Chương 17: Soaring Heaven's Isle 17: Phoenix Rest Plains

After the pulse-pounding adventure in the storm yesterday, the more relaxed atmosphere today was welcome. Instead of rushing forwards like a rollercoaster through lashing rain and cold wind, we sailed forwards steadily on a warm breeze; The land below was covered in a gentle blanket of mist. Ningjing was scenting the air like an eager puppy, and my hand on her wheel was relaxed. I was letting her drift just a bit, catching the air currents as she pleased. Big D was on my shoulder, and all was right with the world.

It lulled me into a better mood in the aftermath of having to stop Bailu and Seiyu. I mean it had been kind of funny watching them squabble, but I put a stop to it before they could start cracking bits off the coastal mountain we had anchored at. They had pouted a bit about it, but their own moods couldn't last as we basked in the glorious day. Bailu was laying on the roof of the cabin, humming as we sailed along, while Seiyu was going over a couple of charts and navigating for us.

It was also our first day over land—real land—since we had set out…. And the Provence we were in was the very beating heart of the Empire. The capital province. The Phoenix Rest Plains. Well, the name 'Phoenix Rest Plains' was actually kind of a misnomer. While most of the province was a massive expanse of grassland, the province itself was slightly over half the size of the United States…. And had other biomes and landforms to match. It had mountains, karsts, steppes, enormous forests, and titanic cave systems.

Still, the plains were the thing that everybody talked about. It was captured in poetry and immortalized in a hundred thousand paintings and murals. I was honestly curious if it lived up to the hype. I had only really seen the seedier parts of Crimson Crucible City, and bits of Soaring Heaven Archipelago—considering gramps had done something to me, and all of a sudden I woke up in front of Minyan. I grimaced, and forced the thought away.

Instead I focused on the world around me as the light mist cleared with the sun… And my breath caught in my throat. Just the expanse of it was mind-boggling. It was ordered into regular square plots by what had to be the millions, because as far as the eye could see were farms and little farming villages, sitting in surprisingly orderly plots. Compared to the sect they were quaint, small things, to be sure, but I was utterly enraptured by the scenery.

It was what I had imagined, months ago, when I idly had thought of running away to become a farmer. The whole thing just looked inviting. The walls here seemed more for decoration than true defense, and were covered in edible berry vines that turned them green too. Animals gamboiled in paddocks and in coops, and the only real noise was that of competing roosters. Big D glared down at the land from on my shoulder, and then sniffed imperiously as he listened to their cries, before ignoring them completely.

We dipped a bit lower from our lofty perch as we continued, so I could get a better look atl the lush, verdant land. It was about the middle of summer, and the crops were well underway. I could smell the loamy soil and the greenery; it was a wonderful scent, that mixed with the smoke of cooking fires. But more than the verdant scenery was the people. They moved with little urgency. I caught smiles on faces as the people tended to their crops, or drove little carts up and down the well-maintained roads.

Children were already racing around the fields and village squares, and while some of them were working… a lot of them simply seemed to just be being kids. There were even occasional visible guard patrols, but the people obviously didn't fear them, as the guardsmen waved to the people, or engaged them in conversation. It was a scene of pastoral bliss, as far as I could tell. Yet the land held only part of the splendor.

To our right was the truly spectacular Phoenix Tears River, one of the longest and widest rivers in the known world. Its waters were practically sparkling, and from the air we could see the vast schools of fish and breaching pink dolphins that cut in between the hundreds of ships plying its surface. From tiny fishing boats to massive trade junks, they sailed up and down the river, busy with their own business. It was... peaceful.

Exceedingly peaceful, and that was one hell of a statement, in a world where literal monsters roamed the countryside.

"Three degrees east please, Captain." Seiyu requested, and I did as she asked, tilting Ningjing's wheel slightly. The course would take us more over the river. Though I did see the reason for that peace… and it was the reason we were actually taking a route, instead of sailing wherever we pleased. Flying directly over another sect's compound was considered the height of discourtesy, after all. Even for the Soaring Heaven's Isle Sect.

For the settlements around here, in addition to the flag of the phoenix, flew another banner. A banner with a star and an upraised sword. I turned to where there was a gap in the expanse of farms. The homes of mortals stopped, and the home of cultivators began. I locked my eyes on a small mountain range in the distance.

They very nearly looked artificial, due to their sudden existence on the plains, and due to the fact that they looked picture perfect out of a martial arts manhua, shrouded in mist and greenery as they were. However, we could see what was on top of the tallest peak, the thing that proclaimed dominion over this land— a massive pagoda. It looked like a cross between a fortress and a monastery. Its tile roof was green, and it was built from stone, with impressive artistic gilding on many of the surfaces.

