The Magistrate: Chapter 65

Chapter 65

Culinary Minds

Tobias never got to see the end of Peace Master So’s tribulation. The strength of his tribulation nourished his valley until it warped his realm, causing hundreds of spirit herbs and spirit beasts to go through tribulations simultaneously. Before this moment, core breakthroughs began every minute, nascent soul realm breakthroughs every hour, and sage realm breakthroughs every few hours. Each one had nourished the valley with his tribulation until reality broke. In the last few moments of his ascension, reality finally broke, collapsing in upon itself, creating a hidden realm.

The rampant chi and wayward dao knocked Tobias out, along with several other disciples. Magistrate Chi was left severely injured, along with the weakest of the disciples.

By the time Tobias woke up, Xu Ling, Elder Xi, Elder Tan Lingling, and Majordomo Wo had all been brought to the hidden realm to stabilise the toxic chi. They were not the only ones. Dozens of other core realm cultivators had been brought in to assist. The environment was too unstable for Peace Master So to cultivate after his injuries. It needed to be corrected before he could begin.

Tobias and everyone else began to cultivate.

Time passed quickly.

Peace Master So spent his days rearranging every spirit herb in the valley, forming a natural formation which enhanced their growth, but didn’t stabilise the chi toxicity issue. There were additional breakthroughs during this time, but they occurred so frequently that no one gave them a second thought. With the unstable nature of the realm, it was to be expected.

Tobias didn’t understand what changed about the realm or how it changed. But one moment, he was cultivating spiritual energy and the next, he knew he had to stop. He opened his eyes and looked across the glade where he liked to cultivate, to see Lingling wearing the same frown and looking back at him.

In the sixteen days she’d been there, she had significantly expanded and strengthened her body meridians, using the realm's chi saturation to make progress that should have only been possible once she opened her energy meridians.

Tobias turned his head to where he could sense Peace Master So. All across the valley, the core realm cultivators who were helping stabilise the toxic chi ran for the exit under the protection of the nascent soul realm cultivators who had protected Peace Master So while he ascended. Tobias could sense First Disciple Chi holding the door open for them.

Lingling suddenly stood up and began walking over to Tobias. Tobias immediately knew something was wrong. Lingling wasn’t moving the way she usually would. Her steps were awkward and too short.

“Senior, please take your companions to the cave where I keep my collection,” Peace Master So said from Lingling’s mouth. “I will begin cultivating momentarily to stabilise my core, and without its protection, all of you will experience chi deviation. Magistrate Chi is already there.”

Tobias stared at his sister unhappily. “Sage Peace, please refrain from using my sister as a puppet.”

Lingling’s face pouted. “But it’s so easy.”

“Whether or not it is easy, does not change the fact that she is my sister.”

“But this will give her the push she needs to want to cultivate. It’s going to set her on the right path.”

“If that is so, I will forgive this intrusion, but please do not do so again.”

Lingling’s face grinned. “Once is enough. She understands the message.”

Lingling’s grin suddenly vanished, replaced by a look of horror. “What was that?”

“That was a sage realm cultivator taking control of you.”

“They can do that?”

Tobias nodded while releasing his chi to summon the others. “You will be able to do something similar with insects when you reach the foundation realm.”

“How do I stop it?”

“You can’t. It’s not a technique. It’s part of being a sage realm cultivator, but it only works on those up to the initiate realm. Once you enter the foundation realm, he won’t be able to do it.”

Majordomo Wo ran into the glade. “Why is everyone running away?”

Elder Xi, Elder Tan, and Xu Ling landed as he finished the question.

Elder Xi turned to him. “Peace Master So is about to begin cultivating. We must flee his realm.”

Majordomo Wo blanched.

Tobias shook his head. “Follow me. There is a place we can shelter.”

Tobias led them through the valley at the fastest pace his sister could maintain. Magistrate Chi was waiting outside the cave entrance when they arrived. Tobias raised the medallion and opened the barrier, allowing them all to enter before following.

He led them through the tunnels to the library and motioned to the cushions on the floor. “You may rest here.”

Lingling looked around. “Where are we?”

