Book 4. Chapter 12: Yin Yang Body Tempering

Book 4. Chapter 12: Yin Yang Body Tempering

Fhesiah asked Ophelia, Why are you so shy, sister? Youre among your sisters and husband here. Were all sleeping with Jake bar one of us so far, though not often together. Youre always reading those novels, besides. That line probably already appeared word for word in one of your books.

Ophelia was still blushing. Its just, I like that to be private! A-And, when Im ready for it, is all! I wasnt ready, I thought I was reading about some mysterious technique.

Fhesiah smirked at Ophelias plight. It is a mysterious technique! Needed a bath and some chocolates, maybe a margarita or some wine first, is it?

Ophelia was horrified. You promised you dont watch!

Fhesiah rolled her eyes. I dont. Why are you embarrassed when you all but put a neon flashing sign on your door when you start your ritual? You have nothing to be ashamed of. Anyway, yes, it is called a Dual Cultivation technique. This would serve a dual purpose, as I would read and memorize the Yin-Yang body refinement technique before Jake uses the item on it, allowing me to understand and use it for myself. At a minimum, I know that this should be possible to practice with him as-is, thanks to his Hearth Core.

Jake looked over it. But this Yin-Yang technique isnt a Framework technique but a cultivator one, were sure the evolution array can personalize it for me?

Fhesiah looked a little doubtful. The array says it can work on nearly anything, even a blacksmithing manual. I know its a risk, but it should be worth it. I already have proof that the Framework can aid and create techniques that work for cultivators, so I think theres a good chance. If it doesnt work, the array will refuse it, allowing it to be used on something else. This Epic+ store is a temporary opportunity. We cant be sure it will be available when we retake the other HQ.

Ophelia looked at the information again. She then looked at Fhesiah with a little doubt, This doesnt make much sense, though. How could this dual cultivation create energy? We know that something cant really come from nothing, this sounds like some kind of infinite energy machine, and it is a little too convenient.

Fhesiah smiled. It is, isnt it? To understand it, we need to take a step back. Cultivation is not just shoving all the Qi or energy you can get into the body; it is not merely finding the densest area with Qi and sitting in it. It is grasping the heavens and taking it for yourself, merging your own body with the heavens. Using cultivation techniques, the energy is pulled in from the surrounding area, and slowly adding it to your body and dantian safely. Taking it for yourself and taking it for your own changes the energy slightly.

She continued, There is a limit to how much one can grasp in a short time, and those most talented or having the best affinity can capture more for themselves. Too much Qi in your body that you havent grasped can actually tear your body and dantian apart. There is a limit to how much you can push energy inside, your body and dantian eventually becoming full and unable to take more on.

Jake thought he was following along. He understood some of this from what Fhesiah had taught him or read and learned about cultivation in general. Of course, he had researched what one of his wives did, to better be able to understand or aid her where she needed.

Fhesiah smiled at Jake, before she continued, Understanding all that, in too long, didnt read terms: dual cultivation aids in grasping more Qi in a shorter period. It does that in various ways, depending on the technique. The primary driver of most techniques is that men have more yang energy, and women have more yin energy, in general. By men and women meeting, yin and yang meet, and the result of that the two energies clash and create something new. The result is simply easier for one to grasp, and merge with themselves. You can say that in some way, it filters large amounts of Qi, enough to be dangerous. But by two working together, it relieves the burden on one. The end result allows both to grasp more of the heavens.

Ophelia looked dubious. But you already have both yin and yang energy. Your dragon form is yang, isnt it?

Tanda looked like she finally understood something. Ohhhh! Is that why you feel like one of my clan uncles?

Fhesiahs eyes narrowed at Tanda. Just what are you trying to say? In the end, I have yang dragon flames, the power of creation. But I am still a woman, my bloodline energies only being a part of my whole. Most intelligent beings have both energies, but I simply have a different balance than most women. Men can still cultivate yin energy as well, it is just less common. They usually have better affinities for yang than yin, but there are always exceptions.

Jake looked further over the details of the technique as it was. He said, So then, the hope would be that at a minimum, you and I can practice this to improve your body, making it more resilient? Then, if this item personalizes it better for me, it might have similar results for me, or we can combine them? But arent you already sturdy?

She gave a proud smile. I am. But this would be even more so, and it has the benefit of improving my control of the two energies in question: my Yang Dragon flames, and my Yin Kitsune flames. Once again: its a dual benefit. It might even aid in growing your core while you temper my body, but its hard to say until we practice it. Theres also that it would normally be time-consuming, even if it is enjoyable. Thats why Im not overly interested in it on its own. Not only is it too expensive for only myself, but there are other options for me.

She showed a few items in the menu, Jake looking on in interest.

