Truthful Transmigration

When John thought of visiting home- or rather, the Tenebach clan- his first thought was to go alone, or at least nearly so. As a sect head it might not be appropriate for him to truly travel alone, just in case there was some sort of danger. He didn’t want to make a formal thing out of it but… if he was serious about the Six Elements Crossroads, then he knew he should make it a formal visit. An exchange of knowledge should be valuable for both sides- though there was little that the Six Elements Crossroads knew about darkness that had not come from the Tenebach clan to begin with.

But they still had their other elements, and just like the visit to the Rising Storm Palace, John wanted to open the opportunity to everyone who wished to learn more about darkness from any angle. The members of the Tenebach clan should have practiced against all elements already, but they were still limited by their surroundings. Most of their experience would be centered around earth and darkness.

Yes, though it was more effort to set up a formal visit would be better. And there could still be informal time with his daughter and son-in-law. It was either that, or keep second guessing how he was spending his time and if he was devoting enough to the sect. He still couldn’t be constantly gone, but if each trip away he was accompanied by disciples it would be more efficient.

He wasn’t going to just show up, of course. Better to give Melanthina some warning. He didn’t want to conflict with some other political visit. And if there was a group visiting they should be there at the same time as, that would require coordination as well.

-----

Travel between the capital of Lunson and the Stone Conglomerate along the main road was extremely safe, even for small groups. There were very few beasts in Astrein, and they tended to stay away from the populated areas. Bandits were swiftly taken care of anywhere near the Stone Conglomerate, and none would dwell deeper in Astrein as it was still seen to have weak spiritual energy. With a large group, both beasts and men would stay away. Unless they were specifically targeting something or someone.

John was quite glad nobody was so foolish on this trip. He didn’t have many enemies who had survived, but it was always possible that people with grudges might band together. Even if they would inevitably be hunted down, if they killed him first John wouldn’t care.

Not that he was in a truly weak state anymore. He was a Soul Expansion Phase cultivator who could directly match those in the Consolidated Soul Phase. At least ‘typical’ individuals, if there was such a thing at that level of cultivation. He could think of at least a few people he wouldn't want to tangle with until he properly returned to that level, but two of them had also just moved on. Lucanus and Yustina both would be challenging opponents even after he stepped into the Consolidated Soul Phase. No, more than challenging. He would doubtless lose, but he was still going to find an opportunity to spar with each of them once he could put on a more worthwhile showing.

Of the disciples coming along to the Tenebach clan, John took note of Taurai, Fulton, and Toma. The first two were at least partially darkness cultivators, but Toma was a light cultivator. He would have a tough time, but that was also why it would be beneficial for him. John hoped all the others would learn as well, but he couldn’t pretend not to be biased towards those who were more talented. Which was a bit of a problem he had to admit, since better treatment of them would often result in them pulling ahead at double speed. But the world needed the best cultivators they could get, and he at least tried to give everyone opportunities. He certainly wasn’t perfect. Not yet. So he could only do what he saw as best for the world.

-----

Though he already knew that Melanthina had been at the peak of the Soul Expansion Phase for some time, John could really feel it when he saw her in person. As if at any moment she could explode into the next stage… and she probably could. Nik behind her had a similar feeling, and John expected they intended to advance together when they felt the time was optimal.

“The Tenebach clan greets the Six Elements Crossroads,” Melanthina said, bowing her head in acknowledgement.

“And the Six Elements Crossroads thanks you for your hospitality,” John replied. “We hope to both grow stronger from our exchange.”

Formal words lasted about as long as they were in the ‘public’ eye. That was already more that most people would expect- at least for family that weren’t estranged.

Melanthina quickly took John inside- and down towards the constructed tunnels where Ciaritzal dwelled. “He has been very eager to see you again. You don’t visit that often, father.”

“Well, I am sorry about that,” John said. “I’ve been quite busy with various responsibilities. And the sect is in an unbalanced state.”

The darkness moved. The only shadows John could not pierce with his sight, leaping out of the corner. “Then I might suggest picking up a guardian beast.”

John laughed, reaching out towards Ciaritzal. He wasn’t a pet that liked to be scratched, but a simple touch reminded John of their connection. “If only it were so easy. And unfortunately, we would need six.” John grinned, “Say, you wouldn’t be interested in changing positions?”

Melanthina smacked John on the back of his head. “No poaching our guardian beast!”

John just shrugged. “I imagine you’d upset our delicate balance anyway. You’re far too strong for the current sect.” John turned towards Nik. “I didn’t mean to leave you out of the conversation. How have things been here?”

Nik shrugged. “We’re making things work. As you know, light and darkness don’t automatically get along.”

John nodded, “But I’ve found it quite impressive when they do. “

“We’re thinking of having a child,” Melanthina said. “Or rather, we are going to. But we don’t know when would be best.”