“This is Peace Master So’s library. It holds the world's largest known collection of cultivation manuals for nascent soul and sage realm cultivators. If you don’t want to upset a sage realm cultivator, I suggest you don’t read anything.” Tobias turned to Elder Xi, cupped his hands, and inclined his head. “May I be the first to congratulate you on forming a second layer around your core?”

Elder Xi shook his head. “That honour belongs to Peace Master So. However, should he choose not to do so before I leave his realm, I will accept your congratulations first.”

Tobias nodded. “That is understandable.”

Xu Ling laughed.

Elder Xi frowned. “Is something I said funny?”

“You might be the first core realm elder of Cloud Sect to refuse to let a sage show you respect.”

Elder Xi and Elder Tan chuckled.

Tobias realised they were all still standing because he was and took a seat, inviting them to join him. “How did you all end up here?”

Xu Ling took the spot beside him. “Peace Master So informed me he was going to summon me to help stabilise his realm and that I could bring any of your allies.”

Tobias turned to Elder Xi. “How did you get the sect leader’s approval?”

“The sect leader came out of closed-door cultivation to watch his ascension. He was examining the sect's progress when he overheard our conversation and told me to go.”

Tobias turned to Elder Tan and inclined his head. “It is good to see you again, Elder Tan. How did you find yourself here?”

Elder Tan was the Elder who ran Mist Sect's assignment hall. She’d lived near his family for years, protecting them from assassins. They had not seen each other in nearly a decade, but her actions had bought her all of his goodwill.”

Elder Tan smiled. “The Mist Sect’s leader requested that I check in on our disciples in Cloud City and examine the cultivator district you built for us. She wanted a firsthand account of the changes that have taken place during the war. I stopped by to check on your family, but you were not there. Your first disciple, majordomo, and grandfather were most gracious when they hosted me, so your first disciple knew I was around when she received the invitation. I was merely in the right place at the right time.”

“I’m glad I could repay you in some small way for all that you have done for me.”

“Most would not consider another layer for their core a small repayment for less than a decade of work.”

“I still hope to repay you properly someday.”

“If Mist Sect ever needs the accommodation you have made for us, consider any debt paid in full.”

Tobias inclined his head.

Lingling leaned over. “Do you have any food?”

Tobias summoned a bottle of meal replacement pills from his storage ring.

Lingling did not look happy, but she took the bottle, making a face as she swallowed one.

***

Peace Master So cultivated for an entire month without stopping. First Disciple Chi stopped by shortly after he began to explain why they hadn’t been told to leave. The khans were looking for someone to take their frustration out on, and the seven of them were the only ones without a nascent soul realm cultivator to protect them. Tobias broached the subject of food for his sister and Magistrate Chi, and the first disciple began returning every few days with what they needed.

Lingling always insisted he stay for a meal, even though he didn't need to eat.

She’d been practising cooking for foundation realm cultivators and could now create meals palatable to them, which meant they were delicious for everyone else.

A few days after Peace Master So finished stabilising his core, Tobias walked through his hidden realm with his sister, stopped before the familiar boulder, cupped his hands, and bowed. “Sage Knowledge congratulates Sage Peace on his ascension to the sage realm.”

Lingling copied his movements but didn’t say a word, remaining bent over when her brother rose.

Peace Master So made a small motion with his hand, telling him to continue.

“I don’t have a gift for you.”

Peace Master So pouted. “You’re a savant. And it’s been half a season. You have to have something for me.”

Tobias hesitated for a moment before continuing. “There is something, but it might not work, but if it does, it may strengthen your dao.”

Peace Master So perked up. “I’m listening.”

“You may find it beneficial to visit the khans during their war council. Once there, you should use your dao to suppress their urge to go to war.”

“That sounds like something that would benefit you, not me, Senior.”

“Your first disciple explained to me, while you were ascending, that the other nascent soul realm cultivators were here to protect you. However, through that willingness to protect you, they would enhance your dao, removing the need to do so.”

“Yes, it’s a trick I noticed when I was still in the core realm.”

“It’s not a trick. At least, I don’t believe it’s a trick. I believe the environment affects dao.”

