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Chapter 67: "Not Just About Power."
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The procedure went surprisingly smoothly. This time they used targeted acupuncture to immobilize her arm and dull the pain. Cho explained that they hadn't done so before because of how long it takes to set up. While he did that, Nurse Joi set up a pair of the lenses over her palm, and then she prepared an 80% solution of spiritual water in a glass syringe. A brief round of testing verified the lenses were arranged correctly before they were ready to begin.
Shae used a book to distract herself from the procedure. Then part way through she had to use it to fan away the smell. The light provided by Cham-Cham focused through the lenses essentially made a high powered laser that burned through the center of the black blob, and her skin. She felt the heat more than the pain; it was manageable, just rather uncomfortable.
They stopped considerably sooner than she expected. Leaving her with only a small red dot in the center of her palm.
"That should heal into your normal pale skin soon enough. Faster if you feed it qi, but you should only do that if it is very uncomfortable," Doctor Cho explained.
Shae frowned at it. "Hmmm. I was expecting you to remove more of it."
Cho shrugged. "Your Senior here does not have the deepest of qi reserves, and spent much clearing all the way through it. He says it was a lot denser than it appears. The good news is this should defang any chance of hidden qi, and he even says there was no qi actively resisting his. Thus you should be able to cleanse it away if you do want to change its appearance."
Nurse Joi leaned in with a smile. "Once it heals to a nice white dot, you'll have a mark of Yin right on your palm. That's kind of neat, isn't it?"
She considered it with a shrug. "Does that mean I need a Yang mark on my other palm?"
"Heh heh." Cho chuckled. "Only if you want to negate the intimidation factor of having either. No one cultivates both. It would be like cultivating fire and water."
"People do that, it's called steam." She smirked briefly.
"Err, bad example. They are complete opposites, rather than elemental opposites."
"Ice and fire might be a better example?" Joi suggested. "Or the more obvious light and shadow."
Shae tilted her head. "Hmmm, but light creates shadow, technically. And ideologically, shadow cannot exist without light, only darkness, they seem a fitting pair."
She felt a harsher and more uncomfortable grinding noise come from the terrarium. Cham-Cham was glaring at her with the one eye facing that side of the tank. Then she noticed its reflection, and the other eye was also glaring.
She coughed into her sleeve. "Err, that's just philosophy though. Not any practical sense of the qi."
The grinding slowed but the beast was clearly still annoyed.
"Hmm." Cho said as he considered them both. "We should wrap this up quickly. Stay still a moment." He grabbed a scalpel and made several very fast cuts then peeled strings of shadow directly out of Shae's arm with a pair of steel chopsticks.
"Eah!" She only managed a mumble of surprise. Her arm was still paralyzed and Nurse Joi moved quickly to hold her from twisting her torso away.
"There! Done. Knowing it wouldn't react made it a much simpler operation!" He smiled, then glanced to the side and down at seeing the young woman's expression. "A-hem. Apologies about the abruptness."
Joi began removing the acupuncture pins while Cho bandaged Shae's arm and stored the harvested qi strands.
"Now, while we return you to your bed for rest. Let's discuss some form of payment."
"Eh? But- I-." She stammered and hefted the book still in her hand. "And I have almost nothing to pay you with."
"Ah, no no. My apologies. I need to pay you, Wise Shae." Doctor Cho dipped his head slightly. "If someone was looking for it specifically, dormant shadow qi could fetch quite a high price."
She gaped at him, her jaw working silently until she managed, "Oh."
"And you can bring the book as well." He gestured out of the room and that pushed them into quickly clearing out of the room. Cho wheeled the cart of tools into his office but waved them off from moving the furniture. The three left the room without another word.
Nurse Joi was the first to speak up as they walked the halls. Just after turning the first corner she said, "Thank you for letting Cham-Cham rest," she said and bowed slightly.
Shae nodded but had to stop herself from saying anything, remembering Cho's words about keeping her Dao sense a secret.