Massive red pillars inlaid with gold lined its front. Banners that had to be nearly a kilometer long floated seemingly by themselves in the air, proclaiming the fortress to belong to the Sovereign Sword Sect. Each one was a stunning mural-tapestry, depicting scenes of stars raining down on cowering demons. While they weren't on the level of the Cloudy Sword Sect or Soaring Heaven's Isle, they were still mentioned when one spoke of heroes of the Empire.

I could even see a couple of cultivators on flying swords circling around the top of the fortress. I watched them with just a little wariness. The Soaring Heaven's Isle Sect were not enemies with them, but they were technically our rivals. Mostly because most of them could fly as early as a Soaring Heaven's Isle cultivator, surfing around on their swords. Nobody came from the fortress to challenge us, though, so we continued on our way—at least until my curiosity got the better of me.

I could see some people setting up stalls and festival lanterns in a riverside town. When I judged we were far enough away from the fortress, we descended into the river. We caught a few glances from other ships as we touched down, but again, nobody seemed to pay us too much attention. Nice! Warm! Different than ocean! Ningjing projected with satisfaction, as she settled in the water. I stuck my hand in and it was a pleasant temperature, compared to the much colder ocean.

She adapted quickly to the new experience, and I guided her towards the docks. I looked around, and spotted what looked like a civil servant who had just accepted a coin from another man who had just gotten off his own ship. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

"Excuse me, sir!" I called out.

"Where might we dock, and what is the fee?" The civil servant turned to us, and then his eyes widened slightly. Bailu floated down beside me, while Seiyu stood. The man immediately bowed.

"Master Cultivators! This way please!" ============================= We were guided to another section of the village, paid the small fee, and signed a document. The man looked a bit confused when I thanked him but smiled tentatively. With the formalities out of the way, I turned to my two crewmates and smiled.

"Let's see what the party is all about!" I declared." Yeah!" Bailu and Seiyu shouted, while Big D crowed. Ningjing seemed amused… but not actually sad we would be leaving her at the docks. Instead, I just felt a part of her settle into us, so she could be here too. I laughed at the enthusiasm, and we set off into the town, my eyes roving over everything. While its base appearance was something out of medieval china…

there were certain obvious cues that made it very clear this was a world of cultivation—and we were in the richest province in the Empire. It was the crystals. Instead of a well, there was a giant crystal in the center of town, constantly pouring out fresh water. Instead of stoves and wood, some of the bigger food carts around us were using small crystals to cook. There were even a couple of people with ice-boxes that had crystals in them to keep everything cold.

It was like the richer parts of Crimson Crucible City that I remembered, The town was also incredibly clean and well ordered—there were even koi living in the pristine gutters. The people though, gave us a wide berth, moving out of the way and dipping into half-bows as soon as they noticed us. They looked a bit wary. Well, we were three unknown cultivators, one with a chicken on his shoulder, walking through their town. I was wondering what we should do first, when a small commotion caught my attention.

"Li, you idiot, why did you have to throw it like that?!" one kid shouted to another. Both looked to be on the verge of tears, and the small gaggle of kids around them were similarly annoyed.

"I didn't mean to!" the other child whined. I glanced up at the roof, and sure enough, there was a ball quite high up, stuck atop it. With a shrug, I jumped onto the roof, and picked it up, then hopped back down. The kids gaped at me as I landed.

"This yours?" I asked, and they nodded their heads dumbly. I gently tossed the ball to the one who looked the most upset. He fumbled, the ball bouncing from hand before he managed to catch it. They seemed at a loss for words.

"So. What's this celebration about?" I asked them, as I started walking towards a food stall. The kids were only too happy to tell us. ========================================="Ganbei!" Seiyu shouted in time with Bailu, her friend's smile wide and bright. Seiyu was, naturally, more reserved, but she couldn't help her own lips from turning up as they linked arms and knocked back the drink. It was a sweet rice wine, and obviously made by mortals, but it wasn't bad.

Their Senchou had purchased it for them, so that meant it was even better. He had considered a great many vintages from this town, searching for something that he knew Bailu would like before gifting it to them. Seiyu appreciated it and Bailu definitely approved, given that she was actually trying to taste the drink, rather than chugging it and then declaring that booze was booze. She was making all manner of amusing faces while smacking her lips, before she nodded.

"This is good wine!" she decided.

