Xiulan dropped into the fighting stance of her family style and swept her leg out across the damp stone, the hem of her dress flaring up to reveal the knee-high boots she wore beneath. From her lashing limb, a wave of blue-white flames erupted, rushing across the intervening distance toward Wen Ai.

  A pair of fans appeared in Wen Ai’s hands and snapped open, exposing the silk webbing on which were painted vistas of floating clouds and clear blue lakes. The cloud-painted fan swept out, and the wind howled, scattering the roaring flames. The shorter girl advanced, dancing gracefully through the falling sparks as her second fan swept around and her form blurred, splitting into three separate images that quickly made distance from one another.

  As Xiulan rose back into a guarded stance, embers burning in her braided hair and sparks crackling in her eyes, her hand struck out, two fingers extended. From their tips burst a searing line of near liquid flame no thicker than an inkbrush. The blazing line stabbed into the leftmost image of Wen Ai and passed through, leaving a steaming hole in the construct before it collapsed.

  Xiulan was forced to duck, the edge of the rightmost image’s fan cutting through the air where her head had been. She was pushed further as the other girl carried the second fan around, hastily blocking the strike with her new gauntlet, a shower of sparks and clashing qi bursting forth where silk and metal met. The damp air howled, and Xiulan was flung skyward, carried by a rising funnel of wind generated by the spinning dance of the center image.

  Ling Qi saw her friend’s expression twist into a snarl as a cutting wind tore off her veil and scored a bloody line across her cheek, similar wounds appearing across the rest of her body. The spider web of scars marring her friend’s face smouldered, and Xiulan’s aura spiked upward in potency. The blood flowing from the cuts strewn across her body caught aflame, and smoke rose from her bandage-swathed arm as she flung her hands outward and let out a loud battlecry.

  Ling Qi winced at the explosion of heat and light that followed, forced to close her eyes to keep from being blinded. When she opened them next, Wen Ai was retreating, her wide sleeves scorched and gave off wisps of black smoke that licked at her forearms. Her duplicate images were nowhere to be found. The stone of the isle was glowing cherry red with heat in a wide circle beneath Xiulan’s position, and near the center, rock bubbled and ran like wax. Xiulan herself had been launched higher into the air by the force of her blast. Her once well kept hair was now flying free in a fan behind her head, the fringes aflame. Above her floated a tiny figure made entirely of dancing flames, casting her features in shadow from the flickering, hungry light.

  As Wen Ai retreated from the superheated stone and found her ground, soft, rippling light beginning to radiate from her dancing form, Xiulan spun in midair to face her foe, the gauntlet she wore flaring with blazing characters. A whip of deep crimson flame sparked and burst to life in her grasp, nine grasping lashes snapped out.

  Wen Ai leapt backward, the air rippled and blurred around her. The first and the second lash went up in smoke as they tried to carve through the damp aura surrounding the girl. The third and the fourth made it through, kicking up sparks as they slashed across the rocks at Wen Ai’s feet, avoided by graceful yet increasingly desperate movements. The fifth and the sixth were parried by spinning fans, knocked aside to coil uselessly in the air, while the seventh and the eighth incinerated a pair of blossoms decorating Wen Ai’s hair. The ninth, though, coiled around Wen Ai’s wrist, and burned through qi to sizzle against exposed flesh.

  Ling Qi saw Xiulan grin as her shoulders tensed and she tightened her grip on the fiery whip. The burning fairy above her laughed, a sound like underbrush burning, and threw out her flickering arms at the same time that Xiulan’s whip snapped taut. The faerie released a pulse of burning hot air, and her friend’s weapon shrunk rapidly, pulling her through the air at her foe.

  Below, Wen Ai’s eyes were wide with pain, but the older girl grit her teeth, her expression twisted in fury rather than helplessness. Wen Ai raised her free hand, and the air before her began to shimmer with the form of a materializing beast.

  It was too late for Xiulan to stop, diving through the air as she was. Her injured arm extended, the crackling plasma of an unreleased Radiant Lance burning between her fingers. Xiulan collided with Wen Ai’s spirit beast, sending up a cloud of smoke and dust.

  Ling Qi felt her throat tighten with worry for her friend. Looming between the two girls stood a figure from a fairy tale. A huge blue-skinned hulk of a humanoid clad in only a loincloth of tiger’s skin, its face hideous and ape-like, with protruding tusks and thick brows that cast its eyes in shadow. The thing must have been nearly four meters tall.

