Nevill
Arcane
- Joined
- Jun 6, 2009
- Messages
- 11,211
-
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[LP CYOA] 傳
- Thread starter treave
- Start date
Elfberserker
Liturgist
- Joined
- Oct 25, 2013
- Messages
- 1,540
Wait a minute!? We both are alive?
Holy crap!
Reading this again, you say 'black-out' to refer to the moment after Jing was hit. That seems to indicate that Jing isn't dead? I guess Cao'er was right there to help stich Jing up, and Yang Xue must have been more focused on helping Zhang survive than making sure his killer was dead... even so, that's a pretty impressive accomplishment for the body. Are there going to be severe negative stat changes for a while?
Elfberserker
Liturgist
- Joined
- Oct 25, 2013
- Messages
- 1,540
looks like we got nice rep and skill boosts.
Elfberserker
Liturgist
- Joined
- Oct 25, 2013
- Messages
- 1,540
Don't worry guys!
Xu Jing will be in next hueshan summit meeting thing, after adventuring in space for 25 years!
Xu Jing will be in next hueshan summit meeting thing, after adventuring in space for 25 years!
Nevill
Arcane
- Joined
- Jun 6, 2009
- Messages
- 11,211
I hate to break it to you, bro...
Nah, they just came to pick up one of their own kind they left on Earth during their last visit. I mean, manxing must be an alien. It makes no sense otherwise!
Nevill
Arcane
- Joined
- Jun 6, 2009
- Messages
- 11,211
None.
But there were no Emei gals, either. Except for us, their representative, of course.
Elfberserker
Liturgist
- Joined
- Oct 25, 2013
- Messages
- 1,540
None.
But there were no Emei gals, either. Except for us, their representative, of course.
Uuh...Yifang ang Mieco remember? Mieco might be retired, but I still think her words carries weight.
I wonder how many new sect masters we got here.
Jester
Arbiter
- Joined
- Mar 24, 2013
- Messages
- 1,493
Yup exactly. Unfortunately we had no judges from Shaolin, if we had we would be loved.None.
But there were no Emei gals, either. Except for us, their representative, of course.
Uuh...Yifang ang Mieco remember? Mieco might be retired, but I still think her words carries weight.
I wonder how many new sect masters we got here.
On bright side that Fire Cult saves Empire achievement was cleared probably.
- Joined
- Jul 6, 2008
- Messages
- 11,370
The First and Last Lie
It is another bright, sunny day on Maniac Island. The trees sway gently as you finish your morning workout. Your recovery had taken many months to accomplish – if Cao’er had not been nearby to begin emergency procedures, you would not have made it at all. Still, you are finally confident that you have surpassed your previous level.
Well, it is not like there is anything you can freely use your strength for nowadays. The furore over the manuals died off with the passing of the previous masters at Zhang Manxing’s poisonous hands. With Bai Jiutian, Song Lingshu, Liu Qi and Su Liaojing taking over the leadership of their respective sects, the new generation of orthodox pugilists were led by somewhat friendlier influences.
The Jiuyin Manual had disappeared with Zhang Manxing’s corpse, and the Jiuyang Manual had been burnt into ashes together with the leaders of the Zhang clan. The Wuxiang Qiankun scrolls were still kept safely at the Fire Temple, guarded by your subordinates. No one dared make a move on them, though you are considering destroying the writings for good in order to prevent any bloodshed from sweeping the jianghu ever again.
“Darling.” While you are wiping your sweat, Qilin approaches you.
“Are you sure you should be walking about?” You gesture at her swollen belly wryly.
“Oh, don’t worry. I’m the Western Vixen after all, one of the Greats,” she smiles mischievously. “My martial arts can take this level of strain, and so can our child. No problem.”
You had been too injured to attend the Huashan Summit even though it had been delayed after the fierce fighting at Black Dragon Gate. You were not the only pugilist to miss it, however.
The Amesha Spenta refused to participate; Vahista had insisted, in between hiccups, that it would be improper for them to do anything of the sort if you did not lead them there. Your master declined to show up, saying that he had nothing to prove there and it would be a waste of his time. The Sword Saint said that he would pass – he would have been one of the favourites even with one arm, but he had decided to leave things to the younger generation. Murong Yandi had participated in his master’s stead, and won the title of the Northern Swordmaster. Fangci, the Abbot of Shaolin, had easily claimed the spot of Eastern Monk, while Guo Fu represented Wudang bravely and is now known as the Southern Mountain. Bai Jiutian had demonstrated skills that surpassed them all, claiming the title of the Central Hero.