"It was rather obvious he was irritated by the statement," the doctor explained.
"Err, sorry about saying that. I didn't think it would bother Senior Brother." Shae ducked her head in an attempted walking-bow. She almost stumbled because of it.
Joi waved a dismissive hand. "He wasn't that annoyed. Didn't even use any pressure"
"Mhmm," Cho hummed agreement. "He is quite aware of the workings of shadow, he just doesn't like to be reminded."
"Was that- err," Shae stumbled over her words, "Doctor Cho, didn't you mention an injury earlier, was it related to shadow qi in some way?"
Nurse Joi raised an interrogatory eyebrow.
Cho glanced over at Shae with a more considered expression. "No. Rather unrelated, as far as I know. It might be good for the old grump to hear it from one so young, though. If it's that obvious to you, he might have to admit the idea has more weight to it. Likely won't- err, won't change anything for him. Yet, additional perspectives are usually healthy for cultivators."
Shae just hummed in response, then there were several strides of silence among the group as they all took time to reflect on the words.
Doctor Cho finally grunted and spoke up. "So, are you in need of anything medically related that I could supply? Something more material, please. With this distraction I'm afraid my time is really pulled thin now. I may not see you at all tomorrow. My apologies if that is the day you depart, it was very nice to meet you, Wise Shae."
"Ah, uhm, I'm not sure. Oh, it was nice to meet you too, Doctor. Uhm, so what falls into that category? Any cultivation resources?"
"Hmm, the cheapest ones probably, unless I find a wealthy buyer. Though, I have little interest in actively searching for one. Hmmm, perhaps it could go to auction." He mumbled the last sentence out.
Joi leaned over. "And your connections at the sect might let you get those resources directly, don't be afraid to just ask for coin." She winked.
Cho nodded towards her, but held his tongue.
"Hmm, given you don't know if you'll sell it. Perhaps a flat exchange now, and a percentage later if you do sell it?"
Cho's eyebrows shot up as he nodded in appreciation. "Spoken like a merchant, I didn't think you had that in your background."
"Well, I'm just full of surprises." She chuckled. "Though, not enough to know a reasonable amount for either. Hmm, it doesn't seem to have cost me much to part with, so let's say one part in three goes to me for the percentage. For the flat rate... maybe you could recommend something, or an amount?"
"That does leave a reasonable incentive for me to sell it, I can accept that. As for the flat fee, hmm, a few coins would probably do less than something more immediately relevant to you. I'll see what I have in storage." He scratched his chin which now had short stubble on it again. "Your cleansing seems quite good already. Was there something else you were interested in? Maybe something about your body you wished to improve? Heh, even something outrageous from a legendary tale."
"Heh, ah, hmm... I guess I wanted to build more muscle? And someone said it would be harder with my uneven cleansing. So any suggestions there would help. I already have a partial tar technique for added resistance, and I'll probably be able to upgrade it to the one the sect has easily." She scratched her own much smoother chin. "Even a dietary supplement for building muscle, like creatine-ough," she forced herself to cough to interrupt the English word. "Uh, I- uhm, yeah, you probably would have a better idea of that than me."
There was an awkward silence where Doctor Cho kept glancing down to Shae, then back at the hallway ahead of them. Nurse Joi remained studiously silent.
"Oh, and a friend mentioned my bones might be weak? That the cleansing wouldn't strengthen them the same way as my flesh. So something for that, and even checking my bones now. The cleansing was rather extreme, it might have done something to the rest of my arm and leg."
"Hmm, that should be simple to check." Cho snapped out his qi inspection tool and reached a hand for Shae to offer her arm into. He talked as he checked it over. "There is a practical test for bone strength, though it's rather painful so I don't recommend it unless you really need to know." He slowly moved the stethoscope-like tool along her arm, then quickly to her back, over her shoulder blade. "Hmmm."
