4

Among Brothers

Jiàn Shēng hid the truth deep in his heart, refusing to face it out of fear. Among his brothers, he was as one unchanged but, in his heart, there was an awakening and it was slowly consuming him.

Now all the Tiānshǐ had their own dwellings in the six portals of the southern realms. Those chosen from among them to rule the twenty-four realms were called Tŏngzhì zhě. The only difference between them and the rest was that they were entrusted with greater power and authority to serve all the living creatures in the realms as well as the rest of the Tiānshǐ. The Tŏngzhì zhě had posts at the entrances of the realms over which they were overseers, in addition to their homes in the southern realms. Further, all the Tiānshǐ and Tŏngzhì zhě were under the authority of the five who were the closest of brothers - Xióng Zhǎn and Jiàn Shēng, Pèi Zhōng and Zhì Shēn, and Yīng Fēng. They were great warriors who watched over all the realms and especially their assigned regions.

Xióng Zhǎn was extremely strong, like a bull. His dark brown hair was neatly pulled back from his handsome face in braids that hanged down to his waist. He was as tall as Jiàn Shēng but chose clothes that were practical and good for dueling. He often wore dark blue clothing and his armor was likewise, a shade of deep blue. It was devoid of jewels and had an emblazoned lion on the breastplate. He wore covered shoes that gave him grip, and a long, deep blue cape when he was not fighting or practicing. His wrists were adorned with wrist guards that were held together by blue cords. His voice was steady, firm and confident as well as deep. He was a being of few words and smiles. In fact, the Tiānshǐ took it upon themselves to make him smile as a kind of challenge. On his part, it is not like he did not like to smile, but he needed a good reason to do so. His favorite was his sword which never left his side.

Jiàn Shēng on the other hand, wore his raven-black hair loose. He loved to adorn it with jewels and accessories. He often wore black, flowing robes. For dueling, he changed into special clothes that were light in color and matched his golden armor which was studded with many precious stones all along its intricate carvings of vines. He was muscular but not as much as Xióng Zhǎn, and he often used his lightness and wit to win. His robes seemed like fine silk with the lightest of fine embroidery forming patterns along the edges of their flowing sleeves. His voice was almost musical but manly, soft yet strong and his smiles came easily. He was very sociable and easily won others over with his talk.

Yīng Fēng disliked wearing his fair hair loose as it got in the way when he raced. It was straight and long but almost always held back in a high bun over his head. It was hard to say if his hair was the fairest gold or the lightest white depending on how the light caught it. His body was that of a runner – lean and tall, light and fast. He disliked wearing robes and preferred shorter, knee-length tunics held well by metal belts. His sandals were light and held by metal strings that wove around his muscular calves. His face was beautiful, soft and gentle, with kind but keen eyes that betrayed their alertness. His voice though was loud and strong, and when needed he could easily use it to echo through the realms. He loved action and being still was his greatest challenge.

Pèi Zhōng did not like to stand out in any manner. He loved to dress simply, except when he stood as a watcher on duty. He often wore clothes in shades of brown or green. His dark hair was held in a high ponytail held in place by a simple, jade crown. He was tall, though not as tall as Xióng Zhǎn and Jiàn Shēng. He did not like dueling. He too, was a being of few words but by his actions, he showed his love and care for others. It was easy to get him to help anyone and he loved to serve others in whatever way he could to make things better for them. He was one of the finest and most skilled craftsmen in the realms, able to make things of great value with the least of things given to him. When he was not out helping or just being in the presence of others, one could find him carving or shaping things in his home in the southern realms.

Zhì Shēn had the soft and elegant looks of a scholar for that was what he was. His clothes were likewise elegant and layered, flowing like the wind and the waters that he loved. He was one of the most skilled musicians, learned and able to command many powers with just the sound of his music. His features were sharp and beautiful, his hair was always in place, partly held up in a crown with the rest falling down to his waist straight like white silk. He was a strategist and often saw through Jiàn Shēng’s tricks before anyone else did. He loved silence and nature and often withdrew for peace and to reflect on his own thoughts. When he smiled, there were deep dimples that adorned his cheeks and his voice was deep and masculine. He did not like to duel but he was deadly good at it when forced to participate. His skills were only second to Xióng Zhǎn and Jiàn Shēng whose moves he could match with strategic plans though he was not as strong as they were.

