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Dao of Healing - Chapter 132
Su Liang had a downcast expression on his face, bags the colour of the night sky adorning his eyes. He<< Chapter 131| Index| Chapter 133>>Su Liang had a downcast expression on his face, bags the colour of the night sky adorning his eyes. He trundled along the road that led from Celestial Jade City towards the south of the empire.“Those damnable bastards! I revolutionised the field of management, turned an ocean of lazy, corrupt clerks and ministers into an army of bureaucratic excellence! And what was my reward? Transferred to some backwater ...
Dao of Healing - Chapter 131
I found myself with two feet planted firmly on the ground<< Chapter 130| Index| Chapter 132>>I found myself with two feet planted firmly on the ground almost as suddenly as I’d been sent flying by the Spring and Autumn Sage. It took a moment to orient myself. So much had happened in such a short time and I was still reeling from the sage’s revelations.Learning some of the truths of this world had been eye opening, but it also gave me answers to many questions that had been plaguing me for a while. As I looked around, I realised the sage had...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 167
Rose truly could find no better way to<< Chapter 166| Table of Contents| Chapter 168>>2.73 - The Burning of NirodasNations rise and fall in the blink of an eye. Those that stand the test of time are often not the most innovative or mighty, but those who keep to themselves-Quoted from an unknown sourceRose truly could find no better way to describe the horror that had befallen Nirodas than with the word ‘hell’. What had once been a magnificent city—truly the crown of Derridas—was now a raging inferno of death and despair.The strange red ...
Dao of Healing - Chapter 130
Wang Ren rubbed his chin in confusion. He’d managed to<< Chapter 129| Index| Chapter 131>>Wang Ren rubbed his chin in confusion. He’d managed to not only pass through the walls around the Spring and Autumn Palace, but head into the inner sanctum after dozens of trials, battles with rival cultivators, and odd puzzles.He had watched as people activated those carvings of trees and vanished into thin air, but he felt that method was too… simple. It didn’t resonate with him.In the end he’d simply unleashed his full-force glaive strike agai...
Dao of Healing - Chapter 129
When the Spring and Autumn Sage told me I had failed the trial, my heart skipped a beat<< Chapter 128| Index| Chapter 130>>When the Spring and Autumn Sage told me I had failed the trial, my heart skipped a beat. However he immediately followed it up by saying I had still managed to exceed his expectations, at which point I let out a sigh of relief.It seemed the situation was similar to the previous trial, where I hadn’t actually accomplished what he wanted from the cultivator attempting the trial but had impressed him with my methods nonethel...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 166
Rose had learned more about her uncle in those few hours of drinking rum together than she had for the first fifteen years of her life<< Chapter 165| Table of Contents| Chapter 167>>2.72 - Wake of DisasterOften those who survive a tragedy are worse off than its victims. They were spared from the pain and suffering it leaves in its wake, while the living must carry the weight of the horror that they lived through-Excerpt from ‘Applications of the Arcane: Treating Mental Maladies,’ by Professor Kinwit of Tidespire KeepRose had learned more ab...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 165
Rose sat in the restaurant, uncomfortable with how stiff all the serving staff were behaving around them<< Chapter 164| Table of Contents| Chapter 166>>2.71 - Elmer Saff’s RetributionThe fury of an old man is never to be underestimated. They have the patience to wait as long as is necessary in order to achieve their vengeance-Excerpt from ‘Starsea Tales,’ author unknownRose sat in the restaurant, uncomfortable with how stiff all the serving staff were behaving around them. It made sense, given that this was apparently the most expensive r...
Dao of Healing - Chapter 128
My dao fragment had become increasingly active during my time in the Gate of Spring and Autumn<< Chapter 127| Index| Chapter 129>>My dao fragment had become increasingly active during my time in the Gate of Spring and Autumn. It seemed to improve my control over my medicinal qi, especially when undertaking new or complex tasks.With every insight I fully comprehended, the fragment became more… real. It was a manifestation of my dao—the Dao of Healing. The black dragon had explained a little about daos to me, but I still lacked a real underst...
Dao of Healing - Chapter 127
When the voice rang out from the mountain, I was stunned into silence<< Chapter 126| Index| Chapter 128>>When the voice rang out from the mountain, I was stunned into silence. The appearance of a youthful man in front of my eyes almost knocked me off my feet.The apparition had the appearance of a young man in his twenties, with a mop of black hair that fell to his shoulders and amber eyes that sparkled with curiosity and life. He floated about an inch off the ground, looking down at me with annoyance.He started digging about in one ear with his...
Dao of Healing - Chapter 126
After my first attempt at healing three trees at once had resulted in me instantly passing out, I<< Chapter 125| Index| Chapter 127>>After my first attempt at healing three trees at once had resulted in me instantly passing out, I was far more cautious as I proceeded. The second time around was another complete failure, but I at least managed to stay conscious despite the sharp pain that flared in my head throughout the usage of the technique.It was a slow and steady process. Between each attempt I had to rest and cultivate for a while to recov...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 164
<< Chapter 163| Table of Contents| Chapter 165>>2.70 - Unpleasant InterruptionsThere is nothing worse than being interrupted right as you are about to make an incredible breakthrough. It’s as though you are grasping the secrets of the world in your palm and then poof! They vanish like grains of sand in the wind-Quoted from Professor Alberto Stein of the Tidespire KeepDespite the unpleasant beginning and the constant loud voices of clamouring ambassadors demanding to be heard, the meeting did turn out to be rather productive. Under the respect...
