Modern Patriarch

The Elders were only beginning to wrap their heads around the implications of Yao Shen’s blueprints, when he placed another sheet of papyrus upon the table, his expression conveying a hint of solemnity.

All eyes slowly inched towards the new blueprint, the Elders hosting a range of emotions that varied from trepidation to wariness, wariness to skepticism and skepticism to a burning curiosity. Most ‘innovations’ and ‘new creations’ presented to the Elders by their disciples and even guardians usually turned out to be vapid baubles, but after a long time, they found their imaginations being stimulated by a fellow peers’ avant-garde creations.

The two blueprints Yao Shen had presented up until now utilized existing mechanisms and societal constructs, building upon them from a completely novel direction to create something unique. The ‘Martial School’ he intended to build, whilst surprising, was not entirely revolutionary. From the paradigm of the Elders, it could be interpreted as training a pool of future cultivators instead of a class of mortals.

The traditionalists would perhaps find fault in his ‘Apartment Complex’ and ‘Commercial District’, but mortals living in luxury was ultimately something cultivators from the legacy families did not care much about, as long as the quota of future disciples applying to their respective sects remained the same.

But Yao Shen’s third true blueprint was truly groundbreaking, in the sense that it aimed to throw in upheaval one of the core tenets of cultivator society, a societal constuct that had been rooted in their minds for decades upon decades, centuries upon centuries.

Meili Zhu was the first to react, the composure draining away from her face as she audibly gasped.

Patriarch Lei Weiyuan gave Yao Shen a searching look, his usually dignified expression appearing quite befuddled.

Patriarch Kang Long chose to maintain a stoic silence, seemingly waiting for others to react first.

The other Elders were visibly strained as they held back their tongue, unsure if they could afford to attract the ire of their newly crowned Patriarch.

The source of the turmoil, namely, the blueprint, was deceptively innocuous. Yao Shen had once again shamelessly borrowed ‘inspiration’ from his memories of Earth. He had delineated an entire college campus, albeit a greatly simplified one— three imposing buildings were sketched out in detail, each one boasting a width that far exceeded any individual apartment building by multiple times. There were only five storeys in each building, but each floor had four lecture halls with stepped seating that were individually capable of seating three hundred students with ease.

The same runic formation that powered the apartment buildings would be employed in the construction of each of the buildings, albeit with a few minor modifications. Yao Shen had also gone as far as to create single and double storey buildings within the college campus that would enhance the students’ experience, such as a simple gym, a debate hall and a mess, where the students could get refreshments and/ or food anytime they wanted.

That, however, was not what had elicited such a strong reaction from the Elders. No, what had truly drawn their shock, and perhaps, ire, was the working title Yao Shen had chosen for the structure, namely: The Mortal College of Spycraft and Warfare.

“As I mentioned earlier, the founding ideal behind the Mortal Capital, All Haven, was equality between Mortals and Cultivators. Many of you, I suspect, did not believe in the veracity of that statement. After all, how could cultivators like yourself, against whom only a chosen few can stand in the entirety of the Azlak Plains, envision a system where all cultivators were equal, let alone cultivators and mortals?”’ Yao Shen asked rhetorically.

“Well, I suppose that depends upon your definition of the word, ‘equality’. If any society could truly achieve true equality, it would be indistinguishable from a utopia. I, Yao Shen, unfortunately do not have the power to give every mortal the ability to cultivate. Neither do I have the ability to ensure every cultivator, regardless of talent, is given an equal opportunity to ascend to the Nascent Soul level. Does that mean equality is a fundamentally impossible goal?” Yao Shen’s tone was thoughtful, as he mused the topic aloud.

“No, of course not,” Yao Shen shook his head lightly, before continuing, “ I cannot change the very heavenly laws that govern our realm. So, I asked myself… what is it that I can change? When implementing societal reforms on such a large scale, it is naturally essential to think about the possible consequences one’s actions might have. To provide mortals with such luxury would be to take away purpose from them and to be purposeless is to wither. Those that wish to farm and engage in animal husbandry will, of course, be allowed to, with aid from cultivators, but that alone would not suffice. So, the only direction I saw was to direct them towards an even greater purpose!” Yao Shen’s impassioned words rang out with clarity of purpose, even though the truth remained veiled behind a thick curtain of fog for the Elders.

“In All Haven, both mortals and cultivators will be given an equal opportunity to defend their city, their land and all that they hold precious. Children aged seven and above will be taught the basics of combat in the ‘Martial School’ till the age of fourteen. Those children that develop the ability to cultivate will be sent to one of the three main divisions, based on the orientation of their Spiritual Roots— on the promise that they are allowed to return to the Mortal Capital atleast once a month. However, what of the hopeful children that wish to serve their land? The ones’ ruthlessly denied by the heavens for no fault of their own?”

“You mean…,” Meili Zhu whispered under her breath, even though she had likely reached the truth a little earlier.