“I could have beaten you if you hadn’t cheated,” scowls Yunzi, appearing to join the both of you. Her belly is as bulging as Qilin’s. She had tried participating in the Huashan Summit, but Qilin had been too cunning in the end.
“You tried cheating first,” says Qilin calmly, though she does not hide the slyness of her grin.
“Yunzi, how are you feeling?” you say quickly, attempting to defuse the situation. Although you had finally managed to reconcile your separate responsibilities to the Fire Cult and the Wudu Cult, there is still some lingering tension that you have learnt to watch out for. “I know the Ashina have been clamouring for you to be in a traditional tent.” The scattered Ashina tribe had finally been gathered together again – they were now living off the lands around the Fire Temple, and becoming strong.
Yunzi tosses her head back. “I’ll give birth wherever I want to, even if it is on the back of a horse. It’s alright, they’ll understand the moment I show them the baby. Anyway, you did have something to pass on, didn’t you, Qilin?”
“Oh, right. It’s a message from the palace.” Qilin brings out a letter bearing the Emperor’s own seal. It is already broken. “I read it already. Your friend wants to meet you.”
You take the letter, shaking your head. “You don’t seem happy about it.”
“We aren’t happy about it,” snorts Yunzi. “Do we need to explain it again?”
“Look, there’s no need to get jealous of the Emperor. He’s the Emperor,” you say patiently, escorting them back to the mansion. The three of you pass by the friendly old gardener, who beams and bows at your approach. “Well, that was an Emperor too,” you mutter softly as you enter the house. Master Zhang has embarked on a journey to the west, leaving the place in your care for the time being… still, the place does not seem to feel as empty as you thought it would, considering the number of people now living here.
You begin preparing for your trip off the island quickly; it has been a while since you met with Shun. After a while, Yifang comes in to help you pack.
“How is Master Yao and the Abbess this morning?” you ask. The two oldies had been given a little private hut a fair distance from the main building, where they could grow herbs and potter around in peace. Yifang has been busying herself being in charge of tidying up the mansion – a momentous task, considering how Master Zhang liked to leave it.
“They’re doing fine,” smiles the former nun. “I heard that you are going to the capital?”
“Yes. Do you want me to pick up anything for you?”
“I did have a few things in mind,” she beams. Her hand accidentally touches yours – it lingers there for a moment before she draws it back quickly, blushing. “S-sorry!”
You laugh and pat her on the head. “Alright. Write what you need down on a list so that I don’t forget.”
Once everything is done, you say your goodbyes and leave the mansion, slinging your bundle of belongings over your back. On your way out, you spot Nie Shuixian teaching the Minamoto children letters and numbers. You wave to her, and she waves back brightly.
“Are you going somewhere, Xu Jing?” she asks.
“I’m headed for the capital,” you say. “Anything you want picked up?”
“Oh, not at the moment,” she shakes her head.
You look around. Her twin sister, Nie Mudan, is still not around. In the aftermath of the battle at the Black Dragon Society, losing their parents had hit Nie Mudan a lot harder than it did her sister… she had ended up secluding herself from the world. You had asked if they would not return with Bai Jiutian to Huashan, but Shuixian had decided that it would help Mudan recover better if they stayed away from a place with so many memories.
“My sister is still the same,” says Shuixian sadly, shaking her head.
“These things take time.” You give her a commiserating smile. “Take as much as you need, the island is open to you.”
Nie Shuixian bows in thanks. As her head bobs back up, she says, “Oh, that’s right, I had something to say…”
“What is it?” You glance at her, and the girl turns slightly red.
“N-no, never mind. I think I’ll tell you when you get back. Have a safe journey!”
She bids you farewell and turns hurriedly back to the laughing kids, who are making whistling noises and jeering at her.
Leaving the village, you continue on the well-trodden path towards the pier. As you round the corner, under a familiar tree, you hear footsteps behind you. Turning around, you see Cao’er and Xuezi. The two of them have been spending a lot of time together lately – Xuezi had told you that due to Yang Xue’s power, the unsealing took a greater toll on her than she expected, and Cao’er had to give her constant treatment. The child immortal – no longer all that immortal – doubts she will be able to use her powers again without seriously endangering herself. In return, she seems to have been imparting her skills to Cao’er as repayment.