“That is not a great discovery. The Lee Clan cultivate in a volcano for that very reason.”

“Which is likely a mistake.”

Peace Master So leaned forward, excitedly. “Now you have my attention. Explain.”

“You cultivate the dao of peace. Do you believe it is possible to cultivate the dao of war?”

“Everyone who does turns into a bloodthirsty lunatic, but yes, it is possible.”

“Do you think it is possible to cultivate that dao in solitude?”

“Yes.”

“To which realm?”

“It would depend on the cultivation method.”

“How does one express the dao of war when one does not have an enemy to go to war with? How does one incorporate that into their cultivation?”

“With great difficulty, I imagine.”

“I believe it’s impossible to break through to the core realm with the dao of war while in solitude. The very nature of the dao requires an enemy to express its existence, so the presence of no enemy weakens the dao.”

“And how does this apply to me, preventing the khans from invading your homeland?”

“Your valley is a place of peace, but your cultivation method is a method which prevents violence. This is a place where you can cultivate your spiritual energy, but not a place where you can strengthen your dao and incorporate it into your cultivation. It’s the wrong environment for you to progress further, because you are no longer surrounded by enemies who can overcome you.”

Peace Master So pondered the statement for a moment. “I’m not convinced, but I’ll allow you to continue to try to convince me.”

Tobias motioned to his sister. “Peace Master So, let me first introduce my younger sister, Finch Lihua.”

Peace Master So seemed to notice her existence for the first time. “My apologies, Lingling. My recent ascension has made it difficult for me to notice the presence of mortals and initiate realm cultivators. You may rise.”

Lingling lifted her head.

Peace Master So squinted at her. “Who is your master? I recognise some of the dao influences that surround you. They seem familiar.”

“This one has no master, Exalted One,” Lingling replied, using the formal title for a sage realm cultivator.

“Not even your brother?”

“My brother has taught me much about cultivation, but my dao path does not follow his.”

He turned to Tobias. “Why haven’t you found her a master?”

“Cultivator Plum has agreed to teach her when she reaches the foundation realm,” Tobias replied.

“Cultivator Plum has delusions of grandeur. You should approach his master.”

Tobias had looked into this. “Cultivator Plum’s master has been in seclusion for over three centuries. Apparently, he won’t come out until his favourite cooking ingredients have returned to their previous glory.”

“Well, you can’t have your sister learning from that fool. She has too much potential to squander it on him.”

Peace Master So vanished for a second, then reappeared on his boulder, holding three human skulls. Tobias could sense the skulls had belonged to nascent soul realm cultivators.

Peace Master So placed them in front of him, facing Lingling. “Does she work for any of you?” The eyes of all three skulls glowed. “You can’t all claim her. What would she cultivate?” The eyes continued to glow. “This is why you build a proper inheritance. None of you has a single thought between you. You’re just knowledge and purpose.”

Peace Master So placed his hand on each of the skulls, infusing them with chi in a complex way Tobias couldn’t comprehend.

He motioned for Lingling to step forward. “These three entrusted me with their inheritance so I could find them each a disciple to continue their legacy. They were three of the greatest chefs of the past age. Their master ascended to immortality but didn’t pass along his exact cultivation method to any of them. He never passed on his recipes either, but he did give them a strong foundation. They should be able to teach you everything you need to know to follow your dao. I’ve suppressed their ability to recognise your cultivation, so they’ll think you’re practicing their method.”

Lingling looked at Tobias, unsure if she should accept.

Tobias turned to Peace Master So. “I’m not sure what you expect my sister to do?”

Peace Master So motioned for her to come forward. “Place your hand on one of the skulls.”

Lingling stepped forward and did as he said. Her eyes immediately began to glow. It lasted for a few seconds before stopping.

A huge smile spread across her face. “I just learned a new recipe for making cold noodle soup.”

She moved her hand to the next skull, and her eyes glowed again.

“I got a new cutting technique.”

Her hand automatically went to the next skull.

“Oh, that one was just boiling the perfect egg.”

Her hand moved back to the first skull, but nothing happened.

Peace Master So chuckled. “You must master the first lesson before they will teach you the next.”

