“No, I will not go on a mission with you,” said Xue. Her eyes left her current book to give Felix a look of disapproval. “What has got into you during your isolated training session? The first thing you do afterward is to destroy sect property and make a spectacle of yourself. Not to mention create a possible enemy and now you come to me with this nonsense.”

“Didn’t you already say that was partly your fault?” said Felix. Xue’s expression fell and Felix’s eyes began to rove the Hall of Knowledge's bookshelves. “Not that that matters of course, but is going on a mission really that crazy of an idea? It seems like many disciples are doing just that. I mean, maybe I am just reacting to how stifling closed-door cultivation was, but this does seem like an opportunity.”

“Though I will concede you can benefit from the experience, your gift makes such a risk reckless and maybe even irresponsible. I thought you were the more cautious type. Don’t tell me you want to go to one of the fronts?” said Xue.

“No, definitely not,” said Felix. “Yang Mei assured me that there were plenty of low risk missions. I figure that as long as we are careful which ones we choose, then the risk becomes much more manageable. I based that on the quality of the information we obtained at the Hall of Knowledge, which also implies that the information gathered to issue a mission is also likely reliable. At least that was my thought process.”

“Felix, danger is everywhere when you are weak.” Said Xue. “I will admit that the addition of the Clear Sky Sect has improved the veracity of such things but that still isn’t a guarantee. I would think after we were roped into that attack on the Onooka Elder you would know this. Or at least learn a little more caution.

“Maybe you are right,” said Felix. “Honestly, it was a bit impulsive to agree with Yang Mei. I was even planning to refuse. Then she brought up that you could obtain other member sect’s manuals, and well… I admit I was tempted.”

“Don’t go swallow more than you can digest Felix,” said Xue. “The Mammoth Sect aren’t good role models. Those manuals may be worth pursuing but you don’t need secret manuals to increase your general knowledge, which seems more important. At least based on how you’ve described your gift to me.”

“I get what you are saying but I actually have another problem. Do you remember those KE points?”

“Of course. Though I admit what they are, still eludes me. You said you need them to activate your gift, correct?” said Xue.

“Yes, and I am running out. If I need to be judicious then I think it is worth looking into other sect’s manuals. I know I have ones that work well together but it seems like a missed opportunity to not even check. Unless of course, the Elders can just give them to me?

“I see your point and no, the Elder can’t just give them to you. Even if they are currently leading the Martial Alliance, rewards related to a sect’s personal inheritance means politics.” Said Xue. She cocked her head for a moment and then nodded. “It seems Elder Shen agrees.”

“Is he always spying on me?” Said Felix. Xue shrugged and he let out a tired sigh. “Whatever. So, you don’t think there is any value in me leaving?”

“No, I think your arguments are fair. Even if it might be safer for the Sect to just keep you here, you will learn differently from experiencing things yourself. If you can’t use abuse your gift, then you must look toward more traditional means of gaining strength. This will be a time of accelerated growth through conflict and you won’t want to fall behind. That said, I won’t be leading you. Not only would it bring attention to you, but it would deprive you of all the benefits of going on this mission. The entire reason I left you alone after the incident earlier today was to keep the other Alliance member from realizing I was acting as your guard. I had planned to just walk with you in the open after this as your ‘friend’. That way you would just be the weirdo that was good at sucking up to people in power and not someone protected. If I go on a mission with you, then that is all thrown out the window. On the other hand, your growth will flourish more under an Essence Condenser. We can ask the elder for special permission to allow you to keep books and notes of some of the lessons you will miss. That way you can continue to develop on all fronts.”

“I guess I can see the logic in that. I want to speak to the Elder myself before I leave at some point. Oh, and speaking of Essence Condensers, have you decided what you want to do about your relationship with Everglade?”

“…We’ve actually spoken.” Said Xue.

“What? No! I was supposed to be there. Please tell me it went alright,” said Felix.

“It got a little out of hand.”

“How so?” Said Felix. He narrowed his eyes, but it was now Xue’s turn to avoid eye contact.

“It started out well. It was very awkward at first and it took us a bit before we brought it up. Then we had a disagreement.” Said Xue.

“Over what?” Said Felix.

“Who was at fault.”

“I thought you two had moved past that. Look, Xue, if you two are going to keep blaming the other then this might not work. You need to let go.”

“That’s not what happened. I told her it was my fault and she said it was her fault. We refused to back down and it got out of hand.”

Felix stared at the blush dusting her cheeks and then put his head in his hands. He took several deep breaths as Xue gave him concerned looks.

“Alright, we are addressing this bullshit right fucking now.” Said Felix.

He got up and pulled Xue to her feet. She pulled her hand out of his but followed his hurried steps to the entrance.

“Wait, you mean go see her? Like, right now?” said Xue. “I don’t know Felix, I mean, we things we can go over and there are books I should be studying.”

“Xue, we are going to talk to her, right now."

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

“No, now let's go."

-------------------------------

They moved along the paths until they reached Everglade’s dwelling. Xue began to slow as they approached the door and Felix resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He grabbed her hand and this time she didn’t slide from his grip as he pulled her to the door. A few knocks later, the door opened and revealed Everglade with an apron on. Her face lit up when she spotted Felix but then froze as she noticed Xue.

“Oh… Hello Xue.” Said Everglade.

Xue returned a stiff nod and then the two just stared at one another. Her expression became icier as Everglade’s seemed to wilt. Then they blinked as Felix clapped his hands together.

