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Epilogue Part 2: "Dao or Dao Not."

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Kwan got back to business, "Right, a short answer please, Elder Ghon. What does the girl have that is to be feared?"

"Hmmm, the poignant thing to say would be knowledge. But she is not the first to bring such as that from beyond. Even if hers holds greater rigor and truth." He scratched his chin. "I fear I must say that she has a Dao."

"She does not." Mei corrected.

Kwan hummed.

"Wise Kwan? Don't tell me you sensed something from her?"

"Not as such, Miss Mei, though given a report I received, I might be convinced." He looked at the injured man. "However, Ghon's testimony is suspect, at best."

"Hey!" He objected, then coughed and hacked, but did not need to spit anything out this time.

They waited for him to recover.

"I threw my Dao at her, and she resisted. Then pushed back, and I pushed harder, and she still lifted it off herself."

"Was this before or after her tribulation, and then her lengthy explanation of her past life's knowledge?" Mei asked.

He shifted uncomfortably. "After both, just after the second."

"And your core had already cracked, I assume?"

He nodded. "It had started failing, yes. Excellent deduction as always, Miss Mei." He sighed. "In the moment, it seemed as good a time as any to show her a taste of true power. Lest she get the idea her tribulation was the pinnacle of heavenly tests."

"Usually never is a good time to crush a child with one's power." The monk mused.

Ghon frowned. "It's not like that, she had completed tempering. And I started soft, she would have been fine." The two continued to look at him skeptically. "What?"

"Was there more to it? Or just rejecting your path after seeing how well it has served you?"

He grimaced. "Harsh, and accurate enough, but there was more. For starters, she manipulated my Dao."

The monk cleared his throat. "Perhaps this part is best left as metaphor?"

"Hm, still the same monastic reluctance." Mei teased.

"I've seen too many poor outcomes." He frowned.

Ghon nodded in agreement. "Well, there is evidence of her actions; hard to be too metaphorical." He pointed to a clothes rack in the corner that held his shredded set of gray robes with pure blue and red stitching. "She stabbed me- oh, well, Ngoc shredded it more trying to treat my wounds, but the holes are still there."

"With what?"

"With metaphor made real."

"With your Dao?" Mei asked, and the monk grimaced slightly. "Why?"

"She thought I had given up. That I would just roll over and die if she did not take action."

"Would you have?" The other two echoed the question.

Ghon shrugged. "Anyway, she couldn't do all that without some Dao. Mei you can read the imprint. And what she did after. It might be harder to find, but it is recent. At the campfire."

Miss Mei turned to look through the walls. She nodded. "I will." She held her gaze locked outward and the room stayed quiet for a few breaths until she turned back. "Shall I do that first, or would you like to have this conversation resolved now?"

Ghon shrugged again, confusion on his face. "Now is fine, I suppose, if it's all the same."

Mei nodded. "So, a theoretical question first, to establish a reasonable correlation. How many mortals are required to slay a cultivator?"

"Depends on the stage. An order of magnitude multiplier per stage is generally accepted, though that is simply for the sake of argument."

"Then for the sake of argument, those numbers assume each mortal lands a single clean blow, or some number together may land one stronger one. So, as many single blows from a single mortal would also compare."

"Ah, I see." The monk said. Then bowed in apology for the interruption.

"Sure, for the sake of argument." Ghon nodded.

"Kwan, would you like to finish?"

"So, the same idea, when applied to Dao?" He asked.

"A mortal cannot contest a Dao." Ghon stated.

"Not with their own... they don't have a sword. But they could... ah, Miss Mei?"

"You may leave, monk, if this bothers you."

He shook his head. "I'd rather not speak of it, but I will endure the lesson."

"Good. It is true a mortal cannot hold a Dao. Save the sword of similar name. Yet, they must be able to reach for one, lest we would not be able to either. To reach, they must know the direction, some piece of information to lead their reaching." She paused to assess if Ghon was understanding her words. "For the sake of argument, many mortals could together reach and maybe grasp a Dao. Likely impossible in practice, and what would they do with it? However, a cultivator could follow their guidance, find and hold onto what they reached for."

Light flickered around Ghon, a confused then frustrated expression crossing his face.

"Stop that." Mei smacked him over the back of his head. Breaking his concentration.

Kwan moved to object but Mei raised a single finger for him to wait.

