“That was quite iing.” Yu-mi let out a soft ugh. Violet-noona had stayed in the living room with my mom, and they were hitting it off surprisingly well, although I was a little worried, as Violet-noona had asked for alcohol, and si was still the early m I felt it was a little premature for that. I hadn’t the heart to refuse though, so I let her indulge. I seem to be surrounded by women who like to drink. Oh well, as long as she doesn’t get mom started, even with her stat boosts she’s gained retly she’s still a total lightweight… “Mother is nice.”

  “Mother?” I said, puzzled.

  “Your mother, I mean.” Yu-mi chuckled again. “I see where you get your free spirit from. If she’s your mother, no wonder you’re such a pyboy.” She wieasingly.

  “Actually, mom was big into me marrying Eri at first. She’s always wa, since she and mother-in-w Hana have been close friends since before my sis was born. But… when she finally accepted Shaeu and Hinata… I guess she broke. Now she jokes about having a Rugby team of my wives.”

  “A Rugby league.” Daiyu disagreed. “She says a team will no longer suffice.”

  “I bet that’s an annoyao you.” Yu-mi iserated. “But at least you get one day a year all to yourself, to have him spoil you. At least until he gets anirl with the same birthday. Oh, mine’s February eenth, by the way. Don’t fet t me a present, I’ll be w hard. And speaking of…”

  “There’s o hesitate.” A present, huh? I guess I do o start remembering my subordinate’s birthdays, being a boss is a thaask. And she will be helping run my Koreaions, along with Violet-noona, so… got to treat her right.

  I was surprised, as Yu-mi actually looked to Daiyu. “Sorry to bother you, but this matter, it’s actually more for you to deal with.”

  Daiyu thought for a moment, her English less practised than her Japanese, but eventually she answered. “Speak. Akio has goodwill towards you, so I shall… hear you out?”

  “Goodwill, huh?” Yu-mi g me sideways, twirling her brown hair idly with one finger. “Never mind. Anyway… I was in a bit of a quandary, but I think I have a solution. You remember Kim Eui, the girl you rescued who was going to work with you and Haru-unni?”

  Haru-unni huh? I guess that they’ve grown closer iime in Korea. “Yes, I could hardly fet her. She was a fighter, did what she had to do to survive. In her pce, I don’t think many people could do the same.”

  “Well, Haru-unni suggested that since she’s going to be rather busy, siters with the gover aren’t going well… sorry about that, by the way. I ’t help but feel responsible for that, since my father asked you for help.” I waved that apology off, and she tinued. “...oh, in any case, Daiyu here was looking for traioo, wasn’t she? And it apparently requires discipline aal strength?”

  I had to transte some of the more difficult words, but Daiyu nodded.

  “She may still be physically frail and a bit malnourished, but she’s got a mind like iron. And… I thought maybe if she had something to take her mind off things… I know it’s only been a few days, but she’s really struggling to reacclimatise to a normal life. She’s seen and done far too much.”

  “I see. I will assess her then.” Daiyu agreed. “ime you return, you bring her.”

  “I already did.” Yu-mi admitted. Seeing my quizzical look she sighed, looking frustrated. “But she’s… rather withdrawn and sullen. Uandable really. She didn’t want to intrude as this is a happy home, and she feels stifled, uo deal with ordinary people. I left her outside. I’ll go get her…”

  As she left in a hurry, I shrugged. “Seems like everything is under trol…” It was then amber letters fred ay vision.

  A Vassal Territory has reached Rank 3. Your Css, queror, has increased from Level Twenty-three to Level Twenty-four.

  Moments ter my ph, and I pulled it out to see it was Miyu calling. I guess it’s her who Ranked up. It has been a while, so…

  “Akio, please pass on my apologies to Daiyu. Michiru and I will be there shortly, we are b the helicopter now. But I felt it was worth waiting a little. I have been gatheriher for a while, so I have finally been able tthen my domain.”

