Shiro's inquiries provide only good things. The Qigangs are clearly benevolent patrons of Piaofeng, though beyond the fireworks and festivities, they tend to keep to themselves. More than one Qigang has claimed victory over the Celestial Court's challenge.
~~~
A voice calls out from behind you.
"Can I help you with anything? If it's for a delivery, you need to use the side entrance."
A tall young man with long black hair stands proudly behind you.
His clothes are of superb quality, and the colors resemble the crest adorning the gates in front of you.
Shiro, still in his disguise, rejoins the others at the front gate. He gives them a small wave and tries not to draw attention to himself.
Piella chirps a short-lived fearful scream at the voice calling behind them. It was a jump-scare type scenario. She didn't see anyone there initially and it surprised her. As he seems cordial, she places her hand over her heart to calm herself and breathes a sigh of relief. She was naturally scared by things that popped out even before being in her home town and on edge.
"We are not here for a delivery. We would like an audience with the Qigang houselords to discuss the celestial challenge. As well as to give our thanks for their contributions to the festival. We are not expected."
She gave a beaming smile to show no hard feelings for scaring her and coming up behind them. Naturally, he would inquire after their names and their purpose further if they were not brushed aside.
"Your help with the festival is generous indeed. We are representing the Soeji Clan in the competition," says Lung after bowing.
"Visitors then!"
The man clasps his hands together.
"And Soeji Clan too? Well, this should prove very interesting. Come in, come in."
He approaches the gate, unlocks it, and motions you inside.
You pass through the long courtyard before finally making it into the estate proper.
"If you've come about the Celestial Challenge, then I take it you're here looking for something contained within the True History? If that's the case, you'll need to persuade my father."
He leads you into a small private study, calling over a servant at the same time. He quietly talks to them privately and they depart.
"He'll join us shortly. So, tell me. What is the Soeji Clan preparing? Knowing the man, I can only assume it's something grandiose."
"Oh, you are related? My name is Piella Pollyhum-Prettyfoot. Nice to meet you. And your name is?" she inquires kindly. She tries to recall what she can about the Qigangs and their nobility, but never having been trained in such things, she only could go on general knowledge that she's heard. Piella is genuinely sweet normally. This time, however, she applies a bit extra gooeyness--subconsciously--to get on this mystery guard's good side. After all, if she could get the son on their side, that's less work in convincing his father.
They are led from the cart into the house, and eventually into a small study. Her eyes seem to scan just about everything inside the room.
"Bao, Lung, Shiro, and Yun have been worthy companions with me in our quest to fulfill the Celestial mandate for the upcoming feast. Suffice it to say, we are going to blow away the competition!" she beams brightly and seems lost in her mind thinking about it. She hasn't really answered his question, but the excitement was like that of a child telling a story, who got so excited they accidentally made their excitement the point of the story instead of giving requested details.
Shiro was quiet, hobbling behind the others in his disguise. As Piella talked, the ninja kept his eyes open for details on the Qigang estate. The way people decorated their home tended to give him insight into who they were. He hoped this manor was no different.
"Yes, I am Lung Shanyang of Yinxu Monastery," says to the man. "We will need to be discreet about our plans for the competition--perhaps we can tell you and your father together." He smiles and bows again.
He glances about the study without meaning to. "You have a lovely collection here. I am something of a scholar of literature; perhaps there is something your father needs that we may be able to provide."
"My name is Gen Qigang. My father is the current house patriarch."
The man is curt and polite but doesn't provide anymore information.
@Shiro: As you sweep the estate, you clearly see that the possessions and decorations were of exquisite taste, but not much in the way of value. It seemed the Qigangs were wealthy, but certainly not gaudy.
@Lung: "I understand completely. It is good to be wary during the Challenge. And I'm sure my father would love to have a learned scholar assist him in his- Ah!"
The servant returns and whispers into Gen's ear. He frowns, then nods.
"It would appear my father is busy at this time, so it seems I will be your sole host today."
"How can I help you then, Soejis? Was I correct in assuming it has something to do with the History?"
