52 - Chapter 47

On Sun Li’s advice, Sa Bina asked Lou Sie and her guards to return back to the estate with her carriage once her work was done. Sun Li had assured her that she would return Sa Bina back to her estate.

While they prepared to depart, Sun Li also sent a messenger requesting an urgent meeting with the Patriarch. Shao Jia would also join them. While Sun Li did not provide details, she did state it was in relation to Sa Bina.

Once Sa Bina was sure that Lou Sie had everything in hand, the three of them boarded a carriage heading towards the sect.

“So we were talking about my amnesia, before we were sidetracked,” said Sa Bina. “Do you still believe my story is made up?”

Shao Jia looked uncomfortable at the question. “Well, the injury to your brain should have killed you.” she started. “However, due to you passively cultivating, something that is only mentioned in myths and legends, it is possible that the qi acted to preserve you. However, as you are not a cultivator, and you won’t even start your journey until your dantian ignites, it would not have been possible for your qi to restore what was lost. That along with the external healing, which would have focused on physical repair and not restoration, could potentially lead to memory loss.”

“What did you mean by physical repair and not restoration?” asked Sun Li.

“Why do you still call it potential memory loss?” asked Sa Bina at the same time.

“To answer both your questions,” said Shao Jia. “Think of it like this, if this carriage had a cracked axle and smashed wheel, you have two ways to fix it. One would be to get the same quality of axle and wheel, perfectly sized for the carriage and restore it to full functionality. This would be a proper restoration. The second way you could do it would be to nail the crack together, and then stick any wheel on the end, as long as the size was roughly the same. Yes the carriage would be repaired, and even work to a point, but it would be unsightly and the functionality would be significantly impaired. Something that would be immediately noticeable. Now imagine a situation where you carried out the second fix, yet it achieves the effect of the first fix. People who don’t know would think they got lucky, but an expert would realise it made no sense.”

“So you are saying,” responded Sa Bina. “That the evidence you have seen of the healing that I received, and the effect of passive cultivation for a pre-dantian ignition cultivator should not have led to me being mentally functional. I am guessing that you are basing that on the areas of the brain that suffered damage and your understanding of the discrete functions that they control?” Sa Bina had been keeping her cards close, trying to control the flow of information about herself. It was obvious that at least some of her secrets would have to be revealed. It was now about shaping a narrative that was more believable, without increasing her risks. Given the situation, Sa Bina was shaping a new narrative.

Even Sun Li was shocked at Sa Bina’s question. The level of knowledge she was displaying should just have not been possible.

“See,” said Shao Jia, with a resigned sigh. “It is when you speak like that, and ask questions that display a level of education and training that even most healers don’t have, that makes me question who you really are. To answer your question, yes the worst damage was to the parts of your brain that are known to impact fine motor control and long term memory. There was additional damage to the parts of your brain known to be responsible for language processing. So you should not be able to physically control your tongue and voice box to form the words with such clarity, nor should you be able to be so eloquent.”

“Isn’t the effect on patients different?” asked Sa Bina.

“In general that holds true,” said Shao Jia. “The fact that you even understand that is annoying, but in your case it should not be possible. The entire areas that govern both abilities were totally destroyed. The healing has left significant scarring. The fact that I am seeing evidence that the scars are still healing is another shock. It can potentially be attributed to qi working to repair back to an optimal state, though that is normally only seen in those who are at a nascent soul stage or higher. It still doesn't explain how you are able to function.”

“Have there not been cases where the brain compensated and moved functionality to uninjured parts?” asked Sa Bina.

“How... how do you even understand that is possible?” asked a clearly exasperated Shao Jia. “Yes, it can happen, but again either in young children, or those of advanced stages of cultivation. It still takes significant amounts of time, and medical intervention. You have not had either.”

Sa Bina had an inkling of an idea that could potentially explain her state. It would depend on how the patriarch responded. As she thought through the issues and implications of her new strategy, they pulled into the sect compound.

“We can continue the conversation on the way back,” said Sun Li. “We need guidance on the more immediate issue. Shao Jia, I would also like you to present your findings to the patriarch. He may call in the elder of the medicine hall, or another elder, to corroborate your findings, so be prepared to answer questions.”

They had reached a pagoda situated at the top most point of the sect compound, and at a considerable remove from the other buildings. Sa Bina felt that the atmosphere felt cosy and welcoming, but chose not to comment on it.

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They disembarked from the carriage and were informed that the patriarch had received the message and would see them shortly. They were led to a waiting area. The area looked like it was designed for meditation, so Sa Bina decided to keep her own counsel while they waited.