"You cannot force enlightenment." She scolded. "Yes, I can tell you found something in those words, but they are a fool's path. Moreover, and to get to the point. Miss Shae shared her knowledge with you, over months. You sat attentively and let her strike you, over and over. Metaphorically wearing you away. Unintentionally, she directed you to build a Dao. One likely opposing your own. Yes, I can see it is true just from your reaction." Mei shook her head in disappointment.

"But, I... She... That doesn't explain everything."

"I don't know everything." Mei said sarcastically.

"That certainly makes more sense than the alternative." Kwan commented.

"Ah, but you heard something else?" Ghon reached towards the monk.

He shook his head. "I trust my sources, but it is ever the lesson that eyes deceive. What we see and thus think has happened is only a guess at the truth of the matter."

"So, I just did this to myself?" Ghon's voice sounded hollow.

Mei slowly swayed her head, not quite in disagreement. "If you fought another's Dao directly, would you blame yourself? You followed her words, but she led you into the dark."

Ghon grimaced at the final word. "Your word choice wounds me. Why that metaphor?"

"Because you understood it." She paused to let that sink in.

"So, you choose them deliberately? For each person?" Kwan asked the diviner. "You always have weighed your words well."

"Of course, they are my words, only I can set their weight. Not others, nor I the weight of their words."

Kwan nodded slowly then offered a bow. "Wise Mei."

"No. I still reject that title."

Kwan shrugged, he had expected as much.

"Any advice for moving forward, or just moving on?" Ghon asked.

"I cannot divine your fate." Mei shook her head.

"Is the Dao you... made from her words still with you, then?" The monk asked with difficulty.

Ghon inhaled sharply. "There was one piece, after the shattering, one piece that she handed me-"

"Handed?" Both listeners said in unison. Then they looked at each other.

Ghon continued, "It could be that one, but..."

"-but it is not related." Mei finished. "It should be obvious, the girl could not have hidden it. She did not make it."

Ghon and Kwan nodded in agreement.

"So I need to find it. Then extract it somehow. Do I give it back to her? Will she need it?"

The monk let out a sharp laugh. "You cannot give someone Dao."

Mei stayed silent, turning her head. Ghon looked to her, distracting the monk from his laughter.

"No!" Kwan complained. "Don't say it is true."

Mei shrugged. "She might take it up, understand it, but it is not hers. You made it, it would not fit her."

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

Kwan sighed in relief.

"Hmm, seems a waste to just destroy it."

"Then that is it talking. It is no inner demon, but it is fair to treat it as such."

"Put it in a weapon or other artifact." Kwan suggested.

They looked at him in surprise.

"What? It is commonly done. How do you think Dao tools are made?"

The other two silently considered his words.

"I'm surprised you're willing to talk about this." Mei said.

"I always thought they just spent a lot of time sharpening their swords."

"Is that an innuendo?"

"Oh! Not intentionally." Ghon chuckled, then stopped himself as he started to wheeze. "Does the helpful and wise monk have instructions on how to accomplish such a feat?"

He shrugged. "To answer Mei first: tool construction is not as personal as Dao, even when imbuing one's own Dao. To do so is simple, in theory. Use and flex the Dao while making the item. Teach the spirit of the item the Dao, as they say."

Ghon grimaced.

"And it must be a compatible item. Something the Dao can harmonize with."

"Maybe something mortal, due to its source?" Mei asked.

Kwan shrugged. "Perhaps. That would make it simpler to do. Though it might not last as a spiritual tool would. It was knowledge based, yes?"

"So writing? Not just what Miss Shae said in words, I think." Mei supplied.

"Like how it was used, then? It was a kind of weapon." Ghon said bitterly.

Kwan and Mei frowned at each other, urging the other to speak with only their eye movements.

Kwan broke first, "I believe Wise Shae would take issue with it being a weapon."

"Wise?"

He nodded, "She enlightened one of my monks. It is traditional, and she prefers it to Heavenly."

"Heh. She would." Ghon smirked. "Ah, but there is another tradition for a monk's enlightenment, isn't there?"

Kwan nodded his way into the trap.

"So, five of you and her? You cultivated with her?"

"No." Kwan objected with a frown. "It is a group effort, but it is not... that." He grimaced. "Don't be so crude, old man. She did quite well, and was able to share some of her divine qi from the tribulation. It had an interesting effect on the ritual."