"Greetings, Gen Qigang. It's an honor to meet you. My family has great respect for yours."
She would move through the home and enjoy the look of many things. Her eyes looked over architecture and how it was different than her cheaply make miner's home. She would pay attention to the possessions and decorations, wishing she could one day provide such things for her own family. She wasn't envious, but walking through such an estate made her reconsider her life up until that point.
"That is a shame," she comments. "At least pay our respects to your father when you see him. As for our intent to be here, yes, it does have to do with the History. Have you heard news of the Challenge yet and what it was?" Perhaps news had reached there before them, but she wasn't sure. They did travel and set out right away.
Lung waits for Gen to answer Piella's question. He watches the young man closely.
He also scans the room unobtrusively...
Lung is rather distracted by thoughts of riding on yaks under the moonlight with petite, literary women.
Shiro quietly seats himself, letting the others take the lead. He didn't deal with the higher end of society very often and was not used to such finery.
"I believe everyone's heard the news of the Challenge. A feast fit for the gods is quite a task. I imagine if you're after the History, there's some part of it that can help you?"
He leans back into his chair.
"I wish I could tell you what you seek but I haven't read our ancestor's reward quite yet."
He points to a tapestry depicting a small summit shrouded in blue swirling clouds. A carved stone staircase curves around it to the peak.
"I'd have to commune with our ancestors for that, and I don't have a much in the ways of the divine. Our family shrine lies at the summit of Blue Crane Mountain. If you wish to speak with my predecessors and see if they'd part with some part of the History, you'd have to make the trek yourself. It's fairly easy if you have someone with divine gifts. When you reach the path at the edge of our estate you'll come to two gates; one of white stone, and one of black stone. If you cross through the black gate and take the path, you'll be partially within the Spirit Realm. I'd be happy to give you permission for a small favor."
He gets up and returns a few minutes later with a small, ornate box.
"These are offerings for my ancestors. If you could present them when you reach the summit, I'd be glad to allow you access to the Mountain. What do you think?"
Lung prostrates himself, then raises up on one knee. "I follow the teachings of Jinyan, Dragon of the Heavens, and honor the Council in the entire and their subjects. I have been granted some small divine gifts. I will present your offerings. If there are any particular rituals I should attend to, please let me know."
Piella took on a silent role this time as Lung offered up his services for helping Gen. When he finished, she would kindly bow to offer thanks for his kindness. She was nervous now that they had to climb yet another mountain.
Shiro joins the others in a bow, moving carefully so as to not break his disguise. Gou gently pads up to his side, watching the meeting with curious eyes.
"Wonderful! I must admit, I feel a bit uneasy with asking something of you but I hope it's a fair trade. Now, if you need to prepare anything, please do so and then meet me in the grounds behind the estate."
Those who join him are led through a wide grass and pebble garden until, as promised, you reach the two stone gates.
Gen motions towards the black gate.
"That way lies what you seek. I will wait for you here, or if something comes up I will ensure someone else is."
He bows to you.
"I wish you all the best. The Spirit Realm isn't without dangers but this close to a town, there shouldn't be too much in your way."
Lung takes the box. "We'll do our best," he says earnestly.
Lung racks his brain to recall anything about the Spirit Realm.
Curiosity strikes the young man and he just has to ask. "What of the white gate? What lies beyond that?" Shiro says, softening his voice to better suit his disguise.
"Oh both gates take the same path. But if you walk through the White Gate you'll simply reach the summit on the mortal plane. No way to meet the ancestors that way."
"Thank you for helping us," she relates softly with a kind smile as they headed out toward the cart. She wondered if she should bring Bao with them or not. Would Soeji want him entering the Spirit Realm?
A bit of worry passed over her face as she looked to their younger member. With caution, she spoke out toward him, "Bao, above all, I don't want you to get hurt. Part of me wants you to come with us because we can keep an eye on you and make sure you are well provided for...," as she has been sort of a pint-sized mother to him on the journey, "...as well as see some neat things. Yet part of me doesn't because I am not sure what we'll see in the Spirit Realm."
