v2 c76.2: Delivery part 2.
Added 2021-11-03 20:56:48 +0000 UTCIf there was one way I thought my day was going to go, I’ll admit. It certainly wasn’t like this.
I had strode into the pavilion as resolved as I could be. Senior Brother Lu Ri was already waiting for me. His dark hair in a topknot. Dressed to the nines in courtly clothes sitting in the pavilion with moonlight shining on him. It was like something out of a book. If you looked up “severe court scholar” you’d probably get an image of Lu Ri.
Instead of stern, resolute and scary, my once Senior Brother was polite. Too polite. He greeted me first. He nodded to Big D, Noodle, and Yin, which showed a great amount of “face” to use the term. That he even acknowledged their existence meant something, and then he poured my tea.
Tea from the district Rou was from. Something within me spasmed when I smelled it. A warm flood of nostalgia, remembering the times Rou’s parents made this, mixed with sorrow and grief, threatening to burst out of the dam that I had built around my memories.
I was off balance and reeling when he went and delivered the finishing blow.
I’d expected at least a bit of posturing. Of dancing around the issues. But that went out the window.
All that, all the fearI felt… because of a letter?
I stared blankly at the envelope that Lu Ri held out to me. I recognized Gramp’s handwriting scrawled across the front.
The memories came unbidden. The little shack we lived in, after gramps pulled me off the streets. Him teaching me the courtly characters. Every morning, running through the katas I still ran through. Playing in the river. Throwing dung at his head. Him chasing me down and tying me to a tree in retaliation. Falling asleep against his side, after we ate a slightly burned dinner, because the old man could barely boil water.
Although he wasn’t bound to this body by blood, the old man was all the family Rou’s had ever known. I'd felt...Rou had felt lost when Gramps turned his back on me, and sternly stated he had to go away. After the time spent without a word, I'd thought had thought something terrible had happened to him.
I hadn't heard from him for nearly three years. Rou hadn't seen him for nearly three years. Now he was writing a letter?
What the hell?
With shaking hands, I took it from Lu Ri, the man’s face as inscrutable as the Lord Magistrate’s. I briefly contemplated tearing it open right then, my friends looked on curiously, and Lu Ri sipped his tea.
“When you looked at how to leave the Sect, did you not also read the sections on honourable departure?” he asked curiously.
“Ah… no?” I replied.
“In addition to mail, you may also rejoin the sect at any time, and may beg for refuge for your kin in times of peril.” Lu Ri stated authoritatively.
I frowned at that. I guess reading ahead on the benefits hadn't really occurred to me. I just wanted out fast.
“It's a bit strange that they have those rules.” I admitted. Lu Ri looked vaguely amused at the statement.
I toyed with the letter, flipping it back and forth, before sighing.
“...thanks.” I whispered. Lu Ri nodded his head magnanimously.
“It took longer than I expected, but this is a good result.” He stated. I glanced at the date on the letter.
It was sent nearly a year ago.
I leaned back in my chair, and looked at his clothes again. They were fresh, and well cleaned, but his hat had been mended multiple times and he seemed a bit tired.
“I see your defeat did not crush your spirit entirely, Jin Rou. It speaks well of you. Did you end up becoming a farmer?”
Again, Lu Ri’s words were knocking me off balance. Honestly, they shouldn’t have. Lu Ri was the man who gave me back my money when I let the sect.. There was mere curiosity in his eyes. There was no real reaction to my friends, other than a nod in their direction.
Just small talk over tea. No threats, no sudden fight in the Pavillion. Just a mail delivery.
I smiled tentatively.
“Yeah. Yeah, I did. Its been pretty great, actually—here.”
I opened up the box I had brought along. I had made it on a whim. Just in case the meeting did turn out to be nothing, and to take my mind off the impending meeting.
Candy-making is really easy when you can use a Sun-rabbit as a stove.
Lu Ri raised an eyebrow, as the fudge was revealed.
Lu Ri sniffed indecorously. “Maple…?” he ventured, his tone curious.
“Oh, you’ve had some before?” I asked curiously.
“Yes, I have. A delectable offering, but the city contains no more—” He paused, looking up at me, before closing his eyes, and chuckling. “It appears the heavens are fickle. To think that I had something produced by your hands months ago. It reinvigorated me during my search.”
That was kind of funny, actually.
He took a piece and put it into his mouth. He closed his eyes briefly, as the taste hit.
“I’ve been growing rice, wheat, veggies…” I took a gamble. “And some of the Lowly Spiritual Herbs.”