She continued, I need a large assortment of pills and treasures to refine either of my bloodlines further, then, treasures to form my core. The truth is, while this Epic+ Store is a huge windfall, I am a bit worried. I require so much to excel or strive for near-perfection this time around, that without some help, it could be years before I am ready for [Core Formation]. I know that even with the [Raid] giving massive rewards, its entirely likely I may need to enter a [Battleground], to get everything I need.

Jake looked over some of the items that were odd yin or yang treasures. He said, But the body tempering technique doesnt help with that, does it?

She smiled. It does. Even if the created technique doesnt help me as much as I hope, this one should move me forward, leaving me to just need to focus on treasures for [Core Formation], which the [Raid] should handle quite well. Because its compatible with my bloodlines, it should be able to aid in refining them somewhat. Combined with personal efforts, itll be enough. She smiled even wider, as she looked at Bloodberri. I can look forward to Blood and Berri to help with this.

Jake rolled his eyes, nearly laughing at her shamelessness. Oh really. How can they help?

She snorted. They have Yin and Yang energies too. They are the embodiment of chaos! Looking at it like that, Ophelia and Tanda are also compatible: together. This is why I have hope for the technique when you use it. The goddesses might influence it, making it even more special. I cant wait to see what happens!

Ophelia and Tanda looked at each other and blushed at the implications.

Berri was more than on board, and she hugged Jake and Fhesiah at the same time. You mean I might be able to make Jake stronger by breeding? Wow, it gives us even more reasons to do it now! Lets do it! Buy it now! Lets try it now!

Fhesiah hugged her back. Yes! We should level up all the time!

Ophelia groaned. This again? I can see theres a lot of merit in this, as of course Jake becoming stronger is something we all desire. But it feels like a bit of a gamble. That only leaves us with only 60,000 CP. We can only afford one top-tier piece of equipment, similar to what we have. Can we at least look at any other options, that could increase our overall strength?

Everyone looked thoughtful, looking over the potential purchases, for skills or abilities that would work well to improve their overall power as a team, other than a singular mythic level equipment item. Of course, this appeared valuable for Ophelia, but while her equipment failed, it was only middle-Tier materials. They should now have the skills and funds for her to make something closer to the peak of their Tier on their own.

Ophelia sighed. I guess I dont really see any other way to spend 100,000 and get a larger improvement to the overall team. Jake already has Champions armor and weapon, so that just leaves a shield for him. Of course, I am desiring a better weapon and armor too. Theres a lot more trade skill books that are rare, and I see one that might help us with energy control, but I think we can learn that on our own.

Blood nodded. It is true. We can buy or eventually craft milord a shield, if we have better materials and skills. We can do the same for you, an upgraded armor or weapon, but that wont make his body sturdy, or improve Fhesiahs effectiveness. I feel like this is a stronger path. So, what shall we do with the remainder?

Tanda said, I dont see much that I feel would make a significant difference. Ophelia got hurt as her armor and weapon were lacking, maybe thats what we can get for the main item? But what else?

Ophelia smiled at Tanda. Thanks for thinking of me, but I think thats a bit of a waste if were not all covered, as you are also missing viable armor for the peak of our Tier. I think that we should see this as part of the main preparations for the Raid, even if its not any time soon. It might be the last chance we have to purchase anything that might help progress ourselves.

She continued, We should buy rare crafting materials such as monster corpses, as I think they are quite cost-effective. Then, books that help us move forward in our respective crafts. No spell or skill books, unless there is something truly missing, or something that can be shared, as we can learn the skills we want on our own with time. Something that will earn us all [Energy Control] like Fhesiah could pay dividends, as now thanks to our Hearths, we all have different energies to deal with.

Jake said, We got a bit sidetracked. So, Im choosing the Fusion Ascension choice?

Berri nodded, and clasped her hands together over her chest. Yes! The baby move and the breeding move, lets do it!

Ophelia sighed. When you put it like that, I really feel like Ive lost something? Still, the body tempering technique, if it comes through, will make your body as strong as armor by itself, and itd be the same for Fhesiah. It may even improve us girls, if were lucky. Then, I suppose I was mostly on the side of the armaments, but it was close, anyway. They both appear to be good choices.

Tanda nodded. I was interested in the freedom of the armaments, but Ill have to trust my new family and Tribe to handle it.

Jake selected [Fusion Ascension] from his menu, selecting the specialization. For now, he gained the [Fusion Spell] skill. He frowned at the requirements for the skill, as it looked like it would be a challenge to activate successfully. He probed the ability, trying to make the spell function by pushing it to each of the girls.

Feeling out each of them, he thought the spell reacted more with Ophelia than anyone else, and Tanda was clearly the least, not yet having a hearth bond. Looking closer, he saw that Ophelia reached level 3 in her bond.

Perhaps, it would require an even higher level than that to be successful, or they just needed to be in the right mental state. They would try it further over the coming weeks.