  Daiyu, listening, shrugged to indicate she uood, and after a few brief words, I let her go, as the noise of the helicopter made unication difficult. “Excellent, that’s good news. I know she’s been focused on building defences, as the goal of her Territory isn’t to expand, but getting to Rank three gives her more options. Really, I should have funnelled her and Kikuchi-san resources, but especially in Kikuchi-san’s case, there’s no rush as his Territory is enclosed by mine. As for the others…”

  Daiyu uood. “There is little point in using resources that way. In case of the worst, and your emergen is activated…”

  Since my Fht was bring warnings, this time we were not going to be unprepared. I had discussed matters with the Ministry, the Prime Minister, and also grandfather-in-w Katsuro Tsumura. We had a number of pns depending on the severity of the event, and several of those meant g certain advantages freater safety.

  Our discussion was interrupted by the return of Yu-mi, who was trailed by Kim Eui. She looked better than st time we had met, her fad hair , wearing a casual tracksuit not dissimir to what the idols wore, just in bck. Though she was still too thin, her suffering and hunger uo be washed away in just days. Despite that, her big brown eyes held a fire of rese within. “We meet again.”

  “Yeah. You’re looking… well?” I replied.

  “Why was that a question?” Eui frowned. “No, don’t ahat. I know I still look dreadful. I don’t feel much better…” She then gnced over at Yu-mi. “Sorry, that was rude of me. I shouldn’t take it out on you, you saved me and my friends. Too te, but…” Fortunately she eaking English so Daiyu didn’t fully uand her, but Yu-mi snapped ba Korean, and as Eui flinched, she moderated her tone, but she was still rather annoyed.

  “That’s hardly fair, Eui. I know you’ve had it hard, but to bme Akio for not being there faster is…”

  “Entirely normal, unfortunately.” I soothed Yu-mi, slightly amused at how angry she was. Eui looked trite for a moment, before her expression hardehough I could see a lot of it was her trying to project strength, perhaps still stu the behaviours she had to dispy to survive in useon Academy. “Such terrible events don’t provoke rational responses. I ’t ge the past, but… I think it’s a good idea to e here. Haru help you cope with your emotions when she’s free, but I think the best thing for peaind is the strength to resist sufairness iure.”

  As we talked, I could hear the idol girls whispering, asking Motoko and Natsumi if Eui was one of the victims of the Korean i, which had been on the news. Dispying rather more than I’d like known, of course…

  “Yes, it seems so. Akio rescued many. Though he did have help. The strange woman from earlier is a Chosen as well, I believe.”

  “I wonder, does Akio think tattoos are cool?” Natsumi tilted her head, thinking. “Though obviously we ’t get them, we?”

  “I see. I… just want to take my mind off things. Dad and mom are trying to uand me, and Haru-noona did speak to them, saying if they tried to bme me or punish me she’d be angry…” She let out a slightly bitter ugh. “That shut mht up. She loves me, I know, but… I was her pride and joy, a daughter she could brag about to her friends, and now I’m … like this. Dad worries the paation will take a hit too. But… I know they care about me, in their own ways. It’s just… they don’t know how to handle me. I don’t know. But… at least here people uater.”

  “I don’t. Not really.” Yu-mi shrugged. “I felt I was an unfortunate person, having to marry a strao save my cousin. pared to you… well, there’s no parison, is there?”

  As we talked, eventually Eui calmed down, and Yu-mi, patting her shoulder gently, promised she’d be fine here with us. “I’ll be in another room if you need me. I should pay my respects to your mother.”

  “If she’s drinking, try a her to stop.” I warned her, and Yu-mi giggled.

  “I don’t know about that. It might be fun to hear stories about your younger days, before you were a hero.”

  It was then the door to our training room opened, and Eri came in, leading Miyu and Michiru-san, as well as Kazumi-san. Miyu and Michiru-san were both dressed in their elegant biforms from Hanafubuki, while Kazumi-san wore a suit simir to what the Fujiwara Security Services donned. On seeing them, Daiyu nodded, pleased.

  “I hope you don’t mind, Daiyu.” Eri said quickly. “I know it’s your day, but I’d like to take lessons with the others. You’ve taught me a little, but it might be a path to improvement.”