Surprisingly, they were only kept waiting for around half a bell before the same attendant returned to escort them to the patriarch's study. The arrived before a beautifully carved set of doors and were ushered inside.

Sa Bina was surprised to find that the elder of the outer hall was also present, along with a man and a woman she did not recognise. He had a knowing smirk on his face. Sa Bina assumed that the man was the patriarch, given the title. She could only guess that the woman was another elder. She copied Sun Li and Shoa Jia in how they bowed in the three elders' presence.

“We greet the patriarch, the elder of the medicine hall and the elder of the outer hall,” said Sun Li. She was also surprised to find all three waiting for them. She just assumed that they had been in the middle of discussions and had wanted to stay to see what was so urgent. She wondered if she should ask for a private audience. Before she could formulate the question, the elder of the outer hall spoke.”

“So, little Shoa Jia could tell huh,” said the elder, his tone teasing. “How long did it take you to realise?”

“You already knew?” asked Shao Jia. “How is that possible?”

“So is that why the sect has shown so much favour to her?” asked Sun Li at the same time.

Sa Bina was left speechless. It seemed that they had kept a lot of secrets from her.

“I suppose I better take a look at you,” said the female elder. “Come forward girl.”

Sa Bina shuffled forward and put her arm out. While the elder examined her, she focused on the conversation and interactions between the rest.

“We suspected,” said the elder of the Outer Hall. “There are precepts in place, we are not to interfere. That does not prohibit us from forming a good relationship however.”

“This has happened before?” said Shao Jia. “Why is this not more common knowledge?”

“Some secrets are not to be shared lightly,” said the Patriarch. “Ensure that you do not speak of this to anyone.”

“But,” said Shao Jia. “It will become apparent once her dantian ignites. Then everyone will be able to see.”

“No,” said the Patriarch. “They will speculate, some will suspect. Only a few will realise what it means.”

“Elders, there is more,” said Sun Li. “You should hear the full report from Shao Jia.”

The elders looked towards Shao Jia and she recited all the findings and speculations.

“Based on my own examination,” said the female elder. “Your findings are correct. This girl should not be functioning. Even I have never seen anything like it.”

The Patriarch and the Elder of the outer hall exchanged glances.

“It seems like Sa Bina knows, or suspects more than she is telling us,” said Shao Jia. She wanted to ensure that her new employer was not a case of possession.

The three elders looked towards Sa Bina and waited for her to speak. One of the advantages of age was to have developed amazing patience.

“So I am guessing that there is not much known about divine spirit roots?” asked Sa Bina.

“Very little is known,” said the Patriarch.

“And based on what Shao Jia has said about body-soul dysphoria, and your reactions I am guessing that spirit roots are some expression of the compatibility between the body and the soul?” asked Sa Bina.

This time all three elders were startled. The expression was gone in an instant, but it was enough for Sa Bina to catch it. Further it was evidence that what she had managed to guess was a massive secret.

“That is not to be repeated outside this room,” said the Patriarch in a commanding tone. “Ever.”

Sa Bina gulped, while Sun Li and Shoa Jia looked thoughtful.

“So is it possible,” asked Sa Bina. “That a soul was so closely linked to the body, that the shock from the body was transferred to the soul?”

It was the elder of the outerhall who answered this time. “It is theoretically possible,” he replied. “But it would take extraordinary circumstances.”

“And is it further possible,” asked Sa Bina. “That the shock could possibly awaken memories from another life?” The one thing Sa Bina had managed to confirm was that a lot of people believed in reincarnation. Hence she was gambling that they may accept memories of a past life as a potential explanation for her condition. It would also potentially excuse a lot of her outlandish behaviour.

“It is possible,” answered the elder.

“While this is an unusual situation,” said the Patriarch. “It is not one in which we may interfere any more than we already have. Shao Jia, I understand your concerns, but do not deem Sa Bina to be a threat to the sect, kingdom or the enlightened races. I suggest you all return to your tasks.”

With that the three of them left to return to the city.

***

“So that confirms divine intervention. It also explains why she seems not to know anything of this world.” said the Founder. “Though it seems likely that young Sa Bina is aware of it.”

“Is that why we choose not to reveal anything to them?” asked the female Elder.

“We do not know which god is involved,” said the founder. “We can neither oppose nor support.”

“Do we still protect her?” asked the Patriarch.

“For now,” he replied. “She is young and untrained. Once she can call herself a cultivator, we will reduce the protection to those above her rank.”

“That will still leave her facing considerable challenges,” said the female Elder. “The existing noble houses will see her as a threat to their authority.”

“She will have to face those challenges,” said the founder. “We can only balance the scales. Otherwise we could all find ourselves facing threats we are not ready for.”