Chapter 6

> Many temples are situated on mountains or mountain ranges. This is because mountains are prime spots for spiritual activity. There was a good reason many Nests originate in mountains and valleys.

>

> However, after some digging, I realized that most of the mountains hosting temples are rich not because they were originally so, but rather because of those temples, or rather, divine influence. Thus, I conjecture that the chosen locations are merely matters of taste and aesthetics. And who could blame them? Those mountains are always stunning, after all.

Record of Imperial Scholar Lin Zhong’s lecture on spiritual nodes,

Procured by the Archives in 1635 SY

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Elzorath and Erysichthon landed on the ground, gave their mounts over to a handler, and stared at the imposing mountain in front of them. Black soil below - from the middle of the mountain running to several kilometres around. Black rocks above - densely packed, all jutting out upwards. It was a pile of pikes and steel columns, like a pile of discarded weapons - weapons fit for giants.

And the height… oh, the height. It was higher than their eyes could reach, passing through layers of drifting clouds. Even when high in the skies, they could only barely see the peak, and had failed to gather any details due to the fog. Its height stood in stark contrast with the flat farmlands of the region.

The sky was fully orange, even with the clouds and fog. The latter two were coloured in a yellow hue, like the golden clouds of the heavens.

“It’s majestic alright… but thank the gods I do not live here.” Erys commented, “It would suck not sleeping properly.”

“Well, to be fair, the light only spreads around… what? A kilometre? At most, two. After that, it gets quite dim. Still noticeable, but only barely so. Not to mention, barely anybody lives around these parts. Much of it is farmlands cultivated by those living on the mountain’s peak. While those few houses you can see are mostly just inns and other services, reserved for the use of travellers and pilgrims. And there are clear benefits too.”

“Let me guess? Acting as a lighthouse?”

“On land? Seriously, was that the best you could come up with? Whatever, I’ll fill you in as we move.”

The journey up was easy at first. A gentle slope, one which got progressively steeper until becoming virtually a cliff at the rock formations. A very, very jagged cliff.

Regardless, they were far from those parts, and they could enjoy the fluffy black soil underneath their feet. As they continued, Elzorath said, “Most of the benefits relate to agriculture. This black soil that we are walking on right now is the result of this mountain’s energy. It was originally a volcano – and still is one. The actions of Her Lady a thousand years prior made it inactive, and yet it retained its vitality and power – the power to turn this stretch of land into the most fertile farm on the continent. For whatever reason, grains that are grown here also make good alcohol, too.”

Erys’ eyes sparkled. He said, “Good ingredients then. Maybe we should get some of it, and use it to make tonight’s meal.”

“Maybe,” he unconsciously licked his lips, “though I doubt there’s any left. The next harvest shouldn’t be long away, however. The light and heat are the other benefits. It adapts to the seasons and clears away winter. This, along with the quality of the soil, allows for five harvests a year. I mean, even the best lands further down south could only sustain 3 harvests a year, and they still need to stop using the land every few years to protect the soil. Some men have pondered about the ramifications of not having winter, but seeing that everything is still thriving after a thousand years, I think it’s all fine.”

“Divine work is always miraculous.” The man clasped his hands, closed his eyes, and looked to the skies. After that, he said, “That’s one reason I go around so much. To see all this stuff. By the way, later, I’ll be staying back to record everything, so the dinner probably isn’t going to happen.”

“That’s absolutely fine. Though, you’ll owe me two other ones.”

“Sure.” He then made a face. “Seems we are at the end of the easy stuff.”

They had traversed through the gentle slope without any sweat. The same would not hold true for the next stretch of the journey.

“Are we seriously meant to climb half the mountain?”

“Yes.”

“Fuck me. That small shrine there would be for all the common people, then? Makes sense, since no way any of them are making it to the top.”

“Some of them will try their luck, certainly,” with a shrug, Elzorath added, “and some of them will inevitably die. Those who choose to test their limits tend to suffer a premature death.”

“I’d always assumed the Goddess was a… kinder deity.”

“Hm? I always forget that Her Lady has little presence on your continent. It’s not like she’s a cruel deity, she’s simply indifferent to most. She cares about those who shine brighter than the rest, as only they are worth the slightest bit of attention. Thus, this mountain. But, no need to fear.”

“Really? Because I think that thing in front of us presents a pretty good argument.”

“Well, it looks imposing. But it’s only a real struggle for those beneath the Second Floor. So, up we go. And do follow me.”

