*temp notmet_Ruo true *temp notmet_Jing true *temp notmet_Tigress true *page_break New Day.... *if (mc_health < mc_health_total) or (mc_stamina != 0) The special tonic Uncle Tao gave you allows you to be fully healed and rested. *set mc_stamina 0 *set mc_health mc_health_total *stat_chart percent round(((mc_health/mc_health_total)*100)) Health percent round(mc_stamina) Exhaustion As you stand underneath a tall tree that shields your vision from the ruthlessly bright sunlight, you can't help but sigh. This morning hasn't been off to a good start. The speech Uncle Tao gave you after waking up and its implications still ring clear in your mind. [i]In a few hours, your position will transform. From a prominent ${YM} of a Great Clan to a lowly, inconsequential disciple of a sect. And lowly disciples are not protected by Xiantian — so, you won't be either. I will not let seniors and old monsters of Jianghu bully you, but your own problems will be yours to solve.[/i] You haven't seen him since. Neither at breakfast nor when it was time to set off — the old man has disappeared without a trace. You wonder if his earlier words have merely been a ruse to make you more self-reliant. If he's actually here, hiding somewhere where your mortal sight cannot notice him… And yet, as your eyes dart around in a fruitless search for his stooped figure, you realize how naive and foolish such a notion is. You are alone. Left in an unfamiliar place, with unfamiliar people, forced to traverse an unknown road leading to an uncertain future. Without your servants, without your home, you feel lost. [i]Scared[/i]. Taking a deep breath, you shake your head and steel your resolve. Weak thoughts must remain in your past — from now on, you must be strong. Both in body and in mind. You look around. So many hopes and dreams, aspirations, and ambitions gathered in a single crowd of young men and women. They are about the same age as you — nineteen, the youngest a person can be to enroll into the sect — and almost all of them originate, without a doubt, from noble heritages. Divided into groups, they chat and banter. Yet, underneath the friendly conversations, all of them nervously wait for the Sect Envoy to come down and decide their fates. *label meetings *page_break Continue *if (((notmet_Ruo) or (notmet_Jing)) or (notmet_Tigress)) You should approach somebody — it's impossible to have too much friends, after all. *choice *selectable_if (notmet_Ruo) #Approach the biggest group of nobles. *set notmet_Ruo false [[b]Tang Ruo[/b] added to [b]Character Glossary[/b]] *set characters_4_opinion 50 "I've long heard of Prince Ruo's illustrious name. It's an honor to finally meet you in person." — you say as you walk towards the group, with the pleasantest smile adorning your face. Dozens of nobles turn their attention onto you. You feel their judging gazes. They appraise you, evaluate whether or not you belong in their circle of elites. Some recognize you — perhaps their parents showed them portraits of all Great Clan's descendants to avoid troubles caused by ignorance — and nod their heads, others see your clothes *if mc_equipped_robe = 1 — the expensive and striking robe your father has gifted you — *else — your inconspicuous and plain, but of good quality robe — and accept your presence. It's funny how with condescension towards lesser people almost fused into their blood, nobles themselves tend to gravitate towards those of higher ranks and status like moths to an open flame. Of course, you can't really blame them this time: the current heir to the Celestial Throne, a genius hailing from the imperial dynasty makes quite an eye-catching figure. Especially when he sits upon a flying sword. Cross-legged, he floats in the air on a broad — but nowhere near wide enough to carry a human without its magical properties — blade. His sharp brows and thin lips are relaxed and peaceful: the event so stressful for many does not worry him in the slightest. The sun itself dares not to blemish his skin with a tan, leaving it pale and perfect. Tang Ruo, hearing your voice, lazily opens his before-closed eyes. Their violet glow almost bewilders you, but the obvious disdain contained in his pupils breaks the spell. He doesn't utter a word, just stares at you in scorn. *temp beauty_name "handsome" *if mc_sex = 1 *set beauty_name "beautiful" *choice #Stare back at him. *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 4 2 "+" *gosub_scene subroutines change_personality 2 "arrogant" "+" So what if he's an imperial prince? So what if he's said to be unmatched amongst your generation? You are Wu ${mc_name} and you are not inferior! You stare back, without flinching. The pressure of his paramount majesty and the intensity of your innate pride collide, almost causing sparks to appear due to neither side backing down from the clash of gazes. A few seconds having passed, his disinterested expression morphs into a surprised one. "Oh?" — he exclaims with a barely visible smirk — "Interesting." With that, his lids once again obscure his eyes. You discover an intense desire to introduce your fists to his pretty face — but now is neither the time nor the place, So, you snort and walk away. #Bow down you head. *gosub_scene subroutines change_personality 3 "arrogant" "-" The status of an imperial prince supersedes yours — it's only natural for you to show him his due respect. You avoid his stare and lower your head. When you raise it back, the prince has obscured his eyes underneath his lids again. His face displays his disinterest: your humility bores him. The people around you show knowing expressions and you understand that such a reaction is normal for the prince: in his eyes, he has no equals. Not knowing what else to do, you decide to walk away. #"Am I so ${beauty_name} that the Prince has lost his tongue?" @{(tooltip) [b][CHR][/b] |} Tang Ruo looks you over, scanning your body without shame or restraint. *if (mc_trait_3) [b][i]Good-Looking … ✅[/i][/b] *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "chr" 6 *if (stat_check) *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 