She looked to Lung, who seemed to be thinking quite extensively.
Bao nods.
"I can always just walk back to your house Piella. I'm sure your parents won't mind."
"We don't want to expose you to any undue risk, Bao," says Lung, nodding in agreement, although he's blazed past the part where Piella is undecided. "Piella's house is best for now."
"Here sonny, take this with you." Shiro says, handing the boy a honey candy.
It wasn't extremely far from the Qigang household and hers. Still, she worried about Bao and him wandering about the city by himself. What if then he couldn't find her home?
Okay, Bao. Follow the main road and turn left toward the mines. That will put you in the area of my house. Then look for my family's shop if you get lost. I'm sure you will do fine. Just steer clear of my father's experiments when you get there!" she voiced with a laugh.
Once he was on his way, she would look to the others. "It will be hard for me to walk it, but I can manage..." Nervously she tussled her hair back over her shoulders and looked to the gate in the near distance. She was going to climb?
Bao happily takes the offered honey candy and, waving goodbye, heads back to Piella's house.
"I'll make sure to send someone by the house to make sure he's fine," offers Gen.
As the three of you take a first step through the Black Gate, Gen bows. "Good luck! May the Celestials guide your way!"
As soon as you cross the Gate's threshold, your vision becomes clouded in pale, swirling mist. The landscape before you takes on a decidedly spectral appearance, seeming to be composed of both real material and ink, reminiscent of the Celestial Court's appearance.
You truly are within their realm now, or at least partially attuned with it.
A distant whispered chanting high above echoes of the rocks.
Piella was a simple woman; girl really. She had not seen much of the world, and what she had seen had injured her to the marvels it held. Instead, she stayed in her family shop all her life, and would have stayed there if not for her father and Old Soeji's request. Now she was on an adventure, heading into a realm of the unknown. Gen's assurances eased her mind, as she had come to like Bao over their many days of travel and was concerned about his youthful wandering in a motherly way.
She bowed to Gen in thanks and then moved cautiously forward into the gateway. Gen's encouragement almost was missed as she was so focused on what was ahead of her. The moment things began to change, her heart was aflutter and clearly she was distressed. High echoing voices perhaps calmed her a little as it meant living things were here but was it the court chanting? She didn't have any answers, and as she went forward on the path, her hand clung to the soft fur of Gou as a coping mechanism.
"I didn't know such places my feet would ever tread," she quivered out as she limped forward in slight pain.
As they were free of the trappings of civilization, Shiro no longer felt the need to maintain his disguise. Standing tall once again, the ninja shakes his limbs loose, returning circulation to his body. He turns away from the others and pulls the putty from his face, sliding the mask over his features once more. When he was done, Shiro threw the tanned glob away, to dissolve in the next rain.
"It's going to be quite a climb. You don't need to come Piella. I'm sure Bao could use your supervision, there's no need to risk injury." Shiro says with his eyes on her leg. The masked man himself was stretching, preparing for the climb up.
Gou looks up at Piella as she clung to him, his tail wagging slowly.
Shiro always hid his face from her, and while she trusted him in part, she could never fully trust someone who hid from her. It was a personal issue within herself, but the fact he was very skilled at disguise made her wonder if she even saw under his mask, if it would be his real face.
As Shiro looked to her leg, she consciously tucked it behind her crossed and considered his words. She looked up to the top of the distant path and then to Gou. It was sad to her that he was so small or she could have ridden him up to the top. For a Shiba, it would've been hard, even with her small-sized body.
"No, I'm part of this or I'm not. I'll tough it out. I've never been injured in that way by my leg. Yes, it hurts sometimes, but it's healed. It just hurts extremely bad when I try to walk too fast. As long as we avoid that, I can make it..."
This, of course, made no sense but that was the will of the Council, as it must have been a divine curse to ensure that she stayed humble regarding the powers they gave her. There was a sense of firmness in her tone. While she was afraid to go on, she was not going to miss out. After all, it was a quest for the Council. How could she stay behind?
