A yawn and smacking of lips briefly registered on Felix’s sense. He tried to drift back to sleep but a familiar soft snore kept nudging him away from blissful oblivion and he forced open crusted eyes. Stretching languidly, he yawned and pushed his collapsed pillow fortress away.

This feels pretty nice, but how did I…? Oh yes, the soul manual. Things got a little weird there at the end. Who knew that red tasted rough? I don’t feel any different though? No. A bit clearer perhaps. Those other, ‘voices’, are a bit clearer as well but easier to ignore. Nice. Like dealing with a crying toddler when you are well-rested instead of exhausted… Man, I’ve really started to describe everything with metaphors, haven’t I?

His face morphed subconsciously as he mentally reached for the voices. It was a confusing affair, but he found himself better able to stay the course, sorting through them one by one. Some of the voices felt half-forgotten, some felt just like his own despite obviously coming from a different life, and some had much more baggage.

Wow, almost let myself be carried away by that one. At least I feel a little more in control of the ship, but it is really a mess up there. Though is this all happening in my soul since that is what my status said I’m a soul abomination? What about my brain? My memories from Earth all point to the brain being the organ where the mind exists. I think. So, is this world a hybrid of the two or is the brain a useless organ? Mmmm… Oh well, regardless this soul manual seems like a success.

Felix paused as one of the ‘voices’ that had more baggage felt more familiar than all the other voices, that also felt familiar, just less.

When did I- oh yes, in the Hall of knowledge with Everglade. That smooth operator voice. This could be useful, for research purposes of course! What is that noise!?... Oh, that could be a problem.

The cloud bed had sunk, leaving Elder Zhenzhen laying in a very undignified pose. Cloud blanket was thrown aside and she lay sprawled with her clothes slightly shed. Her appearance teasing the line between decency and indecency.

…How long have I been staring?

Felix tore his gaze away to the ceiling. He then looked back down at the elder and memorized the scene. Gritting his teeth, he looked back up at the ceiling and slightly adjusted himself.

What am I doing, am I trying to get myself killed? Damn hormones! And how is her bed hair so perfectly arranged, stupid cultivation nonsense. Oh god, what if I wake her up? Doesn’t it always go that they will misunderstand? This isn’t my fault!

His eyes slowly wandered down, lingering before he squeezed them shut.

Thinking with the wrong head man. The wrong head. This is what I get for not relieving myself, but everyone has super senses, what am I supposed to do! I thought I could just ignore the problem, since cultivation manuals are so interesting, but this isn’t fair. How are hormones even a thing in a magic world?

“Boring.” Said a voice.

Felix’s eyes snapped open and Elder Zhen’s nose was only centimeters away from his own. He screamed.

“I would have thought you would be immune to such surprises after working with the Onooka girl but Elder Shen did say you surprise easily. Still,” drawled Elder Zhenzhen, her eyes burrowing into Felix’s. “Your self-control does mean I won’t have to crush you. That would be awkward to explain to the other elders.”

Felix felt his back drenched in sweat, and he reached for the smooth ‘voice’.

“Oh good, you are awake Elder Zhenzhen. I was just reviewing the results of my training but would appreciate an expert on the subject.” Said Felix, an easy-going smile spreading across his face.

Elder Zhenzhen pouted and she mused Felix’s hair.

“Look at me getting all upset at such a diligent disciple. Projecting and all. Bad memories. Now, what do you want to know?”

“Well, basically if anything is wrong with me. I feel better but I can’t tell if it is all in my head.”

Elder Zhenzhen’s eyes went vacant for a moment. Another wave of ‘cuteness’ came but the fear made it easier to ignore. Then the elder shook her head.

“You are fine as far as I can tell.” Said Zhenzhen slowly. “Your body and qi are healthy, and I dare not try to investigate your soul directly. Maybe we can get that friend of Rong from Clear Sky to look closer. However, when I observed you cultivating, what I saw seemed like it would only benefit you. Nothing feels amiss?”

“No Elder, everything feels great thanks to your help. But I was wondering, shouldn’t it be my brain feels like this, not my soul. I don’t really understand it.”