His qi also lapped at the areas and Shae had to resist a shudder, not from the qi but the spiritual tool. His qi felt like a warm summer sun and a fresh cup of tea, both comforting and relaxing. Yet the tool seemed to draw the feeling back out of her, leaving the area cold. It was a different feeling from earlier, though he didn't use his qi earlier, she noted to herself.
He switched back to her arm briefly, then tried her other arm with another loud hum. "Ahh, inconclusive, I'm afraid." He squeezed her shoulder once then stepped away. "This tool isn't nearly as accurate for that kind of test. Impurities don't read as anything more than increased density. I can clearly tell the areas where your flesh is cleansed are lacking impurities through the comparison. However, for the bone..." He trailed off.
"Improving the strength would also increase the density," Shae mused. "So if it did that and cleansed impurities the density could be very similar?"
"Well done, Wise Shae." Nurse Joi beamed.
"Yes, exactly. And as I said, this tool is not particularly accurate for that. It would have to be a change of, say two parts per set to really be noticeable, and it's anyone's guess what your impurity density would be, bones can vary significantly."
Joi scoffed, "Significantly. Hah. A few parts per square set is what I remember."
If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
Cho rolled his eyes. "A few parts either way could mean one full part per set, which is not insignificant. Remove that, add as much density or more, and this might still not be able to detect a change." He waggled the spiritual tool towards Joi, clearly arguing with her more than explaining it to Shae.
The nurse looked away and made it clear from her body language that she was rolling her eyes.
Shae covered her mouth with her sleeve, trying not to giggle audibly.
Cho noticed her and tilted his head slightly. "You can probably assume a small improvement, but don't rely on it. When you get to bone cleansing, your own qi senses should be enough to tell you about the impurities in your bones. Then you'll have to perform research at the sect to search for any precedent about your cleansing method. I was only told it was a unique incident," he raised a hand to stop her from explaining. "I won't know off-hand, even if you explain it well. Unique incidents tend to happen more regularly than people expect, the sect should have something on it." He hummed and scratched his chin again, his nails making a loud sandpaper noise on his stubble. "You should even make it an official research project: you may be able to receive a partial class credit for it."
Nurse Joi leaned back with a wide smile, "Ahh, research projects were some of my favorites."
"That's because you kept using them to skip class." Cho shook his head. She just giggled in response.
"Oh! Does that mean you both went to the sect?" Shae hopped and skipped a step in excitement.
Joi shook her head, but it was Cho that answered. "We were both trained by the military medical office. Served our time and got out when we could."
"Ah," Shae slumped with disappointment, then jolted back upright again. "Did either of you know one Staff Sergeant Xiang?"
"Hmm, Xiang?" He asked with that sandpaper scratch noise as background.
"I think I knew a Corporal Xiang." Joi was looking up at the ceiling.
Cho turned a frown on her. "Wait, was it that corporal?"
She looked at him with a devilish smile. "Sure was."
"Uh, well he could have got a promotion, yeah?" Shae awkwardly asked. "It's just that I met a Staff Sergeant Xiang in Minlin City, nice enough guy. He was there with a small squad, collecting recruits."
"Hmph. Isn't that usually considered a punishment detail?" Cho asked with a chuckle.
"Well, just for the officers." Joi nodded, still holding most of her earlier smirk. "It certainly could be him, then." She looked up again and sighed. "I should send him a letter."
Cho frowned. "Won't they be up this way for the same reason?"
She shrugged. "I don't know. I also went directly through medical."
"Ah, right-right." He replied quietly. Then after a breath he leaned forwards a bit, like he was looking around the next corner. "Well, we are almost to your bed, Wise Shae. I'll let Nurse Joi get you settled, and check on what I have in storage for bone strength. I assume you're not looking for a forging bath?"
Nurse Joi shuddered violently. "Ugh, please say no."
"Uhmm, that's the really painful body cultivation bath? I did hear about that, and it seems worth avoiding if there are other options."
"It's also rather expensive, I just wanted to be sure." Cho nodded. "I'll definitely be able to find something for muscle development. Hmm, an oral supplement would affect all your muscles, so not really solve the issue. Yes, I'll see what I have and include some instructions depending."