“We’ve heard,” says Xuezi.
Cao’er glares at you.
“I-I was going to find and tell you before leaving,” you say, your attempted laugh dying in your throat.
She shakes her head. “Never mind… just come back as soon as you can…”
You are slightly surprised – you thought that she would have demanded to go with you.
“Whatever comes next is something you must decide for yourself,” says Xuezi. “This is the time. You remember that you owe me a favour, right?”
You nod. “Calling it in?”
“I only ask that you do what you feel is right when you meet with your friend. That is all, brat.” Leaving you with those words, Xuezi departs, walking back up the path to the island’s interior. Cao’er runs up and gives you a tight embrace, squeezing you as hard as she can, before doing the same.
Shaking your head, you turn towards the boat. It’s time to return to the mainland.
***
Chang’an and the palace have changed a lot since the last time you were here. Yang Xue’s mad rampage had laid waste to half of the city, killing thousands of innocents. Taking Zhang Manxing’s corpse with him, Yang Xue had fled the Black Dragon Society. In his grief over Zhang’s death he had blamed the Emperor for everything. Whether in his insane mind he thought it was Li Ming, or knew that this was his son, did not matter. The result was that he appeared in the capital shortly after the incident at Xiangyang and began destroying everything in sight as he slowly worked his way towards the throne. In the fight, Xiahou Yu had been grievously injured, and was now still recuperating in Yangzhou. Gao Ying… had disappeared. No one knows whether he is still alive; there had been many victims who were outright pulverized into unidentifiable smears of flesh and blood by the mad ex-general. It was fair to assume that he was probably dead.
You walk past the rebuilding city, and through the palace gates. Today was not a sunny day; the clouds are gathering overhead, and darkening. The palace itself seems a bit more heavily guarded than usual, but you chalk it up to heightened security after Yang Xue’s invasion. You had heard that it was Shun himself that finally defeated the old man… still, you could not know the truth for sure. At the time you were slipping in and out of a coma, your body still attempting to mend itself from your countless injuries.
The guards open the gates to the throne room wordlessly, staring at you with stony eyes. You flip them an easy grin as you enter. They’re just doing their job anyway.
Inside, Shun is awaiting you. He is dressed in full imperial regalia – the clothes certainly look like they weigh upon him. At his side is the Xuanyuan Sword - the real thing, clad in an ornate scabbard befitting an Emperor. The moment he sees you, his face breaks out into a wide smile, and he stands from his throne. “Jing! It has been a while – no, don’t start bowing. There is no one in the hall to care anyway.” He is right – besides the two of you, and the guards outside, there is no one else present. No courtiers, no eunuchs. He beckons you to come closer, right up to the Dragon Throne, and you do. Shun moves aside, perching himself on one of the arms. He pats the other end of the wide throne, signaling at you to sit.
You raise an eyebrow. “Are you sure, Your Majesty?”
“What’s the matter? When have you ever been scared of breaking palace etiquette? You used to sneak onto this little old chair all the time with me when Father was not around.”
“… you’re right,” you laugh, and take your customary position besides your childhood friend.
“So, how have you been? Last I heard, you, uh… have two kids on the way?” asks Shun.
You nod. “I suppose so. Aren’t you a father many times over already?” You know that his harem is growing in size – sometimes against his will. You have heard that even Zhang Minyue had become one of his concubines… though that was more as a political hostage, in order to ensure the good behaviour of the surviving members of the Zhang clan. You wonder if she is somewhere in the palace at the moment. Shun had successfully pinned the fault for Yang Xue’s rampage on the Zhang clan, and used that as an excuse for many executions.
He scratches his head. “I suppose so… I lose track of how many concubines there are sometimes, not to mention the children. I need to get a tally done some day.”
“Better keep it in your pants, great Emperor. Sibling rivalries can be deadly.”
“I am well aware of that,” he sighs. “The life of an Emperor is really not all it is cracked up to be. I think I would trade it for the opportunity to go adventuring in an instant, if the world would let me.”
“That isn’t as fun as you think it is – I spend half my time lying in bed, recovering from wounds and missing limbs.”
“That’s because you never think before you leap,” he laughs. “But… yes, it is impossible for me to put this all aside. I have my duty to the people and to the land. They are chains that I have put upon myself willingly, ones that I can never set aside.” Shun’s gaze turns serious, and he looks out across the grand hall. “This was the first room to be rebuilt. I am sure you have seen the rest of the city.”
