"Of course!" she answers Gen. After all, how could they say no? She bows a little bit and confidently boasts, "We are going to win, so you need to be there to cheer us on, and always the Soeji's will remember the help of the Qigangs. Just..." now she hesitates, "...please let no-one know we came here. It would help us in our efforts."
"As Piella says, let it be so," says Lung. "We are grateful for all of your help."
Gen bows low.
"Then I give you thanks from the bottom of my heart. I look forward to seeing what wonders you produce. Now, if you'll excuse me, I will need to speak with my father first. I will happily escort you back to the main gates."
The four of you walk amicably back through the Qigang grounds, and waving farewell, you head back to Piella's house to pick up Bao.
You're met by Mrs. Pollyhum-Prettyfoot and Bao at the front door to the general store.
"I told you it was them coming! I told you!"
Bao can barely contain his excitement.
It was good not only to get the Four Flavors of Heaven but also nice to have made an acquaintance in Gen Qigang. She idly wondered if his father truly was busy, but she didn't want to press the issue. Instead, she climbs back up onto the wagon with a bit more pain this time due to the walking she had been doing. Even if she wasn't lame in the leg, she just climbed a mountain. Unceremoniously she flopped into the seat.
By the time she got home on the wagon, she could hardly move.
"I am going to be so sore tomorrow...," she muses to the boys. Upon seeing Bao though, a new strength is found within her, as it truly worried her the moment they left him. What if he wandered? What if he was kidnapped? She really hated leaving him behind and it showed as she climbed down the wagon and rushed to give him a hug.
"Guess what?" she exclaims just loud enough for him only to hear. "We got it! It was so interesting. We'll tell you all about it. Let's go inside."
She too will hug her mom and give her a kiss on the cheek.
Bao's excited bouncing almost knocks a shelf over before Piella's mother grabs him by the collar, stuffs a baked pastry into his mouth, and plops him on a chair at the table.
"Don't you move a muscle until you're done eating your snack."
Bao nods, mouth full of honey and bread.
"I can close some shutters if you want to discuss it here dears. Give you some privacy."
"Erm...yes, we will tell you all about it..." says Lung, completely distracted. As soon as the shutters are closed, he takes out his Iron Scroll and rolls a bit out, and also pulls out the scroll that they have received from the Qigang ancestor spirits, peering at it carefully.
"There was ..." Lung forgets to even continue any sort of descriptive sentence as he reads the ancestral scroll.
"Yes, some privacy please mother, and some extra light."
She, of course, would help get these things. No sense in her mother doing everything for them.
Piella, being a decent reader as well, took up a spot next to Lung. Her proximity this time--very close. Like a child looking for a secret to be revealed in some unknown fashion, she wants every detail to come to her eyes. If Lung does not read it aloud for them, she will, taking over after he pauses in thought for a prolonged period. A shoulder of hers giving a playful nod as she speaks with a clear smile on her face. She obviously understood getting lost in the text of wonder. In particular, it did not go over her head that this writing had come from the spirit realm just earlier that day.
Shiro gave Bao a little wave and bowed respectfully to Piella's mother. the masked man takes a moment to enjoy some tea and a brisk meal as the others began to read. It'd been quite a hike today.
With his quick break taken, Shiro resolved to make sure the perimeter was safe. "I'll patrol the outside. Be careful with it, it's old." Best leave this to the scribes, I won't be much help here.
Shiro and Gou circled Piella's house, taking note of the garden and it's vegetables, before patrolling nearby streets. Hopefully any would-be spies would be caught off guard.
Lung resembles a mole digging into the dirt as he noses his way through the ancient scroll.
A check around the house seems to indicate that no one is attempting to spy on you. At least not this early in the competition.
Piella finishes preparing the room while Lung unfurls the scroll.
Their great work completed, the five Celestials finally set foot upon Yuanzi. Exhausted from their labors, each of them sought to rest and replenish their forces.
As such, each of the Celestials brought food, representing each of their five dominions.
First was Lanxu. Unwinding her great net, she cast a single thread into both the Jinghua Sea and the Leiguang River. From the sea she pulled forth a single crab, its shell gleaming as blue as the sea itself. From the river she pulled forth a single fish, a carp as golden as the Yuanzi sun.
With five strokes of her silver knife, she prepared both of her catches and presented them to the other Celestials, but was unsure of how to prepare them.