  Xiulan’s arm was buried up to the elbow in its chest, a burning hole in its lower back marking the exit wound of the Radiant Lance. Ling Qi hoped that the wound would defeat creature, but the beast merely let out an enraged bellow. The sheer force of the sound blew away the remaining dust and smoke in the air and it seized Xiulan and smashed her to the ground.

  Ling Qi clenched her fists as she saw blood escape Xiulan’s lips and Wen Ai’s face light up in a vicious smile. Then a screaming comet of fire slammed into the ogre’s hideous face. The ogre let out another bellow, swatting at the buzzing fire now assaulting its eyes, nose, and ears, stumbling back from Xiulan’s prone form.

  Xiulan took advantage of the ogre’s distraction to recover, rolling to her feet in a quick motion that belied the unhealthy shifting of bones beneath her skin. She was unbowed, her eyes burned with determination.

  Her enemy had not been idle. The older disciple immediately pressed an attack upon her, twin fans slashing through the air and bringing with them gale-like winds and rippling air that twisted perception.

  New wounds appeared on her friend – a slash across her right shoulder, a rising knee slamming into her stomach, and a vicious stomp of a dainty heeled shoe likely breaking at least a few toes. Xiulan faced it, reversing her fighting retreat. Her gauntleted hand snapped out to grasp Wen Ai’s wounded wrist.

  Xiulan inhaled deeply, unmindful of the creaking from strained and broken ribs, three tongues of flame bursting through the sealing bandages on her ruined arm, and Xiulan exhaled. Flames poured from her lips, blue-bell bright with an incandescent core of white. Wen Ai shrieked in pain as the hungry stream washed over her, ravenously devouring the qi that sought to block their touch.

  The burning figure that stumbled away and fell to one knee hardly bore a resemblance to the elegant girl that had entered the ring. The flowers in Wen Ai’s hair had been incinerated, ugly burns stretching across the arm that had been raised to defend her face, and the fanciful gown had been reduced to tatters clinging to a surprisingly practical bodysuit of cloth armor laced with formations.

  Xiulan was similarly bent over, taking short, sharp breaths as she tried to recover from the exertion of her previous fire breath. Before she could take advantage of Wen Ai’s disorientation, Wen Ai’s spirit beast stomped over to the girls, having finished catching and smashing Xiulan’s flickering fairy against the ground before stomping hard on the little thing. Ling Qi was glad that the fights took place within Elder Jiao’s formations. She had enough experience to know that the lethality within such arenas was under his control.

  Xiulan straightened up, a trickle of sizzling blood leaking from the corner of her mouth as the brute charged her, its swinging fists failing to strike her even in her wounded state. Yet, dangerous as it was, she refused to give the ogre her full attention, having eyes only for her recovering opponent. In the wake of one swing, she slipped under the brute and slashed her own limb through the air. The sky screamed as a bolt of brilliant lighting fell from the heavens to strike at the other girl, even as the beast spun and slammed a foot into her back. The force of the ogre’s kick sent Xiulan tumbling across the rocky ground, stopping just shy of falling into the churning waters around the island.

  That did not help his master though. Wen Ai raised her sole remaining fan, and the lighting flared as it met the silken talisman and Wen Ai’s guttering aura. The rippling qi that had shrouded Wen Ai failed. With a sound like shattering glass, the lightning punched through her fan and into her hand, and Wen Ai screamed.

  Xiulan struggled back to her feet to face the roaring charge of the spirit beast, but the arena was already fading.

  “The winner of the seventh match is Gu Xiulan, by right of knockout,” Sect Head Yuan announced through the cheers of the crowd.

  Ling Qi noticed that Xiulan, face triumphant and fist upraised, was fading into the mist of the vanishing formations as well. She supposed that made sense given the extent of Xiulan’s injuries. Ling Qi let out the breath she had been holding. Xiulan had made it through, by the skin of her teeth perhaps, but she couldn’t have been more pleased for her friend.

  Ling Qi glanced over, and met Cai Renxiang’s eyes. Her liege was last up. There was hardly any tension in this match though.

  Cai Renxiang’s opponent, Shu Hai, had some resemblance to Kang Zihao and Lu Feng. Tall, thin, and handsome, Shu Hai wore polished armor that looked fit for a parade. As they took their places in the arena, Shu Hai bowed low.