You nod, and he continues.
“I would not like that to happen again.”
“I’m sure it won’t. Yang Xue was an aberration.”
“One that can emerge again as long as martial arts continue to be practiced freely.”
You feel your heart freeze for a second. “What do you mean?”
“You of all people should understand how dangerous it is. Remember when I sent you out into the world, all those years ago? Back then our concern was that the sects were involving themselves in politics, and that we would be unable to defeat them without a horrible bloodbath. As it turns out, our fears were warranted.”
“It is less so now. The new generation of leaders are far more trustworthy than the last… well, most of them are. We won.”
“The potential threat still exists. We cannot rely on their goodwill to not overthrow the palace and seek out power on their own. For the country to be stable, I have to concentrate the monopoly of force under one authority.”
“Shun. This is crazy,” you protest. “What do you plan to do?”
“Destroy every martial arts manual in existence, and close down the sects. It is just that simple.”
“They will resist.”
“They will die.”
“Shun!” you shout, standing up from the throne.
He looks at you apologetically, an embarrassed grin on his face. “Sorry, did I take it too far? I didn’t mean that at all. Look, let me explain. That is why I need you to help me with this.”
“What are you talking about now?”
“You have considerable influence with the sects at the moment. Everyone knows you, and even if they do not like you, they respect you. I need you to be my official right-hand man for this task, my emissary to the jianghu. Persuade them to lay down their arms and give up their martial arts. The process need not be sudden. It can be gradual. They just need to stop teaching, and let the art die a natural death. Jing, this is the most important thing I will ask of you. We don’t need pugilists anymore… in fact, they are only holding our advancement back, miring us in the past.”
You are not certain what to think. Shun seems strangely genuine, and convinced that the country will be better off without martial arts. Still…
Something Zhang Manxing said flashes into your mind, for no discernible reason to you.
You take a deep breath, and ask, “Did you have any contact with Zhang Manxing before he died?”
Shun seems slightly taken aback at the question. Then, he laughs. “You wouldn’t have asked that question if you didn’t suspect anything. Well, we are best friends. Since you raised the issue, I won’t hide it from you. Yes, I tried to get him to help you out.”
To wipe out the orthodox sects? Zhang Manxing had almost succeeded, if you and your companions did not stop him there. You wonder how long this has been going on. Staring at Shun, you ask coldly, suddenly, “How long have you planned all this?”
He pauses for a long while, his eyes averted from you, before finally answering. “…from the start.”
“And if I do not agree to help you?”
Another long pause. He closes his eyes. “…what a foolish question. You know the answer, don’t you?” smiles the Emperor.
***
A. Even if you don’t like it, Shun is right. Making sure the transition happens under your supervision is the best way to reduce any potential bloodshed. Fighting him won’t do any good at all, both for you, the people you care for, and the country itself. You agree to help him.
B. You are going to beat the living shit out of Shun if you have to do it, to knock some blasted sense into his addled head. You are not sure what has suddenly gotten into him, but he must have gone utterly mad if he thinks you are going to stand by and let him act this way.
It is another bright, sunny day on Maniac Island. The trees sway gently as you finish your morning workout. Your recovery had taken many months to accomplish – if Cao’er had not been nearby to begin emergency procedures, you would not have made it at all. Still, you are finally confident that you have surpassed your previous level.
Well, it is not like there is anything you can freely use your strength for nowadays. The furore over the manuals died off with the passing of the previous masters at Zhang Manxing’s poisonous hands. With Bai Jiutian, Song Lingshu, Liu Qi and Su Liaojing taking over the leadership of their respective sects, the new generation of orthodox pugilists were led by somewhat friendlier influences.
The Jiuyin Manual had disappeared with Zhang Manxing’s corpse, and the Jiuyang Manual had been burnt into ashes together with the leaders of the Zhang clan. The Wuxiang Qiankun scrolls were still kept safely at the Fire Temple, guarded by your subordinates. No one dared make a move on them, though you are considering destroying the writings for good in order to prevent any bloodshed from sweeping the jianghu ever again.
“Darling.” While you are wiping your sweat, Qilin approaches you.
“Are you sure you should be walking about?” You gesture at her swollen belly wryly.