Second was Baijiao. Pulling back his celestial robe, Baijiao found a single white-haired ox. Bowing low, Baijiao disrobed and grasped the ox by its horns. The two wrestled until eventually the ox bowed its head in defeat.
Not wanting to make the creature suffer, Baijiao struck it with his outer palm, separating body and spirit. Baijiao struck the earth thrice and pulled forth salt, soy, and rice. Of these he formed a sauce by crushing them between his palms.
With his great axe, Baijiao prepared the rich beef but was also left wondering how to prepare the meat.
Third was Hongwei. Impressed by the other Celestials and seeking to help, he asked that Yinyu go next, allowing him time to return from the Underworld with his course as well as with the means to prepare the courses.
Yinyu this went next. Climbing to the the summit of Lord Yunfang, the highest peak of Shijing, she drew her bow and with a single arrow took down one of the mighty Léiniǎo, Great Thunder Bird, that nested there.
Claiming the great bird's eggs, Yinyu returned down the mountain. Once back in Xin, she prepared the eggs into rich noodles to eat with the the Great Thunder Bird.
At that very moment, Hongwei returned from his journey below. In his right hand he carried a sack containing bok choy, bamboo shoots, ginger, garlic, scallions, mushrooms, and snow peas collected on his journey to and from the Underworld. In his left hand, he held a single flame of purest blue; the flame of a Spirit Dragon, offered willingly to the Celestials.
Blowing hard upon the flame, Hongwei split it into four, allowing the Celestials to cook their courses. As they did so, the fifth Celestial, Jinyan, saw that though the gods had prepared a splendid feast, none had sought to quench their thirst.
Jinyan flew into the sky above, and gathered rain clouds around him. With a mighty roar, they squeezed the rain from the lowland clouds and the snow from the highland clouds. Jinyan plucked a single tea leaf from the vast Heartland, and returned with a refreshment to counterbalance the great heat of the four courses.
With the cooking done, the Celestials sat upon their pagoda in the Heart of Xin, and had their first meal upon Yuanzi.
Lung exhales a long sigh. "That is a lot of legendary beasts to slay. I tend towards bean curd, myself; at least my patron only slew a tea leaf. And what a tea leaf it must have been!"
His fingers drum the table. "We should go in the same order; order is always important in the Court. At least, in the order it was recounted. And we must be careful to re-read these characters to make sure nothing is a parable or a...erm, heaven forfend I should call something a 'trick'--let us say, a 'truth concealed within a riddle'."
"Now...where can we stand where we can see the Jinghua Sea and the Leiguang River?"
Shiro returns some time later. "We are safe for now. Nothing suspicious about." He notes the two studying the scroll, seating himself nearby. "What have you gleaned from the document? Good news, I hope?"
"I am not sure. I think my grandfather had a map a long time ago. Mom, did he give that to you? Maybe we could look and see where a likely spot would be?"
As Shiro comes back in, she thanks him for his patrol and nods, "Some good, some bad. Let me just retell it to you so you know what we will need to do. When I read it this time Lung, try to perceive whether there are any hidden truths in this." She will retell it again, partially for Shiro's sake, but also to measure out whether there were likely poetic writings that were not actually meant to be taken literal, or if it was all truth.
"I just don't know how to wrestle an ox and hit it on the head to release its spirit from its body..."
With that, she makes a quirky face and raises her shoulders in a clueless shrug.
Reading and re-reading the Four Flavors, it becomes clear that not everything within is likely to be accomplished quite the same way. Elements of the food and preparation style become apparent, but you get the feeling you are unlikely going to need to replicate the monumental tasks the Celestials performed; especially punching an Ox's spirit out of its body.
The descriptions of each of the food however does seem to indicate only a specific creature could serve as the new portion of the Four Flavors of Heaven. Not any old carp or shrimp would do.
"We should head towards the ocean, and also send a message by bird to Old Soeji."
Lung crosses his arms decisively.
Shiro tilted his head from side to side, pondering their options. "The egg is the closest, though I have worries about its transport. Most eggs I know are fragile. I still believe the recovery of Dahe would push us beyond the others."
"It's said that Golden Trout can only be caught in the freshest and cleanest of river water, I'd guess some holy site or high in the mountains, where the snow is freshly melted." Shiro reasoned calmly.