With that, they both jumped up, Elzorath leading the way. He had gone here quite a few times already, thus knowing suitable paths. In actuality, it was not that difficult, nor tiring. Most of the rocks provided ample ground to stand on, while in areas where climbing proved more difficult, the footholds and handholds were firm and easy to grasp.

It was like a game, or a short exercise. And the view was spectacular, provided one did not fear heights.

“Talk, friend,” Erys said, his voice growing progressively softer. “Distract me… please.”

“Well, I suppose a short, sweet tale about Her Lady would do. It is also a good introduction to how she acts. This is an earlier tale when she was less than ten years of age. She was a Second Floor initiate, and thus, as all such cultivators do, she had to find a beast to emulate. She decided that a Phoenix worked best. Where she got it from, no one knows for sure. Some have speculated that Her Lady was the daughter of a Phoenix and a Dragon, and yes, that particular dragon. However, like most, I doubt such ludicrous tales.”

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

“Can’t say I haven’t heard stranger stuff. But do continue.”

“Now, she hatched an egg. And yes, that’s where her little Phoenix came from.”

“Such luck… to get to observe them from birth. The favoured daughter of the heavens. Or maybe she is indeed the daughter of a Phoenix… but then, that would be a bit fucked up, wouldn’t it? What-”

“As I was saying, she got her little Phoenix. She observed it as it grew, she ate what it ate, slept as it slept, in flames and all. They were inseparable, closer to one another than a human and his shadow. They fought together, bled together, and year after year their bond grew thicker than the oldest of trees. Then, in her eighteenth year of age, ten years after they first met, she devoured her loyal companion. Took his essence and made it her own. And with that, she broke through to the Third Floor, with a foundation firmer than most mountains.”

“She probably got a taste for those fried wings.” Erys chuckled. “Anyway, the moral of the story is?”

“That true passion and ambition are deterred by nothing, especially not something as fickle as a personal bond. In other words, her fiery passion would burn anything standing in her way. Something along those lines. Hm… I would’ve thought it would have a bigger impact, but I suppose it had more shock value for little kids.”

“Are you saying you aren’t one? On a more serious note, that’s some pretty shitty stuff to be telling children. As for shocking… well, raising a beast for that particular purpose? That is one of the better ways to guarantee success, whilst retaining efficacy. The main difficulty is securing an egg or hatchling in the first place, of course.”

“Yeah. Anyway, I chose this story mainly as an introduction to Her Lady’s line of thinking. Passion is her main source of power, the reason for the term ‘Heart Flames’. In some ways, this pursuit of passion and pleasure, without limitations, is not that great. In the first place, few could replicate her talent and success. I don’t think anyone has, at least, not those strictly following her path. Not to mention this sort of reckless abandon is exactly what brought her descendants to ruin. They acted without consideration nor moderation, leaving all behind in favour of passion. They burn bright, certainly. Their success is stunning indeed, but their fall is even more so. I’ve read how some of them were literally roasted on stakes; I wonder if anybody kept visual recordings. Either way, to live well, and especially to rule well, a person needs control.”

“I agree. But, neither of us is going to rule, unless you will? Shall I be a friend of a Duke? What an honour.”

“I doubt that would ever happen. But, living well-“

“I’m jesting. I have nothing against such a mindset.”

But you do not necessarily agree. But, not his problem. Elzorath said, “If you say so.”

Erys then let out a large sigh of relief. His breathing had become quite rough, which was normal. The man was not a soldier, after all, and thus unused to the usual toils of life on campaign.

They leapt past the last few rock formations, before finally reaching a flat surface. By now, their hands had turned black with dust. Or was it ash; he had no clue. Nor did his mind allow those stray thoughts, not when all of it was forcefully brought to what lay in front.

Before them, a grand Pagoda floated above the mouth of the volcano. Nine stories high, as was the case with most temples, towers, or any other tall buildings of the continent. After all, the greatest beauty came from the pursuit of ever-greater heights. Or to put it more bluntly, all these structures, this temple included, emulated the Golden Tower and the Floors of Virtue within it. The Journey that all humans and beasts must take, should they seek power and immortality.

The first floor was large, both in width and in height. It was as large as the Royal Throne Room; fitting perhaps, when this served as a deity’s shrine in the mortal realm. The upper floors were smaller, around half the size of the first. All were circular and bore roofs shaped like an eight-pointed star. The walls were a light red, whilst the roofs were a dark grey. And of course, golden dragons ran across the structure.