“Oh, don’t worry. I’m the Western Vixen after all, one of the Greats,” she smiles mischievously. “My martial arts can take this level of strain, and so can our child. No problem.”
You had been too injured to attend the Huashan Summit even though it had been delayed after the fierce fighting at Black Dragon Gate. You were not the only pugilist to miss it, however.
The Amesha Spenta refused to participate; Vahista had insisted, in between hiccups, that it would be improper for them to do anything of the sort if you did not lead them there. Your master declined to show up, saying that he had nothing to prove there and it would be a waste of his time. The Sword Saint said that he would pass – he would have been one of the favourites even with one arm, but he had decided to leave things to the younger generation. Murong Yandi had participated in his master’s stead, and won the title of the Northern Swordmaster. Fangci, the Abbot of Shaolin, had easily claimed the spot of Eastern Monk, while Guo Fu represented Wudang bravely and is now known as the Southern Mountain. Bai Jiutian had demonstrated skills that surpassed them all, claiming the title of the Central Hero.
“I could have beaten you if you hadn’t cheated,” scowls Yunzi, appearing to join the both of you. Her belly is as bulging as Qilin’s. She had tried participating in the Huashan Summit, but Qilin had been too cunning in the end.
“You tried cheating first,” says Qilin calmly, though she does not hide the slyness of her grin.
“Yunzi, how are you feeling?” you say quickly, attempting to defuse the situation. Although you had finally managed to reconcile your separate responsibilities to the Fire Cult and the Wudu Cult, there is still some lingering tension that you have learnt to watch out for. “I know the Ashina have been clamouring for you to be in a traditional tent.” The scattered Ashina tribe had finally been gathered together again – they were now living off the lands around the Fire Temple, and becoming strong.
Yunzi tosses her head back. “I’ll give birth wherever I want to, even if it is on the back of a horse. It’s alright, they’ll understand the moment I show them the baby. Anyway, you did have something to pass on, didn’t you, Qilin?”
“Oh, right. It’s a message from the palace.” Qilin brings out a letter bearing the Emperor’s own seal. It is already broken. “I read it already. Your friend wants to meet you.”
You take the letter, shaking your head. “You don’t seem happy about it.”
“We aren’t happy about it,” snorts Yunzi. “Do we need to explain it again?”
“Look, there’s no need to get jealous of the Emperor. He’s the Emperor,” you say patiently, escorting them back to the mansion. The three of you pass by the friendly old gardener, who beams and bows at your approach. “Well, that was an Emperor too,” you mutter softly as you enter the house. Master Zhang has embarked on a journey to the west, leaving the place in your care for the time being… still, the place does not seem to feel as empty as you thought it would, considering the number of people now living here.
You begin preparing for your trip off the island quickly; it has been a while since you met with Shun. After a while, Yifang comes in to help you pack.
“How is Master Yao and the Abbess this morning?” you ask. The two oldies had been given a little private hut a fair distance from the main building, where they could grow herbs and potter around in peace. Yifang has been busying herself being in charge of tidying up the mansion – a momentous task, considering how Master Zhang liked to leave it.
“They’re doing fine,” smiles the former nun. “I heard that you are going to the capital?”
“Yes. Do you want me to pick up anything for you?”
“I did have a few things in mind,” she beams. Her hand accidentally touches yours – it lingers there for a moment before she draws it back quickly, blushing. “S-sorry!”
You laugh and pat her on the head. “Alright. Write what you need down on a list so that I don’t forget.”
Once everything is done, you say your goodbyes and leave the mansion, slinging your bundle of belongings over your back. On your way out, you spot Nie Shuixian teaching the Minamoto children letters and numbers. You wave to her, and she waves back brightly.
“Are you going somewhere, Xu Jing?” she asks.
“I’m headed for the capital,” you say. “Anything you want picked up?”
“Oh, not at the moment,” she shakes her head.
You look around. Her twin sister, Nie Mudan, is still not around. In the aftermath of the battle at the Black Dragon Society, losing their parents had hit Nie Mudan a lot harder than it did her sister… she had ended up secluding herself from the world. You had asked if they would not return with Bai Jiutian to Huashan, but Shuixian had decided that it would help Mudan recover better if they stayed away from a place with so many memories.
“My sister is still the same,” says Shuixian sadly, shaking her head.
“These things take time.” You give her a commiserating smile. “Take as much as you need, the island is open to you.”