“They shall be extended the opportunity to join ‘The Mortal College of Spycraft and Warfare’, where their minds will be honed in place of swords, wit in place of qi and shrewdness over combat technique,” Yao Shen’s gaze shifted to the roof, or rather, what lay beyond it, a confident smile resting on his visage.

“Grand Patriarch.. …..this is… both unrealistic and unreasonable,” One of the Elders finally raised a voice of protest as he finished reading through the notes Yao Shen had scrawled next to the schematics, detailing the College’s purpose.

“Indeed, I cannot possibly fathom what purpose a mortal combing through our combat techniques and historical texts could possibly serve,” Elder Yongliang added, his voice more perplexed than offended.

Meili Zhu remained silent.

Patriarch Lei Weiyuan finally spoke, “Grand Patriarch… I must admit, that even I am a little lost as to your true intention. If you could elaborate…,”

“Very well. These blueprints….whose mind do you think is the architect behind them?” Yao Shen asked, struggling to wipe a grin off his face.

That question seemed to catch the Elders a little off guard. It wasn’t as if they hadn’t considered the question, but up until that point they were more concerned with the content rather than the designer.

“It seems that one of the Elders of the Sky Division has been concealing their talents quite deeply,” One of the Elders offered, his choice the obvious one. Perhaps it was one of the Elders that hailed from a mortal background.

“As much as I would like to wish otherwise, it is not one of ours,” Meili Zhu was quick to interject, her tone sounding rather vexed. “Many of these designs have a very non-linear approach that is entirely foriegn to our own historical styles. It is clever, fresh and unique, so much so that if I were inclined to make a guess, I would suggest a cultivator that hails from beyond the Azlak Plains,” Meili Zhu finally explained her line of reasoning, and Yao Shen was slightly surprised at the breadth of her knowledge pertaining to matters outside of cultivation.

That caught the other Elders attention. Was that the reason behind Yao Shen’s eccentric moves and his sudden spike in power? Was he backed by a foriegn power?

“A reasonable guess,” Yao Shen replied, “But unfortunately, it is not correct. Let me rephrase it— who, or rather, which demographic is likely to benefit the most from these changes?” Yao Shen asked, unable to hold back his grin any longer.

Eyes widened in shock. Sharp breaths were inhaled. Light gasps exchanged.

“A mortal designed all this?” Meili Zhu finally asked, unable to herself believe the words being spoken by her own lips.

“A group of mortals, but yes. Or do you think I designed it?” Yao Shen let out a chuckle at the latter half of his statement. Before anyone could doubt his words, he added, “I swear upon my honor as a cultivator, that it was truly a group of mortals that were responsible for these designs.”

Yao Shen’s words were like thunderclaps in the ears of the cultivators, the sheer disbelief roiling off them so intense that one could think the Elders were actually…. offended at that idea alone.

Despite his newly acquired memories, Yao Shen was still a man that took oaths with the utmost of gravitas. If anything, Earth’s achievements were even greater, for they had no powerful cultivators to look to in times of turmoil. He could not any credit for the architectural designs and Yao Shen was quite certain that if he were to explain Runic Formations to a group of scientists, they could chalk out a far more efficient formation.

That, of course, wasn’t to say that Yao Shen was belittling his accomplishments. Only he knew the complexity involved in pioneering or rather, rediscovering an ancient, lost Dao, an accomplishment that few people across both worlds might be able to mimic. He was simply capable of acknowledging his own limits, as one who had studied the Dao of Formations for a relatively shorter time.

“But, Grand Patriarch, these formations…. how could a mortal-”,” An Elder blurted out, instinctively reacting to the assault on his worldview.

“Elder,” Yao Shen’s voice cut him off, his eyes twinkling with mischieviousness. “Surely, one does not require the ability to cultivate just to jot down a theoretical formation? As long as I sufficiently describe the extent of my capabilities, and as you all know, the range, capability and meaning of individual basic-runes is common knowledge….”

Patriarch Lei Weiyuan finally interjected, letting out a deep sigh, “It seems…. that we have underestimated the capability and determination of mortals. However, while all these accomplishments are indeed, commendable, anyone of us would be able to reach the same conclusion in a far shorter timespan.”

“You raise a fair point, Patriarch Lei; one to which I have no direct rebuttal to offer. What I propose here is not only unheard of, but also likely sounds absurd, to many of the venerable cultivators present today. Nevertheless, I must ask you to take a step back and consider the situation from a different perspective. Us cultivators, we number in the thousands, whilst the mortals’ population is measured in the tens of thousands. Our souls allow us powerful and at the higher stages, near perfect memory, which allows us to ‘solve’ a particular problem or fact situation ‘faster’. However, let us take a field of study that has long eluded us, namely, Greater Rune-script. Do you see the issue here?” Yao Shen calmly asked.

