the pen and massaged his hand.

“So, what do you think?” Said Felix.

“I have to admit, I was expecting some flash of light. Though the improvement is a thousand times more impressive than some spectacle. There were a number of areas improved in these writing.” Said Xue. Her eyes scanned over his notes again. “Does it feel like you hit a wall? You did say that at some point you thought you didn’t know enough to get the most out of an improvement.”

“Nope, I didn’t feel like that at all. I felt more like I was part of the process the whole time. It took me a number of uses of my gift before that feeling became apparent.”

“Well,” Said Xue. “If it is based on your own knowledge, that point of diminishing returns will be different depending on the technique. I wonder what would happen if you tried to improve one you knew little about, like a water technique. How far do you want to go tonight?”

Felix reached up and tiredly rubbed his face.

Mm, feels like I’ve grown a bit of stubble. Looks like this body is going to have to deal with facial hair.

“I can keep going as long as you can.” Said Felix. “Oh, you are a Core cultivator… Right. I mean, I can go for a bit longer. Let’s push it as far as we can. I really want to see what I can with this movement technique.

Felix nodded and started again.

[Shifting Sands (Mortal 3)]

[Shifting Sands (Mortal 4)]

…

…

…

From a Gnarled body, Elder Akeno watched The Dragon Spear Elder stare with anger at the Hidden Badger Sect’s representative.

Having to watch this fight of half truth and shifting alliances is why I hate politics. As the strongest you would think I would be able to be above such things but no. Instead I must play referee. Watching on as core and nascent souls squabble like children. Ahh, if only it was like the old days where we could rob and kill them. Better times, better times.

A silence descended as everyone turned to look at him. Even the other Thousand Season elders were giving him a weird look. Except for Elder Jin, whose look was accusatory instead.

Oops, a little killing intent slipped out. I really am getting sloppy.

Elder Akeno gave a calming wave of his hand and their guests slowly began talking again.

Better to pretend like there was a deeper purpose. Quite embarrassing.

With an inward groan, he refocused on the argument at hand.

“I say we just rush them all at once and finish the matter.” Said the Hidden Badger Sect Elder. “At some point you just need to show the world you aren’t to be messed with. When the combined might of the Central region comes screaming down on their forward forces, then the rest will get the message.”

“Fellow Daoist Lok,” Said the Dragon Spear Sect Elder. “No one wants to play the fool. It isn’t like we can’t benefit from this situation as long as we play our cards right. Not every organization is full of cowards like yours.”

Daoist Lok opened his mouth but stopped as mutters of agreement sounded out. Lok’s expression turned red with rage, but he remained silent.

Idiotic core level cultivator. Thought Elder Akeno.

The Dragon Sect Elder turned to face Thousand Season Sect Elder Harold.

“Well, we have debated the topic for long enough. We have already made some preliminary arrangements with the outlying organization of the central region as is only prudent, however those are only temporary measures. We must coordinate if we expect to weather this. Even though Elder’s Loks strategy is not the best, it is true that there is strength in numbers. Though, if our amazing hosts led the charge, then his suggestion might work. What say you, Elder Harold, will you show us the might of your sect?.”

Elder Akeno resisted the urge to roll his eyes as he brother Harold’s eyes narrowed

Then we have this nonsense. I am not sure what he gains from this move...

“Oh, Longwei” Said a cute voice. Then Elder Zhenzhen flew in through a window on her cloud, her adorable face drawing everyone’s focus. “Weren’t you claiming that your sect was going to be fine alone when you first came here. What was it? That ‘No one would dare challenge a flood dragon’? Well mighty flood dragon, if your sect is so strong, how about we plan for you to take the vanguard? I will promise that my brother and sisters will be right behind you.”

A wave of stifled laughs sounded out and Dragon Spear Elder’s expression withered.

“Ah, of course, Fairy Zhenzhen.” Said the Longwei. “My sect would love such an honor, but I will of course bow to the wisdom of the Thousand Season Sect. Your sect would surely be fair to everyone.”

Ahh, precious Zhenzhen. You are such a menace. It is truly satisfying when you employ it to help us instead of us.

Elder Zhenzhen did not respond and just stared cutely back. A few of Dragon Spears sect rivals grinned as the man began to shift nervously.

Well, can’t push him too far.

Elder Akeno rapped the table with a knuckel and a little killing intent. Many in the room tensed but Longwei gave Elder Akeno a grateful look.