  “It is an honor, my lady, to face your blade,” he murmured. “To think that I would be able to stand in the same arena as the heir of the one who cast down the accursed Hui.”


  Cai Renxiang’s expression remained even as the air began to distort, transforming their surroundings. “The Shu of Xiangmen deserve their honors. Your father has more than earned his position as an officer of the White Plume regiment.”


  Shu Hai smiled as a cold and windswept mountain peak formed beneath their feet. “That Your Grace would recall the name of a humble sergeant is all the honor we need. Although…… if I may make a request?”


  “You may,” Cai Renxiang said. The air around her right hand shimmered, and her sheathed blade appeared.

  Shu Hai straightened up, finally meeting her eyes. “This one has no pretensions, so please, allow this soldier to receive the full weight of Your Grace’s blade.”


  Ling Qi noticed the subtle way Cai Renxiang’s lips thinned, the faintest show of frustration. “As you wish.”


  The starting signal thundered out.

  A saber blazed like a colorless sun.

  The roar of crumbling rock drowned out the sound of metal rent asunder as the whole of the cliffside gave way.

  The match ended.

  ***

  “I will require you to attend me before sunset,” Cai Renxiang said quietly as they left the tournament grounds, the other winning disciples scattering to take up their own business.

  “For the Duchess’ gathering, right?” Ling Qi asked, walking just behind her at a careful pace.

  “Yes,” Cai Renxiang agreed. “In addition, consider what resources you would like prepared for your coming match tomorrow.”


  Ling Qi raised an eyebrow in surprise. “I thought I would not be receiving such assistance.”


  Her liege glanced back at Ling Qi. “My wise Mother has chosen not to interfere, but I retain the last of the resources I was granted for my time in the Outer Sect.”


  “I see,” Ling Qi replied. “May I ask what sort of budget I should consider?”


  “Anything you desire that is available within the Sect markets. Mother has forbidden me from making outside orders,” Cai said. “In any case, the rest of your afternoon is yours to do with as you please.”


  “Thank you for your generosity, Lady Cai,” Ling Qi was already considering her current stock of medicines and tools as they split up.

  Putting such thoughts in the back of her mind for the moment, Ling Qi made her way toward the central entrance plaza. She had not seen Li Suyin since the beginning of the tournament week, and she was curious to see just how the girl was doing.

  Threads 197-Concert 1

  “Baroness Ling.” Her target, Baron Suo, turned to her as she approached. Her initial impression held; he had a genial sort of air. His robes were well embroidered but not gaudy, and his unexpressed domain had a placid feel. He was of the seventh stage of the green realm. If she assumed his father, the patriarch, was fourth realm, it seemed that the Suo family were quite stable for a baronial clan. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”


  “I am likewise honored that the idea for my junior sister’s tour has been so well received. Thank you all very much for attending,” Ling Qi said politely, offering a bow slightly lower than was strictly necessary.

  She listened with half an ear as the others introduced themselves, trusting Sixiang to help her match faces to names where necessary. The others in this circle were not titled themselves. They were children, siblings, and cousins to those who were. She traded pleasantries with them for a time.

  “It is an interesting endeavor you’ve set out to organizing here,” Baron Suo commented. “Spirits have been imported into the valley before, but it is typically a more gradual process.”


  “My junior sister enjoys her performances, but she is still a spirit. It is my hope that she may have some positive effect beyond enjoyment of her music,” Ling Qi replied.

  “Fine music is a reward all its own,” Baron Suo said. “It is a sign of prosperous times that there is room for such events.”


  Ling Qi listened carefully to the words of agreement and watched the expressions of the other nobles. She could respect that kind of attitude, she thought. “Well said, Baron Suo. To see that prosperity continue to grow and put down threats to it is my lady’s fondest dream.”


  “Young Lady Cai’s ambition is most admirable,” one of the lesser nobles murmured.

  “If only my own daughter could show even half of that drive and initiative,” an older woman sighed.

  “I do hope she maintains her health. To take up such heavy responsibilities at this age…”


  She allowed the tide of well wishes and compliments to wash over her, keeping a smile in place.