Dao of Healing - Chapter 125
<< Chapter 124| Index| Chapter 126>>Wang Ren kept his glaive at the ready as he exited the wall of mist. It had taken him almost thirty-six attempts to finally figure out the right technique.Slashing in such a way that the tunnel was large enough for him to pass through, but also lasted long enough to not consume him before he could was difficult. However, it had given him unexpected insights into his Shattering Earth Carving Heavens Heavy Glaive.No, that isn’t quite right anymore. Ever since that moment I formed a strand of glaive intent whi...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 163
<< Chapter 162| Table of Contents| Chapter 164>>2.69 - The Bluestone TriumvirateSometimes the greatest threat you need to watch out for is not the gun pointed at your face, but the knife held behind your back-Overheard in the Nirodas High Command Mess HallThe journey to Nirodas didn’t take long. Rose had managed to make even more progress towards completing her occupation as they sailed, focusing mostly on drawing but also sparing some time to write in her diaries and read a few stories.Skill up!Drawing 40 > 43Precision 14 > 15Writing 28 > 30...
Dao of Healing - Chapter 124
<< Chapter 123| Index| Chapter 125>>I ran through everything I’d witnessed and caused during my time in the forest, piecing together my way out. To start with, every tree in the forest was sickly with yellow leaves and withered roots. I had believed that was the main trial, but in actual fact it was only a symptom of the real problem.After discovering how my qi was sucked into the sky when I attempted to heal a tree, I had mistakenly believed the problem was with the forest as a macroorganism or perhaps some unseen hand pulling the strings fr...
Dao of Healing - Chapter 123
<< Chapter 122| Index| Chapter 124>>Even though I was confident in my abilities as a healer and ready to take on the challenge of healing an entire forest, I still had to figure out where to begin. The first time I’d attempted to heal one of the trees my qi had simply burst out of the canopy and disappeared into the sky.Given that, the first step should be figuring out where my qi had disappeared to. How would I manage that, given that my spiritual senses had a limited range that didn’t reach into the sky?Cultivators liked to ponder such my...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 162
<< Chapter 161| Table of Contents| Chapter 163>>2.68 - Behind Closed DoorsThere are many forms of governance. Some believe that giving everyone a voice is a fool’s path, but only time can reveal the truth-Excerpt from ‘Power and Influence: How to Rule a Nation,’ by Sea-Emperor Vadaris Neptuna“A lady never tells,” Rose giggled mischievously as she returned the envelope bearing the royal seal to the pocket of her overcoat.The laughter sent pangs of pain spiking through her skull and she winced, slightly ruining her mojo. Damn hangovers....
Dao of Healing - Chapter 122
<< Chapter 121| Index| Chapter 123>>“Not so fast, sapling,” the black dragon said, curling back so that it was once more floating in front of the painting which had conjured it.It was only now I realised that not only had the image of the dragon vanished from the painting, but so had that of the familiar white robed youth. Why was he so familiar?“Is there another trial I have to pass first?” I asked with a sigh. “I thought you said I was qualified to enter the Gate of Spring and Autumn.”“Indeed you are. It’s not another trial yo...
Dao of Healing - Chapter 121
<< Chapter 120| Index| Chapter 122>>I took out yet another natural treasure from my spatial bag. I sighed as I glanced at the spatial ring on my finger, that I had yet to break into. It better have impressive rewards inside or I would be wasting all the energy I diverted to it all this while.Turning my attention back to the treasure in my hands—this time a red flower—I tossed it into my mouth and started to chew. I wondered how many natural treasures the final organ would take. Five? Six? Ten?I had enough even if it took twenty, but I hoped...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 161
<< Chapter 160| Table of Contents| Chapter 162>>2.67 - Old MonstersIf you ask me, you don’t learn much after that first century. If I live to see a second I’ll probably end up fighting the god of death when he finally comes to claim my aching bones. My advice is to live big and live fast, everything after fifty is damn tedious-Quoted from Admiral Valynor, Chief Commander of the Minenblum Royal Navy“Lord Admiral, we have received some worrying reports from our spies in Nirodas,” a commodore said, bowing as he entered the Admiral’s quar...
Dao of Healing - Chapter 120
After her initial confusion and disappointment<< Chapter 119| Index| Chapter 121>>After her initial confusion and disappointment that the solution to the puzzle lock of the Spring and Autumn Palace wasn’t related to a story of heartbroken lovers, I was able to explain my solution to the ice cultivator. We quickly realised there was another problem.“Wait a minute, if we need to activate all four of the inscriptions in order, don’t we need two more people?” she asked, tilting her head to one side.“Huh, I didn’t think of that. You migh...