“That’s enough of that. We are addressing the elephant in the room.” Said Felix. He held a hand up as Everglade gave a questioning look. “What that means is not important right now. What is important is that you two need to just forgive each other and yourselves. I only know so much but it seems to me that the blame cannot be attributed to both of you. So, apologize. Who is going first?”

They stared at him as if he were crazy. Then Everglade puffed out her chest and stood to her full height.

“He is right Xue. We are being stupid.” Said Everglade. “I am sorry. For all the stupid things we have done and though I think it is mostly my fault, I am sorry.”

Felix watched as Xue refused to talk. Then her expression softened as tears began to form in the corner of Everglade's eyes.

“I am sorry too.” Said Xue.

“You big idiot.” Said Everglade. She wrapped Xue in a hug even though her head barely reached Xue’s chest. “Let's continue this inside.”

They both shared a smile and Felix noticed that tears had begun forming in Xue’s eyes as well. Then Everglade led the taller women into the building. Felix went to follow but the door closed in his face.

“Everglade?” Sad Felix as he gave the door a knock. “You closed the door? I need to ask you something.”

“Felix you’ve been a great help,” said Everglade through the door. “but we need a bit to talk this out amongst just us now. Thank you so much.”

…Those ungrateful bitches!

Felix turned and stalked away, not bothering to follow the path but strode downhill through the garden. Curses came unbidden to his lips and he only paused when a plant crunch under his foot. He lifted his foot and stared at the crushed golden-red flower on his sole.

I hope that wasn’t valuable… I need to calm down. Emotions getting away, again. All things considered, this a great development. Yes, I am happy that things seemed to work out.

The grumbles continued and Felix left the garden until he came to a ten meter cliff. He stared down at the path below. Then he jumped. The wind whistled past his ear and he broke his fall with [Seismic Step]. This time his foot landed on solid rock and not a face. A small jolt traveled up his bones even as tiny cracks spidered out from where he landed.

Damn, that’s pretty awesome. That’s not much damage but that was just using the technique to break my fault and not at full force. Wait, what the hell was that guy's face made of anyway? That asshole must have been a body cultivator.

The grin slowly left his face as he looked back up at the cliff above. Then shook his head and started on his way.

I’m not sure I can count on Everglade leading us now. It may be best to allow her to stay so that they can mend their relationship. But seriously, who can I ask? I really don’t know anyone. I know Martel but that’s not helpful. Cixi is the same. I suppose I could ask those two to join but… Everyone else I’ve met I barely paid attention to. That bathtub guy is probably at essence condensing or whatever the body cultivation equivalent is… Nah, fuck that guy.

“Elder Shen, are you listening?” Said Felix. “I could use your advice.”

Only the sounds of nature answered.

Typical.

“A little unusual for a disciple to call on an elder like that, isn’t it boy?”

Felix twirled to find the Clear Sky Guest Elder behind him. He stared for a moment before quickly bowing.

“Excuse my manners, Guest Elder. What can this humble disciple do for you?”

“No need to be frightened, young one.” Said the man with a smile. “I am Elder Zetsu of the Clear Sky Sect and I just had some questions for you.”

“I am not sure what someone as ignorant as myself could do for someone so grand as you.” Said Felix. “Surely my Sect’s Elders would be better suited to help you.”

“That’s just the thing, my boy. Information can be found at many sources. As a disciple, you might even provide a unique perspective that your elders would be unable to replicate.”

“Of course, Elder.” Said Felix even as sweat began to trickle down his back. “I will do everything I can to help.”

“Don’t be so dramatic boy. There are a few things weird about you but such things are below a nascent soul’s interest. There is nothing… why do you have such a powerful protective talisman?”

Then the man’s confused face darkened. Felix shrunk back until he realized the man was looking behind him. He followed the stare and turned to find an Onooka Clansman standing under a tree. The clansman’s left arm looked to be in some kind of sling, but he held one-sided sword wielded by many of his clan.

“Now, that seems a little unnecessary Elder Maun.” Said Zetsu, tugging on his mustache. “This young man and I were just about to have a nice discussion. No? I see you aren’t relenting. Quite strange for a core cultivator to be so bold. Why would that be…. Ahh, he must have been the male disciple reported to be involved in your near death. If I remember the report right, you seem to believe you owe him a debt. Then I will find the answers to my questions elsewhere. Though I am hurt that you think I would do something to our ally’s disciple and in their own sect. The very thought.”

The Clear Sky Elder put a hand over his heart. His smile of mock hurt expression faded as Onooka Elder Maun stared back with sword drawn.

“So serious. You need to be able to joke more,” said Elder Zetsu. He glanced at Felix. “I suppose we will have to have this discussion another time.”

Then he was gone. Felix turned back toward Maun to find the man had already put his sword away.

“Thank you very much for assisting me in… whatever that was.”

The blank mask stared down at him and then made a ‘come here’ motion with his hand. Then he turned and walked down the road. Felix paused and then followed.

He was led to the resident Onooka’s housing and Felix cocked his head as they entered the building.

Is that… an instrument?

Maun seemed unconcerned and Felix found the music growing louder the further they went in. They finally entered a room where the distinct figure of Daiyu sat on the floor, Zither in hand. Her fingers moved in mesmerizing patterns as the complexity grew. Despite the small size of her hands, no note combination seemed out of her reach. She didn’t appear to notice them enter as her head remained bowed.

Maun stamped a foot on the ground and Daiyu’s head snapped up as she misplayed a note. An awkward moment grew as the discordant sound lingered in the air.