  “Your words and concerns are too kind,” Ling Qi said. Sixiang’s whispers told her that not all were genuine. Although they would never voice it, a pair of teenagers being given such responsibilities was considered of dubious value. She marked out the faces that spoke of emotions darker than wariness or condescension. “Lady Cai and I will work diligently to exceed your expectations.”


  “I am sure you will. Lady Ling has already gained some reputation for unorthodox solutions,” Baron Suo said cheerfully. He gestured to the temple around with the cup in his hand. “After all, here we stand.”


  “It is important to keep in mind alternative solutions, even if it is sometimes best to stick with what already works,” Ling Qi said diplomatically.

  “Wise,” said the baron, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. She thought he was being genuine, but neither she nor Sixiang could be fully sure of her read on him.

  “Regarding solutions that have worked in the past, is it not a shame that the old lotus trade road has declined so?” Ling Qi ventured.

  “Ah, that old thing,” Baron Suo said. “It is a shame that goods no longer flow from Black Lotus Mountain. Neither the Wang clan nor the Diao clan have been enthusiastic about exorcising the old Li lands. I cannot blame them.”


  Ling Qi listened as others voiced similar words, bemoaning the loss of medicinal products which had once made the road a rich one, and complained of the rising cost of maintenance on mostly unused spans. The thrust of her question wasn’t missed, but again, she sensed a certain condescension as if she were a child proposing a plan that seemed obvious but wasn’t possible.

  “Is it truly so dangerous that it cannot be resolved?” Ling Qi inquired. She couldn’t change that impression without more successes to her name, but she could play off of it to learn more of the situation.

  “It’s not unresolvable like that patch of the western fens,” one noble murmured.

  “I am sure any of the great houses could do so, let alone Her Grace.”


  “Expensive. Terribly expensive. Exorcists of that caliber are not cheap, even ignoring the troops needed to hold the ruins whilst they work.”


  “Ah, but who would claim the ownership after? A sticky situation.”


  “It is not only a matter of danger, Baroness,” Baron Suo interjected, making the others fall silent. “In the chaos of Ogodei and the disposal of the Hui tyrants, many claims of land became confused. The southern pass is among them, and both the Diao and Wang have significant claims.”


  “It is unfortunate that such matters would block such an important road from opening,” Ling Qi said. “I hope that this matter can be resolved in the near future.”


  “From your lips to Her Grace’s ears,” Baron Suo said beatifically.

  Ling Qi shook her head. “Oh no, you overestimate me, Baron Suo.”


  “Perhaps, but you have surprised others before, Baroness,” the older man said, dipping his head with a bit of respect. “I know that I would be most eager to repair the roads and bridges in my land if it ever became so.”


  “That is good to hear,” Ling Qi said. “If—”


  “Lady Ling.” Her words were cut off by the approach of a servant whose head was deeply bowed by the time she had turned her head to look at the woman. “There is a matter in the preparation room which requires your attention.”


  Ling Qi pursed her lips but didn’t direct any of her irritation at the servant. “I apologize, Baron Suo. Please excuse me.”


  “Of course. It has been pleasant speaking with you,” the Baron said, and similar murmurs echoed him.

  At least she had made a positive impression, Ling Qi thought, following the serving woman who bustled along to stay ahead of her stride. Being thought of as a well meaning, precocious child wasn’t the worst.

  Sixiang snickered in her mind.

  Maybe. She would have to speak with Cai Renxiang for access to actually useful records on who owned what, and she was intending to speak with the Wang clan at the tournament. She could ask for their thoughts on the matter at that time.

  Sixiang asked as they passed from the temple's great hall to a side passage. She could feel Hanyi’s qi, along with a few other people’s, at the end.

  That would be rude, Ling Qi thought. She was a guest not an infiltrator, and it wasn’t like whatever problem was occurring was due to a physical threat. However, now that they were out of easy hearing of the guests, she could screen her conversation with a bit of effort.

  “What is the nature of the problem?” Ling Qi asked brusquely.

  “There seems to be a disagreement between High Priestess Chao Yanlin and your junior sister, Baroness,” the servant said meekly, keeping her eyes ahead and her head down.

  Ling Qi focused on what she could feel from past the door. “Has Sir Bao been informed?”


  “Yes. Would you like him to be called for, Lady Ling?” the woman asked as they approached the door.

  “Not yet,” Ling Qi said after a moment. It was better that one of them remained out with the guests. “You may go. I can send him a message myself if need be.”


