Chapter 47- The Art of Carrying Crushing Weight

The Fried Dough Daoists were eventually allowed to escape, but not before Tian extracted a promise from them to put on a demonstration for the whole delegation from Ancient Crane Mountain. He was quite sure it wouldn’t be honored, but that wasn’t the point. He had his instructions, and he was quite content to assist Oily and Doughy in understanding their inferiority.

That, and he couldn’t let the Crane have all the fun pushing around the Fried Dough Daoists. That wings-spread pose was quite domineering.

Tian stroked his chin. He liked to cross his wrists behind his back when he was instructing ‘juniors,’ however defined. It could be quite a combination. Him with his hands behind his back and a faint smile on his face, her standing tall on his shoulders, neck and wings both stretched to their full extension.

There was potential there. Real potential.

Brother Wang was finishing up his own little adventure, though it didn’t go quite how Tian expected. He had been hauled off to see a towering waterfall, cultivation under which could grant insights into both the true meaning of water and temper the body at the same time.

“Left. A bit left. Ooh, that’s what Daddy likes.” The big man’s groan was wet with satisfaction, clearly audible over the thunder of the falls. Tian suddenly didn’t want to turn the corner and see what was happening. He steeled himself and pushed on. And through. A crowd of Five Element Courtyard disciples had gathered around the waterfall, and they didn’t look pleased with what they were seeing.

“Yes. More, ah more! Grind down. Squeeze. Use more oil if you need to. Be lavish.”

Tian stiffened his spine. He had seen many terrible things. This would be, at worst, one more. He had to struggle a little to push through the final line of people. It was almost like trying to push through a hedge.

Brother Wang was seated comfortably under the waterfall, fully dressed in his sect robes, clearly not minding being soaked. And why should he mind? Standing off to one side, out from under the waterfall, were two tray-carrying disciples from the Courtyard. One carrying a wine jug, the other a selection of snacks. Brother Wang reclined comfortably against a profoundly uncomfortable looking disciple’s back as his feet were being massaged by yet another disciple.

He had every reason to look comfortable. Brother Wang was sitting on yet another disciple’s back. Much better than the slippery, cold stone.

“I think I misunderstood how trial grounds are supposed to work.” Tian had to speak up to be heard over the roar of the waterfall. Standing near made his ears feel like they were being drummed on from the inside.

“Oh, Brother Tian! This isn’t a trial ground. This is just a nice spot to come and meditate.”

“I thought you could find insights into the dao of water here? And temper your body?”

Brother Wang laughed. The jiggling flesh made his chair shift and conceal a groan. “Brother, you can find insights into water anywhere. You could find them looking into a roaring kiln! And tempering your body here is just a lazy way of building some endurance. This is a good waterfall to meditate under, nothing more. Though it seems my groaning and struggling under the weight of it gave some people the wrong idea.”

“Did they make bets, Brother Wang?”

“They did, Brother Tian, they did, and lacked the stones to back them up. But we worked something out.”

“And I thought I was bullying the Fried Dough Daoists. I have so much to learn.” Tian shook his head. Then controlled the urge to slap his hand over his mouth. He hadn’t wanted to call people names. That seemed too petty, even if he was trying to dominate the younger generation. Better to triumph through strength.

“Don’t look down on yourself, Brother. You just lack experience. Your foundation in the gentle art of oppressing punks is already rock solid. Who are the Fried Dough Daoists?”

“One of my guides was doughy and the other oily and I cooked ‘em both, so-” Tian answered helplessly, his voice piercing the ears of all the gathered disciples.

Brother Wang chortled and waved his cup at the disciple holding the wine jug. He sharply stepped forward and refilled the drink, looking like he was seriously reconsidering pursuing longevity.

“See? A natural talent. Ah, but I shouldn’t keep you standing. Pull up a debtor and have a seat. The waterfall is wonderfully relaxing on your shoulders.”

Tian shook his head. “I’ve never been able to build a heroic physique like Brother Wang or my big Brothers at the Temple. I’m afraid the waterfall would just knock me around.” Tian ignored the crane giving him side-eye. The Crane didn’t understand what he was saying, therefore she had no reason to give him funny looks.

“Nonsense. Brother is just young. Cultivate under the waterfall and become happy. Besides, you would be doing our hosts a favor. It seems that this Wang is simply too stout, and therefore the bet was unfair. You, on the other hand…”

Tian laughed awkwardly and rubbed the back of his neck, half bowing. He had always been on the short and slim side. “Well. I do want to see if I can improve my understanding of the water element. Maybe a short time under the waterfall. Ah, but I don’t dare bet too much. Brother Wang knows I am very poor.”

“Yes, yes. Just a short time.” Brother Wang looked very understanding, then smiled at his foot masseuse. “Put my socks and shoes on for me. I must stand and address your fellows.” A thought furrowed the big man’s brows. “Wait, didn’t I give you a cut of my winnings at breakfast? Your purse should be full to groaning.”

“Yes, but Brother knows I’ve lost my job in the sect. Those stones will have to last me a long while. After that, I’ll be running around doing odd jobs. Who knows what year and month it will be when I once again see so much wealth.”

“Confidence, Brother Tian, confidence! We all believe in you. Alright, you broke dogs! My Brother here can’t carry big bets, so all of you with light purses can take a risk worry free. What do you say, Brother Tian? Could you manage five minutes?” Brother Wang stood with easy confidence, ignoring the torrent battering his head.

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Tian smiled, looking a little awkward. “Brother, I think I can do a little better than five minutes. Isn’t five minutes just too bullying?”

“You heard him. Ten to one on seven minutes!”

“Brother Wang, really! Ten to one? Spare my small purse!” Tian waved his hands in protest.

“I’ll put down a stone on that.” someone from the crowd yelled.

“One whole spirit stone? Can you afford it?” Brother Wang sneered. “Fine, fine. ONE it is. I thought array masters were rich, but we’ve got one bunch that bets without the funds, and another bunch that couldn’t afford side dishes, let alone dinner. How disappointing!”