"I don't know where we'd find a Blue Crab, but such a rare animal is very valuable. I can find if poachers have stolen such a thing, should we head to the ocean." The ninja tries to remember the agents operating in Shuishang, they'd probably be his best bet for such knowledge.
"A white haired ox, I think those are traditionally given as gifts to other nobles. The animal might already be in another clan's possession. Though it does not mean they know of its true value." The masked man had little dealings with nobility, and is only working off hearsay.
"Well, if we are wanting the Dahe, we better do that first, because who knows how long the Drunken Master will stay where we last have heard of him staying."
She taps a finger to her little chin.
"I am almost thinking due to our need for fresh food and our time constraint, that we should split up and acquire these ingredients individually. And no killing either! If we fish up a golden trout, then it needs to stay alive until the day of the feast. If we find a white-haired ox, we need it to travel with us."
None of the legendary creatures mentioned in the Four Flavors seems to be on the locals mind besides one; the Great Thunder Bird.
Said to nest high atop Lord Yunfang, the highest peak of the mountains, legends say it controls the weather; from calming breezes, to violent storms. Many have attempted the ascent, but none have yet returned with the bird, or with one of its eggs.
The other creatures do sound somewhat familiar to the mountain villagers but not enough for any concrete information. Best try asking around the other villages and towns.
Shiro shakes his head at Piella's suggestion. "No, the spirit we encountered on the mountain almost took all of our lives. We're going to walk directly into danger, expected or not. I don't want to risk losing anyone if we can hep it."
The masked man peers at the document, but makes little sense of it. "We know that we have the History, or part of it. So long as it remains in our possession, our rivals will have little clue what we are planning. We have time to make the journey."
Unfolding his hand, the ninja reveals a single silver coin. Magic! "Seems we are undecided between the mountain and oceans. Shall we let Fate decide?"
Lung nods at the coin. "We need to be circumspect as we ask in villages as well. Anyone behind us can make up lost time by following our tracks. No matter. To the Thunder Bird's realm, then."
Piella had just got done climbing a mountain, and now she was going to climb the highest? She cringes at the thought.
"I have to be honest...I'm afraid."
She licks her lips with a look of worry spread over it.
"The Thunder Bird has thwarted the attempts of many climbing that mountain. I'm no climber. At the very least, we should borrow some climbing kits and cold-weather gear from the general store here. Would that be okay?" she asks, looking directly at her mother. Despite her worry, she seems to be getting ready to go; showing her bravery.
Shiro seems eager to go, the prospect of meeting such a legendary creature was exciting in his mind. "The drunken master is an experienced climber, perhaps we should meet him first. He might shed wisdom on how to climb the summit."
"This is a good idea, Shiro. We don't want to rush up a mountain only to fall."
Lung rubs his chin. "Unless we could find his base camp, at least..."
In our travels, we have found good fortune in regards to the Celestial Council's request. Bao is alright and having the time of his life. We have gained allies from unlikely places but have also been extremely careful to not jeopardize our success. We hope and pray that you are well, and we apologize for the vagueness of this note but thought it best not to detail what we've experienced lest it falls into others' hands.
Soejis Forever,
Piella"
After having finished the note, she will send out the bird and pay the attendant.
"There, I think leaving things vague is best."
With the deed done she will return to the boys and confer with them as to what should be done in private.
"I think we should try to find his camp. The longer we wait, the more dangers we face running into someone else."
Before they head up into the mountains though, she would make sure they had a fishing rod and bait for fishing any mountain lakes they come across.
Shiro nods. "Let's be prepared for the ascent. I'll gather some climbing supplies."
Grapppling Hook 1g
Hammer 5s
Pitons (5) 5s
Rope (150ft) 3g
Cost: 5g Weight: 44.5
The bird sent on its way and mountaineering equipment purchased and prepared, you make for the edge of Piaofeng's borders.
The path here diverges.
The Path of Jade is heavily-worn and paved, leading into the Yesheng Summits, and then onto Qiao.
The other, a barely-used hiking trail known as the Lord's Pilgrimage, heads westward and upwards into Shijing's highest peaks. A day of rough walking should get you to the base of the mountains, and most likely where the base camp will be set up.
"Neither the Thunder Bird or the drunken master are going to be on the paved road, let's break off here." Shiro pointed down the Lord's Pilgrimage. The ninja was weighed down by his new equipment, but eager to press onward.
