Sulphur & Lightning Chapter 26: 025 - No Waste Between Friends

Read chapter 26 of Sulphur & Lightning by anaugustauthor on NovelPedia.

The world was dyed red. More accurately, the world around Yachit was dyed red, as a swirl of red energy pulsed around her form like a siren. Within this red world was a sea of bright stars, twinkling in concert to the expanding and contracting wave of crimson. In this red light, the second young master stood, speaking to her as she breathed in and out. “Breath,” he said, quietly, such that one wondered if he wanted her to hear him. His whispers were such that they would not disturb the wings of a cicada, but they seemed to pierce her innermost being, the red light growing deeper in response to him. “Breath is the most important thing,” he continued. “Not just your breath, but the breath of Heaven and the breath of Earth. It is only these three together that are truly Qi. To imbibe Heaven and comprehend Earth in one’s breath, that is the meaning of cultivation.” As he spoke the words, one of the countless stars in her red Aura rose and settled above her, increasing in its radiance as she breathed in and out. It no longer twinkled in concert with the rest but blazed perpetually, becoming almost tangible and immovable. Danjuma smiled at this and continued his ministrations. “As one unifies Heaven and Earth within themselves, so they unite their own spirit and essence. Your breath is the seal of the unity of the three. These three treasures are the pathway to enlightenment.” Another star left behind its constellation and stood above her, blazing like its twin. It seemed this was her limit, though, as the red energy completely dissipated the very next moment. “You’ve done well,” Danjuma said, looking at her. The pair was in a small pavilion, which was part of the second young master’s private property in the estate. He stood and observed as she sat down in a lotus, breath entering her lungs quietly and in a spell-inducing rhythm. Dew coalesced on her form, like she was a fig leaf in the dawn. This wasn't ordinary dew, but the Qi of heaven and earth drawn in by her cultivation method, apparently directed by the second young master. “Thank you, Lord Danjuma," she said, opening her eyes and breathing out a black mist of impurities, “but I still feel far from the sword." “Forging takes time," he said simply, before observing her with interest. "More importantly, I never expected that the Akila Family's Crimson Sea of Stars could command such powerful Yang energy. It's no wonder you rejected the clan’s cultivation manuals; they're far inferior to this.” She shook her head at this. “Surely you jest,” she said composedly, “the Dari clan is the very excellence of Yin energy; it’s only natural that Yang cultivation techniques are not a focus; he who runs after two hares at once will catch nothing.” Danjuma said nothing at this but merely smiled; he was evidently pleased with her tact. Her words were true after all. The Straight Bow Dari clan was so named after its great ancestor, who was a hunter of renown surpassed only by his skill. It was said that one day, he had encountered a black tiger who commanded the power of Yin perfectly. It was the first hunt that proved too much for him and, escaping with injuries, he returned to the clan with bowed head. Despite his failure, though, the encounter wasn’t without benefits as he comprehended Yin energy from his wounds, which still bore the dreaded technique of the creature. The clan’s prided Yin martial arts were born from this encounter, and, despite passing away after a few years (his lifespan had been shortened by his wounds), he founded the Dari clan and was well-respected by all in Reigina. This earned him the title of Martial Ancestor. “I wonder why I haven’t ever made this much progress before, though.” “That’s because today, I’m your partner.” Yachit didn’t understand but kept quiet, knowing that he would explain without being rushed. Danjuma smiled at this again and did as she expected. “While breath is one part of the core of cultivation, there is an equally important part…” He seemed