  As the woman hurried away, Ling Qi turned the handle of the preparation room's doors. Beyond the door, she found a room filled with shimmering mist. It appeared almost like a natural grove within the building centered around a burbling spring of clear, pure water. The spring filled a depression of pebbled stone carved to appear natural, and several slender trees sprouted up around it, their leafy boughs damp with dew.

  In the room, she found Hanyi standing with her hands on her hips, glaring across the spring at a taller woman.

  It struck her then that the woman, Chao Yanlin, was probably a daughter of the region's viscountial clan. She was of middling height, a head shorter than Ling Qi herself, and wore an elaborate green gown and what Ling Qi at first took to be a blue mantle, but which turned out to be glittering liquid. Her hair was tied up in elaborate jingling ornaments, framing a doll-like face currently scrunched up in suspicion.

  “Baroness Ling,” she greeted Ling Qi in a clipped but still polite tone. “Thank you for your prompt arrival.”


  “You are welcome,” Ling Qi said warily, letting the door drift shut behind her. The qi in the room was refreshing and pure, but the atmosphere was less so. She saw several servants and lesser clergy scattered around the perimeter of the room, looking as if they were trying to avoid attention. “What seems to be the issue?”


  “This lady is trying to tell me that I have to change my performance just cause some streams will get whiny if I don’t,” Hanyi complained, glaring harder.

  The priestess’ frown deepened. “I have attempted to inform your spirit that the routine which she has presented to me is not what we agreed to in this cooperation. I will not have my charge’s fields flooded because the pride of the spirit of the Seven Hills Stream has been trampled upon.”


  “And I told you I followed all the directions in your letters. If you left something out, that’s not my fault!” Hanyi said, stamping her foot.

  Ling Qi stepped forward, seeing the signs of a more petulant outburst in Hanyi’s demeanor, and laid a hand on her shoulder. “It seems that there has been some miscommunication between us, for which I apologize.”


  “I cannot help but wonder at your motives, Baroness. Your bound spirit has been crass and disrespectful from the start,” the priestess accused.

  “You started being a jerk the second you walked in,” Hanyi muttered under her breath. Ling Qi scattered the sound on her wind, but frowned herself.

  Sixiang thought.

  “Hanyi, was there really no mention of this Seven Hills Stream in your communication?” Ling Qi asked.

  “No, there were nine spirits in the directions they sent me,” Hanyi protested.

  “I am doubtful that my people would make such a grievous error. There are ten spirits which must be seen to for the winter festivals,” Priestess Chao replied.

  Something was fishy here. “Is it possible to just alter the choreography to fix this?”


  “Even I can’t memorize a whole new section in a couple minutes. I’d probably mess it up and just make things worse,” Hanyi grumbled.

  Ling Qi bit her lip. If it was only a short section, then she could handle that part, but this was Hanyi’s tour. Her involvement would turn it, in the eyes of the Emerald Seas, from Hanyi’s into hers with Hanyi just being a supporting assistant.

  “I cannot stop this from going forward if you choose to do so,” the priestess said stonily. “It is too late to stop the ritual festivities. There will be consequences.”


  “I am sure there will be,” Ling Qi said unhappily. “And I think I will want to see the correspondence between the two of you later.”


  “Agreeable, but what do you intend to do now?” asked the older woman.

  “Seeing that you and the other temple staff are needed here, the only reasonable thing to do is to deal with the spirit in question myself.”


  Threads 197-Rite 1

  “Baroness Ling.” Her target, Baron Suo, turned to her as she approached. Her initial impression held; he had a genial sort of air. His robes were well embroidered but not gaudy, and his unexpressed domain had a placid feel. He was of the seventh stage of the green realm. If she assumed his father, the patriarch, was fourth realm, it seemed that the Suo family were quite stable for a baronial clan. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”


  “I am likewise honored that the idea for my junior sister’s tour has been so well received. Thank you all very much for attending,” Ling Qi said politely, offering a bow slightly lower than was strictly necessary.

  She listened with half an ear as the others introduced themselves, trusting Sixiang to help her match faces to names where necessary. The others in this circle were not titled themselves. They were children, siblings, and cousins to those who were. She traded pleasantries with them for a time.

  “It is an interesting endeavor you’ve set out to organizing here,” Baron Suo commented. “Spirits have been imported into the valley before, but it is typically a more gradual process.”