“You actually managed to grow them here?” He asked. He was surprised, but unconcerned. He frowned slightly, and shook his head. “Remarkable. I am glad that you have had good fortune, Junior Brother, to create things of such quality.”
He took another bite of fudge, and a sip of tea, considering how the flavours blended together. He seemed to be mulling something over.
“There is another matter, however.” He finally stated.
And just like that, the tension ratcheted back up. His back straightened again, and he held his hands in front of his face, inclining his head.
“Jin Rou. The Cloudy Sword Sect wishes to apologise for the actions one of its Young Masters took against you. The man has been punished. Such an occurrence was not meant to happen, and we accept full responsibility.”
I was floored. The sects did not apologise. The Cloudy Sword Sect did not go to weak outer disciples, and say “sorry for getting you beat up.”
Just what the hell was going on? Why me?
“Additionally I would request that you return to the sect with me.” Lu Ri stated. “You will be reinstated as a disciple, and reparations will be paid for this unfortunate occurrence. Your Disciples are of course welcome to come with you, and they will be under my, and the Cloudy Sword Sect’s protection.”
Lu Ri’s calm, matter of fact voice warred against the impossible things coming out of it. I think I was getting a taste of my own medicine here, with the whole “shocking revelation” thing. My heart thundered in my chest. I felt a light headed.
The Cloudy Sword Sect wanted me back.
Delivering my mail, because I left through the proper channels. Finding me, because I left through the proper channels. Asking me to come back to the sect, because I left through proper channels.
“..why?” I croaked out finally.
“Because the Elders wish it.” Lu Ri stated simply. “Your benefactor is of great importance to the sect.”
Benefactor? Gramps? Just what was this?
Lu Ri looked at my expression, and took another sip of tea.
“I have given you much to ponder. I do not need an answer immediately. You may take your time.. We shall meet again tomorrow, if it pleases you. If you need me, I am available.” He placed a crystal on the table in front of me, as I just kind of sat there, chewing my lip.
Lu Ri left the pavilion. I didn't get up.
I stared at the letter.
A letter that got the Cloudy Sword sect to find me and ask me to return.
I broke the seal.
========================
Little Rou.
I am alive, if you doubted me, you little brat. And I have not forgotten you. I apologise for my abrupt departure, and lack of contact, but things beyond my control intervened. If you can avoid it, never owe another man a favour. They tend to call them in at inopportune times!
I am well! This duty is merely tedious, and not actively threatening, though it is taking longer than I would like. And yes, it is a duty, boy, even though I cannot say much about it. I know you like to call me a drunkard, but this is not a mere social call to some beauties and a fine bottle of wine!
Even though I wish it was. It would be much more enjoyable. You’ve hit your majority, haven't you? The women were quite enamoured with me in my youth. Kowtow a hundred times, and I may just teach you my secrets!
Perhaps on the road. When this is all over, I’ll take you with me for a little excursion. The world is too large to stay in one city all your life!
Yet this is not about me. How are you enjoying yourself in my old sect? I know you passed, boy. A friend told me. But don’t get a big head now, even if passing the entrance exam of the Cloudy Sword Sect is a feat to be acknowledged!
Perform your duties there well, even if they must be easy compared to all the work you used to do. I’m sure you have plenty of time to meditate, and grow your strength.
But, I, your grandfather, am feeling generous, and will give you some pointers.
First, the best place to read in the library is the south corner. Take your time, and examine the texts there thoroughly.
Second, When you can, I would suggest you take a walk through the Cloudy Forest. There are the occasional caves there that are most effective for one’s meditation.
Third, ask your seniors for pointers when you can. It may be a bit painful, for your lack of skill, but it's the best way to learn quickly!
Lastly, a gift. I know you were frustrated I would not allow you to hold a sword, but do you see the seal at the bottom of this letter? When you hit the second stage of the Profound realm, It will unlock. Take it, and learn what you can.
I look forward to seeing what you do with it, if you even can hit the Profound realm with your talent! A challenge. If you show sufficient mastery of the technique I may even allow you to ask a boon of me.
Rou. when you can, do send me a reply. This old man worries sometimes about your health. I know you are in good hands, for the Cloudy Sword is righteous, but I do wish to hear of your time first hand.
Though only if you refrain from stuffing this letter full of dung.
My contacts in the Imperial Army will ensure its delivery.
Jin Rou dropped the letter on the table, and rubbed at his eyes. The pale moon cast its glow across the pavilion, staining the leaves and the flowers silver.
