“Isn’t it beautiful, Alex?”

  Alex turned from gazing at the heavens glittering with a myriad of colorful stars all the hues of the rainbow to admiring the magnificent tower of marble and quartz that sparkled like diamonds under the light of the full moons. Heart lightened by a peaceful walk through what was admittedly the nicest quarter of the city, he and his companions had received nothing but warm nods and oddly hopeful looks from both workers and well-to-do citizenry as they made their way to the grand sect building serving as the city’s cultivation academy that they stood before even now.

  “Thank you for your service!” Had been a phrase that warmed his heart to hear. Eyes so filled with warmth and unguarded hope had met their own, conveying in no uncertain terms just how desperately the average citizen sensed their city’s peril and hoped for a miracle… giving thanks to those people willing to fight for that miracle, that it served to soothe old bitter scars in his psyche for traumas long forgotten save in the recesses of his soul.

  Yet on some level, the unsung hero who had striven so hard for a righteous path only to be scorned and mocked and reviled by the very people he had fought so hard to save… souls that were all too often a reflection of bitter jealous gods above, or perhaps innocent pawns infected by cards of fate they couldn’t even fathom twisting about their lives, playing them like marionettes to a game as grotesque as it was awesome… had turned hard and bitter.

  Yet the gentle words of grace and gratitude brought unexpected tears to his eyes as old wounds were finally soothed. To see that he was respected, valued, appreciated, however far removed it truly was from the bitter perils of days long past. Yet still, it was enough. Enough to bring tears to his eyes, to allow ancient bitter howls to be soothed and comforted with the simple smile of a hopeful child waving at him from her mother’s arms.

  And somehow, a choked up Alex knew, that if this weren’t his final life, the solace he felt right now, walking gently along pristine brownstone blocks as smooth as any idealized roman road of a lifetime ago, with the stars shining overhead and two beautiful souls happy to walk by his side… this memory might be the solace a later version of himself might need not to walk down certain dark paths he was increasingly certain had been his own, at least one time in three. Far better to embrace lives where he would serve as a bastion of mercy… not a final arbiter of darkest wrath and vengeance, knowing all too well that both of those facets were as much WiFu’s as his own.

  Both of them marked by pain for their hearts to bleed for countless souls suffering as they once had.

  Both of them marked by pain sufficient to set the world ablaze with their wrath.

  And the paths they sometimes walked, well, there was a reason why tales of the Fox and General were said with such hushed guarded whispers and too many furtive glances from those who had even the tiniest inkling of who he and his mentor might be. Because when their blood ran hot… the world would burn.

  He shivered and pulled away from unwanted memory. Flashes of joy and pain flickering ever more across his soul. He suspected his increasing memories of lives not entirely his own was because he had, in fact, come back thrice so far, in this final tale, without any cognitive wipe at all, as a certain grandmother of the river had withdrawn the mercy of forgetfulness in retribution for the painful lessons he had instilled upon her vile monster of a grandson.

  At that moment, lost in wonder at the beautiful sight of the magnificent edifice of marble and shimmering quartz, he couldn’t help but wonder if something other than spite had motivated her. Perhaps she too bled for the endless torment that had been her youngest grandchild’s lot for far, far too long. Maybe even she had to acknowledge that Shalu had more than earned his scars. Perhaps Alex truly was a pawn in a game who’s serpentine intrigues and maneuvers had been evolving for literal eons, and her ire with his daring was the perfect pretext to remove the veil of forgetfulness which had both soothed his soul… and blocked him from the bittersweet lessons extending over who knew how many lifetimes.

  Perhaps it was time to remember.

  Perhaps it was time to become a force to be reckoned with.

  Far more terrible than anything that had ever come before.

  Or perhaps he was reading into things far too deeply, and Grandmother Yi Wang simply wanted him to suffer, like every other asshole at that divine table.

  “Alex?”

  He winced at the unexpected fear he heard in Rachel’s soft, husky voice.

  He quickly shook away the dark bitter thoughts that had almost overtaken him. Almost overtaken his pristine mood that brought a sense of peace that was almost transcendent.

  So he answered the shadows of ancient memories best allowed to lie like sleeping dragons with a gentle chuckle, the golden peals of warmth and hope putting to rest so many unrequited dreams.

  Because here in the smiling promise of two young women before him, two girls he would honor as the friends and companions they deserved, was all the hope and joy and appreciation he had craved for countless lifetimes. Because he knew that all he had to do was reveal his heart to these girls, and all his dreams and desires would be fulfilled.