  Daiyu nodded, not unwilling to teach Eri further, but one of the idol girls, the you, Ema-san, suddenly let out a shrill cry. “Oh God, is that the Hanafubuki uniform? Are you the Goddesses of Tokyo?”

  Goddesses of Tokyo? At our inquisitive looks, Ema-san flushed. “It’s my brother. He’s always going on about how the perfect girl isn’t an idol like me, but a refined, quiet Goddess from the legendary school for nobles. I make sure to hit him then, the jerk!” She ched her fist for emphasis.

  “I am indeed a student at Hanafubuki, as is Michiru and Kazumi here. I am Fujiwara Miyu.” Miyu said, nodding elegantly. “But you have been talking to two such this whole time. Motoko-san, Natsumi-san, it is good to see you.”

  “Really?” Ema-san raised an eyebrow, and Motoko nodded. “I am Tsumura Motoko. My grandfather is head of the Japanese armed forces. Even so, my lineage pales pared to…”

  Keiko-san ale. “Fujiwara…. You mean Fujiwara Security, banking and media?” At Miyu’s nod, she started to tremble. “Isn’t that like… one of, if not the richest families in Japan? Even on a worldwide scale, we’re talking top one hundred, right?”

  “Ihough it is uaiher my house or Ichijou house is the richest in Japan. Besides…” Miyu looked at me, a slight smile on her face. “I believe soon Oshiro house will overtake us.”

  “It seems we were saved by a very impressive person.” Asuka-san pointed out impishly. “So, what does this trainiail? I know we tentatively agreed before, and our manager was amazed at our improvement in stamina, memory and grace.”

  “That’s why they agreed to let us e. We’re all set for the weekend anyway.” Keiko- broke in. “But we still don’t quite get it. Though we’re grateful for the opportunity, teacher.” She bowed to Daiyu, who smiled warmly.

  “You call me Matriarch, for I am currently the head and sole practitioner of the Incorruptible Jade Sect. You will be my disciples…”

  As she expined, Suk-ja tugged at my sleeve, a little worried. “So what should I be doing? I’m getting paid for this, it’s an official job, isn’t it? I don’t speak Japanese, or even English. In fact, I was never very studious.” She whispered to me in Korean, befiving a nervous giggle.

  “It’s fine. I trahe important parts. Like I said, we just need you to provide us crystal element. It’ll be easy money.” I promised, and as Daiyu had everyone adopt the lotus sitting position for meditation, I followed suit, and Suk-ja hastily copied me.

  “… Cultivation is at its heart, a method to seize power from the natural world, the Earth and the Heavens. And not just for the sake of power, but eventually, all Cultivators seek three great goals.” Eri was transting for Eui, singlish was the on nguage they shared. “The first is agelessness, immortality. To free oneself of the bounds of natural death. The goal is distant, but… we have seen the heights. It be achieved.” That grabbed everyone’s attention.

  “The sed is strength. ernal strength. For while external power be used and should be used, only strength belonging to oneself be truly trusted. Turn the power of the Heavens and the Earth into your own, and then you trol your destiny, your life.” Eui shivered at that, and her brown eyes were suddenly burning with iy. Yeah, maybe this is what she needs. Yu-mi was right. “The strong are those in trol. The third… that is the Dao. Now, I ot tell you of the Dao. It is individual, yet regimented, strict, yet flexible, powerful yet weak. Just as Yin tains a drop of Yang, and the opposite is true, so too the Dao is everything and nothing. It is the path you embody and seek. Be it of martial prowess…” Motoko, Natsumi, Kazumi-san and Michiru-san all nodded. “…or of a cept such as beauty, love, fire, ice, even time or space. In time you will know it, but… the road is long, and never ends. Bee an embodiment of the Dao that best suits you, and your power will be limitless.”