Nik nodded. “That is why we’ve not yet advanced to the Consolidated Soul Phase,” Nik explained. We are concerned about the… viability, if we were stronger.”

“I wish I could help you there,” John said honestly. “But a peaceful balance between light and darkness is the one area where I am not well versed. I imagine it will take me quite some time to reach that stage. You two should already know more. And as for pregnancies,” John shrugged. “I really only saw one from start to end. The only thing I can say… in terms of stability, I don’t think it would be wise to be holding back and avancement. Though in your particular case, you’re worried about getting pregnant to begin with, correct?”

Melanthina nodded. “A small fluctuation spiritual energy during early development could happen quite easily. And while most children are separated from the mother’s spiritual energy, what happened with you and mother…”

John nodded. “I wouldn’t necessarily bet that you’ll have an easier time. Our spiritual energies were a balanced match at the time. I suppose the only thing left to say is… don’t be in a rush. I’m not concerned about being a grandfather as soon as possible. Though I’m kind of surprised that Tirto and Verusha haven’t had any yet.” Nik twitched. Ah. John decided not to go any further on that topic.

-----

“Did Lucanus pass through here on his way?” John asked sometime later, when they were relaxing in the lounge of the guest suite.

“On his way back, I believe,” Melanthina said. “He seems to have gone directly to the Six Elements Crossroads on the way over. I must admit his visit was somewhat of a surprise.”

“We knew he was likely to advance eventually, of course,” Nik said. “But seeing it in person…”

Melanthina nodded. “I’d only seen others from afar. Though you were involved in yet another battle with an Ascending Soul Phase cultivator recently, weren’t you? Even in your… current state?”

“That would be the fourth, by some counts. Though I suppose Sitora was vaguely on our side for some of that war.”

“Who else was there?” Nik asked.

“He might not have fully counted, as he was sort of forcing himself over the threshold, but Faramund of the Society of Midnight,” John explained.

“Ah, right,” Melanthina nodded. “I was young then, so I barely remembered that.”

“It does seem as if they are going to become more and more common,” John said. “Either from inside or outside our region. So we can’t neglect our own strength. I have no idea if the Six Elements Crossroads will be strong enough for the next major event. I was a bit overzealous with the Black Peaks…” he shook his head. “But if not my sect, there are many others sufficient for a while.”

“You anticipate more war?” Nik asked.

“It is inevitable, among cultivators. Either we squabble over petty things, or unify enough to be a threat to some other group. Or draw attention because of available resources that can’t be defended,” John shrugged. “I’d like for that not to be the case, but for that we need to be the strong ones. And while we can act as reasonably as possible… sometimes people don’t take subtle hints not to mess with us.”

Melanthina nodded. “I heard about you dropping the peak.”

“I was there, certainly,” John said. “But the majority of the effort wasn’t mine. Fortunately, the city was arranged in such a way that we could expect little or no collateral damage. “

“I’ll make sure we don’t have anything that can topple over onto our clan in the future,” Melanthina grinned. “Lest someone use it against us.”

John nodded. “I think Rezso didn’t realize the true extent of the Ascending Soul Phase. He wanted to throw his weight around, but he wasn’t the right type of cultivator for that and didn’t think about the consequences being greater along with that. Hopefully, people will take notice and not make any foolish moves in the near future.”

“That would be best,” Melanthina agreed.

-----

While John himself had nothing new to learn from the cultivators of the Tenebach clan, having already taken the fullest advantage of such things, the disciples of the Six Elements Crossroads were exposed to many things he had not yet gotten around to teaching. And conversely, some of his disciples knew a few things that the Tenebach clan’s younger members didn’t.

Fulton had learned almost exclusively from John, so it was more of an opportunity for him to train with different peers near his age or cultivation.

Taurai, however, had come from the Soulrot Bogs, and knew at least the basics of some interesting techniques. Of course, many of them weren’t much good outside the bogs, and others were simply water techniques.

She was quite surprised when Melanthina, who was overseeing some of the training, asked her about her experience with controlling the deadly mosquitoes. Of course, there weren’t anything on nearly the same level for Melanthina to demonstrate with, but she had picked up a few things on their trip through the area, quite long before. Shortly before she met Nik, John supposed. He grinned. Those were good times.

No, the current times were good as well. It was just hard for John to acknowledge that without Matayal around. The first few years he hadn’t responded well at all, and adding another handful on top of that didn’t suddenly mean part of him wasn’t missing. But he knew the pain would dull with time, as long as he properly took care of it. Which meant acknowledging it a proper amount, but not letting it control him.

If only she were around, to see her children growing into proper adults. She would be quite happy with how they turned out, despite John’s failures after Matayal’s death.