Luckily for you all, the weather remained clear. The temperature however, progressively dropped as you climbed in altitude.
The path dipped in and out of snowbanks and scree, forcing you to search for it at times.
Lung peers at the ground, looking for tracks of the master.
Piella would park the cart at the base of the mountain once more, and carrying the things they needed along with what the boys brought, they would head up into the mountainside. Far ahead she could see the mountain swallowed up in height and wondered if clouds lingered there or if it was just a passing cloud being split in half by the mountain. Whatever the case, a slight whimper emits from her as she thinks of the distance.
"I agree," she answers Shiro.
While they climbed, she too kept an eye out for signs of not only the master, but signs of perhaps a place to fish. With her, a container for the fish should they catch one, clanks lightly at her side.
With heaved breath, she mutters, "Have you heard any rumors about what this Drunken Master is like, personality-wise? I hope he isn't a mean drunk..."
"Drunken Masters usually have a great deal of wisdom, although they are capricious," says Lung. "Piella, how is your leg? I hope we won't be climbing mountains this entire contest..."
Grumbling in response, she answers, "I think I'll be climbing mountains for all eternity." A small chuckle can be heard shortly after, indicating she was being sarcastic. Another moment later and she actually responds, "I'm okay...getting along. You see? The problem with limps is, yes, the pain of the leg, but also the shock it gives the rest of your body when you step. I'm going to be sore for a month after all this climbing...and my chest hurts."
Although a bit less than classy, she had grown comfortable with the boys and she was telling the truth. If they watched her closely, they could see that her limp jostled her whole upper torso. Not just her chest, but spine too. Each time, she would wince slightly. While lesser going uphill, it was very painful going downhill as they experienced on their last climb.
Not letting the cold conditions get the better of them, the group manages to reach the Upper Shijing base camp before nightfall. The smell of goat meat roasting and stewing carries you the rest of the way until at last you reach a collection of tents made from thick hides.
A series of tracks had led you there, human footprints judging by the size.
"I am sorry for your...ailment..." says Lung, blushing and trying not to look at every part she points out. "In the monastery we...ah...gently hit ourselves...with bamboo brushes...to ease soreness." He inhales deeply and looks at the the horizon, blushing even more furiously.
"Hail the camp! We come by way of Piaofeng, representing the Shoeji Clan. We're looking for a certain master," says Lung. He says this before anyone is in sight, keeping his hands where anyone can see them.
"Perhaps we can procure a walking stick of some fashion, if you think it would aid you. I'm sure Lung knows of some stretches that may ease soreness of the back and perhaps even limber the legs. We should do some before we climb in earnest." Any expression on Shiro's face is swallowed by his mask.
Hunger strikes the young man as the scent of cooked meat filled the air. It was then that he was glad he had left Gou to guard the wagon. The dog's interest in food usually got the better of him. Shiro walks quietly, so as to not disturb the master and Lung's conversation.
"He's blushing...aww..." Her eyes opened a bit more in expectancy as Lung struggled. Piella had to bite her lip to keep from smiling larger, but as he looked on, she let her grin go as wide as it wanted to go. When he would look back, there would be a deadpan look with a raised eyebrow, as if saying, "did you really just suggest hitting me with a stick?", however, no words come out of her mouth toward Lung. She'll then turn to Shiro and nod defeatedly. It was not her intent to hobble like an old lady, and a cane was the last thing she wanted to use, but if they were going down mountainsides, it wasn't fair for Shiro to cart her down either.
She had begun to notice the first signs of life a while back, and now they had climbed and climbed. At the smell of food, her little stomach grumbled, but it was a good sign that they were close. The camp came into sight and she kept silent while Lung announced their presence, but her crossbow is out and loaded by that point; yet facing downward in a sign of respect and safety. After all, who knew if this wasn't going to be a more violent competitor who had also thought of getting this mystical drink.
A round face peeks out from the layers of animal hide, squinting into the evening darkness.
What's that? A master? Get in here, let's sort this out."
Inside the largest tent, a group of a half dozen or so mountaineers, goatherds, and traders sit around a roaring fire pit. Skewers of meat roast over the fire while a massive cast iron pot simmers gently, wafting delicious scents into the enclosed space.
The men and women present make room for the three of you to join them on the rough, woven rugs laid out across the floor.