Tanda interrupted Jakes thoughts. Ophelia was talking about us grabbing trade skill books, but I dont know what I want to do for my craft.

Berri said, Oh! We should ask book lady for help! She probably knows lots of options. Plus, it would be a waste to buy anything, if she already knows it!

Jake nodded, remembering he would have to make her a new necklace, besides. Her name is Amara, Berri. Their crafters may know about things that are rare, or might interest them. They likely can tutor us on a few things.

Blood sighed. She knew her name, she just gets too excited. We can speak with them now? They dont sleep, after all.

Jake gave a tired sigh. Their meeting with Morwen and Yiming would be in the morning, and he was beat. His body had energy, but he could use a break, he had been running on no sleep for most of the last week. All his girls worked really hard this past week, and they could all use some rest. Jake didnt even feel like cooking, and that said a lot.

Jake sent a message to Valtor, letting him know he wanted his advice tomorrow. He sent as much information about themselves as he could in a short message. He hoped that linking the store and skill sheets was enough for him to be able to peruse it.

Otherwise, Valtor should have enough information to understand what Jake and his party wanted, to meet after the meeting with Alliance members.

Jake said, Theres only one item I think I want aside from all that. He shared the item, [Fragment of Ancient Stellar Void] over their menus.

Ophelia smiled. For Ira? Its true, it looks like Ira could use that. For 5,000 CP, it seems a bargain. Hopefully this will help them advance?

Fhesiah nodded. I think that is a perfect purchase, for our little guardian. Well deserved.

Jake went ahead and purchased the item, and took it out from his storage bracelet. It was in a strange box similar to jewelry but with magical properties, likely to contain the special item. When Jake opened the box, Ira stirred, and Jake could feel the longing.

This is for you, Ira. I could feel how down and angry you were about being unable to influence our fight in a meaningful way. Hopefully, this will help you grow, and change that.

Jake could feel Ira was thankful, and they seemed to stare at Jake in question, sending a flurry of emotions. Jake could hardly understand, so he asked for clarification.

You need some time to eat this? You can take some time off being a guardian if thats what it takes. Well miss you, but well work around it.

He received a mental nod from the creature, and Ira immediately wrapped themselves around it. Jake felt an odd energy build up, and then a black crystal formed in front of the Hearth.

Fhesiah scanned it with her divine sense. How curious. Despite the crystal being so small, I have a hard time seeing all the way through it. Space is warped, inside.

Berri said, No, dont tell her!

Tanda looked at Berri, then back at Ophelia with a frown. My friend?

Ophelia said, Your tail. It wags when youre going to win.

Tanda looked at her tail as if it betrayed her. She growled. This again! Im going to get you under control, if its the last thing I do!

Ophelia shrugged. You could just not look at your cards, you know.

Berri said, Ophelia, you ruined it! Well, at least I get my game of baseball. Thats what I want, youll play with me later when we have time!

Tanda said, Whats baseball? And no! I refuse to not look at my cards, and to not get this tail under control!

Its the best sport ever! Ill teach you. But thats my order as queen maid, or whatever. Lets play again, Blood needs to get Jake to play snowball fighting with us!

Jake shook his head. He was sure they were going to do that soon enough, even without the game.

They continued playing and snacking, and eventually Tanda was holding two cards once more, this time with Jake trying to grab one. She filled her tail with auril, her face betraying nothing. Jake reached for each card, and the tail didnt move, her just staring at Jake. Jake shrugged, and grabbed one.

He completed his pair, Tanda once again losing. Nooo! Well, at least I did it! Right?

Jake chuckled. You did, you kept your tail under control and betrayed nothing. But it was still just 50-50.

Fhesiah said, It looks like I get to order Tanda this time around. Hmm How about you sleep with the rest of us tonight? You might have anyway, but if youre willing, you can share sleeping in the same bed with us. We camped out a few times together, and Im sure with us all surviving that deathly combat, thats what Jake will want to do. Us girls are of the same mind. If youre not comfortable with that, then you can eat one of Jakes spicy wings.

Oh, I like that anyway! My dad always slept with all his mates. Whats a spicy wing?

Fhesiah retrieved one from her storage bracelet, her always having some available, apparently. It was heated up with her flame, to become steaming in but a moment.

Now, this one for me is a medium, but

Tanda snatched it and sniffed it. This smells really good! Ill eat this! Whys this your order, or penalty game?

Ophelia said, Its spicy. You should take care

She took a bite, chewing on it. Mm, this is good!

Fhesiah smiled. It takes a moment.

Tandas face heated up, sweat starting to come out of her pores, as her eyes widened. Wha-Whats going on? It burns! Why is the food hurting me?

She began clawing at her tongue as she stuck it out, but then she filled herself with auril, as her fighting instincts kicked in. The energy covered and protected her pain receptors, pushing away the particles of spiciness.