4 2 "+" He likes what he sees: his disinterest soon morphs into lasciviousness. "True beauty." — he grins — "Say, how about becoming my concubine? I will not treat you badly." You giggle, but shake your head in response. "The Prince is too forward. Who suggests such things at the first meeting?" *if mc_sex = 0 *set beauty_name "Hero" *else *set beauty_name "Fairy" "Then this Prince will propose ${beauty_name} ${mc_name} again at the next one. I will not accept the same excuse." With that, his lids obscure his eyes. His expression changes back to indifference, causing you to press your lips together in annoyance. You decide to walk away. *else *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 4 1 "+" "You have potential." — he says — "But you have a long way to go before I allow you to become my concubine." "Huh?" — your mouth hangs open from shock and you freeze. You've considered yourself [i]good-looking[/] your whole life and so at first you believe that the prince mocks you: yet, his expression is as sincere as it can be. He truly doesn't consider you to be attractive enough to warrant his interest. "I may consider you if you make an effort to better your appearance. Go on and do that." — he, with a wave of his hand, chases you away. His lids once again obscure his eyes and you discover an intense desire to introduce your fists to his pretty face. Now is neither the time nor the place, sadly. You snort and walk away. *else [b][i]Good-Looking … ❌ [/i][/b] *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 4 1 "-" "You are too ugly to make such jokes." "Huh?" — your mouth hangs open from shock and you freeze. Who does he think he is, to be so rude without reason? "Go away. Don't speak to me." His lids once again obscure his eyes and you discover an intense desire to introduce your fists to his pretty face. Now is neither the time nor the place, however. You snort and walk away. #"Do all the Tangs not know basic etiquette?" *gosub_scene subroutines change_personality 2 "impulsive" "+" *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 4 3 "-" All the nobles nearby become quiet in an instant, in anticipation of a good show caused by your provocation. Indeed, your jab does not go unnoticed: Tang Ruo doesn't bother mincing words, instead directing the sword underneath his feet straight at you. It flies forward fast and you're sure an Artifact of this grade will pierce through you with the same ease it would tear a piece of paper. What do you do? *choice #Call his bluff. *gosub_scene subroutines change_personality 2 "arrogant" "+" As the sword comes closer, you do not fret. In fact, you even clasp the hands behind your back as you wait for it to arrive. Ten feet away from you. Eight, five, three, one… When just a few inches separate you from certain death and you figure that, perhaps, Tang Ruo wasn't bluffing, the blade stops. It hangs menacingly, a single thrust away from claiming your life, but it doesn't actually strike. The Prince stands on top of the sword, his expression still as cold and as calm, but hostile now too. "Pray to get eliminated before I face you in the tourney." — he says, turning around and floating away. "I'm [i]shaaaking[/i] in fear." — you laugh, not paying any heed to his empty threats. Tang Ruo freezes in place and clenches his fists, but then, as if deciding something inside his head, relaxes and snorts. "I'll see what song you'll sing after I'm done with you." *set history history&"prologue_offended_TangRuo|" You chuckle and decide to leave. #Evade the sword. @{(tooltip) [b][AGI][/b] |} *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "agi" 4 *if (stat_check) You jump to the side, by a thin hair avoiding the blade that would've cut you in two. "Are you mad?!" — you yell, your heart beating like a drum. But the fear for your life soon gives birth to anger as you almost challenge him to duel. The threat of that damnable sword, however, forces you to keep your emotions in check. "Insult my clan again and see what happens." — Tang Ruo says, not bothering to even face you. You discover an intense desire to introduce your fists to his pretty face — but now is neither the time nor the place, So, you snort and walk away. *else You try to jump to the side, but stumble and fall down instead — an immobile target ripe for the picking. *label incoming_sword_horror You watch in horror as the sword comes closer and closer, without losing speed. You close your eyes by instinct, which enhances the sound of your beating like a drum heart. The expected pain doesn't come. Did you die in an instant? Hesitant, you open your eyes and see the sword halted an inch away from your forehead, that inch being the difference between your life and death. "Insult my clan again and see what happens." — Tang Ruo says, turning around and floating away. You breathe out in relief, stand up and decide to walk away as far as you can from the quick-to-anger prince. #Beg for mercy. *gosub_scene subroutines change_personality 2 "arrogant" "-" Your insult might have been too much — martial artists take matters of face and reputation with extreme seriousness. As the sword comes closer, you step back and raise your hands in the air. "I'm sorry, Prince Ruo." — you say, but the incoming blade couldn't care less about your apology. It creeps closer and closer, foot by foot… *goto incoming_sword_horror *if (characters_3_opinion <= 100) *selectable_if (notmet_Jing) #Find Jing Guo. *label meeting_jingguo *set notmet_Jing false *if characters_3_opinion <= 100 You scan the crowd in search of the person you met last night — the minor noble surnamed Jing — and it doesn't take you long to find him. He, alongside a bunch of others, drinks the worry about the future away with strong wine. Their group, despite only consisting of about a dozen people, is certainly the loudest: their boisterous laughter rings out through the whole meadow. As you make your way towards them, Jing Guo notices you. *gosub_scene cslib_string find history "prologue_jingguo_gave_room|" *if cslib_ret > 0 He smiles and gives you a welcoming wave. "Guys, look." — he addresses the nobles around him — "This is the new friend I've been telling you about, ${YM} of the Wu Clan. $!