"Ah yes-" Ghon started before smirking again. "And how did she, an early cleansing cultivator, add qi to the group effort? Her control is shoddy, I can't believe she can release external qi yet."

Mei snorted a sudden laugh. "Hah! You think she has a Dao, but external qi is beyond her." She continued to chuckle.

Kwan also smiled. "She did require some assistance."

"Ah, one of your monks helped it out of her. Of course.'

Kwan's smile froze. "Me actually. But I don't like your insinuation."

"Right, of course, you were just there to help her release-"

"It wasn't like that." The monk nearly shouted. He took a deep breath, calming his temper. "It is not related to dual cultivation, or any similar technique. No matter how much you bullhead your way into that logic."

"As fun as it is to watch Kwan lose his calm, I must agree that the jest is in poor taste, Ghon. She is but a child."

Ghon frowned. "I didn't mean it like that. There is a difference, even if most cultivators act otherwise. But the reminder is useful, I often forget her physical age as her mind and soul are clearly older."

"All souls are older." Kwan helpfully supplied.

"She is certainly more mature than most. Though, at her age there is more to consider than mental maturity." Mei warned.

The two men nodded. "Puberty."-"Appearance." They said at the same time.

Ghon coughed. "Appearances. I meant. But puberty is a more significant issue."

The other two stared, considering how to react.

"I mean if she appears young. People will treat her that way." He clarified.

"Ah!"-"Yes"-"Yes, certainly."-"Of course." The two rambled over each other.

Ghon angrily frowned at them. "So anyways." He waved a hand in a lazy circle.

"Um, where were... right, the traditional ritual. Everyone benefited from her contribution. There was an odd reaction between the two divine qi's. Like a partial confluence."

Ghon and Mei both looked surprised.

Mei spoke first, "I didn't hear of this outcome?"

"We kept it quiet. Don't want others trying to recreate it. Might be considered an abuse of power." He gestured up at the ceiling.

The other two nodded in silent agreement.

"And she gained as well?" Ghon said with only a little bitterness.

"She did. Though her qi was... odd. She tried to create personal qi without using her Dantian."

"That's impressively detailed knowledge of Miss Shae's intent." Mei arched an eyebrow.

"She got along well with Wise Kaiun. The two worked on improving the girl's cleansing methodology. She was attempting to recreate the divine cleansing, with mixed results."

"Foolish girl." Ghon chided.

Mei shook her head at the injured man, "And you would have had her wait years to find a manual."

"That is the proper way."

"Did you even teach her anything while she was here?"

"Yes, we had an agreement to exchange information."

"An exchange you benefited from more?"

Ghon just raised his hands gesturing to himself and the bed.

Mei coughed. "Right, I apologize."

"It wasn't a traditional exchange anyway. We offered each other information. Speaking on topics until we were content to move on."

"Until who was content?" Kwan asked.

Ghon shrugged. "We did not make that clear. But it was generally obvious when a topic had run its course."

"Hmm, seems ripe for dissatisfaction."

"If we had ill intentions, perhaps." He shrugged again. "I cannot say I am satisfied, given the final exchange. But Miss Shae wanted the dynamic to be about offers of information, not demands. Aside from the final exchange, I can count myself content."

"And the final exchange was?" Kwan asked.

"One tribulation for another."

"That is... correct enough, Miss Mei." He nodded solemnly.

Silence held for a few breaths.

"Well, Elder Ghon, do you seek assistance in returning to the sect?" Kwan asked.

He shook his head. "Not now. The formations are helping to keep me stable. Perhaps once I've removed the offending shard of Dao."

"The staff sergeant will be here all winter." Mei suggested.

Kwan nodded. "That is likely to be the more direct option. And I'm sure he would be interested to hear of your story himself."

"Hmm, giving me all winter, that's generous."

"Have more faith in your path. It's gotten you this far." Mei said with a hint of pity.

The topic silenced the room again.

"Is Ghon Ling still at the Monkery?" Elder Ghon asked.

"Your granddaughter? Her second grandniece is, Soh Linlin. Should I inform her?"

"Ahh, Soh. Is that doofus Chin still with her?"

"They married and he is nearly at nascent soul now."

"Bah, that doesn't stop anyone from being a churlish fool. I am proof of that."