The Pagoda appeared as if it were floating because the entirety of the first floor was translucent. The outline of the floor, pillars, and walls could be discerned, but only barely so. Similarly, these crystalline walls could only barely contain the light of the Sacred Flame held within, being turned crimson in the process.

The Flame was situated in the middle of the tower, at the centre of the peak. Burning on a ginormous brazier, the Flame flared and roared, ten metres high and three metres wide. It was the most beautiful fire he had ever seen, golden with a core of crimson. The Flame carried a certain thickness and viscousness, making him wonder if he could cup it with his hands and take a long sip.

Each flicker of the Flame was followed by a pulsing of his heart. Each time, he was reinvigorated. Each time, the passion within his soul was stoked and fed, and he could not help but want to scream at the skies, gaze at the heavens and challenge the gods themselves.

The moment they passed the open gates, the Flame flared to its fullest extent. A figure slowly took form; the vague features became increasingly detailed. The woman was made of simple flames, only red and yellow, and yet she was still the most stunning individual he had come across, imagined or real. Her locks of hair flowed like streams of molten magma, more golden than the most vibrant of imperial jewels.

Her eyes burned with both fury and warmth, and as she gazed at him, he felt like the tiniest of ants, like the smallest grain of sand. Fear and trepidation fought against awe and admiration. Her gaze became gentler, as gentle as a living flame could be, and warmth won over.

He knelt, before prostrating entirely on the crystal floor. Yet, his eyes could not move away from her figure, which began dancing among the fire holding a sword of golden flames. For what felt like an eternity, he only watched as her blade cut through the air, each move engraved in his mind.

Then with a soft but hearty laugh, everything stopped. The woman was no more, though the Flame remained, ever strong, ever fierce.

After a few blinks, Elzorath broke from his trance. He stared at the flickering flame for a few more minutes, before finally ripping his gaze away. Seeing how Erys was still in a state of ‘tranquillity’, he decided to pull his friend’s arm. The latter blankly stared at Elzorath for a moment, before exclaiming, “What?”

“Divine work. I don’t think this happens a lot. It’s actually my first time witnessing this scene. I suppose you have good fortune then.”

“Doubtful that. You said she wanted ambition, no? Then I definitely do not fit the bill.”

“Her domain is Passion. You are quite passionate about certain things.”

“As much as the next guy. Just a random miracle, no biggie.”

He raised an eyebrow at that. He then said, “Well, maybe that is a good thing. Her attention is not always good. You’ve felt that pulsing of the heart, right? How your body and mind become uncontrollable due to the heart’s passion. To follow her way, such is what one must endure. Or rather, the person lets go. Let go of one’s prohibitions and act like a beast with no qualms. One will either shine brighter than all men, all beasts, all things. Or one might burn to a crisp without a single notice.”

“No need to repeat what you’ve already said.”

“I’m afraid your resolve and mind would be shaken by such an experience. Better safe than sorry.”

Erys clicked his tongue. “Have more faith in me.”

“I do have faith. But my faith in her power is stronger than my faith in you. I believe the reverse holds true if we replace the Empress with your Emperor.”

Ignoring the question, he said, “Speaking of faith and gods, I’m somewhat surprised they still allow the worship of this goddess. You know, with the situation with the southern dynasts and all that.”

“She’s the Mother of the Midlands, the Unifier of the Empire. Her influence still very much endures. When my ancestors overthrew the Li and drove them south, they still claimed legitimacy from the Goddess. Her descendants might have become corrupt and immoral, unfit to rule, but that did not change her accomplishments or legacy. Not to mention, the Divine Smith was that, a smith before he was Emperor. Both the Ironwoods and the Shan were smiths, so it was natural that the flames and Her Lady were vital parts of their ways.”

“Didn’t realize you were a smith.”

He blushed. “No, I’m not, as unfortunate as that is. It would be more unfortunate if one of the Maidens here listen to your blasphemous curiosity and decide to lop your head off.”

Erys looked at the women carrying spears with tips of flames. He gulped. He then looked back, but not before glancing downwards at the translucent floor. The man said, nervousness embedded in his words, “I didn’t realize we are literally standing atop magma…”

“Ah yes, the Sacred Flame indeed overshadows the light downstairs.”

“Yes… maybe we should go out.”

“Maybe. I’ll think about it.”

His distressed face was, as always, priceless.