He looked up at the sky, leaned back in his chair, and sighed.
'Master?' a soft voice asked.
Jin Rou turned. Three animals, looking at him with concern. Three disciples. Three friends.
His lips quirked into a little grin, and he reached out, ruffling Big D's feathers affectionately.
==================
=================
This one was the hard one, for some reason, but its out.
The interlude should come after this, and that is how its gonna be on the main release.
Additionally, 76.1 has been updated slightly, to give more atmosphere, and fix some small details.
Comments
I can't wait to see what Gramps thinks of the farm! Not to mention what all his little adopted grandson has been up to!
Mickey Phoenix
2021-11-06 09:54:52 +0000 UTCI figure the seal at the bottom of the letter ought to be broken already....and I want to know what's there! And I wonder what scrolls were in that corner of the library And what secrets were in those caves.
Lynne B.
2021-11-05 16:01:43 +0000 UTCGreat chapter! Very emotional with both the revelation of the Sect and the letter. Can crystal recordings be copied? If so it would be great reading an Interlude of Grandpa reading Jin's letter and watching the wedding!
2021-11-05 05:28:10 +0000 UTCNot on the same wavelength with your interpretation, I feel that the reverse will likely happen in that the cultivator pain train is about to hit station and the shouting will be heard out to the pale moon city as shit goes hypersonic
Civer
2021-11-05 03:37:48 +0000 UTCGrandpa gonna shit brix when he finds out Rou got married. With a baby on the way. He gonna make a house when all the other stuff comes out. He gonna have a mansion when he realized the delicious food he has been eating everyday is provided by the Farm and delivered by our new business associates. And when Rou shows can match his strength and power... He's going to move in with the rest of the gang. Gonna be a real grand pappy.
Bonifacio Mario Peña Jr.
2021-11-05 02:15:09 +0000 UTCA LITTLE OF TOPIC but is it possible that when the cultivator adults Xiulam that little brother is stronger than we realize and saves the day
paul Emmer
2021-11-04 23:12:48 +0000 UTCXIULAM
paul Emmer
2021-11-04 23:09:35 +0000 UTCI hope he does it just so he has a way of flying on a sword and treats it like a car for solo travel
JohnJohn2195
2021-11-04 18:53:25 +0000 UTCI hope he is able to break the seal and receive his gift and reveal a hint of how powerful he is
paul Emmer
2021-11-04 17:35:59 +0000 UTCIts already shown the two talking with each other in a dream. It sounded mor like two broken souls smashed together.
LordDark
2021-11-04 14:19:45 +0000 UTCI think Jin and Rou are the same person. Jin are Rou’s memories of a previous life stirred awake after a near death. And because the thought of being Jin all along not Rou were more appealing he went with it. The fact he feels Rou’s emotions is enough for me to go with this theory. Or Jin could be a split personality but I think they are the same person ie same soul
Jabari Lambert
2021-11-04 12:55:17 +0000 UTCOf course he’s not going to CSS. He’s yet to learn HTML.
Harley Shockley
2021-11-04 10:30:17 +0000 UTCLOL he will probably go home to Mei Mei in a flying sword.
ericksond
2021-11-04 09:40:45 +0000 UTCGreat job, Casual. The undertones are well placed. I feel that this Gramps’ personality will fit right into the Faram. I can see him demanding his own cottage by the river and drinking his days with impunity. And of course if you send Jin back to the Sect, where is the fun in that? Meanwhile the Elders having backdoor access to the sole Maple and Gold Rice provider is more than likely appealing.
ericksond
2021-11-04 09:33:25 +0000 UTCThat was very lovely to read, thank you!
Gabriel
2021-11-04 07:10:32 +0000 UTCI'm liking the feel of Gramps so far. He's got a 'retired army sergeant' air to him.
Aiden King
2021-11-04 05:11:35 +0000 UTCI wonder what Jin's decision will be. Goodluck writing next chapter, author-san.
Jan Alexander
2021-11-04 03:12:00 +0000 UTCYou claim you struggled with this? I honestly would never have guessed! This chapter is of such high quality, and feels so natural, that I can almost imagine you waking up on the day of, realising a chapter is due in half an hour, and banging this out while trying to eat breakfast. Slam dunk mate. Well worth all the build up, while still slotting in with the rest of the story as if it's the most natural thing in the world. Seriously, whatever you struggled with, whatever parts you were worried about, you nailed it. Great job, and thank you for all of your hard work in writing this story.