The five brothers were resting in the northern realms that day. Xióng Zhǎn and Jiàn Shēng were enjoying themselves dueling with spears of light. Yīng Fēng had challenged Pèi Zhōng to race against him through the air and the waters.

The scholarly Zhì Shēn sat watching their antics while contemplating life and playing on his guqin-like instrument. Its strings were made of light and its body of choice crystal that was of the softest green. There were carvings of birds and trees on it and as Zhì Shēn played, these birds appeared to come alive and sing along with his music, while fluttering and flying among the swaying trees.

Thankfully, the music he was playing was not ruined by the sparring that Xióng Zhǎn and Jiàn Shēng were engaged in. At least not yet as that would have bothered Zhì Shēn deeply and annoyed him.

Xióng Zhǎn crossed his spear against Jiàn Shēng’s spear with great strength and pushed against the latter with force. It was like their spears were animated by the spirit of their owners, and one could tell each spear apart as belonging either to Xióng Zhǎn or Jiàn Shēng. Both spears were made of unbreakable crystal which was clear and hence light shone through them unobstructed. The color of the light depended on whether the move was a thrust, a jab, a block, or a slicing move. The spears could also be infused with enhancers that the warriors could obtain during combats and their adventures through the realms.

This time Jiàn Shēng enhanced his spear with a creeper he had found and it sprouted from the side of his spear as a creeper of pastel green crystal, winding itself around both Xióng Zhǎn’s wrist and spear. As Xióng Zhǎn tried to free himself, Jiàn Shēng took the chance to push against him with his own spear, while hoisting himself into the air and over Xióng Zhǎn’s shoulders. Xióng Zhǎn used his strength to break the hold of the creeper, causing it to return into Jiàn Shēng’s spear. He then fell backwards forcing Jiàn Shēng to land on the ground while Xióng Zhǎn quickly jumped up and turned towards him again. He thrust his spear at Jiàn Shēng who made a double spin that made him look more like a graceful dancer than a fearsome warrior whose spear momentarily became his dance partner, twirling gracefully over his raven-black long hair. In that same move, Jiàn Shēng twirled his spear over his head and under his right arm, bringing it before him to jab at Xióng Zhǎn who poised low and used his own spear to block the move.

Jiàn Shēng’s moves were swift, light, playful but full of cunning ploys while Xióng Zhǎn’s were full of power, strength and heavy moves. Watching them was like seeing a strong bull going against a gazelle. As they matched their move, blow for blow, spin for spin, and thrust for thrust, with no end in sight, Zhì Shēn plucked on his instrument with sudden ferocity, causing two sparrow-hawks to fly forth from his music and grab the spears in the hands of his brothers.

The two looked surprised and seeing they had disturbed their brother, they walked up to him while playfully punching at each other. They fell on the ground that looked all too welcoming in its dress of emerald grass.

‘Why does Pèi Zhōng bother to race against Yīng Fēng? We know who will always win such races!’ Xióng Zhǎn stated matter-of-factly to Zhì Shēn.

‘He does it for Yīng Fēng’s sake. He has no interest in winning,’ Zhì Shēn replied, as his melody turned soft and alluring once again.

Jiàn Shēng closed his eyes. His mind was distracted pleasantly as he chewed upon the edge of a long blade of sweet grass as his brothers carried on with their conversation.

This calm scene was broken by the sudden sound of water like when something cuts it at the speed of light. Yīng Fēng broke through the water and spread his fiery wings as he took to the sky, with Pèi Zhōng in pursuit. Jiàn Shēng and Xióng Zhǎn felt water fall on them like a torrent, soaking them through as they were caught off-guard. Zhì Shēn was unperturbed. He covered his musical instrument and himself with a quick wave of his hand, raising a glowing shield over both. Before any of them could recover, Yīng Fēng glided over their heads once again, whooping with joy as he folded back his wings and dived into the water. After what appeared to be a few minutes, Pèi Zhōng broke through and followed him into the blue waves.

‘Surprise! Surprise! Yīng Fēng wins the race…again!’ Xióng Zhǎn announced in mock humor. ‘What did you win this time?’ he added.

By now the other two were bobbing in the water like playful seals.