“Felix, I don’t know where you got the idea that your brain does all the thinking but your soul becomes the true you more and more as you cultivate. When you are a mortal, it is more mixed. People who are pure body cultivators sometimes use it more and those who cultivate more unusual techniques. So everything felt right then? I can only see so much from the outside.”

Is that so… still doesn’t answer my question.

“Yes, I feel good. Things are a lot easier. Practicing the soul method did get a bit strange as it started working.”

“Strange? In what way.” Said Zhenzhen. “Did something hurt? Please describe it with as much detail as possible.”

“It is hard to describe. A lot of sensations and emotions came at once after the visualization portion of the technique started working. Even my thinking felt different. There was little coherency, however.”

“Mmm, that is likely in part due to having such low cultivation. Not only does this open you to sensations of the soul you have no experience in dealing with, but it is also to much for someone like you.”

“Like me?”

“It is like giving the same dose of medicine meant for an adult to a child. Your soul might be stronger than normal but it is nothing compared to a nascent soul. I would likely feel nothing if I cultivated the technique. Still, there could be other things at play…”

“Then, could I see your nascent soul? Maybe that would help,” said Felix

Elder Zhenzhen just stared back before blushing.

“And here I thought you weren’t trying to make a move on me. You rogue.”

“… I really just want to see your nascent soul. Maybe seeing a nascent soul will give me some insight. Thinking about, perhaps should have asked before I finished improving the book.”

“So focused on your work.” Said Zhenzhen.

She rolled her eyes but then sat cross-legged on her cloud. Then a little chubby golden hand popped out of the top of her head. Within seconds, a beautiful baby girl was floating there.

Why do I feel nervous? It is like cultivation pressure but different. Maybe soul pressure or something similar?

Felix watched warily but the baby just yawned cutely. Then the wave of cuteness hit, stronger than ever before. Felix barely fought it off, feeling like he was tossed into a sea. Clawing back into the moment, he refocused on the nascent soul to see it return a very unbaby-like wink. It slid back into Elder Zhenzhen’s head. She slowly opened her eyes and her blank expression turned back into that of a blushing maiden.

“Did that help?” Said Elder Zhenzhen. “I wouldn’t think so, but I really don’t know what to expect with your weird ‘system’. So embarrassing.”

“Not in the slightest but it was worth the shot, you have been a great help elder. I really do appreciate that you looked after as I cultivated. This soul issue has been plaguing my mind for a long time… Wait, weren’t you asleep? How did you watch me?”

“A lady never tells her secrets.” Said Elder Zhenzhen with a wink. “Now, your companions are outside wondering what you are up to. Don’t mention my presence here tonight to the others and I am entrusting Edward to you. Good luck.”

Both Elder Zhenzhen and her little cloud slowly turned invisible. Felix stared at the apparently empty space and then gave a wry smile, the smooth ‘voice’ disappearing from his grasp.

That… went as well as it could have, I suppose.

He sighed, making his wake to the door and opened it to a very concerned crowd. The silence talisman fell from the door and burst into flame at his feet.

I’m having deja vu, aren’t I? Only Edward is here this time.

“Hey everybody. what do you need?” said Felix.

“What do we need?” Said Yang Mei, taking a step closer and poking Felix in the chest. “What do you mean ‘what do we need’? We have been looking all over for you until Daiyu noticed the meeting room was locked. You could have at least informed us? I thought we discussed possibly leaving today. What happened to that?”

“I wanted to take advantage of the silent talisman to do some training in peace. I am sorry that I delayed us.”

“Were you able to make any breakthroughs?” wrote Daiyu.

“Daiyu, your arm.” Said Felix, noticing the lack of sling. “Are you better so quickly?”

She shook her head.

“No, it is still injured.” She wrote. “It will not stand up to the strenuous exertions of combat but it is good enough to be able to hold a chalkboard. I did not like the difficulty in communicating. Now, breakthroughs?”

“Well… of a kind, yes. More of an academic breakthrough, but it is a start.”

“Congratulations Felix.” Wrote Daiyu, adding a tiny smiley face.” “Now, should we leave or not?”