  Yet it was a line he wouldn’t cross. Not just because of mores adopted since his first incarnation and always embraced, but because his heart had already been given to another. Two others. One of whom awoke the fires of passion like the most glorious of summer storms. As for the other... He closed his eyes and swallowed the lump in his throat, seeing so clearly the beeming features of the first woman Alex had ever married in any world, right before a spite-filled Shalu had slammed down a card of bitter fruit, consigning his spouses and progeny to suffering and hardship over countless lifetimes. Perhaps the only reason why so very few people in the world bore any trace of his features at all.

  Yet a few did. Because even with that monster’s spite, he and WiFu had still found ways of sheltering that which was most precious to their hearts, and all of his descendants that he found would now be able to live peaceful lives in a once tiny pocket realm where they were embraced and accepted.

  A world seed that had already grown to the size of ancient Earth.

  A world that was his own, with a magnificent palace filled with magical wonders fitting of any Jade Emperor or fledgling deity.

  “Alex, what are you thinking?” Lini gazed at him with a curious look, a blush coming to her dusky features.

  Alex chuckled. “Nothing at all, kung-fu sister. Just feeling grateful to have friends I can count on.”

  Lini squeezed his hand without saying anything. And if she leaned into him a bit closer than he thought appropriate for someone her age, he wouldn’t embarrass her here in public, amongst a handful of other traders and cultivators still clearing their meridians wearing similar light grey robes, all of them waiting to be allowed admittance into the grand edifice before them. Especially not while under the careful regard of a pair of white-robed cultivators radiating the strength of experienced Bronze, both with bright smiles upon their faces as they quickly made their way through the line of those patiently waiting their turn to pluck Alex and his companions and lead them through the grand arched doorway, heedless of the grumbles and glares Alex could hear at their back.

  “Why is the Autumn sect being treated this way? We have every right to be here as our elders agreed!”

  “Of course, honored cultivator. We but follow protocol.”

  “Why? Because Spring won a single duel? We trounced you fools three years running. This edifice is ours in all but name, and the delve as well! And we never put Ruidians before honest cultivators when we were organizing the delve.”

  “And that might explain the lack of Water cores,” sniped a jaded voice behind the loudest complainer.

  “What? How dare you accuse Autumn of incompetence! I should challenge you right now!”

  “You will do no such thing, honored cultivator,” said the less than amused guardian overseeing the line.

  “If you cannot show the basic discipline expected of all those who dare the delves… you may leave.”

  Alex couldn’t help but crack a smile as the teasing wind whispered the angry murmurs of those behind them, explaining, perhaps, the concentration of Bronze when normally one would expect far more aspirants in the meridian cleansing stage.

  They weren’t students returning to the sect academy after a day in the city. They were warriors in their own right, looking to dare the rifts. And Alex supposed it made sense. With countless overlapping pocket realms allowing for unlimited numbers of parties to enter, it behooved the city to have everyone who could endure the buildup of waste Qi delving for as long as they safely could.

  Still, it did leave Alex more than a bit curious, enough so that his attention quickly went back to their host, unusually gregarious for a cultivator, explaining the history of their Sect, named after one of the four seasons which Alex found quite interesting in the desert. It seemed that the Spring sect had only just recently taken custody of the grand edifice whose marbled hallways were lined with frescoes, silken tapestries and strikingly beautiful paintings of both desert sunsets and lush ancient forests lining the walls they walked through. Apparently, they were still figuring out how they wished to organize delving privileges and procedures, which no doubt explained why there were any delays at all, when the number of delves cultivators of even this city could safely endure in a season was very limited indeed. Of course, with the Red Prince breathing down all their throats, no doubt they were all feeling the simultaneous desire to forge a legend in their names and do whatever it took not to end up a city of subjugate slaves to a psychopathic tyrant, forced to sell their children and their souls for precious water.

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  “And so, under Spring’s custodianship, our academy seeks to do everything possible to facilitate as exceptional a delving experience as you and all your Ruidian counterparts could desire,” their guide continued. “And that includes access to our exclusive dining hall, hot and cold baths, cool underground sleeping quarters, and training facilities tailored to your people’s preferences. Why, we even have a private garden you may tend to, should you wish to expel your waste Qi right here, bringing fecund life to our fields and earning top coin for your produce just as we offer credits and the specialized services you know and trust from us for any quality core you bring us!”

  Rachel’s eyes widened in visible delight, squeezing Alex’s hand in excitement. “Wait, you have your own private garden?” Her eyes took on an excited gleam. “Could we even have access to the fertile land withing the caldera proper?”

  Lini’s eyes widened. She looked ready to jump in in case they offended their host. But the perfectly bald and moderately portly cultivator radiating so much Earth affinity Alex thought he must be Wujen merely chuckled goodnaturedly. “Of course. Of course! Ruidians are always welcome here! Not simply to delve but to farm as well!” He gave Rachel a conspiratorial wink. “In fact, for those Ruidians not afraid to make our city their own, we offer prime farming rights you can purchase for a song! In point of fact, we actually have a growing Ruidian community comprised of over a dozen families who have decided to call Wanshi home, and I don’t mind telling you that they have earned nothing but praise from both our mortal farmers and the cultivators who’s affinity with Water and Wood has made them absolutely indispensable for helping to feed and nurture our fair city.”