Nie Shuixian bows in thanks. As her head bobs back up, she says, “Oh, that’s right, I had something to say…”
“What is it?” You glance at her, and the girl turns slightly red.
“N-no, never mind. I think I’ll tell you when you get back. Have a safe journey!”
She bids you farewell and turns hurriedly back to the laughing kids, who are making whistling noises and jeering at her.
Leaving the village, you continue on the well-trodden path towards the pier. As you round the corner, under a familiar tree, you hear footsteps behind you. Turning around, you see Cao’er and Xuezi. The two of them have been spending a lot of time together lately – Xuezi had told you that due to Yang Xue’s power, the unsealing took a greater toll on her than she expected, and Cao’er had to give her constant treatment. The child immortal – no longer all that immortal – doubts she will be able to use her powers again without seriously endangering herself. In return, she seems to have been imparting her skills to Cao’er as repayment.
“We’ve heard,” says Xuezi.
Cao’er glares at you.
“I-I was going to find and tell you before leaving,” you say, your attempted laugh dying in your throat.
She shakes her head. “Never mind… just come back as soon as you can…”
You are slightly surprised – you thought that she would have demanded to go with you.
“Whatever comes next is something you must decide for yourself,” says Xuezi. “This is the time. You remember that you owe me a favour, right?”
You nod. “Calling it in?”
“I only ask that you do what you feel is right when you meet with your friend. That is all, brat.” Leaving you with those words, Xuezi departs, walking back up the path to the island’s interior. Cao’er runs up and gives you a tight embrace, squeezing you as hard as she can, before doing the same.
Shaking your head, you turn towards the boat. It’s time to return to the mainland.
***
Chang’an and the palace have changed a lot since the last time you were here. Yang Xue’s mad rampage had laid waste to half of the city, killing thousands of innocents. Taking Zhang Manxing’s corpse with him, Yang Xue had fled the Black Dragon Society. In his grief over Zhang’s death he had blamed the Emperor for everything. Whether in his insane mind he thought it was Li Ming, or knew that this was his son, did not matter. The result was that he appeared in the capital shortly after the incident at Xiangyang and began destroying everything in sight as he slowly worked his way towards the throne. In the fight, Xiahou Yu had been grievously injured, and was now still recuperating in Yangzhou. Gao Ying… had disappeared. No one knows whether he is still alive; there had been many victims who were outright pulverized into unidentifiable smears of flesh and blood by the mad ex-general. It was fair to assume that he was probably dead.
You walk past the rebuilding city, and through the palace gates. Today was not a sunny day; the clouds are gathering overhead, and darkening. The palace itself seems a bit more heavily guarded than usual, but you chalk it up to heightened security after Yang Xue’s invasion. You had heard that it was Shun himself that finally defeated the old man… still, you could not know the truth for sure. At the time you were slipping in and out of a coma, your body still attempting to mend itself from your countless injuries.
The guards open the gates to the throne room wordlessly, staring at you with stony eyes. You flip them an easy grin as you enter. They’re just doing their job anyway.
Inside, Shun is awaiting you. He is dressed in full imperial regalia – the clothes certainly look like they weigh upon him. At his side is the Xuanyuan Sword - the real thing, clad in an ornate scabbard befitting an Emperor. The moment he sees you, his face breaks out into a wide smile, and he stands from his throne. “Jing! It has been a while – no, don’t start bowing. There is no one in the hall to care anyway.” He is right – besides the two of you, and the guards outside, there is no one else present. No courtiers, no eunuchs. He beckons you to come closer, right up to the Dragon Throne, and you do. Shun moves aside, perching himself on one of the arms. He pats the other end of the wide throne, signaling at you to sit.
You raise an eyebrow. “Are you sure, Your Majesty?”
“What’s the matter? When have you ever been scared of breaking palace etiquette? You used to sneak onto this little old chair all the time with me when Father was not around.”
“… you’re right,” you laugh, and take your customary position besides your childhood friend.
“So, how have you been? Last I heard, you, uh… have two kids on the way?” asks Shun.
You nod. “I suppose so. Aren’t you a father many times over already?” You know that his harem is growing in size – sometimes against his will. You have heard that even Zhang Minyue had become one of his concubines… though that was more as a political hostage, in order to ensure the good behaviour of the surviving members of the Zhang clan. You wonder if she is somewhere in the palace at the moment. Shun had successfully pinned the fault for Yang Xue’s rampage on the Zhang clan, and used that as an excuse for many executions.