“Well… Do we have any missions left in the City?”

“A few,” said Cixi, pulling out and flipping through their mission list. “But there wouldn’t be too large of a penalty for not doing just those. On the other hand, they shouldn’t take too long to do.”

“Then let’s see what we can do on our way out of the City. Anything that seems like it would take too much time we can just drop. Sounds good?” said Felix. The girls nodded and Edward just shrugged. “Then let’s get out of here.”

Their four-season bears were loaded in short order and they mounted up. Felix and the four girls looked down at Edward.

“Uhhh, hey mate. Do I get one?” said Edward.

“He can ride with me.” Said Yang Mei, patting her chest. “There is more than enough space.”

Felix looked from Yang Mei to Edward’s growing smile.

“Yeah, that is not going to happen,” said Felix.

He bent down and picked Edward down by the scruff of the neck, placing him down in front of him. Then he moved his mount out of the stable, leading the group toward the city entrance.

“Why won’t you let him ride with me, Felix? He may be strong, but he is just a little kid. No reason he can’t ride with me.” Said Yang Mei.

“Think of him as a prodigy in all areas and consequently a little adult. If you still want to ride with him then fine but don’t let him take advantage of you.”

“I don’t think that is how being a prodigy works.” Said Cixi.

Felix felt an elbow jab into his gut and stared down at a pissed-off Edward.

“What the hell Felix, why discredit me like that?” whispered Edward.

“I hope you realize Edward that just speaking quietly won’t’ keep them from hearing, they are right next to us for god’s sake.”

“Who cares! Why are you making things difficult for me? I could’ve dodged but I trust you, so why?”

“If you can’t let this slide then that is a pretty disappointing flaw in your character Edward.” Said Felix. Edward just scowled harder. Felix sighed. “Is that the sort of man your little sister thinks you to be?”

“That is low, man.” Said Edward, slumping back against him. “Hey, isn’t this city a little too quiet?”

“What do you mean?”

“Look around man, there is barely anyone on the street. This is the main road, right?”

“Yes… Daiyu?”

She didn’t answer, slowly scanning their surroundings. Then she signed at him. He stared back blankly until she made a ‘hurry up’ gesture.

“Right,” said Felix. “I get the message. Let’s forget those last few missions and get a move on.”

They urged their mounts to a canter and found no one baring their way. The last few pedestrians disappeared, and Felix even heard deadbolts dropping into place. Then the sound of clashing steel sounded out and they looked down an alley to see city guards fighting with men all wearing yellow robes.

“Shouldn’t the City Lord have isolated the fighting?” Yelled Yang Mei.

“He probably tried,” Said Cixi. “Something must have tipped the Yang Family. Should we go back and hide in the guest house until this is over?”

“Screw that, let’s get out of here.” Said Felix.

A flash of light went out from behind them, and a gust of wind buffet their backs right afterward. Their mounts accelerated with no further urging and Felix looked back. Two figures stood out against the sky. The emaciated figure of the City Lord floated, silhouetted by two massive wings of light. The other stood on a spear facing him, his yellow and gold robes sparkling in the evening sun. Then they blurred, their collision sending another flash of light out followed by a second boom. They didn’t stop with that, their fighting sending out waves of light and sound through the city.

“Felix, in front!” said Yang Mei.

He wiped his head back to see a pitched battle between two groups of red guard livery and yellow Yang Family members. A familiar white feather was amongst them, fighting off three Yang clansmen.

Shit, should we help- No, he is a casual acquaintance, and we won’t like even make a difference.

Then another member of the Yang Family appeared from an alley, crashing into Captain Bai and sending both of them through the wooden wall of a cobbler's shop. Sounds of fighting continued from within, with a jet of flame blasting out several windows. The building shuddered and shook. Then it started to fall toward those fighting below.

“Come on, we need to get moving,” said Cixi.

They turned down a side road, even as the building caught those who didn’t notice in time. Seconds later, most of them exploded from the rubble only to keep fighting. Felix shook his head as the fight disappeared from view.

Cultivators really are inhuman, and I guess that applies to me as well.