《Journey of a Mage》Chapter 12 - The Bai Clan (Unedited)

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Well, the boy's determined at least. He may not be the best student I've every had the opportunity to teach, mainly due to his consistent whining; which could really do with a fix. But at least he learns well, speaking of which, "How many times have I told you, Henry, keep your legs apart and back straight while on the move, doing anything less than what I've shown to you will completely throw off your form whenever you use basic techniques! " I yell to Henry from atop the carriage, who was currently running around the place, attempting to keep a perfect balance and not fall over whenever I call for him to execute a technique.

The results so far haven't been very good. But, it's only been a few hours since the sun has risen, so there's still some time left in the day for potential improvement.

Otherwise, “Talon!” It's just a matter of time till he improves. Case in point, looking at him now, it would seem that his body has more or less got the basic movements carved into itself. Now all he needs to do is gradually correct any little mistakes that his body naturally finds since every person's stance is slightly different to each other; since the body naturally finds any adjustment it needs to make which then make the stance more comfortable and easier to use. 'Thud' Though it seems he still needs to learn how much power is acceptable to put into his attacks since, as of this moment he's just going to keep getting dirtier and dirtier.

With attempt number twenty finished, it's about time for him to meditate on his training so far. Normal I'd wait a few more hours, but it seems that his body is ready to beginning adjusting the stance to fit Henry's movement. That and to see if he can figure out how much power he should be putting into each of his attacks. It's a long shot but I've seen crazier things these past few days.

So, after directing Henry to meditate inside the carriage, I bring up the carriages activation tool and set the speed to the highest. Not long after the carriages speedily departure, I could feel the familiar movement of Henry's Qi, which I've been monitoring every since I took duel ownership of Henry's training time.

His situation's not as bad, or weird, as when I first observed that chaotic Qi that was marauding throughout his body. Thankfully, I got to train him before all his Qi managed to escape his Dantian and enjoy it's new found freedom inside Henry's body. I can't imagine what would have happened. Especially for a person having so much Qi in them before they had even attempted the body circulation phase.

Which brings me back to thinking about William. What a peculiar person. I have no doubt that William kick started Henry's path to martial arts, but the way he did so, is absurd. I mean what kind of person forces the Qi into a developing trainees body and not even fully help them to contain and release any excess Qi they gather. I guess it's a relief that Henry's Dantain developed as quick as it did, despite the massive age gap that he has; compared to most other kids who begin their training around the age of ten.

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But his growth does concern me, since whatever William used to kick-start Henry's training is probably still in him, and this has the potential to cause irreparable damage to Henry's future.

Huh, I'm beginning to believe more and more about my theory on William possible origins. Since compared to the ancient spirits that most of the notable clans and sects back home have, it seems more plausible that William came from a secluded organisation. An organisation with whom other people had problems with due to the experiments that they were doing. If that's the case I can only hope Henry doesn't get drawn into Williams mess.

While I was lamenting Henry's potential future loss, I, unfortunately, didn't detect Williams approach, “Ramaze!” he shouted in my ear. I have to be thankful to whoever created this armour. Since it effectively stopped that bastard from seeing me jump in surprise.

Though it's my own fault really, think of the mogwai too much and the mogwai will find you. Hopefully, he doesn't want or need much. Might as well bite the sword and see what he wants. But first, “If you haven't noticed William, I'm extremely busy operating this carriage,” and supervising Henry's improvement as well. But as if you care about those types of things. “So whatever it is you want can you leave it for later, especially if it means I have to stop the carriage.”

But alas, William's cheery response spells doom for my peace and quite, “Well good thing this won't affect your work then. Especially since talking doesn't stop the carriages device from working once it's set in place, right?”

Huh, this is going to be a long day isn't it, “Well what is it you wanted to talk about then?” Hopefully, I can get rid of you quickly since I really don't feel safe being around you.

Still using his cherry persona, he starts by asking a surprising question, “Can the Rising Lotus Sect be trusted?” I'll admit I'm not sure myself, however, William won't be able to know this piece of information.

So I can only answer him to the best of my abilities, in my normal indifferent tone of voice. “There one of the most, if not the most, trusted sects in the entire land. It's pupils and elders travel the land far and wide, discovering ancient secrets/techniques and formulas. They bring peace to many mortal nations, still fighting in barbaric ways for bits of land that'll only give them some comfort to the coming darkness.” All the while stealing the profits of Qi stones mined from the subservient nations and crippling any chance they have of raising their own martial artists.

But there's nothing I can do. I hate this script speech I'm forced to spew every time the bloody Lotus sect is brought up. Hopefully, William doesn't believe that bullshit, since it's defiantly a stretch to call any of them good. Hell, even Jituan conglomerate is more trustworthy than them.

