Threads 124-Convergence 2

The pavilion where the meeting was to take face was filled with third realms, around two scores of Inner Sect disciples. Most, Ling Qi judged, were from the lower ranks with cultivation in the first or second stage of the green realm and bronze physique. Ling Qi nodded politely to a few who she recognized from Wang Chao’s gatherings, but she remained at Cai Renxiang’s side as they filed in.

Leaving aside herself, her liege, Liao Zhu, and Ruan Shen, there were only three other disciples at or above the foundation stage. Those three stood at the center of the tent.

One was a familiar face. Guan Zhi stood at attention to the left side of the tent, only briefly glancing Ling Qi’s way as she entered. The only change in the girl since last Ling Qi had seen her was a hair thin scar that traveled from the corner of her right eye up beneath her hair. It must be a relic of whatever encounter she had deep in the Dream before finding them.

Across from her stood a young man with brilliant green eyes. He was a handsome sort, putting her in the mind of Han Jian. He had dusky skin and wavy brown hair that framed aristocratic features. He wore pale green and brown clothing with light armor on his arms, chest, and lower legs.

The third was, surprisingly, the short, portly elder who had overseen her duel with Liang He months ago. The soft featured man wore robes of pale yellow, matching the golden sheen of his skin. His expression was that of drowsy contentment, but Ling Qi knew better than to think an elder was inattentive. With him were two other’s their was the masked Elder which had overseen her challenges, Elder nai, and an imperious woman in blue, who she had met only once. It was the dragon who had attended her birthday party at Zeqing’s home,so long ago.

It was the young man who spoke as the last of the inner disciples filed in. He clapped his hands once, silencing the stray murmurs. “Welcome, my junior siblings. For those that are unaware, I am core disciple Diao Gen. At my side is core disciple Guan Zhi, and with us today is the Honorable Elders Bei Yongrui, Elder Nai Zhu, and representing Elder Zhuge, the river dragon QIngshe.”

The golden elder gave them all a paternal smile, his hands resting on the swell of his belly. The other two merely regarded them impassively.

Daio Gen continued, managing in that way good speakers had to seem like he was looking at everyone at once. “I would firstly thank all who volunteered for this duty today. Your contributions to the Sect will not be forgotten. The matter today is one which the Sect’s leadership has debated fiercely,” he said gravely, “for there is every possibility that it is intended as a trap.”

There was only a little noise at that revelation. Ling Qi shared a look with Cai Renxiang. They had, in the intervening days, spoken further on the mission, and the possibility had come up.

“Divination within the Sect remains troubled and inconclusive,” Diao Gen said, shaking his head sorrowfully. “Such sources as we have indicate both the potential for great fortune as well as great danger, and so, it was decided that we must strike. However, we are not foolish. Elder Yongrui will ensure that we are not overwhelmed by a potential high cultivation foe, and if need be, he will call upon reinforcements, who will be lead by the other two Elders. If the barbarians intend to trap us, then they will find themselves trapped in turn.”

Ling Qi glanced at the smiling elder. He was in the sixth realm, as potent as anything that the barbarians could muster, yet Elder Zhou’s fate worried at her mind.

“The target is thus,” Diao Gen continued, gesturing at the empty stone between the expedition’s three leaders. The flat ground rippled like water, and shapes arose, mountain peaks, valleys, and hills rendered in miniature. The detail of the “sculpture” was exquisite, tiny trees and plants rendered in darker stone and rivers glittering in crystal. Diao Gen’s extended hand pointed to a peak in the center as it finished. It was shorter than the others, as if someone had come along and scooped the top half of the peak away, leaving a cavernous pit. “Earthwound Peak is believed to be a dormant volcano, although it has never erupted in the history of the Empire.”

“The obvious implication is incorrect, however,” Guan Zhi said crisply. “To awaken the mountain would be beyond the abilities of any cloud tribesman yet recorded. There is some possibility of cooperation with their allies, but we do not believe that to be the purpose of the meeting taking place.”

“Regardless, we may investigate after we have broken them, yes?” Diao Gen said lightly. It earned him a smattering of polite laughter. “For our purposes, the assault will be split into two groups. One will strike directly against the foe, and the other will encircle the southern end of the battlespace to catch those who flee. I will lead the perimeter group, and Sect Sister Guan will lead the assault. And should they flee east, west, or north…”

“They will find my brothers and sisters waiting,” Elder Yongrui finished cheerfully.

“Indeed,” Diao Gen said. “Now, who wishes to join which group?”

Ling Qi shared a look with Cai Renxiang.

“Are your thoughts running similar to mine, Lady Cai?” Ling Qi asked quietly.

“I believe so. The main force?” Cai Renxiang murmured. For their purposes, one choice was the clear superior. Remaining on the perimeter to perform captures was all well and good, but if they could prevent tribesmen from escaping the caldera in the first place, that was much better and higher profile.

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Ling Qi nodded her assent.

“We will participate in the assault,” Cai Renxiang called out, speaking over the murmurs of the other disciples as they discussed the matter.

Diao Gen smiled. “Of course, Lady Cai.”

“It will please me to have your participation,” Guan Zhi added evenly. Ling Qi met the older girl’s eyes and received a small nod of acknowledgement.