Felix let the brush fall to the table and stretched his stiff hand. Even as he tried to massage the cramping away with his other hand, he stared down at the fruits of his labor in satisfaction.

Whew, that took me a bit, but I was still able to finish tonight. Hopefully, they don’t wonder why the manuals aren’t even bound together and are clearly freshly written.

His eyes glanced at the floor, seeming to pierce through the floor to his friends below.

I doubt the kids will think to ask. Failing that, if they are smart enough to figure it out then they will also be smart enough not to look a gift horse in the mouth. Man, I really wish I could see through the floors?

He moved to massage his forehead and found a surprising amount of tension there.

Come on me, the truth is that you are just trying not to focus on your discussion with Everglade. I can’t believe she rushed her cultivation like that just to keep up. It’s not like the concept of a person’s foundation being important is a secret. Though I don’t feel like I truly understand what a stable foundation means exactly. Hopefully, a better manual will fix whatever issue Everglade caused for herself.

Almost tenderly, he laid a hand atop each stack of papers.

[Ebony Bones (Mortal 10)]

Power: Weak

Comprehension: Intermediate (20/20)

Stage: Essence Saturation

[Mountain of Stone (Mortal 10)]

Power: Weak

Comprehension: Intermediate (20/20)

Stage: Essence Gathering

I’ve spent 18 points total yet I still wasn’t able to get them to average power. That will have to be enough for now though. That leaves me with 105 KE points for other things. Maybe I should discuss with Xue if there are any popular manuals I should upgrade for the sect. Like, maybe one for each element or weapon. The question is then, how much do I need to study each type to make it worth upgrading?

Absently his hand reached down and finger the most current version of [Heavenly Earth] that peaked out of the bag at his waist.

Or should I continue only to upgrade manuals for those I have a more personal connection to? If I had a quest to that effect, I would just do it but I don’t… Maybe I’ll continue to just help those who help me.

Stuffing all the extra notes away, he picked up each new manual. He made his way down and began to hear the voices of three bickering children as he neared the 3rd floor. Upon noticing his arrival, they stopped in near synchronicity and gave him hopeful stares.

This feels kind of good. Oh, Yang Mei is giving me the same look. Xue still hasn't looked up from her book but I’ll take it.

“Well, you two,” Said Felix, waving the two manuals back and forth. “Stop staring and come get these two manuals. Go find a quiet place to study on another floor. If you have any questions, come find me.”

The two bolted over even as Chu’s face fell. They nearly stumbled over themselves in their haste bowed and then accepted the books. Felix watched them run up the stairs and shook his head. Turning back, he pulled out [Heavenly Earth].

“Now Chu, don’t look so glum. I want you to try the same manual I am using. You’ll have to share it with Yang Mei however since there is only one copy currently.”

“Senior, I- Thank you.” Said Chu.

“I hope you live up to my expectation. Now take the manual and begin memorizing it. I will need it back later. Now go on. I need to talk to Yang Mei but she’ll join you shortly.”

Chu bowed and clutched the manual to his chest. Felix pretended not to notice the boy’s tears as he ran up the stairs.

“So, what did you want to say?” said Yang Mei. She looked at the now empty stairs. “You know, you really didn’t have to do this for us. I mean, I am sure I could have found a good manual that would have worked. It's not like I will be able to keep up with both body cultivation and dantian cultivation. We can’t all be like Senior Xue.”

Right, she also doesn’t know of my gift.

“Xue made some improvements that I believe may make it a little more feasible. I hope you will be pleasantly surprised.” Said Felix

He suddenly found himself lifted from the floor in a hug that made a few of his vertebrae pop. Yang Mei let him back down, her face turning red.

“I- um, sorry. I’ll just go find Chu and begin studying.” Said Yang Mei.

I was not expecting that. You would think she would be less comfortable with physical contact if she had such low self-esteem.

“So…” Said Xue, catching his attention. “are you ready to focus on yourself? You shouldn’t let yourself become so embroiled in the matters of others. That can come back to haunt you.”

“Aren’t you just unhappy that it isn’t your manual that’s been upgraded?” Said Felix. He found a seat opposite her and returned a raised eyebrow.

