Claddings of Light : Book 12 of Painting the Mists

by Patrick Laplante

  “It’s boring, as always,” Iridescent Tempest said. “Our plants don’t grow as quickly as monkey-grown goods.”

  “As expected,” Iridescent Virtue said. “Every clan has their strength. Have you managed to substantially change their properties yet?”

  “We’re at a tipping point,” Iridescent Tempest admitted. “We can only do it with stronger ingredients. But they take time to mature, and the effect isn’t strong.”

  Iridescent Virtue nodded. “With any luck, you’ll be able to infuse some more common varieties in the future. I believe that would be a great boon for the alchemists in Shimmerwing.” He then looked to Cha Ming. “How about you, Clear Sky? Some friends told me you were spending time on the fourth floor of the Scorched Earth Alchemical Library.”

  “The fourth floor?” Iridescent Tempest said curiously. “You barely knew anything three weeks ago.”

  “I’ve made some progress,” Cha Ming said. “Though I confess, late-grade alchemy is as much of a bottleneck it was in talisman crafting. If it weren’t for my past experiences in overcoming it, I would have struggled for many months.”

  “Right, the interpretation and personalization bottleneck,” Iridescent Virtue said. “Most don’t pass it. I’m pleased you’ve been able to learn so quickly, though. It means you have chance in achieving your goals.”

  Cha Ming nodded. “It’s a race against time. Even perfecting a single peak-grade recipe will be challenging.”

  “In my understanding, it’s impossible to perfect anything,” Iridescent Virtue said. “I’ve gotten a few dozen top-grade recipes optimized, but that’s hardly perfection. Then again, I’ve had the advantage of time.”

  Seeing Cha Ming’s surprised expression, Iridescent Tempest chimed in. “Brother Iridescent Virtue qualified for this competition years ago. The only reason he hasn’t broken through was to participate in the Trial by Ancestral Fire. There are a few others like him.”

  “I’ve focused on learning a large variety of alchemical pills for the past few years,” Iridescent Virtue said. “I settled and announced what I’d be making for the competition long ago. Now I only wonder how the others will do. Iridescent Smile, for example.”

  “She’s surely not a threat,” Iridescent Tempest said.

  “I’m not fully confident in being able to best her,” Iridescent Virtue said neutrally. “She’s a shoo-in, just like me.”

  “How many others are like the both of you?” Cha Ming said. “It sounds like I’m unlikely to win against people who’ve been holding back their advancement.”

  “There were five of us, last I checked,” Iridescent Virtue said. “My apologies for any offense when I say you have zero choice in surpassing us, at least in the alchemical competition.”

  “None taken,” Cha Ming said. “And the next five spots?”

  “Uncertain,” Iridescent Virtue said. “I’d say it’s anyone’s game. Also bear in mind that success in these competitions doesn’t necessarily mean one will fare well in the Trial by Ancestral Fire. They are two separate things.”

  “I tried qualifying for the pyromancy competition,” Iridescent Tempest said. “I failed.”

  “Pyromancy is a competitive field,” Iridescent Virtue said consolingly. “No need to sell yourself short.”

  Iridescent Tempest blushed, and Cha Ming averted his eyes and struck up a conversation with Huxian.

  It was an hour later when the real auction began. The stage dimmed, and the chandelier at the center of the room began to glow with a strange light. All colors of the rainbow filled the glass floors of the auction house where they were absorbed, reflected, and refracted by the many pieces of featured crystal art, only to slowly dim into a comfortable ambient illumination.

  “Ooo, shiny,” Huxian said. Quite a few gems appeared on stage.

  “They look tasty!” Bifang agreed, and Huxian massaged his brow.

  “I’m pretty sure those aren’t any good,” Huxian said. “Besides, look at the price.” Bifang paled when she saw what each lot was going for. Every one of them was worth twenty green demon coins. Each green demon coin, in turn, was worth ten thousand yellow ones.

  “So expensive!” Bifang said.

  “I think they’re for jewelry,” Gua said, stroking his chin. “Maybe I should put in a bid.”