{pronoun_1} was kind enough to lent me a room after buying out the whole inn." You see the nobles giving you nods of respect, though you are not sure whether due to your generosity or financial ability. "It was nothing, Brother Guo. Spare the kind words." Jing Guo raises his cup in the air. "Come, drink with us!" *label drink_jingguo *choice #Drink with them. *gosub_scene subroutines change_personality 1 "indulgent" "+" *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 3 2 "+" So what if one of the most important events in your life may start any second now? You shouldn't deny yourself the finer pleasures in life for such a minor reason. Your spatial ring flashes and a cup appears. Jing Guo pours you the wine, filling your goblet to the rim. "Chug!" — some noble shouts and his suggestion spreads like a wildfire as the whole group chants the same phrase — "Chug! Chug!" *choice #Chug it. @{(tooltip) [b][VIT][/b] |} *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 3 1 "+" *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "vit" 2 *if (stat_check) You down the drink in a single gulp, rallying applause of the people around. "That's our ${polite_address} ${mc_name}! Ahahah! — Jing Guo exclaims — "Say, want to play a game with us?" "What game?" *label shell_game "Ever heard of the Three Cups and a Coin?" *fake_choice #Yes. #No. "We'll take three cups and place a gold coin underneath them. The host will then rotate the cups and you will have to guess where the coin has ended up." "Sounds easy enough." — you nod. *label shell_game_bet *temp shell_bet 0 *temp won_first false *temp sexname "man" *if mc_sex = 1 *set sexname "woman" "Great. How much are you willing to bet?" *label bad_bet *choice #5.000 Gold. @{(tooltip) [b][INSIGHT][/b] |} *set shell_bet 5000 "I see that ${polite_address} ${mc_name} is a kindred spirit — we both share a love for high-risk bets." — laughs Jing Guo — #2.500 Gold. @{(tooltip) [b][INSIGHT][/b] |} *set shell_bet 2500 "Not bad, not bad at all. I see that ${polite_address} ${mc_name} does not shy away from risk." — says Jing Guo — #1.000 Gold. @{(tooltip) [b][INSIGHT][/b] |} *set shell_bet 1000 "Well, I see that ${polite_address} ${mc_name} is not much of a betting ${sexname}. At least you have the spirit." — says Jing Guo — #500 Gold. @{(tooltip) [b][INSIGHT][/b] |} *set shell_bet 500 "I guess this bet will suffice… Still, you disappoint me with such a low amount, ${polite_address} ${mc_name}." — says Jing Guo — *selectable_if (shell_bet != 100) #100 Gold. @{(tooltip) [b][INSIGHT][/b] |} *set shell_bet 100 "Come on, ${polite_address} ${mc_name}. You insult me with such a meager bet." — Jing Guo retorts — "Pick a bigger one." *goto bad_bet "Follow my hands closely. Or gift all this money to me, I won't refuse." Jing Guo produces three cups from his ring and puts a coin under the central one. Then, he starts shuffling — and his speed leaves you in awe. This is far from the first time he's done something like this. While you try and follow the cups, Jing Guo, without halting his movements, stares at you with a smirk and speaks. "${YM}, what happened between you and He Gang? I once drunk with him, and he told me you were the most 'obnoxious little shit' he ever met." *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "per" 3 *if (stat_check) You don't let his words distract you: still focused and concentrated, you're sure the coin is underneath the left cup. "Tell He Gang he's welcome to repeat those words to my face if he has the guts." Jing Guo chuckles. *else His words distract you and, for a second, you lose the track of the coin. But that brief moment is enough for you to never find it again. You will have to guess. "So, where is the coin, ${polite_address} ${mc_name}?" *choice #Not in the cup. Jing Guo cheated. *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 3 1 "-" Jing Guo frowns. "You shouldn't make such vile accusations without being sure, ${polite_address} ${mc_name}." — he lifts the left cup and there it is, the circular piece of gold sparkling due to the rays of the sun. #Left cup. Jing Guo brows rise up in surprise. He lifts the cup and there it is, the circular piece of gold sparkling due to the rays of the sun. "You must have played before.." — he huffs, but you just grin mysteriously in response. *set won_first true #Central cup. Jing Guo grins and lifts the cup — it's empty underneath. "Such bad luck, ${polite_address} ${mc_name}." — Jing Guo sighs in the most melodramatic, fake way you've seen somebody sigh — #Right cup. Jing Guo grins and lifts the cup — it's empty underneath. "Such bad luck, ${polite_address} ${mc_name}." — Jing Guo sighs in the most melodramatic, fake way you've seen somebody sigh — "How about double or nothing, ${YM}?" *choice #"Let's do it. But don't try to distract me again." @{(tooltip) [b][INSIGHT][/b] |} *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 3 1 "+" "Of course, of course, I promise no foul play." He shuffles the cups again and this time, the coin becomes even tougher to trace. *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "per" 5 *if (stat_check) But not tough enough to escape your watchful gaze. You observe Jing Guo's hands like an hawk and, at one point, you catch him raising the cup and slipping the coin into his sleeve. *else You already had trouble observing Jing Guo's actions before, now you don't even bother. You will have to guess. *set shell_bet *2 "Think you know where it is, ${YM} ${mc_name}?" *fake_choice #Not in the cup. Jing Guo cheated. Jing Guo pales and hesitates, but then just sheepishly scratches his head. "I'm sorry ${polite_address} ${mc_name}. I don't know what came over me and hope you can forgive me." He hands you over a pouch filled with gold. You take it, roll your eyes at his trickery and say your farewell. [b]Gold +${shell_bet}[/b] *set mc_gold +shell_bet *goto meetings #Left cup. #Central cup. #Right cup. Jing Guo laughs and shows you an empty cup. "It