One of the women pushes bowls of stew and a skewer into your hands before asking:
"So, who is it exactly you're looking for? Couldn't quite make out what you were shouting about out there."
"Thank you, and our apologies," says Lung, accepting the offered food. Yijun. We seek Yijun, the Drunken Master."
"Oh! Of course we know Yijun. Hard not to. Nobody else fool enough to scale Lord Yunfang barefoot. Says his faith in the Celestials and his bottles are enough to keep his heart roaring like a dragon."
She glances at you.
"I hope you're not hoping to scale the mountain yourself. That's a day of rough hiking and climbing in some truly dreadful conditions. The sky may look clear and pretty but the cold's the real killer."
How urgent is it that you see him?"
Before going into the tent, she looks to both Lung and Shiro and pulls them aside after the face ducks back in.
"Give the manuscript to Shiro. Can you hide it on you in a way no-one will find it?"
"Very urgent. Time is of the essence," Piella answers the woman after taking her food and take a bowl to eat. "I am not sure we can make it, but we might try--as fool-hardy as that is. Unless you have some other option?"
She will look over each of the members of the clan here as she puts away her crossbow, unloads it, and picks up her bowl and skewer to eat.
"My name is Piella. Thank you for this, I was starving."
"Certainly." The ninja slides the document into his robes and they are gone.
Shiro hungrily accepts the skewer, delicately plucking each piece of meat off the stick with his teeth. The heat caused him to breathe around each bite, but he enjoyed it all the same. "Thank you for your hospitality. The satay is delicious, thank you. If there's anything I can do to help, I am at your disposal while we stay."
Lung thinks, and turns to Shiro and Piella.
"We can't do this the standard way. Piella isn't a climber, and really, neither am I. Shiro, you are. If we connect ourselves with a rope--Piella and I at one end and you at front--we can catch you if you fall in front, as we'll outweigh you. We move slowly, and Piella can light fires along the way. We just need to see him, and then we can make a display of magic and shout to him--and with luck, we will see him from a long way off. No need for us to not be conspicuous."
Shiro nodded. "I've prepared plenty of rope and some pitons to provide support, though progress will be slow. Our host is right, we should try to stock up on warm clothing and food."
The masked man pauses in thought before speaking again. "I hope to live up to your expectations, but I fear my climbing experience is limited. We will have to be careful... Shall we rest here for the night?"
Shiro thinks of his companion, Gou, standing guard with their wagon and considers going back for him, though that would leave it unattended. "Perhaps it is better to retrieve the wagon and leave it here? I don't think there's much of value left on it."
"Well if you're going to be heading up there regardless, the least we can do is help you out. We have some spare gear; ropes, warm clothing, and the like. If you stay to the south face of Lord Yunfang you should have an easier time too. The north face is known for having claimed too many lives."
You get a feeling she's being truly honest and happy to help. You see some weapons around, but none are being hidden. They're simply there for self defense.
Piella eases as she cannot seem to pick up any signs of deception or odd behavior in the group. Her smile once again abounds on her face and she all politeness and conversation.
"You are all too kind. We will say some prayers for you to the Celestial Council that you are blessed for helping us. Can I ask your names so I know to whom I'm indebted?"
"Staying the night is a good idea, and starting a bit before dawn," says Lung in agreement to Shiro. He nods as well as Piella offers her orisons.
Shiro helps oversee getting the cart to the base camp, carefully guiding the animal pulling it. He also frees the wheels from a rut once or twice. By the time it's done, night has claimed them.
Exhausted, he spent a while lazily playing with Gou before falling asleep by the cart. Rest was important for the coming trial.
The woman points out each member of the group.
"That's Teng, Hao Mu, Yao and Tao, Daiyu, and I'm Meiling."
She happily finds you accommodations in an unused tent.
"You sleep well friends. Do let us know if you need anything. It's not often we get visitors you know."
---
The next morning, you wake to a cloudless day. The cold still seeps through your regular clothes, but the sun offers a spot of hope amid the frigid temperatures at the base camp.
Eggs, meat, vegetables, and bread are being prepared by Yao and Tao in the main tent. The smell wafts throughout the camp, much like yesterday.
A rap at the tent's opening is heard.
"Food's cooking if you want some friends. Wouldn't want you leaving too late if you're still set on scaling Lord Yunfang."