Tanda relaxed, and looked at the remains of the wing with a hurt look. It was so good, but then it hurt me. How can it do that?

Blood said, Most mammals are not good with spicy food. I wonder if its like that for you? Still, you get used to it over time. Perhaps not as much as her, though. Fhesiahs medium is more a death to humans level.

Fhesiah frowned as she also enjoyed one. These are already getting closer to a mild level for me. I have to remove heavenly energy from my tongue now to even feel the burn, and that is becoming less and less possible, my body merging with the heavens. I dont think Ill be able to enjoy it at the same levels once I create my [Cultivators Core].

She smiled at Tanda. But that was fun for all sorts of reasons, youre such a good sport, Tanda.

Tanda looked at the wing sadly. Maybe, I can try one less spicy?

Jake nodded. Definitely. Ill be happy to make you some another time.

Tanda brightened, and she looked over at the gaming table and all the cards. This was a lot of fun! You really play like this all the time?

Ophelia said, We do. What do your people do? You have such big families!

Tanda smiled. That depends. Most avian beastkin like to sing and dance, but of course taking care of the many little ones takes a lot of effort, to keep them entertained. Others rough-house, some do clan-related tasks and training, but we definitely like to play games!

Berri said, I want to see the kids dance and sing! The ones in Kenwodi mostly play or fight.

Tanda nodded. A lot of us like to do different things! Thats part of what goes into forming clans. Some beast parentage favor certain things, but we are quite diverse. Im glad I can have fun together like this.

Tanda smiled. Because none could beat me in a courtship duel, I was afraid that I would have to compromise and accept the first male that could. Instead, my heart sings with joy at the fun we have together. Not only is my mate strong, but his mates are strong too, working as one to protect the balance. How we will do that might be a little different than I had pictured, but I know in my heart this is what was needed.

Jake said, Were happy to have you with us, Tanda. I know were going to save Highlands, and keep it safe. Well fight hard to make it so.

Tanda looked over to Ophelia, then back to Jake. Yeah. Our family is strong, and were going to defeat this evil. Im really glad that we can have so much fun, too.

The family cleaned up and got ready for bed, the girls getting in their comfortable sleepwear. Fhesiah wore a red silk nightgown that was purposefully not too tantalizing, while Ophelia wore some cute blue polka-dotted pajamas that buttoned up.

They covered her from neck to foot, as she often did, as she liked to be warmer than Jake. He always just wore a tank top and his boxers to bed.

Bloodberri loved to wear a giant cute onesie that was like a giant sock for her snake body, when it was time for sleep. Today, the top was definitely a dog with floppy ears on top of her head, and Jake wondered how a beastkin might feel of her dressing up as an anthropomorphic dog.

Underneath was always some sexy lingerie, making her have the odd combination of children's pajamas and adult playtime, though Jake wouldnt be seeing that tonight. The end of her snake body actually had little dog feet and tail, like she was some kind of dachshund.

Tanda arrived, as it appeared Ophelia loaned her one of her pajamas. She looked at Bloodberri in interest.

It looks like youre wearing Some kind of dog beastkin with heavy beast blood clothing? Thats cute!

Berri smiled. Yes, Im a big fan of doggies! Im like a snake dog tonight. Arf Arf! Her body came closer to Tanda and rose up into the air, towering over Tanda with her massive body.

Tanda stumbled back a little, and laughed awkwardly. Her eyes grew big. Y-Yeah, like a giantsnakedog

Jake chuckled. Sometimes her size really throws you off. She does her best to maintain distance to keep herself from feeling menacing, but sometimes it hits you.

Tanda said, Some of my uncles can be pretty big, like you met Seamus. But sheseven bigger

Aww, Tanda! Id never let my body hurt you. Cmere!

Berri lowered herself, and was motioning for Tanda to give her a hug. She did, and Berri wrapped her arms around Tanda. Her face was covered in her chest, and Jake could see a smile on both girls faces.

Ophelia was fluffing a few extra pillows on Jakes bed, and Fhesiah was floating in the air laying down, waiting for everyone to get situated.

Jake lay down in the middle, Ophelia laying down to his right. Jake was surprised when Tanda flew into his other side, with a wide smile on her face. Fhesiah laid down behind Ophelia, giving her a hug at the same time.

Berri wrapped her tail around the bed more than once, but lay her upper body next to Tanda on the other side.

You dont mind, do you, sister?

Tanda smiled. No! This is fun. Its really like when I was growing up! Me and my brothers and sisters would often sleep in a large bed, or more like a large bedding. We kept each other warm!

Her tail was wagging, which brushed against Berris chest.

Berri said, Your tail tickles! Its like a feather duster.

Jake smiled, and let his left arm wrap around Tanda. She hugged onto him and said, Your bodys so warm! I like it.

The five of them enjoyed being close to one another, and eventually drifted off to sleep.