May Update and Check-in
Happy Mayday to those who celebrate! Things are ramping up as we get stuck into book 2 of Dao of Healing and head towards the final third of book 2 for Salt and Blood. I hope everyone is enjoying the action and the story as they are created and published!I feel as though I don't interact with my community often enough, so today I wanted to give all my patrons a chance to share their own thoughts about the stories and what they might enjoy seeing from me as a writer now and in the future! If you're happy to remain a silent enjoyer, that&...
Dao of Healing - Chapter 119
<< Chapter 118| Index| Chapter 120>>As soon as the woman’s figure vanished from view inside the Spring and Autumn Palace, everyone went into an uproar. A few opportunistic cultivators near the entrance she’d created by freezing and shattering the mist rushed towards it, hoping to follow after her.However, the moment they drew near the mist suddenly surged forward and filled the gap. One man had been halfway inside when the mist consumed his body. His screams were a pertinent reminder that only one’s own efforts would be rewarded.At first ...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 160
<< Chapter 159| Table of Contents| Chapter 161>>2.66 - An Alliance Cemented and Called to ArmsFriends in fair weather make themselves scarce in the storms. Those who stand beside you through the harshest weather are those you can truly call allies-Excerpt from ‘What Lies Beneath the Waves’ by Telamere Ilrend“I’m beyond proud of what you’ve accomplished, my sons. As the crown prince and second prince of the Emerlan Isle, you’ve shown the people of this nation that you are willing to lay your lives down to protect theirs. I am happy t...
Dao of Healing - Chapter 118
<< Chapter 117| Index| Chapter 119>>A man with long black hair tied into a ponytail sat cross legged on the ground of his clan’s ancestral shrine. His youthful appearance was deceptive, given that he’d lived for over ten thousand years.Along the walls of the shrine there were rows of wooden tokens placed. Each of them bore a name which glowed with bright blue light.The man’s eyes were closed in meditation and with every breath the energy within his body whirled and twisted before settling into his dantian. Suddenly one of the tokens shatt...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 159
<< Chapter 158| Table of Contents| Chapter 160>>2.65 - The Power of the Pen(cil)They say the pen is mightier than the sword, but I bet they’ve never tried to have a sword fight with one. Trust me, you’d rather have the big pointy metal stick than the tiny one-Overheard in a tavern in NirodasThe rest of the journey home was rather uneventful. Everyone cheered when the coast of the Emerlan Isle came into view. Even Rose was in a good mood.Her artistic endeavours had borne great fruit. She had been rather inspired after the events of their jou...
Dao of Healing - Chapter 117
<< Chapter 116| Index| Chapter 118>>Confusion struck me as I saw a pulse of qi burst outwards from the black-robed cultivator’s dantian. Had he managed to counteract the Grasping Demon Finger so quickly?I was disappointed when he was able to purge my poison qi within moments. This time I was certain it would not be so simple. Cultivators in this world didn’t understand the intent behind the technique.He stomped downwards at Wang Ren’s head. He had been beaten within an inch of his life. There was no way for him to defend against the strik...
Dao of Healing - Chapter 116
<< Chapter 115| Index| Chapter 117>>The apparition of the Binding Soul Empress left us all dumbfounded with her third and final question. The reward for a correct answer was to receive a portion of her soul. That would bestow her understanding of the world and its laws, as well as cultivation, unto the one who received it. The question we needed to answer to do so?“Which is better, sweet or savoury food?”I didn’t need to think to know my answer. Dessert was incredible and often made a meal complete, but on the whole there was no doubt in ...
Salt and Blood - Chapter 158
<< Chapter 157| Table of Contents| Chapter 159>>2.64 - The Duchess of DerridasIt takes a person of great charisma to stir the winds of change. Often, the circumstances are ripe for years before that person comes along. When they do, chaos ensues.-Excerpt from ‘Silversea Saga’ by Norris Howell“Duchess Windvayne, pleasure to make your acquaintance,” the woman replied with a casual smile.Commander Axel and Prince Everyn froze at her declaration, while Rose was unbothered. Knowing someone’s name only changed how you addressed them, in her...
Dao of Healing - Chapter 115
<< Chapter 114| Index| Chapter 116>>To be honest the rest of the trial was quite disappointing. The first battle with another soul wisp had put my life at risk. Every twist and turn had taught me something new.However, after that first encounter the rest of the souls which attacked me used similar methods. I was able to easily overpower them, growing stronger each time.After what seemed like hours I suddenly exited the mist. At the moment I passed out of it, I felt my vision blurring as I was yanked out of that soul space.All of a sudden I was ...
Dao of Healing - Chapter 114
<< Chapter 113| Index| Chapter 115>>Right before the angry cultivator’s sword strike could clash against my palms, six ethereal chains burst out of the altar in the center of the courtyard and wrapped around us.I struggled against the bindings but it was useless. The chain wasn’t wrapped around my body, but something inside it. The sensation was cold and uncomfortable.I noticed with a frown that there was one more chain than there were people present. Following the sixth chain I saw that it led to a shadowy corner of the courtyard. A person...