‘I have to play seven rounds of zhànlüè with him.’ Pèi Zhōng answered, though there was no sign of any regrets in him. He seemed happy to indulge Yīng Fēng. Zhànlüè was popular among the Tiānshǐ and similar to weiqi except it is played within twenty-four dimensions in which the players can walk and move their pieces.

‘And do not forget that you must accompany me when we go in search of our soul beasts!’ Pèi Zhōng added as he pulled himself out of the water and fell on the grass with an exaggerated sigh – he was no where near exhaustion to be certain!

The four of them looked at Jiàn Shēng who was silent and had fallen back into his distracted dreams. Xióng Zhǎn slowly crept close to him as delicately and softly as possible. He took another blade of grass and tickled Jiàn Shēng’s nose with it, causing the latter to jump up and sit as one rudely awakened from his reverie.

‘What were you dreaming about?’ Xióng Zhǎn asked.

‘Nothing!’ Jiàn Shēng replied unconvincingly, causing his three brothers to chase after him in mock threat. Only Zhì Shēn, smiling softly remained, drawing music from his instrument – the melody matching the riot of camaraderie before him.

Now, according to the order of the heavens time is both eternal and cyclic – rhythms are set by celebrations and feasts, games and assemblies. The most regular of these was the Great Assembly, and the time for it was announced when the heavens filled with a rain of glowing lights and the sound of tinkling bells throughout the realms.

It was this appearance of lights and the sound of the bells that caused the playing brothers to stop and listen.

‘It is time! They will be at Dàshān now!’ Jiàn Shēng whispered excitedly to himself and without warning, he took to the sky, his crystalline wings magnificent and reflecting light like a million little sparkles of various hues. The remaining four brothers followed suit – all in anticipation of the great celebration for creation in all the realms.

It was Jiàn Shēng who reached Dàshān first and took his position before the royal throne. His brothers caught up and stood beside him. The throne guardians stood alert as they watched the brothers – these magnificent pair of a white lion and his lioness were both fearsome and gentle at the same time. The King was already seated and the brothers crossed their arms and bowed before him and he did likewise to return their greeting and respect. He continued to stroke the throne guardians who sat on either side of the royal throne. The Bride was not present and Jiàn Shēng’s heart dropped a little in disappointment. But he quickly regained his composure and looked joyful.

Then, Shēngmìng zhī hé sparkled and flowed towards them as the Bride took her form from its midst. This river flowed from the base of the throne when it descended from the heights to where the assembly gathered. At other times, the throne ascended to the heights of the mountain, causing the river to flow from it over the edge in a thundering waterfall before flowing south and into the realms. The river bubbled wildly around the Bride like a flowing, crystal dress. She walked towards the King with a gentle and graceful sway, her dark, flowing hair sparkling with the droplets of water that adorned it like little diamonds.

‘How perfectly beautiful!’ Jiàn Shēng thought to himself as he admired her. His heart skipped a beat as she glanced in his direction and acknowledged the brothers with a smile and nod.

The King reached out a hand of welcome to his beloved as she made her way to the throne and sat beside him. By now, all the Tŏngzhì zhě and the Tiānshǐ were gathered around the throne. They brought with them representatives of the realms they guarded – all kinds of creatures delighted to be in the presence of their Makers. The throne guardians let out a loud, majestic roar together, calling everyone to attention.

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As they looked on in awe, the King and the Bride held hands and had their inner lights come forth, uniting in a golden-blue fire that encased both of them without burning either. This was how they ruled together.

First, the guardians of the twenty-four realms brought requests and gifts from the creatures in their care. There was no death or killing and none were permitted to take the life of any creatures. The gifts were therefore made by the creatures themselves and shared among the hosts of Tiānshǐ. At times, the flowers sent pots of nectar, and birds sent ornaments made from their own feathers. If a bird gave its feather willingly, it could pluck it out without any pain at all, and a new one would grow in its place, thus ensuring an endless supply. Many animals were prone to finding treasures in their realms and sending them, while the creatures of the sea often sent luminous pearls or crystals from their depths that could be infused with power and used to enhance weapons with beauty and skill.