Lei Weiyuan took a long minute to think, before replying, “There are two aspects to Greater Rune-Script that must be solved to wield its power, namely, the language aspect and the Dao aspect. There have been multiple attempts across the years to decipher the language portion, the prevailing theory that the true meaning of Greater Rune-script will reveal what aspect of a Major Dao to channel into it while forging the rune.”

“And?” Yao Shen questioned.

“They have all failed,” he replied , immediately understanding the point Yao Shen was trying to make.

“As cultivators, seize power in defiance of the will of the heavens. Thus, it is only natural that we choose to be stoic when confronted with great challenges. It is rather ironic, that the one’s most suited to decipher the secrets of Greater Rune-script are seated in this very room, yet it is also us, who have their attention split between our cultivation, managing our families, our sect duties and teaching our disciples. I ask you, truly— a thousand minds uniting together to crack one problem, or a solitary mind with perfect memory, whom is more likely to reach a solution?” Yao Shen pointed out the greatest flaw in cultivator society, their pride both the element that let them stand unfazed in face of unfavourable odds, yet, also the invisible shackles that had been holding them back from truly progressing all these years.

That stubborn, parochial refusal to ask for help.

No longer.

“Will that… is that… truly possible?” Meili Zhu asked, her tone somewhat emotionally charged. As the Master of the Faceless, while prying away at the arcane mysteries of the past didn’t exactly fall within her duties, that did not mean that she did not yearn for them.

“The ‘Mortal College of Spycraft and Warfare’ will receive a compiliation of our historical texts, basic cultivation techniques, the intelligence we have on the demonic path sects, a primer on our capabilities…. we will give them an information clearance at the core-formation level, so even if there is a leak, it cannot cause us any significant harm. Their primary focus will be to hone their minds into a weapon, delving into methods, tactics and even uncovered ancient knowledge that can enhance our combat capabilities. As students of history, they will understand how rare it is for a mortal to be given an opportunity to play such a significant role in cultivator warfare, and how blessed they are to be able to live in the city of All Haven. They will be given the requisite motivation, training and knowledge to excel, but only time will be able to tell what the fruits of their efforts will be,” Yao Shen explained, planning to jot down everything he remembered of espionage, warfare, combat, geopolitics, negotiation, strategy and deception in one book, that would serve as the guide-book for the ‘college’ students.

His view was coloured by the fact that he had seen humans’ of Earth utilize this same educational strategy to great effect, and truly did not see any reason why the same success could not translate over to the mortals of Ionea. That did not mean that they were guaranteed to succeed, only that Yao Shen did not expect abject failure.

“For a little time and a pittance in resources, we might achieve the most unexpected of results. Truly, what to we have to lose?”

Well, their pride, for one.

Yao Shen of course, knew and understood that. Perhaps the other righteous path sects would ridicule them for it. Perhaps they would become a laughingstock among the other races as well.

But Yao Shen was not concerned with their opinion.

The more bizarre and eccentric they saw him as, the weaker they saw him as, all the more better.

There were no interjections or further rebuttals against his proposal, so Yao Shen moved on to the final matter in his agenda, namely his plans for the ‘Commercial District.’

There would, naturally, be individuals that did not develop the ability to cultivate, and yet, also were not interested in spycraft or research. Besides farming, animal husbandry, pottery and other such endeavors, they would also be allowed to apply for jobs in the Commercial District, even given the opportunity to own stores if they had a competent proposal.

The Commercial District’s importance could not be understated, for Yao Shen intended for it to be a bridge between the cultivator and the mortal world.

The main draw would be an ‘Auction House’ that, for the first time in history, would be open to every righteous path cultivator that belonged to the Azlak Plains, whether they be from the Flame, Sky or Earth Division, or one of the subordinate sects. The Auction would be held once a month, under the scrutiny of a Nascent Soul Cultivator. Not only would it employ lots of mortals and require mortals and cultivators to work together, but he hoped that it the curious disciples and guardians would also be drawn to the other attractions of the ‘Commercial District’.

Yao Shen had planned for there to be eateries, shops selling hand-crafted trinkets, artworks and even live music performances. There would also be hairdressers, perfume shops for the female cultivators and if he could find a way, even confectionaries. He was glad that he’d credited an anonymous group of mortals for the design, otherwise he would be unsure how to present it to his audience. Overall, Yao Shen hoped that the Commercial District would become a retreat where cultivators, both legacy family and mortal origin ones, could forget their worries, stresses and burdens for a few hours and simply enjoy themselves while stimulating the mortal economy.

It was the least controversial of his proposals, a few of the Elders even seemingly interested in the Auction House—- the combined pool of three sects having an easy outlet to dispose of unwanted or little understood artifacts and resources could make for some interesting finds, after all.

Since there were no queries and mostly expressions of interest, that marked the end of the Conclave.

The Elders hurried out one after the other, having received much information that they would have to meditate upon before deciding their own course of action in these tumultuous times.

Yao Shen intended for construction to begin in a month.