Lingling cupped her hands and bowed before stepping back.

Peace Master So motioned for her to come forward again. “You may freely learn from them while you remain in my hidden realm. If you impress them enough, I might even allow you to borrow them for a century or two.”

Lingling stepped forward and scooped them up. “This one thanks the Exalted One.”

Peace Master So stared at her for a moment longer and then turned to Tobias. “Yin Hao cheated you during my ascension. The enlightenment dao he collected to assist me was worth far more than the knowledge he offered. Will you allow me to make it right by gifting something to your sister? It’s the original reason I invited her here.”

Tobias indicated that it was acceptable.

A pill bottle appeared in Peace Master So’s hand. He tossed it to Tobias. “They are the same pills your first disciple coveted. Give one to her when she reaches the foundation realm. The other five can be given to whoever you wish. The bottle will keep them fresh for up to a century, and I want it back.”

“If you will allow me to escort my sister back to my first disciple, I will return and continue trying to explain why I believe forcing the khans to peace will be to your benefit.”

Peace Master So gave an amused smile as he dismissed them.

***

The moment Peace Master So was out of sight, Lingling turned to Tobias. “What was the pill Peace Master So gave you, and why do I need to wait until the foundation realm?”

Tobias leaned over and ruffled his sister’s hair. She wasn’t a child anymore, so his actions weren’t because she was adorable. He did it to annoy her.

“Stop ruining my hair. I hate when you do that.”

Tobias smiled. “I’m just saying goodbye.”

“Are you going somewhere?”

“No, your hair is.”

“Will that pill make me bald?”

Tobias snorted. “No. Peace Master So gave you a divine beauty pill. After you take it, every time I ruffle your hair, the moment I stop, it will fall back into place.”

Lingling’s eyes widened. “Is that what made Xu Ling even prettier?”

Tobias nodded.

Lingling’s gaze dropped to her chest. “Will-”

“I have no idea.”

“Why do I have to be in the foundation realm to take it?”

“It’s a nascent soul realm pill. If you take it now, it will burn through your body meridian network.” Tobias motioned to the skulls she was carrying. “Do they bother you?”

Lingling glanced down at the skulls and smiled. “They had a lot of regrets at the end of their lives. They never took disciples. They never passed on their knowledge. They thought they had more time, and then they realised they didn’t. After that, all they wanted was for someone to know what they knew, so their lives were not wasted. They all hated their master, but it wasn’t until the end of their lives that they realised they had become him. It was their final realisation and their deepest regret.”

Tobias cupped his hands behind his back. “Do you know their names? I might have studied their cultivation methods.”

“You haven’t. Their cultivation methods are locked within their skulls. I have to prove my skills to them to receive them.”

“Is that what you want?”

Lingling shrugged. “I want to learn how to cook. Cultivating will come when I need it.”

Tobias shook his head. “The progress you make here will take significantly longer outside. You need to spend at least half your day cultivating until you’ve finished expanding your body meridians.”

Lingling scowled.

“Consider it a favour to your big brother. It would help me greatly to study your progress.”

Lingling frowned. “In what way?”

“First Disciple Chi went through his first nascent soul realm ascension only a few seasons ago. He returned to being as weak as a mortal. Since then, he has reestablished his foundation and entered the core realm. He is the strongest evidence that I have seen for bottlenecks and lack of progress being caused by poor skill and dao insights. His development suggests cultivation progress can be much quicker with proper education.”

“You want to see if I can progress just as quickly.”

“Yes. Your progress so far has been helpful, but I need more data.”

“You said you wouldn’t stop me from pursuing my dao.”

Tobias ruffled her hair again. “A sage realm cultivator who is also a sage calls your brother senior, and you still doubt he knows what he’s talking about when it comes to cultivation.”

Lingling nodded. “If you knew what you were doing, you would know not to ruffle my hair.”

“One day, I will ruffle your hair for the last time. Years later, you will look back and miss these little moments, because you will understand that this was one of the ways I showed you that I cared.” Tobias grinned. “But for now, I’m just your annoying older brother who doesn’t know anything about anything, right?”

Lingling smirked and nodded.