Regressor Sect Master

11 Months after Regression

The blizzard didn’t let up. Snow and hail rained all around them, and it smashed into the small umbrella of fire created from a protective artifact. 

“The gate to the Snowheart Caves is just ahead.” Tundra said. Elder Severian, Core Disciple Yavin, and Core Disciple Julia trekked behind him. They all had thick robes, with equally thick hoods to cover their ears, gloves, and boots. 

The weather was harsh, and expending spiritual energy to protect themselves from the natural weather would mean they’d be drained before they even reach the gates. 

“How did the Hailstorm Temple control these caves all this time?” Severian wondered. 

“It’s undefendable.” Tundra laughed. “But why contest the claim when it’s hard to set a proper outpost without throwing a lot of money or resources?” With most things in life, it was a matter of money or skill. An outpost would certainly be possible, especially if a 7th or and 8th realm formation master made a sufficiently robust protective formation, and a short range teleportation formation between the outpost and the headquarters of the Hailstorm Temple.

But the Hailstorm Temple was not that sort of lavish sect. They were a fairly humble group of monks that preferred solitary cultivation, though their old master was a man worthy of tremendous respect.

They braved the blizzard, and soon arrived at an old stone gate. There was only one bald man standing there. 

“Greetings, Master Fox. On behalf of the Hailstorm Temple Master, I, Elder Jussa Joen, welcome you to the Hailstorm’s Snowheart Caves.”

Tundra bowed gently to the man, he was probably in the low 6th realm, and if he was not wrong, Jussa was the second in command. “Greetings, Elder Jussa. It is an honor to meet the great Heartfreezing Fistmaster.” 

Jussa laughed. “Old nicknames, let us not rekindle old stories and bore the young ones. Let me first get the dry details out of the way. The Snowheart Caves is home to 5th realm and 6th realm spirit beasts of the yang water, yin water, yang-earth and yin-fire elements. We allow free access to the Snowheart Caves, but we ask that no more than twenty 6th realm spirit beasts are hunted. Any more will be penalized with an additional levy.”

Of course, if someone more powerful came over, there is nothing much could be done to stop them. Tundra bowed anyway, “We will try our best to comply.”

The elder nodded. “Do not worry, it If it is an emergency or lives are at stake, that levy can be further discussed.”

Tundra bowed. “We thank the Hailstorm Temple for their generosity and wisdom.”

“It is nothing much. If you have time, Lord Fox, do come and visit Frosthail City. Our Sect Master heard many great things about you and would love to meet.” Tundra chuckled at Elder Jussa Joen’s invitation, but still clasped his hand together and bowed respectfully. 

“Ah, I wouldn’t dare impose on your hospitality. This much is already good enough for us.”

“Our master would love to exchange some alchemy tips, and perhaps, there may be something you could do for us.” The elder continued.

Tundra picked up on the hint, and naturally nodded.  “If the master so insists, I would naturally make the time.”

Elder Jussa of the Hailstorm Temple grinned. “Then we will wait for your good news. Speedy travels, and may your hunt be fruitful.”

***

It was fairly easy to find the fifth realm and sixth realm beasts. 

Tundra Fox sat at a corner while both Yavin and Julia attempted to wrestle victory from a mid fifth realm yin water spirit beast, a gigantic ice monkey. Yin water did not always express its form as ice, but it was common enough that most cultivators understood ice as yin-water. 

Both Yavin and Julia were well outfitted for the trip, they prepared a thorough set of earth elemental weapons and pills to counter strong-water elemental spirit beasts, and so they should find this battle advantageous. 

“They seem ready.” Tundra said to Severian who sat next to him.

“For?”

“Fifth.” Tundra repeated. “They should be made elders if they do ascend to the fifth.” 

Severian watched thoughtfully, before he answered. “Yes. They should. I do have concerns about Yavin’s recent interactions with the two young ladies.”

The regressor smiled. Yavin Redaxe took his suggestion and actually did go on a few dates with the two women of the Blackshore family, and surprisingly, seemed to actually enjoy a decent, relaxed interaction with the two ladies. Tundra thought it was a fairly positive development for him.

“Are we not giving the Blackshore family even more leverage?” Severian wondered. 

Tundra smiled. “Possible. If Yavin actually believes and obeys the command of his prospective father in law. But I reckon what will happen is the suspicions and tensions within the family will flare up, the rightful heir will feel threatened by such a powerful brother-in-law, and they wouldn’t dare do anything as we park more and more of their business assets under Yavin’s control.”