“Part of cultivation is proper time and resource management.” Said Xue. “You should apply this logic to your gift as well. Social concerns will not give the same returns as staying focused on what matters.”

He searched her eyes, letting the silence hang.

While I disagree, I feel like this is a projection of thoughts on a certain mutual acquaintance. Not the Segway I was hoping for.

“Well, I am not sure I agree fully with that piece of wisdom even if there is some truth to it. Look, how about we just focus on upgrading my body cultivation manual, okay?”

A pressure seemed to descend as Xue held his gaze. A chill traveled up his spine as he remembered ice crusted corpses and frozen blood scattered like red stars on a white sky. She waved her hand between them and the moment was gone.

“Sorry about that Felix. My thoughts were elsewhere. Now, let's go over [Pillar of the Earth].” Said Xue. She plopped the rather large manual down between them. “I’ve listed my own insights and suggestions as well. They may give your gift something to work with.”

Felix accepted the stack of notes and paged through them.

Just a few suggestions and improvements she says. It's nearly a manual in and of itself.

Felix delved into the text. Xue remained at his side and answered each question he had. After an hour, he set the book down and met Xue’s eyes.

“Thanks again for helping me, Xue. I have been wondering though, why did you advise this manual? I understand why you coordinated it with those other techniques, but I am still not sure if that is reason enough.”

“Do you understand why this manual is called [Pillar of the Earth]? “ Said Xue.

“Because the author wanted an impressive title,” said Felix.

“Oh, a little hubris can be seen in many cultivators' actions. No, you should be paying attention to the word pillar. This body cultivation method doesn’t specialize in regeneration or speed. In fact, it is one of the more balanced methods we have for Earth attributed qi but it does have one goal. Creating a body that can bear the burden of power.”

“Wait, so it just makes the body durable? I mean, I sort of expected that from an earth body cultivation manual, but I want to be able to do more than take a beating. I would think speed would be more important. Why take a hit when you can just dodge?”

“No, that’s not it.” Said Xue. “Forgive me but I am having a hard time putting this into the right words. The entire point of this manual is to allow someone’s body to be strong not only to external stress but internal as well. It is more about withstanding one’s own power. Honestly, it is really a silly technique if you just body cultivate. With your circumstances though, we don’t know what sort of powers you may have to withstand. Therefore, creating a body that is designed not to fall to your own power seems prudent.

“Wow, I can appreciate the thought process. That does seem wise.” Said Felix, stifling a yawn. “How late is it?”

“It is a couple of hours till dawn.” Said Xue.

“Wow, time flew by. I guess we can see what I can do with this manual tomorrow. Thanks again for your help.”

Felix was stopped as a cool hand grasped his own. He turned confused eyes on Xue.

“Xue,” said Felix. “Is there something else you need? Wait, do you think I should just stay up and keep going?”

“What did Everglade say?” Said Xue.

Felix’s face fell and he slowly sat back down.

I was really hoping to have more time to think over a plan of attack.

She searched his face until he nodded.

“You haven’t breached the topic yet?” Said Xue. “I suppose that makes sense. I can’t believe I told you about it and it will probably-“

Felix cut her off with a raised hand and a shake of his head. Running that hand through his hair, he avoided her eyes.

“It did come up Xue. In fact, she opened up nearly as quickly as you did.”

“Oh,” said Xue quietly. “What did she say?”

Sorry Everglade, this is for your own good.

“Well, as far as I can tell, it is a version of inferiority complex.”

“A what?” Said Everglade. “wait, do you mean she is jealous? Is that what that is?”

Inferiority complex isn’t a common term here?

“Well, classically that is how it plays out. But I don’t think that’s the case here.”

Xue gave him an uncertain look.

“I think she doesn’t want to be a burden.” Said Felix

“A what?” said Xue.

“Xue, you know how you have high standards? That you are a very driven and talented individual?”

“Of course.” Said Xue. “I will make my goals a reality.”

“Well, what happens when one person tries to be with someone with a vastly different cultivation? My understanding is that you either give up or do something desperate.”

“What are you implying?”

“Xue,” said Felix slowly. “She has only been trying to keep up and failing, despite breaking through when she shouldn’t. Honestly, she has come pretty close to injuring herself with her poor foundation.”

Xue's expression turned shocked and then horrified.