  As Daiyu talked, I felt it was a good time to check over my Status once more, since I had achieved a number of gains. Though at the cost of nearly dying a number of times…

  [Material Statistics]

  [Intangible Statistics]

  Might

  1903 2075

  Fortune

  41 42

  Fortitude

  1887 2057

  Majesty

  32 34

  Intellect

  2043 2209

  Charm

  48 52

  Resilience

  2234 2550

  League

  28 30

  Acrity

  1975 2149

  Determination

  27 46

  Precision

  2055 2225

  Fht

  34

  Aether

  7363 7903

  Fate

  25 28

  [Material Skills]

  Rank

  Css

  Type

  [Aetheric Skills]

  Silver e

  Rank 5

  Rank 6

  Imperious (6)

  Rule (5) Artifice (6)

  Eight Moons Chakra work

  Rank 6

  Imperious (6)

  Rule (5)

  Aether Manipution

  Rank 7

  Noble (5)

  Foundation (4)

  Aether bat Teique

  Rank 5

  Powerful (4)

  Foundation (4)

  Boiling Blood

  Rank 1

  Imperious (6)

  Principle (7)

  Ether Healing

  Rank 9 Rank 11

  Imperious (6)

  Artifice (6)

  Principle (7)

  Aetheric Chirurgeon

  Rank 11

  Legendary (7)

  Law (8)

  Adherence Manipution

  Rank 5

  Noble (5)

  Law (8)

  Crude ???????? Manipution

  Rank 1

  Powerful (4)

  Law (8)

  Split Thoughts

  Rank 6

  Rank 7

  Imperious (6)

  Rule (5)

  [Elemental Skills]

  Chakra Of Space

  Rank 3

  Powerful (4)

  Foundation (4)

  Space Manipution

  Rank 3

  Powerful (4)

  Foundation (4)

  Third Eye Chakra Of Full Moon Light – Masu

  Rank 4

  Noble (5)

  Foundation (4)

  Light Manipution

  Rank 5

  Powerful (4)

  Foundation (4)

  Throat Chakra Of New Moon Darkness – Shisu

  Rank 3

  Rank 5

  Noble (5)

  Foundation (4)

  Darkness and Yin Manipution

  Rank 2

  Rank 4

  Powerful (4)

  Foundation (4)

  Heart Chakra Of Wind

  Rank 6

  Noble (5)

  Foundation (4)

  Wind Manipution

  Rank 6

  Noble (5)

  Foundation (4)

  Sor Plexus Chakra Of Fme

  Rank 6

  Noble (5)

  Foundation (4)

  Fme Manipution

  Rank 6

  Noble (5)

  Foundation (4)

  Root And Sacral Chakra Of Wood

  Rank 3

  Powerful (4)

  Foundation (4)

  Wood Manipution

  Rank 4

  Powerful (4)

  Foundation (4)

  Sacral Chakra Of High Moonlight Spirit Water

  Rank 4

  Rank 6

  Noble (5)

  Foundation (4)

  Water Manipution

  Rank 5 Rank 7

  Powerful (4)

  Foundation (4)

  Root Chakra Of Earth

  Rank 5

  Powerful (4)

  Foundation (4)

  Earth Manipution

  Rank 5

  Powerful (4)

  Foundation (4)

  Lunar Chakra Of Seven Primal Elements And Wood

  Rank 4

  Rank 5

  Imperious (6)

  Artifice (6)

  [Cultivation Skills]

  Moonlight Jade Qi Refining

  Rank 2

  Powerful (4)

  Artifice (6)

  Spiritually Pure Dual Cultivation

  Rank 2

  Noble (5)

  Artifice (6)

  Spiritually Pure Physique

  Rank 3

  Noble (5)

  Principle (7)

  Third Noble Pursuit: Talisman Crafting

  Rank 1

  Rank 2

  Powerful (4)

  Foundation (4)

  [Physical bat Skills]

  Spatial Perception

  Rank 3

  Powerful (4)

  Rule (5)

  Spear Teique

  Rank 5

  trip (1)

  Simple (1)

  Sword Teique

  Rank 5

  trip (1)

  Simple (1)

  bat Teique

  Rank 5

  trip (1)

  Simple (1)

  Elemental on Teique

  Rank 3

  Suffit (3)

  Foundation (4)

  Void Motion

  Rank 2

  Noble (5)

  Principle (7)

  Tsumura Arts

  Rank 2

  Powerful (4)

  Foundation (4)

  [Practical Skills]