seems I just grew ${shell_bet} gold richer!" — exults Jing Guo. You hand him a pouch filled with gold and notice a hint of deceit flicker in his proud expression. It is is too late to make a fuss now, however, so you just roll your eyes and say your farewell. [b]Gold - ${shell_bet}[/b] *set mc_gold -shell_bet *goto meetings #"I'm out." "That's too bad. It was fun." — he says. *if (won_first) Jing Guo hands you a pouch filled with. You take it and say your farewell. [b]Gold +${shell_bet}[/b] *set mc_gold +shell_bet *else You hand Jing Guo a pouch filled with gold and say your farewell. [b]Gold - ${shell_bet}[/b] *set mc_gold -shell_bet *goto meetings *else You try to down the drink in a single gulp, but choke and spit out. The people around you laugh at your embarrassment. "You need more practice, ${polite_address} ${mc_name}! More practice! — Jing Guo exclaims — "Say, want to play a game with us?" "What game?" *goto shell_game #Don't chug You are not confident enough in your drinking skills to down the whole cup in a single gulp. "That's a shame." — Jing Guo regrets — "Well, at least you're drinking with us! Say, how about playing a game?" "What game?" *goto shell_game #Politely decline. *gosub_scene subroutines change_personality 1 "indulgent" "-" Getting drunk before one of the most important events in your life doesn't strike as an optimal choice. "That's a shame." — Jing Guo says and nobles around him mirror his sentiment — "You'll at least play with us, right?" "Sure." — you reply — "What game are you playing?" *goto shell_game #"Drinking is a waste of money, time and health." *gosub_scene subroutines change_personality 4 "indulgent" "-" *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 3 2 "-" Some of the men and women in the group lower their heads and gazes — your words no doubt reminding them of their parents' lectures. Most, however, either roll their eyes or shake their heads and turn away. "No one likes a killjoy, ${polite_address} ${mc_name}. We know what we're doing — there was no need to ruin the mood." — Jing Guo grumbles and then, seeing the discontent of his group, continues — "I believe you should leave." Having no choice, you turn around and return to where you were before. *else A scowl immediately replaces his cheerfulness. "Ah, yes, if it isn't the stingy ${YM} of the Wu Clan. I hope you had enough room to sleep in the inn you wholly bought out for yourself." — he says and all the nearby nobles give you a disapproving look. *choice #Apologize. *gosub_scene subroutines change_personality 1 "arrogant" "-" *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 3 2 "+" "I hope you don't hold it against me, Brother Guo. I just don't like to be disturbed." There is a minute of silence and when you already think that Jing Guo won't accept your apology, he laughs. "No problem, no problem ${polite_address} ${mc_name}. A new friend is better than an old grudge." — states Jing Guo — "Come, drink with us." *goto drink_jingguo #"Fuck you." *gosub_scene subroutines change_personality 1 "arrogant" "+" *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 3 2 "-" Jing Guo snorts. "Have you come here just to spite me more? Very well, you've accomplished your task. Leave now." You roll your eyes and return to where you came from. *else This group of nobles, despite only consisting of about a dozen people, is certainly the loudest: their boisterous laughter rings out through the whole meadow. As you make your way towards them, one of them notices you. He not only wears the most opulent silk but also crawls with splendid jewelry. Fingers full of rings, a neck with multiple necklaces, and wrists bearing bracelets — this man is a noble, one who's rich and is not afraid to flaunt his wealth. [[b]Jing Guo[/b] added to [b]Character Glossary[/b]] *set characters_3_opinion 50 "Oh, look guys! A new friend!" — the man exclaims, almost spilling his wine due to excessive hand gestures — "My name is Jing Guo. What's yours?" Jing? You've heard of them. Their family is often regarded as equals to the Great Clans, despite being a Minor Family. Especially so in the recent hundred years, with their Patriarch carving a place under the sun for the whole family. Wide-known for their craftsmen and artisans, the Jings make a lot of money through performing commissions — even your Wu Clan might not match them in the amount of gold available. "Wu ${mc_name}." — you answer. "${YM} of the Wu Clan? Ahahah! How wonderful! Come, drink wine with us." *goto drink_jingguo *else #Approach a group that partakes in drinking wine. *goto meeting_jingguo *selectable_if (notmet_Tigress) #Approach an estranged, savage-looking woman. *set notmet_Tigress false [[b]The Tigress[/b] added to [b]Character Glossary[/b]] *set characters_5_opinion 50 You notice a lone woman leaning against a tree, with metal claws equipped on her hands and stripes of black paint marking her from head to toe. Instead of a traditional robe or a practical outfit, she wears clothes that can barely be considered clothes at all: a strap of leather and hide struggling to contain her bountiful chest and a short skirt made of fur. Her abdomen, with distinct muscles, and toned legs are exposed. However, she doesn't seem to care about her, by the standards of the Celestial Empire, indecent state of dress: the woman shows no signs of shame or self-consciousness. Instead, with her arms crossed in front of her, she eyes the nearby nobles with a hungry, predatory gaze. Sometimes, she licks her lips, flicks her braid of red hair, and calls them closer — but the nobles tend to let her down and retreat in an instant. How do you wish to greet her? *choice #"What's a filthy savage doing this far south?" *gosub_scene subroutines change_personality 2 "elitist" "+" This woman must come from the cold lands of the West — only the tribes there possess such a barbaric sense of fashion. Your knowledge about them can be summed up in two words: uncivilized barbarians. Their culture — primitive, their people — hopeless. Even the Empire has given up on integrating them into its society, only