“I, I never realized. I just thought- and then I told her. Oh…”

Xue slowly stood up and actually wobbled. Felix stood to balance her but with a gust of cold wind she was already at the door. She looked back but she didn’t seem to really see him.

“Thank you again Felix. I- I need to think this over. I will see you tomorrow.”

Then she disappeared, a few frozen snowflakes appearing and disappearing in her wake.

Xue greeted Felix with only a nod the next day. He watched her expression as they walked to the lecture pavilion, but it was icy as the day he first saw her.

Really can’t get a read on her.

He searched himself to put body language into a better context. A feeling of loneliness resonated as he suddenly saw her through a certain lens and he stumbled.

Whoa… I think this part of me comes from a small child. Weird, I wouldn’t expect that to give me an edge on seeing body language since kids are observant but that was something else. Why can’t this be easier to manage?

Felix focused back on Xue and finally picked up the tension in her body and how she angled it. The placement of her hands and the briskness of her walk stood out.

Well, there is tension there. I guess there really is a difference between seeing and seeing. I- I suppose I’ll give her more time.

Once they reached the lecture pavilion, she gave him a nod and left without a word. Sighing, he made his way through the crowd finding Cixi and the trio. The boys’ were indifferent to all around them as they talked. They only stopped for a moment to turn bloodshot eyes toward Felix and thank him again. Then they began discussing again.

Wow, did they stay up all night reading? I have to admire their work ethic. Maybe delaying them became a motivator.

His eyes shifted away from the silent Cixi, her eyes lost in thought. She slowly played with the ring on her finger as she mumbled words he couldn’t hear.

Nice to see someone else who gets lost in their own thoughts. I’m totally normal. Self-confirmation bias is always right.

He took a seat next to her and waved to get her attention.

“Will Martel be joining us Junior Cixi?” Said Felix.

“He said he didn’t need it. Something about being too virtuous.” Said Cixi. “What is this class really about? I have a hard time believing that any sect would have something called… shameless class.”

“Well, it looks like we are about to find out.” Said Felix and pointed toward the stage with his eyes.

She followed his gaze to see Elder Shen landed in the middle of the stage. The elder stopped and closed his eyes, ignoring all around him as his breathing slowed. A minute later his eyes snapped open and he surveyed those before him.

“Excuse my moment of self-indulgence, young ones. It is good to take the time to be in the right mindset when you have time when doing important things. And I assure you all, this class is just as important as the others.”

He took on a serious expression and his dark eye slowly stopped wandering, syncing up with his golden eye.

“Now, I assume you five have heard that this class is called ‘Shameless Class’, correct?” said Elder Shen. A smile appeared on his face for a moment as a few disciples laughed. “Yes, yes, it really is a bit ridiculous for a sect to have a class that could be described as that. One might say it is shameless. Honestly, if some of my fellow elders would agree, it would be officially named that instead of ‘Practicalities of being a cultivator.’”

Elder Shen's finger snapped out and pointed at Chu.

“Disciple Chu, what does the General Cultivation and Body Cultivation class teach you.”

Chu’s bleary eyes opened wide and stared back dumbly. Elder Shen smiled down as the boy

“I can see someone has been pushing themselves in their studies. I’ll let you off today but remember that maintaining a good condition is important. Pushing yourself too far when training, especially when you are still a mortal, can actually hurt more than it helps.” Said Elder Shen. “I suppose I should just lecture and not ask. The other classes teach you about how you should cultivate and how you should interact with the world. General Cultivation and Body Cultivation classes are about yourself. Morality and Diplomacy are about the world. Well, we don’t limit ourselves when actually teach the class but that is a pretty good way to look at them.”

Elder Shen’s eyes turned skyward and Felix almost swore he could hear Buddhist chants in the background.

This is the kind of atmosphere I saw on him the first day. I forgot about that…. At least before he opened his mouth.

“This class, on the other hand, is all about realizing that those lessons are idealistic bullshit.”

Felix's mouth dropped open even as the older disciples shared knowing looks. Cixi slowly raised her hand. Elder Shen gave her an encouraging nod.

“Yes, disciple Cixi?”

“Elder, how can you say that? I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but morality and etiquette help make us cultivators of dignity. I haven’t attended the General cultivation class or Body cultivation class, but I heard they give a good foundation for the journey of cultivation. Why would you criticize them?”