  Crude ???????? Crafting

  Rank 1

  Rank 2

  Powerful (4)

  Law (8)

  Adherence Crafting

  Rank 1 Rank 3

  Noble (5)

  Law (8)

  Ether Crafting

  Rank 5 Rank 7

  Powerful (4) Noble (5)

  Foundation (4)

  Rule (5)

  Dvergr Teiques

  Rank 2

  Noble (5)

  Rule (5)

  Alchemy

  Rank 1

  Suffit (3)

  Foundation (4)

  Shapercraft

  Rank 2

  Noble (5)

  Artifice (6)

  [Intangible Skills]

  [Unique Skills]

  Mystic Eye Of The Tree Of Knowledge

  Rank 5

  Legendary (7)

  Law (8)

  Kin Bonding Aoration

  Rank 6

  Rank 7

  Legendary (7)

  Principle (7)

  Foehn, Iinguishable Bze

  Rank 7

  Imperious (6)

  Principle (7)

  Might Of Iructible Jade

  Rank 2

  Noble (5)

  Artifice (6)

  The Future Reflected By The Moon

  Rank 3

  Legendary (7)

  Fate (9)

  Promiwilight

  Rank 2 Rank 3

  Imperious (6)

  Principle (7)

  Boiling Blood Resonance Link

  Rank 1 Rank 2

  Imperious (6)

  Principle (7)

  Soothing Waters Of Self-Sacrifice

  Rank 3

  Imperious (6)

  Principle (7)

  [Level]

  145 148

  [Css]

  Kami-Blessed 12/20 queror 22/50 24/50

  Wielder Of A Mutated Element 7/10

  Wielder Of Elements, Primal Seven 2/20 8/20

  True Faeduine 5/30 7/30 Qi Refiner 2/10 Dual Cultivator 2/10

  Master Of Many Crafts 1/20 7/20

  Prodigy Of The Lower Worlds 1/10 7/10

  Shaper Of Flesh And Spirit 1/20 3/20

  Namebinder 6/20

  [Mastered Css]

  Fae-Souled 30/30

  Wielder Of Elements, Cssic Western 10/10

  Wielder Of A Mutated Element 10/10

  Territory Rank

  3

  Nice. Having another Css maxed out is a good feeling. The ains were signifit, but what stood out was the massive jump in my Resiliend Determination. While all my Material Statistics had leapt due to my Silver e growing stronger, Resilience had grown by an unpreted amount, Determination too, likely as I forced myself way beyond my limits in enduring the suffering Tamamo-no-Mae had.

  W on the Right Hand Of Tribution, which I was not going to refer to as crude, had boosted my Crafting Skills, and oddly enough, Talisman Crafting and Crude ???????? Crafting had both Ranked up. I uand Talismans, after all I was trying to replicate some of the Formations, and there’s definitely crossover betweewo, but ???????? Crafting? Is it a hint?

  “Qi is a force around us, an energy, invisible and imperceptible.” Daiyu was tinuing to expin, everyone listening ily. “Normally, a Cultivator starts preparing very young, honing his or her body to be able to draw in the energy surrounding us, and refi to a useable form, Qi. It is not quite so simple, as I have since learhat Qi, while an energy of itself, is also a derivative of aether.” She then gave a brief summary of ether aher. “…Qi, when processed, be used to fuel many abilities some might sider magical.”

  At that, the eyes of the idols were sparkling, and so were Michiru-san’s. Our ninja girl is as excitable as ever, I see.

  “It is hardly easy though. In the ret past, only the most talented could reach the peak of Qi Refining, let alone break through to Foundation Realm.” There ride in Daiyu’s voiow, and I remembered she was a true prodigy, ohat had ma without any assistance from Divine Favours. “Fortunately, times are ging, and we have… a number of advantages.” Daiyu looked at me, and everyone’s gazes followed.

  “It’s true. I have a good eye, and I also have the ability to improve the spiritual bodies of others.” At my words, the idols looked unfortable, remembering the pain. Even Kazumi-san nodded, but Michiru-san was of course unmoved by such memories, only eager. “Of course, all I do is help create the relevant pathways and unblock meridians and acupoints, make sure your Chakras are clearly defined.”