establishing symbolic sovereignty over the wild tribes. The woman laughs at your derogatory question. "The Tigress killed many men and women — the tribe expelled and hunted her. She escaped and came east to hunt more prey. Tell me, ${YM}," — she pronouns your title with an obvious snicker — "Do nobles bleed the same?" She walks forward, curving her sharp claws one by one. There is something [i]bestial[/i] about the way she moves and behaves and you feel as if, at any moment, she will pounce on and gut you. *choice #Stand your ground. *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 5 2 "+" *gosub_scene subroutines change_personality 2 "arrogant" "+" You smirk. This little kitten doesn't scare you. You clasp your hands behind your back, push out your chest and wait for her next move. You don't even blink when she presses her cold blades against the soft skin on your neck. A hint of interest glimmers in her eyes. "Brave." — she states and looks your body up and down. *if mc_bodytype = "skinny" *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 5 2 "-" Your thin and wispy body doesn't seem to satisfy her, however. — "But too weak. The Tigress is not interested in twigs." *elsif mc_bodytype = "lean" *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 5 1 "-" Your lean and athletic body doesn't seem to satisfy her, however. — "But too weak. You should eat more meat, then talk to the Tigress again." *elsif mc_bodytype = "chunky" Your bear-like body, although doesn't fully satisfy her, does not at least frustrate her — "Not bad. The Tigress can have some fun with you." *elseif mc_bodytype = "muscular" *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 5 1 "+" Your muscular body satisfies her in the fullest — "And strong. Yes, the Tigress will definitely have some fun with you." "The Tigress will watch you in the tourney. Don't suck." — she says, turns around and leaves. #Take a step back. *gosub_scene subroutines change_personality 2 "arrogant" "-" *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 5 2 "-" You gulp and retreat. You don't want this crazy savage's claws anywhere near your vital parts. She stops and snorts. "Coward." — she spits with obvious contempt, turns around and leaves. #"Who are you?" "The Tigress." — the woman replies, turning her gaze onto you. *if mc_bodytype = "skinny" *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 5 2 "-" Your thin and wispy body doesn't seem to satisfy her. — "Too weak. The Tigress would snap you like a twig." *elsif mc_bodytype = "lean" *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 5 1 "-" Your lean and athletic body doesn't seem to satisfy her. — "Too weak. You should eat more meat." *elsif mc_bodytype = "chunky" Your bear-like body, although doesn't fully satisfy her, does not at least frustrate her — "Not bad. You have some strength." *elseif mc_bodytype = "muscular" *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 5 1 "+" Your muscular body satisfies her in the fullest — "Strong, yes, the Tigress likes you." "What are you doing here?" — you ask. This woman must come from the cold and far lands of the West — only the tribes there possess such a barbaric sense of fashion. You don't know much about them, since they prefer to stay within their borders and rarely venture outside. "The Tigress killed many men and women — the tribe expelled and hunted her. She escaped and came east to hunt more prey. Tell me, ${YM}," — she pronouns your title with an obvious snicker — "Are you afraid of the Tigress?" She walks forward, curving her sharp claws one by one. There is something [i]bestial[/i] about the way she moves and behaves and you feel as if, at any moment, she will pounce on and gut you. *choice #Stand your ground. *gosub_scene subroutines change_personality 2 "arrogant" "+" *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 5 2 "+" You smirk. This little kitten doesn't scare you. You clasp your hands behind your back, push out your chest and wait for her next move. You don't even blink when she presses her cold blades against the soft skin on your neck. A hint of interest glimmers in her eyes. "Brave." — she states — "The Tigress will watch you in the tourney. Don't suck." She turns around and leaves. #Retreat. *gosub_scene subroutines change_personality 2 "arrogant" "-" *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 5 2 "-" You gulp and retreat. You don't want this crazy savage's claws anywhere near your vital parts. She stops and snorts. "Coward." — she says with obvious contempt, turns around, and leaves. *selectable_if (mc_bodytype = "muscular") #Flex your muscles. *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 5 1 "+" This woman must come from the cold lands of the West — only the tribes there possess such a barbaric sense of fashion. You don't know much about their culture, since the savages prefer to stay within their borders and rarely venture outside. There is one thing you do know, however: they respect strength above all else. You move next to her and, without uttering a word, you raise your forearm and tense your bicep. The bulge of your muscles is apparent even through the layer of your robe and the woman's eyes immediately gleam with interest. "You look strong." — she says as she looks you up and down — "But the Tigress killed many who had the look, but not the power. Are you going to disappoint the Tigress as well?" *choice #"How do I prove my strength?" "That's easy." — the Tigress smirks, revealing her elongated fangs. She removes the claws from one of her hands and lies down on the grass. She props up her arm, curving her fingers one by one — "Come." You smile in response. This is going to be easy! You position yourself next to her and grasp her hand in yours. "You ready? On the count of three!" — the Tigress thundered, blooming in anticipation. *choice #Wait for the count. @{(tooltip) [b][STR][/b] |} "One. Two. Three!" You both push down at the same time, letting pure physical strength decide the outcome of your contest. *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "str" 8 *if (stat_check) *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 5 4 "+" Her lithe, wiry muscles contain much more force than their compact appearance suggests. But yours are also not filled with water: slow and steady, inch by inch, you manage to pin her down. "Good! Very good!" — the Tigress lets out a boisterous laugh — "The Tigress is impressed." She caresses your cheek with her hand, staring unblinkingly into your eyes. There is something primal inside her gaze: a desire to do as she wants unimpeded. You gulp as she leans forward, having no clue on what she's planning next. "The Tigress will watch you [i]closely[/i]." — she purrs, gets up, and leaves. You let out a breath — you don't know whether of relief or disappointment — and hit the ground with the back of your head. *else *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 5 2 "-" Her lithe, wiry muscles contain much more force than their compact appearance suggests. You are unable to overcome her: slow and steady, inch by inch, she pins you down. "Another impotent." — the Tigress sighs in regret — "Too bad. You looked delicious. Leave now, the Tigress has no interest in weaklings." Humiliated, you caress your hurting hand and leave. #Start ahead of time. @{(tooltip) [b][STR][/b] |} *gosub_scene subroutines change_personality 2 "manipulative" "+" *set characters_5_history characters_5_history&"cheated_armwrestle|" "One. Tw-" — she counts, but you push down your arm before she finishes. *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "str" 6 *if (stat_check) She's caught off guard and despite the unadulterated power in her muscles, can't resist your offensive. You pin her arm. "YOU FUCKING CHEATED!" — the Tigress yells and swipes at you with her claws. *choice #Catch her hand. @{(tooltip) [b][STR][/b] |} *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "str" 8 *if (stat_check) You catch her by the wrist and hold it a couple of inches from your face — just where her claws can't reach you. She tries to press them closer, but your grip disallows them any freedom of movement. Then, she suddenly punches with her other hand — *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "agi" 5 *if stat_check but you easily catch it as well. *else and it hits you on the mouth. *gosub_scene subroutines reduce_health_return 1 "tournament_2" She doesn't strike hard, specializing in speed instead, but your teeth still hurt. *label noscar "Had enough?" — you ask. "Let me go." You release her and with a snort, she pulls away. "Strong, yet using such petty tricks." — the Tigress complains, caressing the bruise you left on her arm — "The Tigress will judge your skills in the tourney." *else *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 5 2 "-" You manage to catch her hand, but not before her claws reach your face. The cold steel rips the skin of your cheek and you feel blood pouring out from the wound. *label cheek_scar *gosub_scene subroutines reduce_health_return 2 "tournament_2" [[b]Injured:[/b] [i]Scar on left cheek.[/i]] *set injuries_1 true You try to pull her closer, but she twists her hand out of your grip. Then, with feline grace, she jumps ups and towers above you. For a moment you think that the failed arm-wrestling contest will turn into a real brawl, but she just snorts. "Don't use such petty tricks against the Tigress." — she says, turns around, and leaves. "Fucking bitch." — you mutter, caressing the laceration. #Move your head out of the way. @{(tooltip) [b][AGI][/b] |} *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "agi" 6 *if (stat_check) Just as her claws come close to hitting your face, you dodge them with a well-timed movement of your head. Her attack goes wide and you grasp her overextended hand with ease. You try to pull her closer, but she twists out of your grip. Then, with feline grace, she jumps ups and towers above you. For a moment you think that the failed arm-wrestling contest will turn into a real brawl, but she just snorts. "Don't use such petty tricks against the Tigress." — she says, turns around, and leaves. *else *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 5 2 "-" You underestimate her speed and fail to move your head out of the way in time. Her claws reach your face. The cold steel rips the skin of your cheek and you feel blood pouring out from the wound. *goto cheek_scar #Let her hit you. @{(tooltip) [b][CON][/b] |} Her claws reach your face and, although surprised, she doesn't retract her attack. The cold steel connects with your cheek and… *gosub_scene subroutines stat_check "con" 6 *if (stat_check) barely leaves a white mark. You grip her hand with ease. She looks at her claws, wondering if the metal somehow grew dull, and then at you in puzzlement. *goto noscar *else *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 5 2 "-" …rips the skin apart. You feel blood pouring out from the wound. *goto cheek_scar *else *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 5 4 "-" She's caught off guard, but the unadulterated power in her muscles still manages to resist you. She pins you down. "Pathetic." — she sneers — "Used such petty tricks and lost. Leave, the Tigress has no interest in lying weaklings." Humiliated, you caress your hurting hand and leave. #Leave while you can. *gosub_scene subroutines change_personality 1 "arrogant" "-" *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 5 2 "-" You decide, perhaps for the best, that you want nothing to do with this crazy woman. You shake your head, turn around and leave. You her her snort and call you a coward. *goto meetings *else *goto envoy_arrives *label envoy_arrives *page_break Envoy Arrives Raucous, rumbling sound of buzzing silences the crowd. You look up at the sky and see three colossal in size mosquitoes. Their scaly, narrow wings beat up and down, somehow supporting their massive, yet slender bodies. They descend from the mountain, and the closer they get, the louder their shiver-inducing hum becomes. A regular mosquito is annoying enough — a giant one is downright terrifying. You hear collective breaths of relief — and let out one