  “You most certainly will not,” Miyue snapped. “It’s not in the budget.”

  His expression fell.

  “Yeah, we’re a little priced out now, I think,” Huxian said.

  “I don’t think those are strictly for fashion,” Cha Ming said. “They look like they’d be useful for jewel smiths.” It was a runic art he’d never bothered to learn, but from what he understood, gemmed pieces of runic jewelry were some of the best defensive items.

  The auction for the gems was fierce and competitive. These were peak-grade goods that were difficult to come by. Artisans who’d reached the peak of rune carving in their craft in Shimmerwing would need to modify their blueprints to accommodate the gems they obtained. Alchemists and even talismans operated in the same way depending on what ink ingredients and herbs were available. Cha Ming had modified talisman recipes on several occasions.

  The next few batches consisted of more ingredients, though occasionally, there were finished goods. Usually not weapons—demons already had those. Shields, armor, brooches, and boots, on the other hand, were quite popular.

  There were also pills. General pills, not customized, and typically intended for consumption by demons. Peak-rune-carving alchemists and rune-gathering alchemists were difficult to find in Shimmerwing, so their goods sold at a premium.

  Cha Ming was tempted to buy some pills if just to study them, but he reminded himself that his funds were limited. He needed to prioritize what he bought.

  “There it is,” Iridescent Tempest said when a small red plant appeared on the stage.

  “Sky-scorching dragon grass?” Cha Ming asked. “I think I read about it in a recipe. Something about substituting as a more expensive ingredient if possible.”

  “That must be the recipe for a potential-burning pill,” Iridescent Virtue said. “I’ve read that instruction manual. It’s rubbish. Don’t even bother trying.”

  “It doesn’t work?” Cha Ming asked.

  “It’s just not cost-effective,” Iridescent Virtue said. “Some say you should do it for the experience and learning, but instead I found myself wasting a week and a lot of money.”

  “I just want to try out some growth theories with it,” Iridescent Tempest said. “Since it grows at the peak of the five mountains, it should be receptive to artificial light.” She placed another bid but frowned when the price started getting too high. “That rotten egg.” She pressed a rune and spoke. “Iridescent Smile, I didn’t realize you liked substandard alchemical ingredients.” The words carried across the entire auction house.

  “Is this normal?” Cha Ming asked to the side.

  “At this level of auction, yes,” Iridescent Virtue said with a sigh. “How bothersome.”

  A reply came back from Iridescent Smile shortly after. “I doubt Elder Iridescent Wonder’s apprentice would want a substandard alchemical herb,” Iridescent Smile said. “It’s piqued my interest. I want it now.” In the stands below, phoenixes cocked their necks and grinned. This was why they’d come.

  “Back off, or you’ll regret it,” Iridescent Tempest said. She was seething.

  “I think this might be counterproductive,” Cha Ming whispered, but Iridescent Virtue shook his head lightly. Cha Ming understood his meaning. This wasn’t his fight. It was hers.

  “I think thirty-one green demon coins are too few for such a precious specimen,” Iridescent Smile continued. “I won’t let you dishonor yourself by buying it so cheaply.”

  “It’s worth at least thirty-three,” Iridescent Tempest said. Then, cutting off the communications, she gloated. “I don’t really need the herb. I’ll goad her into paying forty and back out. Give her a taste of her own medicine.
”

  Iridescent Smile’s auction-house-wide reply came soon after. “Surely you can afford to pay thirty-six.”

  “I can definitely afford thirty-eight,” Iridescent Tempest said. She sniggered. “Just one more raise.” There was a pause, however, and the pause stretched. Finally, Iridescent Smile replied. “Well, if you think it’s worth it, go on ahead. Good job.”

  Iridescent Tempest paled. “Someone else will bid for this, right?” she said.

  Cha Ming and Iridescent Virtue could only shrug. Soon enough, she was announced as the victor of the auction. The herb was delivered to their balcony in a lovely jade box.

  “Expensive herb,” Cha Ming muttered.