  “It bypasses the limitations of aptitude.” Daiyu agreed, proud of me. “Though talent is iill a factor, hard work will achieve some results with these bes.”

  She then began to go further into the details of the various stages of Cultivation, so I took the opportunity to examine Daiyu to see her progress.

  Zhao Daiyu

  Bonded Kin

  Chosen Of g'e, Immortal Goddess Of The Moon

  [Material Statistics]

  [Intangible Statistics]

  Might

  244 444

  Fortune

  9 10

  Fortitude

  256 461

  Majesty

  3 6

  Intellect

  305 495

  Charm

  5 7

  Resilience

  499 721

  League

  6 7

  Acrity

  303 503

  Determination

  9 14

  Precision

  267 465

  Fht

  3

  Aether

  1570 2196

  Fate

  3

  [Material Skills]

  Rank

  Css

  Type

  [Qi Skills]

  Silver Cord

  Rank 4

  Rank 5

  Powerful (4)

  Foundation (4)

  Cultivator Chakra work

  Rank 3

  Rank 4

  Powerful (4)

  Rule (5)

  Lower Dantian Of High Spirit Water, Yang Moonlight And Jade

  Rank 2

  Noble (5)

  Artifice (6)

  Qi Manipution Of Water, Yin, Yah And Jade

  Rank 6

  Rank 7

  Noble (5)

  Artifice (6)

  Qi Perception

  Rank 5

  Rank 6

  Powerful (4)

  Artifice (6)

  Qi bat Teiques

  Rank 2

  Rank 4

  Powerful (4)

  Foundation (4)

  Third Eye And Root Chakra Of Jade

  Rank 1

  Noble (5)

  Foundation (4)

  Third Eye Chakra Of Yang Moonlight

  Rank 1

  Rank 2

  Noble (5)

  Foundation (4)

  Throat Chakra Of Yin Darkness

  Rank 2

  Noble (5)

  Foundation (4)

  Sacral Chakra Of High Spirit Water

  Rank 3

  Noble (5)

  Foundation (4)

  Root Chakra Of Earth

  Rank 2

  Rank 4

  Powerful (4)

  Foundation (4)

  [Cultivation Skills]

  Spiritually Pure Qi Refining

  Rank 9

  Rank 10

  Noble (5)

  Artifice (6)

  Spiritually Pure Foundation Teique

  Rank 7 Rank 8

  Noble (5)

  Artifice (6)

  Spiritually Pure Dual Cultivation

  Rank 2

  Noble (5)

  Artifice (6)

  Spiritually Pure Physique

  Rank 2

  Noble (5)

  Principle (7)

  Sed Noble Pursuit: Formations

  Rank 1

  Powerful (4)

  Foundation (4)

  Third Noble Pursuit: Talisman Crafting

  Rank 3

  Powerful (4)

  Foundation (4)

  [Physical bat Skills]

  bat Teique

  Rank 4

  Rank 5

  trip (1)

  Simple (1)

  [Intangible Skills]

  [Unique Skills]

  Lovers’ Link

  Rank 5

  Rank 8

  Noble (5)

  Imperious (6)

  Artifice (6)

  g’e’s Moon Elixir Of Immortality

  Rank 3

  Rank 4

  Imperious (6)

  Principle (7)

  [Level]

  37 49

  [Css]

  Dual Cultivator 2/10 Accumutor 0/10 Wielder Of A Mutated Element 5/10 6/10

  Karmically Pure 1/20 2/20 Fae-Bonded 6/20 8/20

  [Mastered Css]

  Qi Refiner 10/10 Foundationist 10/10

  Territory Rank

  None

  Daiyu’s certainly grown stronger. Now her foundations… wait, I o be careful, that gets fusing when talking about Cultivators, as a foundation is not the same as Foundation. Anyway, she’s adjusted well, her stats all what they should be. While she gs behind Shaeu or Divine Possession Shiro, Daiyu’s excellent healing, bat Teique and overall stats, as well as her insight, I don’t have many worries trusting her otlefield.