yourself — when the beasts prove to not be wild: controlled, instead, by Martial Artists on their backs. The mosquitoes land, their long and thin legs bending on the ground, and the Martial Artists jump down. There are three of them, one for each mosquito. They gather behind a middle-aged man with a shaved head, who materializes a piece of paper from his spatial ring. He then tears it into two. The symbol drawn on it flashes with luminance, and the whole paper ignites with fire. It burns almost in an instant, transforming into a streak of semi-transparent energy that enters the man's mouth and nostrils. "[b]HEAVENLY ASCENSION SECTS WELCOMES ITS MARTIAL SEEDS![/b]" — the man doesn't shout, yet, under the boost from the activated talisman, his voice rings out mightier than thunder. More than a hundred people uniformly bow and yell in response. Their cries fuse into a cacophony rivaling the man's previous declaration. *page_break [b]MARTIAL SEEDS GREET THE SECT ENVOY![/b] "My name is He Jun, the designated Envoy for this year's recruitment." — the middle-aged man nods in satisfaction upon seeing the crowd's reverence. — "I'm sure all of you are familiar with the content of the first Trial. And those of you who aren't, well, it's your fault for being born into a family of trash." [[b]He Jun[/b] added to [b]Character Glossary[/b]] *set characters_7_opinion 50 Most of the nobles praise his attitude, though you do notice a group not so enthusiastic about his belief. "We will call you one by one, according to the status of your clan." — He Jun continues and points at Prince Ruo — "Tang Ruo, come, let us test the ancestral prowess flowing through your veins." Hearing He Jun's summon, Tang Ruo jumps from the sword, his long, blue hair only kept in place by a tight knot. With a slow and steady gait, he reaches the Envoy. He Jun takes out a mirror from the bag on his waist. You know of this mirror — every noble does — as it is one of the treasures that allow Heavenly Sects to be named so. Ancestral Blood Mirror, an artifact brought by the First Emperor, provides means in the most accurate and indisputable way to check the purity of one's blood. Tang Ruo opens his palm and the sword hovering around him cuts it. He pours the trickling blood onto the mirror and you see, in real-time, as the wound on his hand heals. As soon as a drop of his blood touches the glass, the latter changes color. From silver to crimson, the blood taints it as if the mirror was made from water. A third of it, a half, two-thirds… By the end, when the transformation is done and the test is complete, even He Jun trembles in shock. "Ninety-seven…" — he mutters, steps back, and almost drops the mirror onto the ground in his disbelief — "NINETY-SEVEN PERCENT!" The crowd explodes. [i]"Second coming of the Living God…"[/i] *line_break [i]"Unprecedented genius!"[/i] *line_break [i]"The Tangs are favored by the Heavens. When one falls ill, the other becomes blessed instead."[/i] How do you feel about Tang Ruo's brilliance? *choice #I am better. *gosub_scene subroutines change_personality 2 "arrogant" "+" If his blood is at 97%, yours will be at 98%! No, at 99%! You are Wu ${mc_name}, the firstborn of the heavenly prodigy Wu Chao. Your father was the best in his generation — and so will be you. #It should be me they cheer for! *gosub_scene subroutines change_personality 2 "egoistical" "+" You should be the target of their adoration. You should be the one to get called first. You should be the one to receive their worship… #I'm happy for him. *gosub_scene subroutines change_personality 2 "egoistical" "-" Such high blood purity — Tang Ruo will certainly become a Peak-Xiantian, maybe even the strongest since ancient times! #Maybe I should kill him before he grows too strong? *gosub_scene subroutines change_personality 2 "ruthless" "+" An understandable, but the unrealistic goal — if even you have Uncle Tao lurking in the shadows for protection, who an imperial heir has guarding him is dreadful to imagine. #I don't care. *gosub_scene subroutines change_personality 2 "impulsive" "-" You don't get the crowd's elation. So what if some imperial prince has such high purity of blood? Why are they so excited? What is blood purity, anyway? The source of the Martial Artists' powers, supernatural abilities, and mortal-transcending might is their blood — or, to be exact, the blood of the Living God passed down to them through generations. The higher the purity, the stronger their bodies and Martial Arts will be. The higher the purity, the easier it is to be [i]reborn[/i]. Thousands of years have gone by since not only Tang Wei, even all of his direct descendants have disappeared from the face of the world. Divine Blood has become diluted. Extremely diluted. 50% can be considered a rarity, not to mention 97%. Even the First Emperor himself only had a 100%! He Jun coughs, both to shrug off the impact of the revelation and to calm the crowd. It works, somewhat, as the nobles quiet down. "Incredible result. Unheard of in recent history." — says He Jun — "Should you show a decent performance in the Second Trial, the sect will make an exception and accept you directly as an Inner Disciple." Although this favor was already exceptional — even the most talented start out as Outer Disciples in the Heavenly Ascension Sect — everybody present understood that Tang Ruo's status would not be so low for long. After achieving his first Rebirth, his road to becoming a Core — or, possibly, a Prime — Disciple will be without obstacles. Tang Ruo bows his head, more a symbolic gesture than a real sign of respect for the Envoy, and goes to stand behind the other two Martial Artists. "Next one to come and measure their talent…" By the right of birth, you are the next in line. There are no other scions of Great Clans here this year, so it's only natural that you - "Jing Guo." Huh? At first, you are confused. You bring back your already extended leg and stare at He Jun in puzzlement. Did he forget about you? But all nobles in attendance are written into a special list, so that should not be