"One of my favourites!" Seiyu chuckled… and turned to her own gift. The aroma was heady, and her Senchou definitely had paid attention to their preferences. The thought made her stomach churn happily, as she reached down and daintily cracked open the shell of the black pepper crab, the succulent meat within calling to her. She was about to take a bite when she noticed Bailu's eager eyes. Seiyu sighed, and handed off the cracked open crab to the begging dragon.

Bailu grinned and leaned back against the roof with her prize, taking bites between sips of wine. Seiyu finished the rest of the platter before Bailu could get anymore ideas, and then started on her third. It really was delicious, she mused as she stared out over the town from their rooftop perch. The Mortal's midsummer party celebrating the foundation of the village was in full swing.

Lanterns bedecked the little village, people were cheering, laughing and cooking, there were dragon-boat races on the river, and the music was upbeat and cheerful. Especially cheerful, considering their Senchou had taught another man how to play the "Dueling Pipas" Song, and they were both just going at it as the other mortals stomped and clapped their hands to the tune. Even Ningjing, nearby, seemed to be swaying to the beat.

Seiyu let it all in, sitting on the roof, and watching as her Senchou's hands danced over the pipa, the mortal trying to keep up. The children they had aided before were all dancing and making fools of themselves, following behind Bi De as he led the entire circling dance, shaking his rump for all he was worth—though they were finally flagging.

The little ones were already quite exhausted from chasing Seiyu's water constructs around, trying to juggle after Bailu had shown them, and clambering all over their Senchou like he was a tree. Seiyu's face flushed slightly at that memory. Rou laughing as he played with the mortal children, his smile the widest and brightest she had ever seen on him. She sighed with contentment as she looked back down at the square. He looked good. More animated. More relaxed. Seiyu tapped her foot to the beat.

She passed Bailu another piece of crab, as her friend enthusiastically hummed along to the song. It was good. Seiyu had long since learned to enjoy the smaller moments in life. To find happiness where it could be found. She was, after all, technically a political prisoner. Forty years ago, an overeager Imperial General had been thirsting for glory, conquest, and vengeance after Seiyu had politely declined his hand in marriage.

The man hadn't taken the denial well, and returned to the court of Shipbreaker Coast to rally them against the "barbaric pirates". Nevermind that they hadn't really been pirates for centuries. Trade was much more lucrative, and safer than attacking a ship that might have a cultivator on it, or draw an Imperial response. The only ships they did attack were pirates themselves. Unfortunately, the man had found fertile ground with his visions of glory, and a grand fleet was assembled.

Raiders had been dispatched, and the coasts of Wa burned. The people lamented, and despaired. It was a battle that they were sure to lose. And then the bastard had blundered. Such was his arrogance that he tried to command a recruitment ship from Soaring Heaven's Isle to assist him in his conquest. This had enraged Senchou Lu Liang, the only person Seiyu respected more than Elder Minyan, and the woman immediately set about trying to undermine him.

She traveled to Wa herself to see these wicked pirates, landing directly in their capital and demanding an audience with her father. When she got the whole story, the woman was even angrier… but Senchou Liang and her father had a plan. A week later, the Bastard's ship was caught in a storm, and sank. The General drowned, and the look of shock and horror on his face as Seiyu held him under the water was one of her fondest memories. The next day, Lu Liang announced the Empire's Victory…. And the terms.

The Wa would offer up their cultivating princess to serve the Empire, and forever give up piracy. They would bow their heads as an Imperial autonomous region. Wa had been saved. If she somehow went back to the past, Seiyu would gladly and willingly pay that price again. She was loyal and thankful to the sect for preserving her people. They had kept their end of the deal, so she would serve until she died. But… it had its own share of downsides.

Seiyu had been blatant and proud of her tribal heritage, and the rest of the girls… well, they took poorly to the barbarian bitch. All except one. Seiyu smiled at Bailu, her friend's eyes closed as she bobbed her head to the music. It was good that they were all together, even after the revelations that Rou had given them. She knew she didn't have to be concerned about Bailu being upset. Her dearest friend lived in the moment, without a care, and Seiyu found it admirable.

She loved Bailu's free spirit, and the way she just adapted to their new circumstances with a smile. As for herself? How did she feel about serving a street rat from an imperial city? Honestly, it was a foolish question. The kind of questions some of their sect mates would ask, like how they told Bailu she would never advance with her attitude, only to be left in the dust by them both. Seiyu was content. She was free to sail once more, as a proper woman from Wa, as an honoured friend.

It was funny how life worked out sometimes. She let out a breath, and laid down on the roof tiles next to Bailu. The stars were shining. The wind was warm. Their Senchou finished his song, and hopped up onto the roof to join them. The night was perfect. Seiyu wished for many more nights like this in the future. =================================