  It also seemed that she had mao obtain the Sed Noble Pursuit as well, perhaps exposure to the works of the Saint of Swallowing Sorrows having triggered her evolution. In general though, Daiyu, being a dedicated hard worker, had just made ial yet signifit improvements. She now had access to darkness element, as well as Yin, likely sourced from the Dark Rhyming Tree, and I knew why she had striven to obtain it in her free time. Beside me, Suk-ja whispered a question.

  “Are you all right? Your face seems flushed.”

  “It’s nothing.” I muttered, knowing my face was a little red. “Just listen to the expnation.” I tio transte a little for Suk-ja, despite her not being one of Daiyu’s students. Who knows, if the crystal element we extract proves as valuable as I hope, maybe I’ll try aiate a loerm transfer with her Guild Leader.

  “…there are iher methods of Cultivation. Though some are unworthy.” Daiyu and I exged gnces, and the resolution in her bck eyes to never use such methods in to see. “Cruel ways such as stripping the Qi from other beings and dev it… that is the way of evil. No, in the Incorruptible Jade, such is not tolerated at all. And it is not needed. With our advantages, we shall grow strohrough our ows.” She paused then, her face also slightly pink.

  “There is another method, oh the joining of body a. A Cultivatiohod between two people. Yin and Yang is shared, and Qi resonates, and through this bination, strength is geed. Though su act must not be sidered recklessly. It only be with one you resped cherish, one you… wish to be a panion for life.”

  “She means through sex.” Eri rolled her eyes. “Dual cultivation, she and Shiro call it. But holy, it’s not something you’ll be doing, is it? Well, I suppose I , and Motoko and Natsumi too…”

  “I have a question!” Keiko- asked, raising her hand like she was ba school. “Bear in mind that we’re idols, we ’t have boyfriends, although… no, fet it. But… is it… necessary?”

  “Not at all.” Daiyu shook her head. “I am merely expining the ways in which we Cultivate. In fact, I too looked down on such methods. Dual Cultivation is seen as weak, relying on others instead of one’s own self. Now, however…” She smiled at me joyfully. “I realise it is merely an added be of having a loving Dao panion. Should you find one such, thehod be given to you.”

  “I have a question too!” Michiru-san’s hand shot up, the scarf she wore around her neck blowing from the sudden motion. “This ninja wishes to know… must it be a man, this Dao panion?” Her efforts not to look beside her gave away her iions, and Miyu tried to keep her face impassive, but she flinched a little.

  “A Dao panion is simply who your heart yearns for. I do not believe gender is a . As for the Dual Cultivation teique itself…” Daiyu frowhinking. “The teiques our Sect has are all for female and male pairings, Yin and Yang. Perhaps it could be modified, or other Sects know more… there are Sects that only have female disciples, so… holy, it would not work the way my teique does, but perhaps.”

  “Will this be a Sect of only women then?” Miyu asked, looking back at me, and Daiyu answered quickly.

  “No, not at all. Suitable male didates will be weled. Of course, I shall never practise Dual Cultivation with any but Akio. But if other disciples choose their panions I will offer instru.”

  “Instru, huh? You mean… watg?” Eui spoke up, rather disgusted, once she heard the transtion.

  “I am no exhibitionist.” Daiyu shot back. “No man shall see my skin, or my secret pces, other than Akio. For… women… well, we bathe together, do we not? And in this house, there is usually someone . But if Akio does not mind, I instruen. But it is not merely an act of gain but of love too. Set this aside for now, for we get off the main point.”

  Eui nodded slowly. I heard Michiru-san mutter “If it has to be a man, then surely…” and gnce back at me, hiding her face with her scarf, only her eyes visible, and I sighed. Not this again…

  “Now, time for my first practical instrus.” Daiyu led the group in starting to gather ether, ready to begin version.

  “Should I join in?” Suk-ja asked, uain, and I shrugged.

  “You if you want, but if you’re not going to take it seriously, you’re most likely better off tinuing down your own path. Anyway…” Daiyu was signalling me for assistance, so I ventured over, Eye glowing, ready to help correy mistakes and aid in their first steps towards Qi Refining…

  ShipTeaser