“And why would Yavin-” Severian said but then immediately realized the leverage Tundra had over the younger disciple. “I see. Yavin will be beholden to you for cultivation supplies that the Blackshore family can never be able to provide. You believe he would prefer to side with you, than side with his father in law or brother in law, because he would easily outlive them if he reaches into the fifth or sixth realm.” 

“Yes.” Tundra smiled. “A few thousand years could change a lot, but what is that?” 

“Easy for you to say.” Severian said with a chuckle. “And Julia?”

“I’d like to help three of our Core Disciples ascend to the fifth, or at least, pave the way for them to challenge the fifth’s tribulation.” 

“Three? Who-”

“Agnia.” Tundra said. “I should be able to once I break the 7th realm in a few more months.”

“Agnia.” Severian repeated as the rough winds and hailstorms battered their protective shieldings. “I suppose she would do well as an elder. She could assist me with my External Duties, her disposition is suited to it.”

“I think so too.” Tundra said. “Have I neglected any of the other core disciples?” 

The sect had 10 Core Disciples, 20 Inner Disciples, and Fifty Outer Disciples. After the recent recruitment efforts, the outer disciples increased to about sixty. Not all Core Disciples were as talented or experienced as the rest, but ultimately, Tundra thought they had a good selection of Core Disciples across all primary elemental attributes.

The elder thought for a moment, and shrugged. “Neglect is a difficult word to assess.”

“That it is.” Tundra agreed, his mind briefly thought about his children. What is neglect to one is another’s tough love. People were difficult in that way. As they say, a single type of rice feeds a thousand types of men.

The two Core Disciples worked hard. Battling a mid-fifth realm should be easily doable for the two. But the two Core Disciples fought many battles and they were both exhausted.

The Master of the Verdant Snow thought they did well, for their level. It took a while, but the exchange of moves eventually came to an end. Both Julia and Yavin successfully broke the ice monkey’s defenses, and Yavin’s burning fire claws pierced the beast’s chest, while Julia’s spear found itself right through the ice monkey’s skull. 

That should do it. A good hunt.

“Good job, both.” Tundra clapped his hand. “Let us harvest the body for parts.”

Over what was two weeks, they harvested a grand total of nineteen spirit beasts in the fifth realm or sixth realm. It was a successful hunt, and the group of four prepared to descend from the stormy mountains. 

***

Hailstorm Temple’s home was a fortress built into the walls of a gigantic mountain of ice. It’s walls and towers were carved out of ancient ice, apparently the ice has not thawed for the least sixteen thousand years, and Tundra could feel the powerful energy formations that protected the temple.

“Greetings, Lord Fox. A successful hunt?” Elder Jussa Joen of the Hailstorm Temple was already at the gates when they approached. Tundra’s presence was likely unmistakable, and they must have sensed his party approach a few days back.

Tundra clasped his hand and returned their greetings. “As successful as I hoped. I hope we are not imposing? If we are a nuisance, we do not mind if we come at a more opportune time.”

“Not at all. Our Master extended the invitation, how could we dare to consider your presence a nuisance?” Jussa said with a well practiced, shallow laughter. “Right this way, right this way. Our master is already eager to meet you.”

“Oh. Then I shall not keep him waiting.” Tundra said, and wondered what the old master of the Hailstorm wanted. He didn’t even remember meeting the old man in his first life, and if he was not mistaken, he died during some attack on the Hailstorm Temple. 

It was one of those fuzzy things that he wished he paid more attention to.

The Hailstorm Temple’s newer buildings were all carved out of the Mountain Ice, and then layered with a kind of cold-resistant wood and stone. As they passed the flashier buildings, the older buildings were all of a much humbler design. Made of weathered stone and simple wood, it was as if the place came from a time long long ago. 

Both Yavin and Julia looked around with probably a thousand questions they wanted to ask, but not a single one left their lips. It would be impolite. Not when one is barely a guest and has not even greeted the master of the sect.

Jussa Joen led them through, and even the paths changed from stone to dirt. 

Eventually, they reached a simple hut located at the corner of the temple, and led them through a simple wooden door.

Tundra immediately felt the effects of a spatial distortion as they walked through the door. Within the hut was a large, but simple receiving hall, where a skinny man with very plain features sat on the throne. 

“Sect Master, I present Lord Tundra Fox, Sect Master of the Verdant Snow, and his party, Sect Elder Lord Severian Grey, and the core Disciples Yavin Redaxe and Julia Silverpearl.”

The skinny man didn’t look old. Instead, he looked like a studious man in his late 30s. There were a few scrolls and books on his lap, which swiftly vanished into his spatial pouch. He stood, and smiled. 

“I’ve wanted to meet you for quite a while, Lord Tundra Fox.”