“Ahhh, young Cixi. Those classes are all ideals. They contain good information but if you only follow what you learn in those lessons, you will become divorced from the realities of the world.”

Her face remained puzzled.

“Disciple Cixi,” said Elder Shen. “The world of cultivation is not a place of black and white. Well, not just black and white. You must understand that it is more complex than that. Those four lessons are your Elder's attempt to organize and pass on our knowledge to you. By dividing them into four classes we make them digestible. This class is aimed to reconnect you to the real world.”

“So, we should ignore what is right and wrong. Lose respect for others?” Said Cixi. “We do such things because it makes us better. Even if the whole world is covered in mud, must we become pigs?”

Elder Shen grinned showing pearly white teeth. His hand on his left turned dark and closed the distance to flick her on the forehead.

“That is for not raising your hand. No, the most important goal of this class is to make sure you are not blind to what is.”

“I suppose that makes sense. Sort of,” Said Cixi slowly, rubbing her forehead. “But how does that at all apply to what we learn in the two cultivation classes?”

“I hope you will see that for yourself as the lectures progress. Now, let’s start with lesson one, ‘try to understand when you can be shameless and even more importantly when someone else might be shameless’. The second part of that is extremely important for you disciple Cixi.”

Cixi raised her hand again.

“Seems you are clearly saying we should be shameless as well. It sounds to me like you are simply using sophistry to justify immoral action.” Said Cixi. “As cultivators, we should hold ourselves to a higher standard.

Elder Shen’s face lost all joviality and the atmosphere seemed to change.

“Sounds like the rambling of the weak,” said Elder Shen, his voice cold and cruel. “Disciple Cixi, for committing heinous acts against the sects and the heavens, you are kicked out of the sect.”

Cixi’s mouth dropped open and then turned lost. The tension built but then the elder’s expression cracked. His chortle ranged out and the mood relaxed completely.

“Sit back down and close that mouth, you aren’t kicked out,” said Elder Shen. Cixi slowly sat but glared at the still chuckling monk. “That was lesson number 36, “The narrative is not necessarily the truth and usually determined by the victor’. As you just experienced, using my superior strength and position, I was able to rewrite the situation to discredit you. Now it is much more effective if I can control the witnesses, but the point still stands. This is a perfect example of why you need to learn these things. Even if you don’t employ it yourself, by understanding it you would be better able to plan and react. If you truly plan to not become a pig, you must understand what mud is.”

Cixi’s expression eased and she tapped her ring as she became lost in thought.

“Elder,” said Felix. He received a tap on the forehead. Raising his hand, he continued talking. “Surely someone wouldn’t damage their reputation by so blatantly making something up.”

“Ahh, that would be lesson number 18, ‘Your reputation is everything and nothing.’ It all depends. Can it spread? Do they already have a bad reputation anyway? Is it only mortals listening, or will their deeds reach the ears of a pissed off immortal? Do they even care about the consequences of their actions?”

“Elder Shen,” said Cixi, her eyes focused again and hand raised. “Your description of it makes it seem like being shameless is the same thing as being a bad person.”

The monk rubbed his chin.

“There is a difference. Shamelessness ends up being more about deciding yourself what you will feel shameful for. Or at least what shame you will act on. Honestly, only some of the lessons in this class we insist you follow. For example, we expect you to almost always follow lesson 72, ‘Waste not, Want not.’ Now I want you all to reflect on this. Consider it and try to see-“

Elder Shen stopped and cocked his head.

“It looks like they’ve finally come to a decision. All of you should gather at the medicine pavilion.”

Then he was gone. The disciples burst into discussions as people got to their feet.

“So Cixi,” said Felix. “What do you think now of the shameless class?”

“… I’m not sure.” Said Cixi. “Though I must admit I appreciate the new perspective on things. It does explain things that occurred back home.”

“How so?” Said Felix

“Well, many of my father’s… customers did things that confused me. It was improper and sometimes evil. Yet my father still dealt with them. It just puts some of the things he said about them in perspective.” Said Cixi. She let out a little laugh. “It also makes me feel somewhat like a fool. I never understood how people could be so… so… well, shameless.”