  Their leisurely walk through halls befitting a noble’s grand manor ground to a halt, a stunned Rachel just gazing at the beaming cultivator as if he had grown a second head. A head made of gold that he was now offering it to her with no strings.

  “Wait… are you serious? We can buy prime caldera basin real estate and set up our own farming commune? And we’ll be welcomed? The land’s not all tied up in ancient family lineages? And our neighbors, our fellow farmers and cultivators, would actually welcome us?”

  “With open arms!” Their guide assured with a chuckle, brown eyes twinkly warmly. Knowingly. “Our prince has put a number of edicts in effect during these trying times, and we are happy, no, thrilled to say that it has payed dividends none of us lesser men expected. Thanks in part to our growing Ruidian farming commune, which property you purchase would adjoin, Our food production has gone up over twenty percent! Because our newest citizens have not been shy in sharing their secrets for maximum yield low-water harvests, earning the love of the city and the warm regard of the prince himself! So yes, child. Should you or your clan find the trials of living in the center of an extremely hostile desert trying, you are all more than welcome to make Wanshi your new home.”

  He said the last with a chuckle. “But of course, you are here to make your fortunes as delvers, no? I’m sure you all must be hungry from your long journey, so lets head to the dining hall where our chefs are preparing some of the tenderest cuts of spirit beast meat to ever melt upon your tongue! With all the freshly baked bread, hummus, congee, and wine that you can always expect to flow freely upon our table, thanks to the desert grapes your people cultivate so well! Of course we can go over the specifics of what you can expect within our delve in the morning, where we’ll do our best to put together parties that can emphasize your strengths!”

  With those words, he led them to a dining hall filled with polished hardwood tables covered in spreads of roasted spirit boar along with multiple soups and stews, tureens filled with spicy congee, and bowls of hummus alongside loafs of bread dipped in olive oil. The air was also filled with the fragrant aroma of all the fresh fruit Alex could desire.

  He couldn’t help but whistle softly, sensing as well the spiritual auras of over a score of Deep bronze and over half a dozen Silver-tier cultivators of various degrees of potency, all of them dressed in their finest cheongsams, tunics, and robes, and in many cases, makeup and jewelry as well. And what did those normally arrogant titans of power and privilege do when they gazed the way of three clueless guests? Alex was more shaken than he wanted to admit that he received not one derisive sneer or cold sniff.

  No. What they got were a number polite nods before most people returned to their conversations and meals, yet a good third where gazing their way with what Alex felt was an almost desperate intensity. Free of any hostility… there was definitely a hunger for something besides food.

  Alex suppressed the chill he felt, though Rachel seemed completely oblivious, all but squealing with delight as she slipped the first morsel of perfectly roasted spirit boar into her mouth as an obsequious pair of servants went to filling all their plates with whatever they desired. As if they were the elite privileged inner disciples of a powerful sect. Not fresh visitors who had yet to prove themselves in any way, or pay for a single thing so far.

  Yet all their host did was flash a pleased smile. “Is the food to your liking, honored guests?”

  “Oh it absolutely is!” Rachel gushed. “This spirit boar is positively scrumptuous!”

  Their host gave a content bow. “Wonderful. Then I’ll return in an hour and take you to your quarters and we shall speak more on delving opportunities on the morrow.”

  Yet before their surprisingly gracious host could get up to leave, Alex politely cleared his throat, flashing an apologetic smile. Because the weight of so many intent measuring gazes being sent their way made it clear that their meal would be far from undisturbed, and the memory of certain faces might stick out far more than either of the girls by his side would prefer.

  “Forgiveness, honored host… Senior Wei Lin, yes?”

  Please, ignore the title. It’s Brother Wei to all my Ruidian friends.”

  Alex chuckled warmly, forcing a rueful expression despite the grumbles in his belly. “It has been an exhausting day, Brother Wei. And as much as the food before us looks absolutely scrumptious, what this one needs most is a good night’s sleep if I’m to be ready for tomorrow’s adventures.”

  Their host gazed at Alex speculatively for a few seconds, Alex pointedly ignoring Rachel and Lini’s sigh as he passed up on a truly magnificent looking spread, before giving an understanding nod.

  “I understand. Your people perform exceptionally well when well rested. And we certainly wouldn’t want to do anything to hinder you in performing at your best! Very well. Let me take you to your quarters, and fear not, we will honor your free meal on the morrow!”