2021-11-04 02:48:34 +0000 UTCBut I can wait
paul Emmer
2021-11-04 02:44:11 +0000 UTCI would really like to know how strong he really is
paul Emmer
2021-11-04 02:43:54 +0000 UTCOnly fitting that I ended up reading this before I read the interlude. :) Anyways, this was great. Jin definitely won't be leaving for CSS, but it would be interesting to see how he would go about with his rejection. Lu Ri is not the sort to force Jin into following him, especially with CSS being the ones in the wrong to begin with. I'm just curious if Jin would simply invite Lu Ri for a visit, and have Lu Ri taste gold grade rice for the first time. Regardless, Jin can probably set it up so that Azure Hills help pass on any mail to him (Or at least, to the LORD MAGISTRATE), as a way to fulfil his part of the leaving contract without making his home address publicly known.
Rakkis157
2021-11-04 02:33:36 +0000 UTCfearI felt --> fear I felt
Rakkis157
2021-11-04 02:17:10 +0000 UTCI love it! Can’t wait til he meets gramps once more
H
2021-11-04 01:35:12 +0000 UTCThe letter was very nicely done. You could feel how much the old man loves him.
Bigred411
2021-11-04 00:09:25 +0000 UTCAs soon as he touches it. It unlocks. What ever IT is.
Bonifacio Mario Peña Jr.
2021-11-04 00:05:27 +0000 UTCIsn't Jin from Earth? Rou is dead and his soul has passed on.
Torbjørn Nilsen
2021-11-04 00:01:46 +0000 UTC? I see it as memories still being able to affect the soul, and Jin took over when Rou's soul left. If it was a soul and memory split, wouldn't there be two actors?
Torbjørn Nilsen
2021-11-03 23:59:43 +0000 UTCMy guess is that it wont be a nice reunion, as gramps knew Rou well. Rou is dead, and another soul is wearing his body.
Torbjørn Nilsen
2021-11-03 23:53:42 +0000 UTCWell, he will see the body of his dead diciple moving about, wonder how he will react to that.
Torbjørn Nilsen
2021-11-03 23:50:46 +0000 UTCThe interlude might actually fit best at the start of the book, a small glimps into what Rou was before he became Jin.
Red Viking
2021-11-03 23:47:25 +0000 UTCNice thanks for the chapter and hard work
Faruk Ereng
2021-11-03 22:50:30 +0000 UTCLooks like it was 'fear I', just missing a space.
Owls
2021-11-03 22:29:36 +0000 UTCYou finally delivered some mistakes! Rejoice!
RageBone
2021-11-03 22:27:02 +0000 UTCHe should definitely figure out that he and Rou are one person considering the memory merge; soul or mind storage, not both 😂; far more likely that he awakened memories than that he possessed Rou, especially considering the emotional response
Gavriel
2021-11-03 22:23:50 +0000 UTCAlso; this is really good 😂
Gavriel
2021-11-03 22:23:15 +0000 UTCYou spelled fear, fearl
Gavriel
2021-11-03 22:22:57 +0000 UTCThis is the only story I read like people watch The Office. Seriously, I think I've read it like 10 times.
taukid
2021-11-03 22:21:14 +0000 UTCThank you for the Chapter.
Demian Buckle
2021-11-03 22:15:44 +0000 UTCYeah, should be ‘after his parents died’.
Armo
2021-11-03 22:08:51 +0000 UTCHe was literally killed, the new guy revived his dead body.
Jeff Scott
2021-11-03 22:07:34 +0000 UTC"the old man was all the family Rou’s had ever known" except for his parents?
Chrones
2021-11-03 22:06:46 +0000 UTCI dont think the Cloudy Sect will attempt forcing the issue. The question is, will Jin realize they are peaceful, or will he assume they wish to force him back if he refuses.
SuperiorFreak
2021-11-03 22:03:33 +0000 UTCIt's deeply sad to see this letter and see the faith gramps had in his old sect. He never doubted Jin would be treated fairly, or that he'd be safe. Instead he was nearly killed and no one cared until he personally asked after him.
Vin Reisling
2021-11-03 21:53:46 +0000 UTCLoving both perspectives on this!
jetblackvalias .
2021-11-03 21:46:42 +0000 UTCHe doesn’t need to reveal his power for the seal. Bi Di is powerful enough to break that seal, Jin is frankly overqualified. That does speak to how far Jin has outpaced expectations though. If even a crazy powerful cultivator expected Jin to struggle to reach the level of Bi Di, even taking into account an entire sects worth of resources and training.