He scratches his head. “I suppose so… I lose track of how many concubines there are sometimes, not to mention the children. I need to get a tally done some day.”
“Better keep it in your pants, great Emperor. Sibling rivalries can be deadly.”
“I am well aware of that,” he sighs. “The life of an Emperor is really not all it is cracked up to be. I think I would trade it for the opportunity to go adventuring in an instant, if the world would let me.”
“That isn’t as fun as you think it is – I spend half my time lying in bed, recovering from wounds and missing limbs.”
“That’s because you never think before you leap,” he laughs. “But… yes, it is impossible for me to put this all aside. I have my duty to the people and to the land. They are chains that I have put upon myself willingly, ones that I can never set aside.” Shun’s gaze turns serious, and he looks out across the grand hall. “This was the first room to be rebuilt. I am sure you have seen the rest of the city.”
You nod, and he continues.
“I would not like that to happen again.”
“I’m sure it won’t. Yang Xue was an aberration.”
“One that can emerge again as long as martial arts continue to be practiced freely.”
You feel your heart freeze for a second. “What do you mean?”
“You of all people should understand how dangerous it is. Remember when I sent you out into the world, all those years ago? Back then our concern was that the sects were involving themselves in politics, and that we would be unable to defeat them without a horrible bloodbath. As it turns out, our fears were warranted.”
“It is less so now. The new generation of leaders are far more trustworthy than the last… well, most of them are. We won.”
“The potential threat still exists. We cannot rely on their goodwill to not overthrow the palace and seek out power on their own. For the country to be stable, I have to concentrate the monopoly of force under one authority.”
“Shun. This is crazy,” you protest. “What do you plan to do?”
“Destroy every martial arts manual in existence, and close down the sects. It is just that simple.”
“They will resist.”
“They will die.”
“Shun!” you shout, standing up from the throne.
He looks at you apologetically, an embarrassed grin on his face. “Sorry, did I take it too far? I didn’t mean that at all. Look, let me explain. That is why I need you to help me with this.”
“What are you talking about now?”
“You have considerable influence with the sects at the moment. Everyone knows you, and even if they do not like you, they respect you. I need you to be my official right-hand man for this task, my emissary to the jianghu. Persuade them to lay down their arms and give up their martial arts. The process need not be sudden. It can be gradual. They just need to stop teaching, and let the art die a natural death. Jing, this is the most important thing I will ask of you. We don’t need pugilists anymore… in fact, they are only holding our advancement back, miring us in the past.”
You are not certain what to think. Shun seems strangely genuine, and convinced that the country will be better off without martial arts. Still…
Something Zhang Manxing said flashes into your mind, for no discernible reason to you.
You take a deep breath, and ask, “Did you have any contact with Zhang Manxing before he died?”
Shun seems slightly taken aback at the question. Then, he laughs. “You wouldn’t have asked that question if you didn’t suspect anything. Well, we are best friends. Since you raised the issue, I won’t hide it from you. Yes, I tried to get him to help you out.”
To wipe out the orthodox sects? Zhang Manxing had almost succeeded, if you and your companions did not stop him there. You wonder how long this has been going on. Staring at Shun, you ask coldly, suddenly, “How long have you planned all this?”
He pauses for a long while, his eyes averted from you, before finally answering. “…from the start.”
“And if I do not agree to help you?”
Another long pause. He closes his eyes. “…what a foolish question. You know the answer, don’t you?” smiles the Emperor.
***
A. Even if you don’t like it, Shun is right. Making sure the transition happens under your supervision is the best way to reduce any potential bloodshed. Fighting him won’t do any good at all, both for you, the people you care for, and the country itself. You agree to help him.
B. You are going to beat the living shit out of Shun if you have to do it, to knock some blasted sense into his addled head. You are not sure what has suddenly gotten into him, but he must have gone utterly mad if he thinks you are going to stand by and let him act this way.
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I suspected that Shun wanted to shut down the Jianghu for some time now. Each of the great pugilists is a Weapon of Mass Destruction, and an Emperor cant have that in his back yard.
Still, martial arts are about reaching the limits of one's potential and then pushing even further. Its not inherently bad or good. They should be available for anyone, but there must be some safety measures. I dont see any compromise happening in A, so i must vote B and hope they find a solution before too much blood is spilled.