  “Definitely not something I would buy,” Iridescent Virtue said. Typically, a peak medicinal pill or talisman could be sold for anywhere between one and a half to twelve mid-grade spirit stones. The bulk of that was used to purchase ingredients. On average, an alchemist or talisman artist would fail twice for each success, and they would profit an average of nine tenths of the sale price. Of course, should Cha Ming wish to put in the time with Words of Creation, he could push his profit margin to over sixty percent. That was if he had the time or the inclination. He had neither of them at the moment, and besides, an ingredient like this would qualify to be the core herb in an initial-rune-gathering pill. Far higher than his current level.

  “I’ve done it,” Iridescent Tempest said. “I’ve busted my budget.”

  “I’m sure Elder Iridescent Wonder will have use for the herb,” Iridescent Virtue said. “I’ve told you before. You shouldn’t mess with Iridescent Smile. She’s as petty as she is pretty. Moreover, look at how people are yielding the floor to her now. In their mind, she’s shown you great honor by increasing the price so spitefully. Now she’s getting discounts.” Then, after thinking a moment, he put in a bid himself for the next item, increasing the price for the principle of it. Iridescent Smile still bought it, though she glared in their direction.

  “I don’t think we’ll be getting any good deals today,” Huxian whispered.

  Cha Ming nodded and watched in silence as batch after batch went by.

  The auction went in ebbs and flows. Not all items were expensive. Each exciting bout needed a counterpoint. He was relieved when his batch of ingredients came up with an asking price of fifteen green demon coins. He immediately placed a bid, though when he did, Iridescent Smile called out to their balcony. “My, my, it seems Daoist Clear Sky has made a bid,” she said. “How interesting. A human who thinks he can do alchemy.”

  Cha Ming groaned inwardly. What was it with Iridescent Smile and her master, Iridescent Torch? The price increased to twenty green demon coins almost instantly.

  “We don’t need to fight over this,” Cha Ming replied, increasing the price by a single demon coin. “I’ve heard it said that you’re a wonderful alchemist. Surely you don’t need this particular herb.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said. “I recently decided on the pill I’d be crafting for the upcoming alchemical competition. Everyone knows that thrice-burned amorphic rock ginseng is in short supply these days. I suppose that’s the same pill you settled on? Boon of Iridescence? Ambitious for a human in this demon competition.” The price increased to twenty-five green demon coins. He noticed she hadn’t been the one to increase it.

  “Last I checked, the First Feather herself affirmed that this competition was open to humans,” Cha Ming said. “Are you saying she’s incorrect?”

  “Everyone knows humans can participate,” Iridescent Smile said. “But never do they make such a spectacle of it. You should be careful when you ask for attention, Clear Sky, because everyone will make sure you get it.” Indeed, there were rumblings from the third and fourth floor.

  “Oh dear,” Iridescent Virtue said. The price changed to thirty green demon coins, then thirty-five right away. Finally, it stopped at thirty-eight green demon coins. “This is ludicrous. Even for the months leading up to the competition. A full set of ingredients might cost a hundred and twenty green demon coins or an initial-investiture-grade pill.” This included three batches of ingredients for any inevitable failures.

  “I’m tapped out,” Cha Ming said. “I have thirty-five demon coins. I don’t suppose you can scrape together something?” He looked to Huxian, who looked at Gua and Miyue.

  “We have credit with the auction house,” Gua said. “But we’re not a charity.”

  “You’d have to make us pills,” Miyue said in agreement. “At a discount. And even then, we can only lend you eight.”

  Cha Ming increased the bid to forty green demon coins. This one was one of the three main ingredients he needed to procure. If they were this rare, he couldn’t leave the process to chance. Besides, wouldn’t he need to practice?

  “See how much we honor you, special human?” Iridescent Smile said with a chuckle. She increased the price by another demon coin. “Few are honored so. But I daresay that the First Feather herself has vouched for you, so you must be worth something.”

  Cha Ming’s eye twitched, and he moved to make another bid, but Iridescent Virtue stopped him. He then personally made a bid, increasing the current amount by a single green demon coin.

  “Why don’t we end this farce here and you give me face?” Iridescent Virtue said to her.