"This contest will not be won by speed, but by cleverness. And we work together, as a team. No one gets left behind." Lung looks stern for a moment, then unknits his brow. "No sense in running up a flight of steps in the spirit realm anyhow," he says, his tone a bit lighter. "It would be a poor entrance to slip and fall on one's behind in the mist."
He holds the Qigang offering under one arm, tying it to his chest so it will not fall even if he needs both hands.
"I'll go first; Piella in the middle. Shiro, you'll watch for anything behind us?"
Shiro nodded. "Yes. I was going to say the same. Sorry, beyond Gou, I am not used to working in a team. Be careful Piella, I believe the stairs are much more difficult for someone so... short. I will support you as best I can." The masked man's voice is calm, but tinged with a hint of anxiety. Strange how accustomed I am to speaking in disguise, I feel almost uncomfortable when I am not.
It eased Piella to know that the boys had her back and were supportive. She would nod in response to Shiro and untuck her leg from behind herself; obviously a defense mechanism of some kind.
"Thank you, you've both been so helpful to me. You're the kindest men I know. I'm only sad Yun was passed out from drink. I think he would have loved to see this place."
She herself was alert as could be while climbing. After all, who knew what was in the spirit realm? Were there powerful beings that didn't want them there?
"I remember running up the stairs as a little girl--how if they were small enough you could leap over a step altogether. Going slow will make this much more difficult, as there will be no skipping for us. I think afterward we may all hate stairways."
She looks up into the distance to gauge and see just how far they were likely going.
The path winds around the mountain, curving left and right as it forms switchbacks ever upwards.
The mists ensure nothing but the path before you are easily seen, but you eventually see your first stop on this road up. A small stone platform intersects the path up. A small stone shrine is built into the mountain face. A stone railing surrounds the platform.
You are still some ways from it.
"The platform ahead, that will be a good place to rest." Shiro says. He roots around for his canteen, offering it to the others after taking a swig himself. It's just water, but the cold metal container insulates it enough that the water inside is still pleasantly chill. The masked man had only packed a couple of pork floss buns, he'd not been planning on an extended hike. Hopefully it would be enough.
"And a shrine to take note of," says Lung in agreement. "Be watchful," he says. "The Spirit Realm can be capricious."
"He stated that their family shrine was at the top of the mountain, right? So this can't be theirs."
She trudged along, sweat clearly forming at her brow to the point where, as they neared the platform, she had to stop and tie up her hair to cool herself off. She was not accustomed to such hiking with her leg or in general even before the incident.
"No, it isn't," says Lung, "But it's a place to rest."
Shiro sits at the edge of the platform looking down at the steps they've already taken. "We've come up a ways already, take some time to rest. There's still more to come." Gou pads up to his master's side, laying down to be pet. The Shiba seemed a little tired itself.
Taking a small knife, Shiro cuts the buns into four pieces , with a little sliver saved for Gou. "Here, eat something. It will help on the road ahead." The fourth piece Shiro leaves on the small shrine as an offering to the spirit within.
Lung eyes the platform, but spies nothing out of place.
As the three of you stop to catch your breath and restore your energy, a scraping sound comes from the roof of the stone shrine. A wolf-like beast of inky black, charred, and blackened hide, its flesh split in places and seeping a crimson splatters of ink. The slaving creature stalks closer, snarling gutturally as smoke billows from its maw.
You've all heard tales of the wild, unbound spirits that inhabit the realm.
You recognize it as a Meizha-Lang, otherwise known as a Fiery Wolf of the Mountain. Although not that large, their fiery bite sears flesh and soul. They hunger for still living souls to feast upon.
Luckily, you were quick to react, and get a head start on the fiend.
Combat ~ Round 1
"A Meizha-Lang! A fiery wolf of the mountain. Their bite sears flesh and soul. They will be hungry for our life-souls," cautions Lung.
In a flash, the Iron Scroll is in Lung's hand as he strikes at the beast.