“I am sure our friend Longwei was just voicing a suggestion, little Zhenzhen.” Said Akeno. “And it is true that we must coordinate better if we hope to weather this storm, as I believe many of you still underestimate the severity of our current situation.”

The representatives only returned confused looks. Finally, Elder Lok of the hidden Badger Sect spoke up again.

“Surely this is just a classic grab for land resources, Senior Akeno. I mean, similar things have happened in the past and land changes hands. There are too many forces at play for either the kingdom or the empire to push us too far. Assuming they don’t trounce us, of course.”

Elder Akeno looked toward the Nascent soul representative from Clear Sky Sect. Beneath bushy grey eyebrows, lively blue eyes met his own. Then there was a flash of light and the Clear sky sect Elder was standing in the center of the room. He adjusted his bronze spectacles, the pointless affectation making some eyes roll.

“I assume everyone is aware of the coup in the kingdom that has allowed their nobles to make temporary peace with the Empire.” Said the Clear Sky Elder. He waited as nods around the room affirmed his statement. “So that’s how they ended up working together but not the why. We are not sure if there is some auxiliary resource they hope to gain in these lands, but we do know they are pushing for resources as well as the stimulation of war. The ultimate goal being global hegemony.”

The room went silent and then a snort from the rotund Mammoth Sect elder sounded out.

“Oh please, the fruits of conflict are great but there are still the undisputed sects and clans on our planets. They may have gone into seclusion, but they have elders above the nascent soul realm with legacies to match. No one can make up that gap without insane good fortune.”

“Of course.” Said the Clear Sky Sect. “I am sure you all remember the war from only a few decades ago though. The one about the elemental causeway?”

Nervous glances were exchanged among many prescient.

Who can blame them. The battle for control of an elemental causeway is always fierce yet that one somehow spread to every inch of the globe.

“Well,” Said the Clear Sky Elder, a small grin appearing beneath his bushy mustache. “It appears that loss was even worse for those sacred Sect and Clans than we were led to believe. In fact, we just finally confirmed that their last expert above nascent soul died.”

“So, if there was any time for the hands of fate to shift it is now. Those undisputed rulers have decided to isolate to protect themselves. They are no doubt pushing their next generation to the brink, in hopes of going from carp to dragon once again. The kingdom and the Imperials seem to have both decided that in order to catch up to that level of inheritance, they need not only the resources and collected fate of a large source but.” And he looked around, meeting many people's eyes. “To utilize the grindstone of war.”

“Madness,” Said the giant elder from the Mammoth Sect. “It is well known that in the absence of a true inheritance and treasures, conflict is consistently the best creator of experts. Yet once you reach the level of an organization, any conflict on the size you are describing is gambling with fire. The nobles of the kingdom are historically selfish, rarely risking their own skin and stewing in the accomplishments of their ancestors. The empire is a little better, happy to maintain the façade of law and order even though only immortality is the only goal truly worth pursuing.”

“Ahhh,” Said the Clear Sky Sect Elder. “But that is why the imperials were hoping to force the thousand Season sect to remain inactive. With so much of the region's power tied up, they would have had a much safer grindstone.”

The room descended into silence as representatives began to exchange speculative looks. Elder Akeno hid a smile as the representative closest to the Kingdom and Empire blanched. The pressure became clear as the silent discussion through transmission turned to mutter and then to arguing.

Losing their cool already? Disappointing.

“So, what do we do?” Said a small voice from the back. The talking stopped as all turned to look at the representative from a small sect. The low level core cultivator wilted under the intensity.

And now they turn on their own in their worry. Though elder Akeno. He glanced across the room to exchange a look with Elder Harold. Ugh, I really didn’t want to have to go down this route but even I can see that these idiots will never work together at this rate. You better be right, brother.

Once again, Elder Akeno released his killing intent.

“It is simple.” Said Elder Akeno, standing and meeting the eyes of each representative. “We will rise to the occasion. If those inbred bastards in the Kingdom or arrogant fools in the Empire think they can become Hegemons, well, then why can’t we? We will see who the grindstone is. Of course, if we wish to do this, we need to be smart. Therefore, the thousand Season Sect is proposing that we make this corroboration official. Let us forge a Martial Association and show those fools who will be king.”

They stared at him like he was an idiot, brutal killing intent forgotten. Then the room erupted in voices.