"Thank you, Doctor Cho." She stopped at the corner to bow to him properly.
"And thank you for the exchange, Wise Shae." He dipped his head slightly. "Do remember to leave the book behind." He smirked and walked down the hall to the right.
Nurse Joi led Shae to the left. "Let's get you settled quickly, I do have a few tasks I am also behind on now."
"Ah, sorry for delaying you." Shae began the awkward walking-bow but didn't complete it.
"No-no, don't be. That's just how this place is. And besides, I got to see Cham-Cham! That's worth the lost time." She smiled.
"Hehe. Oh! And thank you for the chilli at dinner. It was easily the best part."
"Hah! Told you everyone loves my goshu!"
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A few hallways later Shae decided she should ask Nurse Joi one last question while she had her available. "Nurse Joi, can I get your opinion on something?"
"No harm in asking for it, yet I'll make no promises." She smirked.
"Heh. Well, I've been having a difficult time interacting with most of the sect elders that I've met. So, I just wanted another outside opinion on the sects in general."
"Hmm, that's rather broad." She paused for a breath, then continued when Shae didn't jump in. "They are certainly an interesting artifact of their social niche."
"Hu-eh?" She gawked with clear confusion, then snapped her mouth shut.
"Hah hah. What a cute reaction! I suppose you were expecting something less technical, but allow me to explain." Joi paused to let Shae nod. "People need an organization to cultivate amongst. The military and monasteries do that, but that strict structure only works for some. The truly free spirits can be wandering cultivators, but that life isn't for everyone either."
"So there's a gap in the market?"
She raised an eyebrow. "I didn't take you to be a merchant, though it would make sense."
The young woman shook her head. "Peasant family, but I left home early."
"Ambitious! And that's what sects seek to serve. The massive ambition of those that would challenge the heavens. Limited to very few per region, because they would fight each other for resources, but independent enough to stay out of politics. Which also lets them serve the nobles without conflict. Serving merchants and peasants also prevents rival sects with any meaningful numbers." Joi shrugged open palms to either side. "Can you think of a better alternative?"
Shae frowned in thought. "I can think of alternatives, but I'm also lacking significant information to claim they are better. I don't even have a good grasp of how the sects function. How could I suggest an alternative?" She mirrored the woman's shrug.
Joi looked down at her with a crinkled forehead. "That's a rather mature statement from someone of your apparent age."
Shae smiled back, still deciding if she should share her past.
"And, from what I heard, you stuck your nose directly into a battle between higher stage combatants. A behavior regularly demonstrated by lost souls."
The young woman's smile grew rueful and she turned to face ahead of their foot travel. She began with a sigh, "I am as I appear, but yes, some may consider me older than that. To alleviate potential worry, I have been tested with soul calming root three times, that I am aware of. And the sect elders I was traveling with are well aware of my status."
Joi chewed her lip for a beat, just until she caught herself doing it. "So are you-"
"Ah!" Shae raised a hand to cut her off. "Please don't ask directly. That Staff Sergeant Xiang performed an inquiry on me so I will be forced to respond at my detriment, which won't actually answer your question, and I may faint from the strain."
The nurse's eyebrows were trying to climb off her head now. "You're serious? A heavenly inquiry? How did it feel? Uh, if you don't mind me asking."
"It felt like being interrogated with a blade at my neck. I do mind answering questions about my past though. Sometimes something is far enough away that the events don't really feel like they matter anymore. Even the village I grew up in seems disconnected from the current me."
"Ahwww." Joi hummed with a sad tone. "That's not a very pleasant perspective. Feels a bit depressing and full of ennui."
"En-nui? That's a new one for me.
"The philosophical idea that everything is meaningless."
"Ah! I do know another word for that. Ennui." She said the English word and focused her knowledge into the intent of the word.
Joi gasped. "Wow. Yes, that's it. Spectacular use of intent, Wise Shae."