possible… Then, He Jun gives you a taunting smile, you take his surname into account and you understand. This insult — is intentional. *choice #"What is the meaning of this?!" *gosub_scene subroutines change_personality 2 "impulsive" "+" You come from one of the Nine Great Clans, the origin of the nobility itself, while Jing Guo is but a minor noble. Choosing him over you is a slap to the face — to you, to your clan, and to your very ancestors themselves. You will not tolerate such offense. And yet, as you shout, his smile grows wider and his mocking stronger. You got baited into a trap. "The Sect Rules do not explicitly say to divide Great and Minor nobles during the Trial of Blood. What matters is their clan's prowess and it just happened that, for thousands of years, the Great Nobles always remained on top. Well, until recently that is. Do you wish for me to explain how the Clan of Jing is more relevant in today's day than the Wu's, martial seed? I will gladly have a debate about their political and economic standings, [i]${YM}[/i]." Another insult, this one even greater than the last: a direct insinuation of your clan's incompetence. You want to retort but can't find the justification. Although the Jings' superiority over you is questionable, the mere fact of requiring a dispute is answer enough. You clench your fists in indignation and swallow your words. He Jun snickers as he once again calls up Jing Guo. #Keep silent. *gosub_scene subroutines change_personality 2 "impulsive" "-" You have many words to speak in indignation, but a quarrel does not seem reasonable: since He Jun has dared to do this, he must have sufficient reasons to use. This is a trap, and the undisguised mocking in his gaze — a bait. His smile deflates as you avoid his snare. Still, he snickers as he calls up Jing Guo once again. Jing Guo *if characters_3_opinion >= 50 mouths 'Sorry" to you and shrugs his shoulders, but doesn't dare to argue with the Sect Envoy. *else sneers at your plight, no doubt feeling vindicated. "Seventy-one percent." — his result is soon announced. Now, it's your turn. *page_break Your Turn When your blood falls onto the mirror, you, naturally, expect it to change color. To paint the glass red. But it doesn't happen. Nothing happens. Almost a minute passes, yet the mirror retains its initial silver. As if your blood has no divinity in it all… *temp son "son" *if mc_sex = 1 *set son "daughter" "Like father, like ${son}!" — He Jun almost tears up from laughter — "One is a dead-beat drunk, the other is a useless mort-" The mirror starts to shake. Stir and rattle, as if something within refuses to be contained. Then, it cracks. One small crack at a time, a web of fissures, resembling a spider's weave, soon covers its surface. The mirror falls apart into pieces and a pillar of scarlet light breaks free, piercing straight into the Heavens. Every single person near the pillar falls to their knees, unable — unwanting — to resist the aura of supremacy it emits. Even He Jun is helpless against it: only you and Tang Ruo still stand. Prince Ruo, however, struggles. As if every second strains him thinner and thinner: sweat already covers his forehead and the invisible pressure bends his frame. The only reason he doesn't yet touch the ground is the sheer strength of his will and pride. You? You are not burdened in the slightest, the regal pillar nothing but a magnificent sight. After a minute, the pillar fades out of existence. The crowd, taut and panting, regains its senses. If they met Tang Ruo with applause and hail, you they regard with muteness. Only hushed murmurs echo amongst the nobles, whispers of a legend foretold long ago, yet never coming true: "[i]The Mirror gauges the descendants of Divine, yet lacks both the guts and power to judge a real god. When the Mirror raptures, a new Invincible is born."[/i] *page_break Aftermath He Jun is the first to act. His whole countenance overwhelmed by madness, his hand, like a dragon's claw, stretches towards you in a lethal strike. You can't block it, you can't evade it. Your journey on the martial path almost ends then and there, but the hand suddenly retracts and He Jun covers his own neck with it. He grunts and gazes into the distance as if witnessing something — or someone — that you cannot. Flicking the fresh blood from his hand, He Jun gives you a long look filled with resentment, hostility, and, oddly, fear. "Go get in line. You pass." — he says as if your display of talent or his attempt at murder have not transpired. *choice #"You tried to kill me!" *gosub_scene subroutines change_personality 2 "impulsive" "+" He ignores your outrage. "Don't speak baseless slander, Martial Seed. If I wanted you dead, you would not be able to make an accusation." — yet, although his tone is confident and his argument is reasonable, He Jun, subconsciously, strokes the already healed cut on his throat. #"I assume I'll share the same treatment as Prince Ruo?" You see no reason to bring up his attack: the words are meaningless when the motive is so clear. You may as well ask him something productive. He Jun hesitates. He grasps at straws, trying to find a reason to refuse you — but fails. "Yes. Now, go, don't delay the Trial." #Don't speak. *gosub_scene subroutines change_personality 2 "impulsive" "-" You see no reason to bring up his attack: the words are meaningless when the motive is so clear. And he will not dare not accept you as an Inner Disciple, not when you may very well be First Emperor reincarnated. You move to the line: two Martial Artists there eye you with interest, Tang Ruo pretends the best he can that your existence doesn't bother him and Jing Guo already sips on wine. In about an hour, the Trial of Blood comes to an end. Another unpolished gem has revealed itself: the Tigress with her astonishing 84% purity would have been the absolute star of this test if not for your and Tang Ruo's presence. Overall, more than two hundred people — those with purity above thirty — qualified for the tourney. But only fifty of them will go on to become the sect's disciples. *goto_scene tournament_3