But raging in my head won't get me anywhere, especially since my attention is brought back by another of William's question. Though this time in a slightly less cheerful tone. “What can you tell me about the place that I and Henry will be attending? Anything useful that you know of it?”

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Hmm, “Not much. All I can tell you,” And can, “Is that it's on the border of multiple kingdoms. The one we're currently in is the Verworfen Kingdom; Henry's home country. The portal we used was directly linked to the one in the Royal forest, some hundred miles out from the capital city. Your placement is another four hundred miles out to said borders. I even heard it being called a place of serene landscape, far away from civilisation.” Oh, how you'll love it there for the first few months.

“Ha ha ha ha ha.” Unexpectedly, this seemed to bring out a laughter from William. “Oh, Ramaze. Serene landscape and far away from civilisation. This sounds like the ideal place for me to stay with Henry, while I solve the whole forced conscription issue.” Okay. Note to self, avoid William once we get to our destination, I think he may be a bit insane.

“Oh, tell me about that girl who forc-offered us our new positions and her crimson uncle.” Well, I'm surprised it took you this long to ask me. Then again, should I really be surprised coming from this maniac, I've seen a number of weird things theses past days maybe it's just another one of his elaborate plans?

“That girl is called Bai Lihua and her uncle is called Bai Gang. Both come from the influential Bai family and many of their members often enter the Rising Lotus Sect with one of their elders holding a senior elder seat. Bai Gang himself only holds a senior inner court elder status, but he's expected to move up in rank as soon as one becomes available.” Willingly or not. “He's also very protective of his niece. As you've noticed she was sent here to subjugate the kingdoms surrounding the portal. Even with the more than sufficient people she had been given, Bai Gong decided that wasn't enough to explore this new world, and brought along a lot of mercenaries, himself and his personal guard.”

But, before I can move onto Bai Lihua, William interrupts me with another question. “His age?”

Caught unaware, I fumble a bit to try and remember Bai Gang's age. Thankfully, it only took a few moments before I answered him, “If my memory serves me correct, then Bai Gang should of just past his fortify birthday.” But just as I'm about to get back to Bai Lihua, I feel as if I should elaborate on Bai Gang for some reason. “He's also one of the youngest inner court elders on the continent, especially surprising since most men around his age will still be travelling the world improving themselves.” Why did I add that on, I've got to finish this conversation quickly since things are becoming weirder and weirder.

“Anyway, back to Bai Lihua.” Wait a few seconds to see if he interrupts, no, good. “Bai Lihua is the eldest daughter of the current head's son and just becoming sixteen a few months back. What's special about her is not only her prodigal skills and influential allies in her clan and sect. But it's her relation to both of them. For you see when she was a child she had come under a deadly illness, no one knows what it was, except for her father and her eventual teacher. The Rising Lotus's Medical Saint Mengyao.”

“Age?” Another interruption just for his age?

Getting my tongue tied up, I try to answer him to the best of my knowledge. “Well, nobody really knows how old he is. Some say one hundred, others two. All we really know is that he appeared sixteen years ago to save Bai Lihua and then took a position within Rising Lotus to train her.” He's not the most secretive or weirdest character to be living there, believe me.

“Getting back on track. Bai Lihua is special because not only is she valued by both parties, but because she actively works against her own family when it comes to matters of the sect. For example fours years ago she tried to block one of her distant relatives from claiming the sect treasurer position, stating that 'Too many Bai's, will lead to the sect's downfall.' Obviously, this caused a storm at her home and at the sect.”

However, before I begin the next part I take a moment to think of how to phrase my next sentence since this does contain the most relevant to date information. So I have to be careful with what I say. In a calm voice I tell William, “And yet, she still managed to strive her way through all of the negative information about her, and still bring fortune to her house, by locating an expansive Qi stone mine to help them. She seems to care both for her sect and family home, wishing to have them both as equals so that they can both flourish and help each other in times of need.”

“Every year she gains more and more trust from each place, resulting in her gaining more power and influence. It's expected that by her twentieth birthday, she'll already be a first inner court elder and wield enough influence to control the entirety of the Bai clan.” That should suffice his desire for information.

After a few minutes have passed and I have yet to heard a word from William, I began to think that was all. However, William quickly dispelled that thought when he left a rather ominous farewell. “Ramaze, you've given me plenty to think on. Hopefully, the information you've given me can help me, settle my debts with the young miss sooner rather than later.” With his word in my mind, all I can really hope for is that he leaves Henry out of whatever plans he has. Since that boy really does deserve better.

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