After this, there were commendations for work well done and the King and his Bride gave rewards to all who deserved it. It was a time of great joy for everyone as their labor was fruitful and acknowledged. There was not one in all the realms who was neglected or forgotten. Often, those in the realms shared their rewards with others. So, the birds got sweet berries or other delicacies for the ornaments they sent, and the flowers gained more hues they could change into, for their sweet nectar. None of the creatures or plants could reproduce in the realms as they were immortal. The fruits and flowers were borne by the flow of immortal and pure energy streams in the plants. Likewise, the creatures showed gender differences but lacked reproductive means. They could still love and pair-up as bonded beings but that did not result in offspring. Instead, every creature had different points of energy within it which would light up and merge with another’s aligned energy point when they paired with their bonded mate. These energy points would then radiate pleasure throughout the body causing the bonded pair to grow deeper in their relationship. New life was not birthed by such bonding. Rather it was born by the pooling of vibrant energy in some parts of the realms, and this did not happen often.

Once the commendations were completed, a time of games followed. Everyone was looking forward to the heavenly banquet after the games. Often, the wines the Bride made would be served to all. Jiàn Shēng loved the games the best as he had a streak of competitiveness in him. Everyone loved to watch him play as he was an excellent strategist and used much humor to outsmart his opponents.

The games were never the same. This time, the King stretched out his hand and a dense forest appeared above them.

‘There are many treasures in the forest before you. You may take what you find. The chief treasure though, is a red, living stone that can change forms and has various powers that can be trained by its keeper. It is able to move and hence you must stay alert as it can take any shape or form, and move from any location to another within the forest. As always, you must convince it to accept you as its keeper before it can become yours,’ the King told those wishing to participate.

There were many Tiānshǐ and even Tŏngzhì zhě as they were certain they could obtain other treasures even if they failed to win the red, living stone. While some of the stones were easy to tame, many needed an expert who matched the level of the stone, before it would accept them as its keeper. While everyone else entered the forest quickly, Jiàn Shēng waited patiently. Those who did not participate, were tasting the wine prepared by the bride and enjoying their role as spectators.

‘Are you going to participate?’ Xióng Zhǎn asked Jiàn Shēng.

‘Hmmm… I may. And you?’ Jiàn Shēng replied.

‘I will, if you will!’ Xióng Zhǎn declared with a look of mischief in his eyes. It was very clear that he would find opportunities to spar with his brother, finding excuses over the stone. Jiàn Shēng rolled his eyes and smirked.

Yīng Fēng jabbed Pèi Zhōng in the chest. ‘Follow me into the forest to find the stone. I will chase it and you can help me corner and grab it!’ he told the latter. Pèi Zhōng eagerly agreed. He was content to go with his brothers and be part of everything they did. Zhì Shēn decided to stay and play his enchanting music for the spectators. When he was not keeping vigil as a watcher on Méiguī shān, he loved quiet contemplation and his music the most.

In a flash, Yīng Fēng and Pèi Zhōng entered the forest and began chasing anything that moved. Jiàn Shēng flew above the forest as far as possible to give him a bird’s eye-view of the entire forest. Xióng Zhǎn followed him, more interested in a chance to spar than to chase anything, including a red, living stone. It was Jiàn Shēng who wanted the stone the most. He had many treasures and uses for all of them. After listening to its abilities, he used his knowledge of the stones to determine that this must be the stone called the Red Phoenix, an extremely intelligent being that was known for its loyalty and powers to enhance anything its keeper owned. It also had the innate ability to transform itself and hence it was called ‘Phoenix,’ a bird from the realms with similar abilities.

Jiàn Shēng threw a glowing net of fiery-yellow over the forest. The net floated above the height of the trees. He had enhanced it so that its grids would light-up if there was anything red within their vicinity. If anything red moved, the glow would turn to a soft blue. In no time, a grid in the north-eastern part of the forest lit up and turned blue. Jiàn Shēng spotted it at once – a little, red flower that quickly turned into a red fish and dived into the stream beside it before some Tiānshǐ reached it.

‘There you are!’ Jiàn Shēng exclaimed, and the chase was on.

Among the spectators, the bride watched Jiàn Shēng eagerly.

‘I would have done the same thing!’ she declared to her King. He smiled. He knew that was true. His beloved woman and Jiàn Shēng thought and behaved very much alike. She got up and proceeded to sit beside Zhì Shēn. If there was a musician in the realms better than him, it was her. She could play any instrument and even created many new ones but her favorite was the pái xiāo which she used as accompaniment to Zhì Shēn’s music this time. He smiled and nodded at her in acknowledgement and also in deep respect.