  Alex dipped his head in gratitude, the group quickly led through grandly appointed halls worthy of nobility and Silver ascendants, several of which he could faintly sense in the floors above before the trio was led to a spacious room that was both cool and comfortable looking with a bed covered luxuriously soft-looking furs from whatever spirit beasts lurked within the rift that so much of the caldera’s fortunes depended upon. He also noted several stressed leather recliners that looked perfect for relaxing, meditating, or reading upon, and might just choose to sleep there than on the admittedly enticing bed. He was also intrigued to notice a book shelf with a full half-dozen leather bound volumes and what looked like a pair of puzzle games.

  Yet despite the luxurious accessories, what was most striking about the room was just how large it was. Did well-to-do Ruidians enjoy lots of space? Was it a Silver-tier accommodation thing? In truth he didn’t know. Though the lighting was nothing but soothing, the room was lit by a soft pale blue orb giving off gentle spiritual energies, the cleverly crafted wind catchers throughout the grand marble and quartz edifice allowing for wondrously cool breezes sufficient to rustle his hair, even here. Alex nodded in satisfaction when their gracious host showed the clever lever for the bronze grill that could be easily shut should the deserts night time air turn too cool for comfort, and the silk rope that would cover the blue spirit-orbs lighting up their chamber.

  “And of course, here is your water pitcher. Should thirst trouble you, you may pull the rope by your door and a servant will be by your quarters shortly to take care of your needs. And please, no need to worry! The first night is gratis to all visiting Ruidians and cultivators, even if most of the latter enjoy far more modest quarters! But please, enjoy the spacious amenities to the fullest! You will no doubt find that with your first delve in the days to come that successful hauls will net you sufficient surplus to enjoy our amenities for months at a time!”

  Alex and the girls bowed their heads in gratitude as Brother Wei took his leave.

  It was only when the door finally closed that Lini sighed sadly, taking it all in and shaking her head. “Such a pity. Look at how well they made use of all the leather and spirit beast hide they have perfect access to! This is basically a palatial suite! Ooh you Ruidians are so lucky, being in such high demand right now when the city’s existence is basically hanging in the balance.” She sighed. “I would have loved to spend a few nights here,” she teased, giving Alex a look that made him laugh as Rachel blinked in confusion.

  “Wait, why wouldn’t we?” Rachel blushed at the pointed look Lini gave her before lowering her gaze and giving an embarrassed chuckle of her own.

  “Oh. That’s right. All of this… it was just…”

  “An act, to get our dear friend here safely away from those Silver-tier psychopaths eager to claim the city and every virgin within.”

  Rachel blanched uncomfortably at those words.

  Alex sighed. “Lini…”

  “It’s true and you know it. And I still haven’t found any trace of my friend.” The girl’s anxious eyes hardened back into focus once more. “And that’s neither here nor there. What matters is that you too are now in their sights, Rachel, and I can’t forever cloak you in shadow like I did tonight. Because even if our hosts will be scratching their temples, not quite sure what you look like come morning, it’s honestly exhausting to keep up because I’m the farthest thing, from well…” She pointedly glanced Alex’s way, and he knew she was thinking of her mother.

  Rachel swallowed, her dreamy excitement of moments before replaced by a racing heart and fear sweat prickling her back that the breezed picked up instantly.

  Alex gave her his most reassuring smile. “It’s okay. I know my friends made contingencies. But you came to this city to make your fortune, right?” With those words, he solemnly handed her the largest three Earth and Fire beast cores, Bronze=tier and of excellent quality, that he had won from the purse of his latest opponent.

  Rachel’s eyes widened. “Alex, this is a fortune!”

  “Your cover is all that’s allowing me to safely walk the streets now,” Alex replied. “Since any enemies looking for blood will be after a man named Gong and, sadly, his wife. Not the odd blond haired Ruidian doing his best to make absolutely no waves in this city at all.”

  Rachel bowed her head. “Yes, I understand, Alex. But I’m still the one who owes you.” She smirked at his wince. “Yes, Alex. I checked my interface. I’m not such a fool that I can’t tell when a mysterious stranger saves my life.”

  Alex swallowed, but before he could say another word, she got on her tippy toes and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, hero. For everything.” With a final squeeze of his hand, she turned to Lini. “And thank you as well for assuring to my safety.”

  Lini nodded. “Come. The sooner we get you squared away, the sooner you both will be safe and a quickly forgotten footnote that our enemies never think of again.

  Rachel shuddered. “Perhaps that would be for the best.”

  Lini then bowed solemnly and low before a bemused Alex. “Thank you for your service hero. As always,” She said with a twinkle in her eye, and before Alex could parse exactly what she meant, she had disappeared into the shadows as if she had never been there at all.