  “My junior sister enjoys her performances, but she is still a spirit. It is my hope that she may have some positive effect beyond enjoyment of her music,” Ling Qi replied.

  “Fine music is a reward all its own,” Baron Suo said. “It is a sign of prosperous times that there is room for such events.”


  Ling Qi listened carefully to the words of agreement and watched the expressions of the other nobles. She could respect that kind of attitude, she thought. “Well said, Baron Suo. To see that prosperity continue to grow and put down threats to it is my lady’s fondest dream.”


  “Young Lady Cai’s ambition is most admirable,” one of the lesser nobles murmured.

  “If only my own daughter could show even half of that drive and initiative,” an older woman sighed.

  “I do hope she maintains her health. To take up such heavy responsibilities at this age…”


  She allowed the tide of well wishes and compliments to wash over her, keeping a smile in place.

  “Your words and concerns are too kind,” Ling Qi said. Sixiang’s whispers told her that not all were genuine. Although they would never voice it, a pair of teenagers being given such responsibilities was considered of dubious value. She marked out the faces that spoke of emotions darker than wariness or condescension. “Lady Cai and I will work diligently to exceed your expectations.”


  “I am sure you will. Lady Ling has already gained some reputation for unorthodox solutions,” Baron Suo said cheerfully. He gestured to the temple around with the cup in his hand. “After all, here we stand.”


  “It is important to keep in mind alternative solutions, even if it is sometimes best to stick with what already works,” Ling Qi said diplomatically.

  “Wise,” said the baron, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. She thought he was being genuine, but neither she nor Sixiang could be fully sure of her read on him.

  “Regarding solutions that have worked in the past, is it not a shame that the old lotus trade road has declined so?” Ling Qi ventured.

  “Ah, that old thing,” Baron Suo said. “It is a shame that goods no longer flow from Black Lotus Mountain. Neither the Wang clan nor the Diao clan have been enthusiastic about exorcising the old Li lands. I cannot blame them.”


  Ling Qi listened as others voiced similar words, bemoaning the loss of medicinal products which had once made the road a rich one, and complained of the rising cost of maintenance on mostly unused spans. The thrust of her question wasn’t missed, but again, she sensed a certain condescension as if she were a child proposing a plan that seemed obvious but wasn’t possible.

  “Is it truly so dangerous that it cannot be resolved?” Ling Qi inquired. She couldn’t change that impression without more successes to her name, but she could play off of it to learn more of the situation.

  “It’s not unresolvable like that patch of the western fens,” one noble murmured.

  “I am sure any of the great houses could do so, let alone Her Grace.”


  “Expensive. Terribly expensive. Exorcists of that caliber are not cheap, even ignoring the troops needed to hold the ruins whilst they work.”


  “Ah, but who would claim the ownership after? A sticky situation.”


  “It is not only a matter of danger, Baroness,” Baron Suo interjected, making the others fall silent. “In the chaos of Ogodei and the disposal of the Hui tyrants, many claims of land became confused. The southern pass is among them, and both the Diao and Wang have significant claims.”


  “It is unfortunate that such matters would block such an important road from opening,” Ling Qi said. “I hope that this matter can be resolved in the near future.”


  “From your lips to Her Grace’s ears,” Baron Suo said beatifically.

  Ling Qi shook her head. “Oh no, you overestimate me, Baron Suo.”


  “Perhaps, but you have surprised others before, Baroness,” the older man said, dipping his head with a bit of respect. “I know that I would be most eager to repair the roads and bridges in my land if it ever became so.”


  “That is good to hear,” Ling Qi said. “If—”


  “Lady Ling.” Her words were cut off by the approach of a servant whose head was deeply bowed by the time she had turned her head to look at the woman. “There is a matter in the preparation room which requires your attention.”


  Ling Qi pursed her lips but didn’t direct any of her irritation at the servant. “I apologize, Baron Suo. Please excuse me.”


  “Of course. It has been pleasant speaking with you,” the Baron said, and similar murmurs echoed him.

  At least she had made a positive impression, Ling Qi thought, following the serving woman who bustled along to stay ahead of her stride. Being thought of as a well meaning, precocious child wasn’t the worst.

  Sixiang snickered in her mind.

  Maybe. She would have to speak with Cai Renxiang for access to actually useful records on who owned what, and she was intending to speak with the Wang clan at the tournament. She could ask for their thoughts on the matter at that time.

