Fighting to be Kind in a Cultivation World

Our group stares on at the storm within the floating barrier, as it rages even harder than before the ambush.

Showing that our elder trio, Master Ming, Senior Tian, and Elder Li, weren’t able to prevent the Long elders from summoning the full force of a hurricane within it.

What's even more alarming is the increasing amount of water at the bubble's base. One that might spill out to affect a massive area if released. Of course, considering the parties involved, including Sister Nuan… no such devastation should occur, even in the worst case.

However, I notice a worrying aspect from my abilities, something that no one other than those within the bubble can sense. This whole time, Master Ming and the others have been relentlessly getting hurt by the strength of the storm as they battle within it. Rain and wind at high pressures cut into their skin and muscle, only to be healed by my aura that still is operating through the qi isolation barrier. A Category 5+, pressurized in a small bubble.

If anything, this shows an obvious difference between the less than subpar Core Formation experts we were attacked by, and the real deal.

Even so, that is not to say our side is losing in this matchup.

…

BOOOOOOOOM

“UGH!”

One of the Long elders is thrown back from another of the endless talismans that are pouring out of Senior Tian, only to be immediately slammed into the barrier by Elder Li, moving like a bullet into him.

In a split second, Elder Li is blasted with a lengthened water sword. Seemingly pierced through the stomach.

But there’s nothing emerging from his back. The sword was crushed against his hardened body, courtesy of his Way of the Speedy Tortoise body.

A tsunami of water surges from beneath, as if to spite his strength, but a massive glowing seal appears below them, holding back the swirling tides. Effortlessly, Master Ming has his hands out, maintaining three other seals that are shifting locations within the storm, protecting them from the worst of the elements.

Certainly, our elder trio are dominating in this fight.

In fact, with the constant seals, talismans, and beatings from us, the Long elders are desperately trying to maintain their environmental advantage. Because that’s the only thing that’s keeping them from being overwhelmed.

But all the wounds our elders take are being healed. Through a nearly impenetrable qi isolation barrier.

Oh, no. They’ve realized who is healing them…

As if answering my fears, the head Long elder that was fighting booms out a laugh, still unheard by those outside of the storm.

“To think that your little disciple was capable of such a thing! I dare say that he’s truly a talent not seen in a million years. No wonder our sect leader was willing to go so far for him.”

The Long elders give each other a look and speak out before cupping their hands with a bow.

“We concede this fight. Thank you for the honorable battle. As agreed, we will drop all grudges and give all that was promised.”

As they do this, the water surrounding them is sucked into the barrier itself, which then turns into a shining light. One which then flies into the one of their hands.

To my surprise, I see him toss it over to Master Ming, who deftly catches it and places it into his space bracelet.

For a moment, everyone in the bubble remains silent, unmoving. An exchange of words through channels I haven’t yet accessed.

When they move again, the two groups part in separate directions.

Master Ming and the others head back toward our base, but I see Sister Nuan head towards our position. It only takes a few seconds for her to arrive.

Before we can speak, I can see her shake her head at us, speaking as we do so.

“Stay safe on the way there. I’m not expecting that you’ll encounter any issues, but be careful nonetheless.”

I want to know what they received for the challenge, other than the box. But that she hasn’t talked about it means it’s still not safe to speak.

I speak for the group, as would be the norm here.

“Understood. Thank you for your guidance, Senior Song.”

She nods her head before adding something else.

“I’ll see you all there, after you arrive, and take care of things.”

With a flourish of her clothes, she turns away, flying off on her sword into the distance. Her last words still ringing in my ears.

Why did she say it like that? What’s awaiting us there?

I know that Big Sis Crane, who seems to be Gong’s guardian, called us there for a purpose… but it seems that there might be other things awaiting us in this city.

Before that, though, I quickly realize it's time to do something important for my group.

“…Okay guys, we should be safe now. You can relax.”

After saying that, I can see the tension melt off everyone. Even with Sister Nuan there, we’ve discussed numerous scenarios. Including ones where we might need to watch out for body puppetry.

Considering that I didn’t continue with one of our red flags, that would indicate we were still in danger, this tells them we are actually safe.

Without delay, I turn to Mei Lin, giving her a big hug.

“I am so sorry that I had to say those cruel things to you. Are you okay?”

She snuggles into the hug before leaping back with joy. A huge smile on her face as she speaks.

“Yeah! It was quite fun, actually. I hope we can practice that more in the future!”

…

… I may have been teaching her the wrong things.

She spins to face Shi, who gives her more tips on how to improve on her 'performance', revealing the additional culprit who's been corrupting her.

At my narrowed eyes, she looks away with a blush, before sneaking a few more words to Mei Lin, who listens with a terrifying focus. While they do this, Jin Chin walks over to me, signaling a want to speak about what happened.

“You… were you even taking us seriously back at the stronghold? That can’t be all you have ready, if you were able to retrofit that strange ball so quickly. Adding to that, all that powerful poison you gave to us.”

Yalei moves closer, also clearly curious about what I could do. I speak carefully, to make sure I don’t give them the wrong idea.

“Of course. But everything is about goals and means. That ‘napalm’ I used, needed more expensive ingredients than I was used to, especially to affect a core formation expert…. even a low grade cultivator like them.

“Rather than that, though, I’m quite impressed by both of your movements during the fight. From your attack to Yalei’s defense of the group, it made every protection we had easier if the worst case happened. I’m really glad that you both came along. I know you both have larger scale attacks, but at every step you were conscious of our position and need to be safe.

“You don’t know how much I appreciate it.”

At my honest words, and slight misdirection, I can see their faces turning a little red at the compliments. Most leaders don’t speak to their subordinates with such honest praise. That doesn’t even include the special relationship between us all.  

But I do feel a little bad about it. After all, I’m trying to distract them from the key point.

That my alchemy, despite my realm, can affect core formation experts. Only one of many things that are now revealed to many parties in this land. Including my qi defying healing.

Something I'm increasingly sure will come back to bite me.

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