Tundra bowed. “Greetings Sect Master. How should we address you?”

“Ah. Yes. I sometimes go by the name Hugra Saljuk. Please, come closer and sit.”

“Greetings, Lord Saljuk.” Tundra responded, and his three subordinates followed suit. “I hope our presence has not disturbed your studies. We would be happy to sort out compensation for our stay these few days.”

Lord Saljuk laughed. “Ah, the formalities of a meeting between peers. Lord Fox, can I call you Tundra?”

Both Yavin and Julia glanced at each other, unsure how to conduct themselves. Was that an attempt to insult their sect master by speaking to him as if he was a junior?

But Tundra took no offense, and smiled. His patience for such odd behavior has only grown with experience. It was a small thing, when one takes a step back. “It is not an issue, Lord Saljuk. It is rare, and a great opportunity for my juniors, to meet one of the regional pillars.”

Hugra Saljuk stood, and then vanished. He was suddenly in front of Yavin Redaxe, and stared intently at Yavin. Tundra could feel Yavin’s heart freeze in fear, and how his skin turned pale. “Interesting dual elemental spirit root-” Lord Saljuk touched his own chin, as if thinking thoughtfully. “And yet none of the usual conflicts of elemental mixture. You are indeed an experienced teacher, Tundra.”

The Sect Master laughed. He estimated Lord Saljuk to be firmly in the mid 7th realm, just from that sudden ripples when he moved forward. “I do try my best.”

“My elder heard an interesting story from the grapevine.” Lord Saljuk said, and he was suddenly back in his own chair. “It seems to claim you were there when the cultists attacked the Scarlet Thunder Sect.”

Severian tried his best not to react. Both Yavin and Julia were not aware of their master’s movement during that time, so this came as news to them as well. 

Tundra nodded, and inwardly he prepared for a response. He immediately weighed the possibility that Hugra Saljuk was a Zuja agent. “Yes I was.”

“Then you must have felt them. Those who worship the bug god.” Tundra felt an intense, studying stare. Hugra Saljuk was using every single of his senses on him. 

The room felt chilly, and at that moment, the two core disciples shivered. Their clothes suddenly felt hard as ice, as the weight of Lord Saljuk’s presence pressed against Tundra’s own.

It was probably just a few seconds, but already the two core disciples felt they should excuse themselves.

“Yes.” Tundra said calmly, and judged that Hugra Saljuk was likely to be friendly. The probing question was serious, and he sensed the Lord’s intent to launch an attack. Tundra was fairly certain he wouldn’t lose. “They might be behind it.”

“What did they take?” The question that came after was icy.

“A reality-bending spear of unknown origin.” Tundra answered not by speech, but by a spiritual transmission directed to Lord Hugra Saljuk’s mind. He could block it, but he didn’t. 

The oppressive presence vanished instantly, and Tundra smiled. “Did you get what you wanted, Lord Saljuk?”

“Yes.” Lord Hugra Saljuk flashed a large smile. “The Whispering Man deserves a good pay for this bit of news.”

“I do find myself a little worried.” Tundra wondered who else would know of this.

“Do not. All the agents that were aware of this incident have retired.” Saljuk said with a hint of sadness. Tundra stared at Severian, and realized Lord Hugra Saljuk was probably one of the big shots within the Whispering Man. “But no matter, no matter. Please, feel free to get to know my people. They are friendly, and some may even follow you home.”

Tundra chuckled at the offer. “I’m full.”

“You may be, but how about you, Lord Grey? I hear you are also single. For an elder in the fifth realm, it would do good for our society if you pass on your good, talented blood to the next generation.”

Severian clasped respectfully. “I am content with my state, Lord Saljuk.”

“Ah well.” Lord Saljuk laughed and looked at the Core Disciples. “Well, Jussa, maybe we can organize a small session for our Core Disciples to trade pointers with our two young guests?”

Jussa Joen clapped his hands cheerfully. “That is an excellent idea. I shall organize it immediately.”

Julia and Yavin glanced at each other and wondered what they'd walked into. They then glanced at Tundra, their eyes pleading him for his assistance.

The Regressor Sect Master chuckled. “If our guests want to trade pointers, then my two juniors, you should try your best to entertain them.”

They gulped. 

Lord Saljuk suddenly appeared next to Tundra with multiple bottles of wine. “Do you drink, Tundra? While the young ones get some fire in their blood, perhaps we old folks should chat, privately.”

Tundra glanced at Severian. It’s likely no harm would come to them. “Severian, do you mind looking after our two juniors?

“Leave it to me.” 

Lord Saljuk grinned. “Come, I have somewhere nice where we can drink and talk.”