"Bah! Shiro, try to flank it if you can, but beware the bite!"
Piella would have taken the kind bit of food from Shiro and ate it quickly. She was starving.
As the beast seemed to take note of their presence, she looked around to make sure there weren't anymore. Her heart rate jumped all the more as it began approaching.
"Oh no!" she cried out at Lung's warning. Such a large beast comparatively too could easily gobble her up. She swings around her crossbow as best she could and moved further away from the beast. She was not extremely skilled with it, but alas, she would try. First though, she wanted to make sure that each of her allies were blessed with the powers she had been given long ago--particularly since they were in the spirit realm.
"May the Celestial Council bless us all."
A mystical gong sound is heard high above, similar to the strange chants heard, yet it can only be heard among her allies, and as the verberation continued, they would persist in striking better, as well as fighting away any fear that would take them.
With a careful flick of his wrists, metal claws extend out of Shiro's gauntlets. They were tekko-kagi all along! The ninja quickly circles around the wolf spirit and attempts to claw into its flank. His movements were unsteady from the stair climbing they'd done just moments before.
Gou growls and bristles, positioning himself between the wolf and Piella. The guard dog was not as intimidating as the wolf-spirit, but the Shiba's heart was strong.
Lung rushes forward and succeeds in cracking a solid blow to the creature.
Shiro successfully tumbles through and flanks alongside Lung, but his claws only rake air.
Piella finishes her spell, and you all feel invigorated. She readies her weapon towards the wolf-like beast.
The Meizha-Lang wheels around, baying unnaturally before deciding on a target. It lunges towards Lung and...
and
... sinks its teeth deep into Lung's side, tearing and searing simultaneously.
Lung steps back, burnt and bleeding, and slaps at his side, uttering divine words of counsel.
Lung gets bit, and blood gushed from what looked like burned flesh. Piella's face was one of pure horror as she had never seen such violence. "Lung!! Are you okay?!" she thought with fright, yet no words could escape her mouth.
Like Lung, she was given the wisdom of magic by the Council. In particular, she was given the ability to heal. A dull vapor magnified in her hand as she cast a spell that could mend flesh and spirit, restoring a person to their original state. It surely was a test of bravery for her to move closer to the beast, but she did so, standing behind Lung, and to his surprise, he would find his wounds mended all the more as a tiny hand touched his thigh.
If he would look back at her though, Piella was positively shivering with fear at being a mere 15ft from this beast.
Shiro and Gou move to attack the wolf-creature in hopes of keeping the beast distracted. The brave little dog stands before the spirit as Shiro's claws seek the creature's flank.
The cramped platform makes positioning difficult as the pair have difficulty landing a hit.
Despite Shiro's positioning, he lands a solid blow to the creature.
Lung gets patched up twice and breathes a little easier.
Sensing a new potential threat, and ignoring the small dog, the creature lunges at Shiro...
plus
... and delivers an equally vicious wound.
Mortal wounds were not commonplace in the Pollyhum household. Piella couldn't even get a shot off because her friends were being gashed at horribly.
"Don't die!" she cried. The emotions were getting the better of her and tears filled her eyes. She had grown close to these boys, and thank goodness Bao wasn't there with them.
This time, light would descend down from the heavens and wrap around Piella's hands, and upon touching Shiro, that divine light would infuse into his massive gashes.
"Go on, get out of here you stupid wolf! You've taken your bites of flesh today!" she would yell at it with all the fury she could muster.
Shiro cries out as the wolf spirit bites into his flesh. He kicks the creature away before bringing up his claws again. Blood poured into his monk's robes, dying them red. The masked man looks at the other human and says. "Lung... neither of us can take bites like that, we need to put the creature down soon!"
Unsteady as blood drains from his body, Shiro's movements are sluggish and is unable to land a hit. His dog, though brave, is similarly incapable.
"Piella, do anything you can to hurt it!"
Lung swings his Iron Scroll desperately at the beast, pulling out a non-iron-shod scroll should he need it.