  Sixiang asked as they passed from the temple's great hall to a side passage. She could feel Hanyi’s qi, along with a few other people’s, at the end.

  That would be rude, Ling Qi thought. She was a guest not an infiltrator, and it wasn’t like whatever problem was occurring was due to a physical threat. However, now that they were out of easy hearing of the guests, she could screen her conversation with a bit of effort.

  “What is the nature of the problem?” Ling Qi asked brusquely.

  “There seems to be a disagreement between High Priestess Chao Yanlin and your junior sister, Baroness,” the servant said meekly, keeping her eyes ahead and her head down.

  Ling Qi focused on what she could feel from past the door. “Has Sir Bao been informed?”


  “Yes. Would you like him to be called for, Lady Ling?” the woman asked as they approached the door.

  “Not yet,” Ling Qi said after a moment. It was better that one of them remained out with the guests. “You may go. I can send him a message myself if need be.”


  As the woman hurried away, Ling Qi turned the handle of the preparation room's doors. Beyond the door, she found a room filled with shimmering mist. It appeared almost like a natural grove within the building centered around a burbling spring of clear, pure water. The spring filled a depression of pebbled stone carved to appear natural, and several slender trees sprouted up around it, their leafy boughs damp with dew.

  In the room, she found Hanyi standing with her hands on her hips, glaring across the spring at a taller woman.

  It struck her then that the woman, Chao Yanlin, was probably a daughter of the region's viscountial clan. She was of middling height, a head shorter than Ling Qi herself, and wore an elaborate green gown and what Ling Qi at first took to be a blue mantle, but which turned out to be glittering liquid. Her hair was tied up in elaborate jingling ornaments, framing a doll-like face currently scrunched up in suspicion.

  “Baroness Ling,” she greeted Ling Qi in a clipped but still polite tone. “Thank you for your prompt arrival.”


  “You are welcome,” Ling Qi said warily, letting the door drift shut behind her. The qi in the room was refreshing and pure, but the atmosphere was less so. She saw several servants and lesser clergy scattered around the perimeter of the room, looking as if they were trying to avoid attention. “What seems to be the issue?”


  “This lady is trying to tell me that I have to change my performance just cause some streams will get whiny if I don’t,” Hanyi complained, glaring harder.

  The priestess’ frown deepened. “I have attempted to inform your spirit that the routine which she has presented to me is not what we agreed to in this cooperation. I will not have my charge’s fields flooded because the pride of the spirit of the Seven Hills Stream has been trampled upon.”


  “And I told you I followed all the directions in your letters. If you left something out, that’s not my fault!” Hanyi said, stamping her foot.

  Ling Qi stepped forward, seeing the signs of a more petulant outburst in Hanyi’s demeanor, and laid a hand on her shoulder. “It seems that there has been some miscommunication between us, for which I apologize.”


  “I cannot help but wonder at your motives, Baroness. Your bound spirit has been crass and disrespectful from the start,” the priestess accused.

  “You started being a jerk the second you walked in,” Hanyi muttered under her breath. Ling Qi scattered the sound on her wind, but frowned herself.

  Sixiang thought.

  “Hanyi, was there really no mention of this Seven Hills Stream in your communication?” Ling Qi asked.

  “No, there were nine spirits in the directions they sent me,” Hanyi protested.

  “I am doubtful that my people would make such a grievous error. There are ten spirits which must be seen to for the winter festivals,” Priestess Chao replied.

  Something was fishy here. “Is it possible to just alter the choreography to fix this?”


  “Even I can’t memorize a whole new section in a couple minutes. I’d probably mess it up and just make things worse,” Hanyi grumbled.

  Ling Qi bit her lip. If it was only a short section, then she could handle that part, but this was Hanyi’s tour. Her involvement would turn it, in the eyes of the Emerald Seas, from Hanyi’s into hers with Hanyi just being a supporting assistant.

  “I cannot stop this from going forward if you choose to do so,” the priestess said stonily. “It is too late to stop the ritual festivities. There will be consequences.”


  “I am sure there will be,” Ling Qi said unhappily. “And I think I will want to see the correspondence between the two of you later.”


  “Agreeable, but what do you intend to do now?” asked the older woman.

  “Seeing that you and the other temple staff are needed here, the only reasonable thing to do is to deal with the spirit in question myself.”