Noah
2021-11-03 21:43:29 +0000 UTCI just want Gramps to visit the Fa Ram to play with his grand kids. His introduction to “Little” Sister should be pretty entertaining too. I think once he meets everyone at Fa Ram he’ll understand pretty quickly why Jin wishes to remain, and maybe even choose to retire there for a while. At the very least, I hope Jin writes a return message for Gramps that tells him about the birth of his child. It’d be a pretty special moment if Gramps can make it back in time to see the birth, and shouldn’t be a big issue for someone of his power. Of course, that’d also have the added bonus of leading Lu Ri down the Dao of the Mailman!
Noah
2021-11-03 21:41:35 +0000 UTCI think he is Earth Realm, but its all intuitive like a spirit beast. I hope he unveils his power to unlock the bottom of the letter and it scares the senior brother. That would be good fun and then they go watch the tourney together.
Sean McClain
2021-11-03 21:40:39 +0000 UTCIt’s chapters like these that make me want to re-read the entire story. Just to go back an re-experience all of the feelings. If I could read this for the first time again I’d be just as enamored.
Eleventyseven
2021-11-03 21:39:24 +0000 UTCMan, you can really tell Gramps cares about Rou, as that letter was just brimming with familial love. Also makes me think that Gramps is way more likely to be pissed at the sect than Rou if he doesn't return there, since you know, they did fuck up massively. Though a visit by the man is pretty much guaranteed at this point, though hopefully he will be in good spirits when he shows up after getting Jin's reply mail.
Ironforge
2021-11-03 21:35:38 +0000 UTCHow has this gotten so stressful. Rhou isn't even dead he's just a split personality, Jin might die somehow because he draws his power from the earth, we don't know if he's strong enough to defend himself against basically anyone and now the cloudy sword sect are sticking their nose back into his business. I'm going to develop a hernia 🤣
Leviathon251
2021-11-03 21:30:39 +0000 UTCI don't believe we have been told explicitly. It is suggested that he is at or above the profound level.
Jam
2021-11-03 21:28:31 +0000 UTCOr one day the roles get reversed and members of the sect need to flee to Fa Ram for safety
Noah
2021-11-03 21:23:47 +0000 UTCWhere does Jin rank in the cultivator hierarchy? I know he's a lot stronger than when he left the sect, but he's been splashing around in the cultivation equivalent of the kiddy pool so its a bit difficult to really measure.
Parker Groseclose
2021-11-03 21:23:25 +0000 UTCCurious how Gramps'll react when he refuses to come back. I imagine he's gonna visit, all in a rage at his disciple "giving up", then when he gets there... Hah!
Daniel
2021-11-03 21:16:47 +0000 UTCGrrrr. I love this story so much, I get pissed every time the chapter ends! Thank you for writing this awesome story! Also, if you want a Beta I am more than willing to do it for free. (If you're uncertain of my motives for doing such a thing for free, let me be frank, me being a Beta means I get to read it sooner. lmao.)
SuperiorFreak
2021-11-03 21:15:47 +0000 UTCHe's definitely not going back. After all, that was *Rou's* life, and Jin isn't interested in cultivation for its own sake. He just wants to live a calm, good life.
Daniel
2021-11-03 21:14:26 +0000 UTCI teared up a bit reading that letter. What might have been, and all that.
Empty Shelf
2021-11-03 21:10:24 +0000 UTCI feel like the taking shelter in the sect bit will become relevant at some point. Not sure how since he’d have to abandon Fa Ram and the earth spirit. Maybe he could send some of his family/disciples while he stays behind?
Set
2021-11-03 21:09:50 +0000 UTCI don’t think he’ll be going back. He’s got his home, disciples and a baby on the way. Gramps can always come visit, see his great grandkids. And honestly? With his personality I think he would get on great with Mei Ling.
Sean Ulrich
2021-11-03 21:05:37 +0000 UTCLoved it, thank you for the chapter. I look forward to seeing Gramps come to the farm.
Stephan Bucher
2021-11-03 21:05:06 +0000 UTCThank you, this was worth the wait.
Aaron
2021-11-03 21:04:52 +0000 UTCI break out a plate of maple cookies before savoring this. glad I did.
Zeta
2021-11-03 21:04:51 +0000 UTCThanks for the chapter
Nick
2021-11-03 21:03:49 +0000 UTCOMG, perhaps only one earth- shaking revelation at a time!
MountHermon
2021-11-03 21:02:44 +0000 UTC