Still, martial arts are about reaching the limits of one's potential and then pushing even further. Its not inherently bad or good. They should be available for anyone, but there must be some safety measures. I dont see any compromise happening in A, so i must vote B and hope they find a solution before too much blood is spilled.
Tribute
Arbiter
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2014
- Messages
- 919
Considering the whole thing with the Fire Cult, we know for a fact that foreign nations have their own martial arts and martial artists. Shutting down the jianghu is just going to get rid of China's own supply of city-destroyingly-powerful fighters while leaving everyone else with theirs. The martial brotherhood exists first and foremost to protect the nation, after all.
This is a terrible idea.
B
This is a terrible idea.
B
Elfberserker
Liturgist
- Joined
- Oct 25, 2013
- Messages
- 1,540
Oh boy.
Shun is brilliant and likeable emporor and I was pretty ready to agree to lot of nasty backstapping for him, but to destroy way of Kung-fu!?
I say nay, for it's way of life that people can better themselfs and those around it. A beutiful method to reach perfection, a admiral way to arcvhieve your goal even if some are weapons of mass destruction.
X
Edit: flopped to X
Shun is brilliant and likeable emporor and I was pretty ready to agree to lot of nasty backstapping for him, but to destroy way of Kung-fu!?
I say nay, for it's way of life that people can better themselfs and those around it. A beutiful method to reach perfection, a admiral way to arcvhieve your goal even if some are weapons of mass destruction.
X
Edit: flopped to X
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Nevill
Arcane
- Joined
- Jun 6, 2009
- Messages
- 11,211
You know you've hit rock bottom when you start lashing out at 'potentially dangerous' people and fighting thought-crimes.
Every man is potentially dangerous and can be a threat, so you end up killing everyone who is someone.
Heh. It isn't political intrigue that are dangerous, it isn't foreign invaders, it isn't Powers That Be that are bent on destroying the dynasty. No. It's pugilists. Those who are supposed to be a backbone and a spirit of the country.
Yeah, the previous generation was rotten. So was the whole country and its government. You'd better fix that instead of pointing fingers at others. If your dad didn't rape the country twice and completely neglect it afterwards, none of that would have happened. The pugilists wouldn't even rise to such a prominence if they didn't have to govern the country when no one else would. And what would have happened without them? Wouldn't the whole China be thrown into a state of bloody chaos?
By the way, what happens with the last pugilist who will ensure that all the others would die or lay down arms? Would he not prove he is a threat by this very act?
You know, one important distinction between us and Shun is that we never stooped to cooperating with the likes of manxing for the 'greater good'. Yikes! Some good that would be.
Seeing how he was willing to destroy our family along with the rest of the pugilists when he unleashed Yang Xue at us, I would assume that a smart man like Shun has our island already encircled, just in case we refuse. He is a chessmaster, he has to plan for eventualities.
Well, we are not one, for better or for worse. We do not look before we leap. I say, take the Ashina, and level the rest of Chang'an.
I am surprised it didn't take us ten years to become the next Yang Xue. It all started exactly the same.
B.
Every man is potentially dangerous and can be a threat, so you end up killing everyone who is someone.
Heh. It isn't political intrigue that are dangerous, it isn't foreign invaders, it isn't Powers That Be that are bent on destroying the dynasty. No. It's pugilists. Those who are supposed to be a backbone and a spirit of the country.
Yeah, the previous generation was rotten. So was the whole country and its government. You'd better fix that instead of pointing fingers at others. If your dad didn't rape the country twice and completely neglect it afterwards, none of that would have happened. The pugilists wouldn't even rise to such a prominence if they didn't have to govern the country when no one else would. And what would have happened without them? Wouldn't the whole China be thrown into a state of bloody chaos?
By the way, what happens with the last pugilist who will ensure that all the others would die or lay down arms? Would he not prove he is a threat by this very act?
You know, one important distinction between us and Shun is that we never stooped to cooperating with the likes of manxing for the 'greater good'. Yikes! Some good that would be.
Seeing how he was willing to destroy our family along with the rest of the pugilists when he unleashed Yang Xue at us, I would assume that a smart man like Shun has our island already encircled, just in case we refuse. He is a chessmaster, he has to plan for eventualities.
Well, we are not one, for better or for worse. We do not look before we leap. I say, take the Ashina, and level the rest of Chang'an.
I am surprised it didn't take us ten years to become the next Yang Xue. It all started exactly the same.
B.
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