Meanwhile, Jiàn Shēng had dived into the water as he chased the Red Phoenix. Seeing that it was being pursued, it changed its form from a fish to a water plant that blended with its surroundings. Jiàn Shēng came to a sudden halt with Xióng Zhǎn in hot pursuit.

‘It is hiding,’ Jiàn Shēng said as he looked around for movement or changes.

‘Do you know what form it took?’ Xióng Zhǎn enquired.

‘Probably a plant or sea creature of some kind. I am not sure,’ Jiàn Shēng replied.

‘Shall we split and search for it?’ Xióng Zhǎn wondered aloud.

‘That is pointless. It probably has its eyes on us and remains in the dark while we are in the light,’ Jiàn Shēng said as he squinted his eyes in deep thought. ‘It will not be anchored strongly to the rocks here as its form is temporary and it has not grown here naturally like all the others. It can change form but it lacks experience in these waters and a sudden current may be just what we need!’ Jiàn Shēng continued as he raised his hands and commanded a strong current to disturb the serene waters around him.

The Red Phoenix was caught off guard and seeing that it was exposed by its movement, it flew out of the waters with the two brothers chasing after it. When they broke through the surface, it was hidden yet again. They looked all around and there were only trees and no other sign of any creatures in the vicinity.

Xióng Zhǎn smirked as he pointed out to a tree, ‘Now it is a fruit!’ he said as he rushed towards it. ‘Little stone – this tree does not bear such fruit in this season. You have made a mistake!’ he laughed as he reached out for it. The stone had a mind of its own and had to be convinced before it could accept anyone as its keeper.

‘Now that you found me, what do you want me for?’ it asked Xióng Zhǎn.

‘Er… I… I could use you for many things. Probably in one of my weapons to enhance it?’ Xióng Zhǎn stuttered. He had not given this thought.

‘That will be a waste!’ the Red Phoenix replied as it jumped out of Xióng Zhǎn’s hand and was about to change its form into a bird.

Jiàn Shēng jumped forward and grabbed it declaring, ‘Oh! Do not try to fly away little one. You are coming with me!’

‘I am neither little nor going with you!’ the Red Phoenix retorted.

‘You will come because I am taking you on many adventures through the realms. Life is for the living and you red stones love life and enhance it. Do you know what kind of creatures inhabit the realms? Or the different trees and the fruit they bear? If you had truly known these things, you would not have been caught so easily by my brother here,’ Jiàn Shēng provoked it. He had caught the Red Phoenix’s attention and he answered the questions it had concerning the realms. When it was satisfied, it acknowledged him to be its keeper and turned back to its true form which was dendritic. From that point, it was bound to him in its loyalty.

The forest disappeared once the stone was found. The brothers made their way to their places, while Jiàn Shēng moved towards the throne. His eyes caught the form of the beautiful Bride seated beside Zhì Shēn. She was smiling at the latter and Jiàn Shēng felt a little ache in his heart. He would rather have her smiling at him. He forced himself to look at the King who commended him before the assembly. Then there was more music as the banquet appeared before everyone. There was dancing and much joy and revelry.

Jiàn Shēng made his way towards Zhì Shēn and sat beside him. He nodded and smiled in acknowledgement at the Bride who was seated on the other side.

‘You did very well just now,’ she told him. His heart felt like it was floating on clouds and beating faster all of a sudden. ‘But I would have caught it in the water itself!’ she continued.

‘Oh? How so, my lady?’ he asked in a puzzled tone.

‘I would not have chased it. While it hid in the waters, I would have offered it the adventurous life through the realms if it would become mine. In this way, I would have drawn it out from its hiding place and kept it from running any further,’ she explained. Indeed, that was true and Jiàn Shēng wondered why he had not thought of it earlier.

‘You are wiser than I am,’ were the only words that could escape him. She smiled. She laid her pái xiāo down and made her way towards him. ‘Try the new wine that I made for this occasion,’ she said as she filled two cups, one for him and one for Zhì Shēn. Zhì Shēn’s instrument continued to play as he paused to cherish the refreshingly sweet wine. She made her way to Jiàn Shēng as he felt his heart pick up pace.