"For my cultivation stage, of course." She grumbled.
"No, not even that. I've felt weaker intent translations from late core stage cultivators. Sure, not everyone focuses on it, but for translations they really should put the effort in."
"Hah, well, thanks. It's nice to know the effort of practice isn't wasted."
"If you can keep that up, you could probably converse with foreigners, or even spirit beasts!"
"Ahh, about that. I probably can't keep it up for long. Plus my intent sense is much weaker, so I don't think I'd understand them back." She rubbed the back of her neck.
Joi inhaled sharply. "Well, that would put a damper in the conversation. You'll have to practice that as well. Ambulare retro." She spoke the last words with her gaze locked onto Shae's, her intent peppering across the gap like a gust of bad breath."
"Wha-... Oh, uhhhmm?"
Joi waited for a breath, then repeated the unknown phrase.
Shae focused for another breath, then turned around to walk backwards down the hall.
Joi clapped twice, "Well done. Do you want to do some others? Or wait, did I answer your question about the sect?"
"Hmm. Kind of, yeah. Thinking of them as a public service available to... About a third of everyone, since entry is mainly about spirit root grade. That helps a bit." She huffed. "Like I said, between the elders I've met, most were not particularly personable or helpful. I was just hoping my experience was an outlier. That the Elders and sect management will be different. Especially the teachers."
"Hmm, well firstly, it's not a third. A high grade spirit root occurs in less than a fifth of all people, and we think about half of them don't have the initiative to even get tested. That's just statistics, though."
Shae frowned. "But nobles would always get tested."
"And merchants. Which is partly why peasants don't massively outnumber them in the sects. Some people claim it's breeding, good blood or whatever garbage, but that's never been proven." Joi took a deep inhale. "As for the Elders. It's hard to say. Some people would say that lost souls rarely have the usual experience. For whatever that's worth."
Shae snorted out a laugh.
"Outside the sect, with the elders especially, they are more likely to be cold and stone faced individuals that don't take lightly to disrespect. Depending on your background, disrespect might come naturally. Even just the desire for a more casual interaction can cause conflict." She looked over at the young woman and tilted her head. "You've been rather respectful to us when appropriate. Though, much more casual at every other moment than what I'd expect from a sect cultivator. Does bowing and using honorifics bother you?"
"Hmm, not particularly, Nurse Joi." She dipped her head towards the woman. "But I do prefer casual conversation."
"Heh. Most people do. Yet cultivators are not most people. It's that ambition again. If you're going to be that ambitious, then you want to see the fruits of your labor. What better way than for people to constantly recognize your progress?"
"Huh. You make it sound like it's not about power?"
"Does it have to be? Power comes with progress. A military rank, or medical title isn't explicitly about stage or power, either."
"Right. I suppose my titles are like that too, recognition of an event, not a reflection of power. Sooo, it's a verbal acknowledgement... of progress... Because their power could be sensed anyway."
Joi nodded along. "You know, I'm just putting this together as we talk. I hadn't considered it too deeply before."
"I've heard this old foreign saying, 'on earth as it is in heaven.' Somehow, I think that applies here too."
Joi nodded and slowed her walking. "Because the heavens also recognize cultivator progress."
Shae slowed as well, and they both stopped.
Their eyes met and they didn't need words or intent to communicate what they were both now feeling. Joi pointed to one of the beds, then at the floor in the hall, then she quickly grabbed a mattress off another bed and sat on it in the middle of the hallway. Her legs folded into the lotus pose and her hands landed on her knees. Her eyes were closed before Shae had even moved.
Shae grabbed the mattress that Joi had pointed to, then hesitated while deciding where to put it. She smirked and placed it directly in front of Nurse Joi, then sat in the same pose with their knees and hands almost touching. She removed her earrings, returning them to their proper shape and used them for their practical purpose. "Sorry, if this doesn't work." She mumbles to the cultivator across from her before falling into her own meditation.
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