Mei burst into laughter, with Kwan chuckling just behind. "Well said, you old brat." Mei slapped Ghon on the back, eliciting a coughing fit that ended with another glob of phlegm. Her slap pivoted seamlessly to more supportive physical contact. "Let's get you some tea, what have you been eating out here? Rice and hare asses?"

"Heh. Do you have any of that minty western blend?"

"The cerulean green? No, the fields were burned a few decades ago by a wandering demon beast. Hasn't been the same since."

"Ah, that would taint the qi quite drastically."

"Kwan bought the last of my Smokey Soul blend, but I saved one dose if you think it would help?"

"Hmm, tempting. But I'm not that close to passing. And the thinner fabric up here is easy enough on the soul."

"A black maybe?" Kwan offered.

Mei frowned at him. "I have dozens of blacks. Could you narrow it down?"

Kwan flinched out a grimace then considered. "He is still leaking qi."

"Ah, yes. A sludge then." She nodded.

"Bleh, I hate sludges. They make it so hard to move my qi- oh! Right. I see. Still, they fog the mind as well."

"I have one with persimmons and I'll add ginseng. I've just acquired one young enough to mix well."

"Mhm." Ghon assented. Then he looked back to Kwan, who raised an eyebrow. "My family should know. And you reminded me that I've been out of touch long enough I suspect the current head of house has changed."

"Was it ever you?" Mei asked as she prepared the tea.

"No, I've been too isolated too frequently. And I was never really interested in the position. My descendants insisted on letting me have peace, and given what the family focuses on, I would have been quite the odd duck if forced into it." He chuckled silently to himself.

Mei and Kwan exchanged a glance and a shrug.

Ghon sighed. "As nice as this has been, I do feel rest calling. Was there any other business, Wise Kwan?"

"Hmm. No. While I do feel you made mistakes in your assessment, we cannot demand perfection in this matter. And as I said before, the situation is resolved."

"Oh? Did you figure out the girl's formation just from the description?"

"Ahghk! Dammit Ghon." Kwan pinched the bridge of his nose. "That complicates things. But thanks for the reminder."

"Formation?" Mei asked.

"Our Miss Shae has an interesting formation on her Dantian." Ghon supplied. "She made a few drawings, they are... in my study." He grimaced.

"Which way?"

"No, no. I'll have to get them, security is tighter there."

"Elder Ngoc?"

"Hmm, no, I'd rather not let her snoop around." He paused to think. "After the tea, then."

"It might slow you down." Mei warned.

"Not that much, unless you put something else in it?"

She shrugged. "You have a few sets of breaths before it is ready."

Ghon frowned, then nodded. "Kwan, could you?" He waved the man over.

The monk silently obliged, tucking himself under Ghon's arm to carry his weight.

Kwan supported the injured man through the formations, and even into the private room itself. Ghon had the monk take a few items, with instructions to pass them on to certain descendants. Some he gifted to Kwan so he could give them to his monks. Most were of little value, more important for their uniqueness than their value to cultivation.

When they returned they found Diviner Mei and Elder Ngoc seated at a new table and chairs, with two seats open. They nodded and took their seats in front of already streaming cups.

"Well done Diviner Mei." Ngoc bowed her head slightly and passed Mei an item.

"Hmm?" Ghon hummed inquisitively.

"I'd say, a wager on where we would sit?" Kwan guessed.

Mei nodded. "One of a diviner's many skills, winning coin flips."

Ngoc raised an eyebrow, unsure if it was a jest.

Ghon shook his head. "Never bet against a diviner. Especially not on a sure-thing."

Kwan added. "Moreover, I'd say this did not require much talent to scry. Ghon's seat is closer to his bed, and the door." He shrugged.

"Ugh." Ngoc exhaled her frustration and crossed her arms. "Should have guessed."

"Guessing was your mistake." Mei informed her. "And you were still frustrated from our earlier exchange."

"Hmm? Is that why you entered later?" Ghon asked.

Mei just nodded.

Ngoc shifted uncomfortably under Ghon's inquisitive gaze. "Just a minor mortal matter."

Mei smirked.

Ghon let the issue pass. "The tea smells excellent, thank you for the brew, Miss Mei."

"It's no trouble, I've far more than I can work through on my own."

The four sat and silently enjoyed the first cup of tea before they turned to simpler conversation.

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Epilogue End

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