‘This is for you – just as I promised,’ she said with a twinkle of mischief in her eyes. He looked at the beautifully engraved mirror in her hand. It was made of cut diamonds and its frame and handle were engraved and embedded with opalescent mother-of-pearl-like stones. As he accepted the gift, she giggled and said, ‘Next time you can check if there is anything truly on your face! Oh, and this mirror can see further and deeper than you can guess.’ He felt his face turn hot as he remembered the day she was referring to.

His heart felt another tinge of ache when she reached out and gave a beautifully engraved, yellow jade dizi to Zhì Shēn, who gratefully accepted this masterpiece that was made especially for him. Then she made her way towards Xióng Zhǎn and gave him a lovely dagger, its hilt inlaid with precious stones the color of the skies on a clear summer morning. She gave Yīng Fēng a ram’s horn gilded in gold and enamel. It could be used to summon anyone as needed. Pèi Zhōng received a dove made of a single pastel yellow pearl. It could be animated and where it flew, there was a beautiful fragrance from the bride’s garden and it brought everyone a very soothing peace. Each gift was well chosen for those who would receive it and the bride had taken pains to work on them herself.

Jiàn Shēng felt his heart sink as he noticed that he was not the only one who received a special gift. It sank further as the King drew his bride into his arms and asked her, ‘And where is my gift?’ to which she replied, ‘Later!’ with a teasing twinkle in her eyes. Then they danced among the rest of those who had gathered from the realms and the brothers joined in the dance.

At some point, the bride and Jiàn Shēng were paired to dance. For the first time, he noticed how slender her waist was compared to her own shapely curves. Her skin glowed and was soft like velvet petals. Her dark, thick hair fell in rich, wavy curls around her. Jiàn Shēng controlled the trembles he felt within him in such proximity to the splendor and vision of beauty before him. Soon, he forgot his nervousness as he gave in to the playful dance that everyone was twirling to. Before he knew it, she was with Xióng Zhǎn next.

As the Great Assembly drew to an end, everyone slowly began making their way back to their appointed homes in the realms. This day, even the brothers returned to their habitations among the rest of the Tiānshǐ. Their homes were on the hills and in the quiet valleys. There were many waterfalls and streams that flowed through the place so that it echoed with the music of their song. Beautiful flowers and vines grew thick and many hanged over the homes and the rocks around the habitations.

Each home was unique as the Tiānshǐ chose to carve and build as well as decorate to display their own tastes and preferences. Xióng Zhǎn’s home was cut out of rock and sandstone along a mighty cliff wall. He used many metals and solid woods to create the furniture in his home. It was practical and sufficient to suit a being with his strength and focus on training and warfare. Yīng Fēng preferred a smaller cottage with enough room to eat and sleep. However, his cottage was surrounded by a large area for him to run or fly through. This area was specifically crafted by him, and he changed it from time to time, creating various obstacles in the wilderness for his entertainment. Pèi Zhōng’s home was large and inviting with many places to sit and walk through, little nooks and corners with lotus ponds and little fish, surprising turns into a garden oasis and soothing pools in which one could rest and rejuvenate. His entire home was a place for others to enter and bond. Zhì Shēn’s home was a little, wooden cottage by a large, serene lake where nothing but the sound of the water, winds, birds, and trees filled the air and complimented his music. Anyone who visited, would find ample seating on the decks of the cottage that directly overlooked the lake.

Jiàn Shēng’s home was palatial and boasted high ceilings, many rooms, elaborate furnishings and decorations, treasures on display, and lengthy, flowing curtains in pastel tones. Soft music filled the rooms from the chimes hanging by the open windows, and flower-laden boughs hanged over the window and door frames. Everything was exquisite and delicate, even the carvings present all around. He had spent a lot of time making these. He too had many places to entertain guests that led through the hidden gardens that his home seemed to embrace within itself. He was dressed in a long, dark, satin-like robe that day as he rested. It reflected his inner emotions well which vacillated between soft and dark thoughts. Just like his robe barely concealed his muscular and tall form, his face barely concealed the pained thoughts tearing him from within. He wondered what gift the Bride had prepared for the King as he walked onto the balcony overlooking a waterfall, his eyes firmly set on Méiguī shān and all it hid.