  “This is between me and the human,” Iridescent Smile said. She increased the bid by another coin. The maximum Cha Ming could bid. Iridescent Virtue looked to Cha Ming, who shook his head.

  “It is customary to be able to afford the pills you purchase,” Iridescent Virtue said. “Alas, it seems this human guest is unable to bid further.”

  “What?” Iridescent Smile said.

  “I hope you’re able to afford the price,” Iridescent Virtue continued. “Such a shame, really. You could buy many other sets of ingredients for the same coin. You’ll have to work yourself to the bone to make it up.”

  “You’re bluffing,” Iridescent Smile said.

  “Am I?” he said. “I’ll tell you what. I’ll increase it by one demon coin as a loan to a friend. I dare you to increase it further.”

  Whereas before, Iridescent Virtue was dispassionate and monotone, now he was fiery and intense. Cha Ming had never seen such a drastic change in moods over such a small thing. He could feel rage bubbling up from him in the form of a light iridescent fire, and everyone who looked at him from the stands would be able to see it. He increased the bid, and there was a long pause.

  Finally, Iridescent Smile nodded in concession, and the auction ended. A jade box was brought up to their pavilion, and Cha Ming opened it and looked at the small rocklike root. It looked burned and charred, though the scent it let off was heavenly.

  “I’ll be sure to pay you back soon,” Cha Ming said.

  “It’s a small favor,” Iridescent Virtue said, shrugging it off. His cool demeanor had returned. “To be honest, I did it out of principle. My master, Iridescent Charity, can’t stand Iridescent Torch, and in turn I can’t stand her disciples.”

  “It seems acquiring ingredients has become expensive and troublesome,” Cha Ming said.

  Iridescent Virtue nodded. “Through this one confrontation, Iridescent Smile has told everyone what you’re aiming to concoct for this competition. It’s an ambitious pill that many try to make. She has stoked everyone’s competitive urges, and now, there will be many more entrants using this same pill to try to impress the judges. I don’t suppose you can be convinced to change what you’re crafting?”

  “I’m not sure that’s possible,” Cha Ming said. “Elder Iridescent Wonder seemed dead set on it.”

  “It likely has to do with his research,” Iridescent Virtue said. “It wouldn’t do to disappoint him, but remember that you’re trying to win a competition.”

  “So. What now?” Cha Ming asked. The prices were gradually increasing, and soon enough, even elders were bidding. The fourth floor was increasingly left out of the bidding process, and the fir
st through third floors had turned dark.

  “We enjoy the show,” Iridescent Virtue said. “It wouldn’t be polite to leave now that the elders are about to spar.”

  They watched, and outside their balcony, more individuals flooded the fourth floor to spectate and mingle. They drank strange beverages and formed small circles where they gossiped among themselves. Loudly. If there was a demon species that liked to gossip more than phoenixes, Cha Ming had ever encountered it. Huxian shared that sentiment.

  The prices continued to rise, and to Cha Ming’s surprise, Iridescent Virtue made a few bids. He won some more expensive ingredients, as well as a few rare flame seeds. Given that natural flames were prized in the Phoenix Clan, Cha Ming wasn’t sure what he would do with them. Eventually, the prices grew even beyond Iridescent Virtue, and then it was only elders sparring. Their floor dimmed as well.

  Expensive cauldrons went on sale then, and Cha Ming remembered that he’d yet to replace his own pitiful cauldron. But when he saw the prices, he balked. These were peak-level cauldrons, and these cauldrons went for a minimum of a hundred green demon coins. Rune-gathering-level cauldrons were ten to twenty times as expensive, and those were just introductory-level items.

  Iridescent Wonder finally joined the fray after a few lesser elders bought their own items. He competed with Iridescent Smoke over an interesting flame specimen. It was a pink flame that seemed to have a life of its own, and they kept it trapped in a cage. The price crept up to two thousand green demon coins before Iridescent Smoke finally conceded. Neither of them seemed displeased at the exchange.

  A few more items were auctioned. Hammer focuses, anvils, and rare metals. Strange dragon metals Cha Ming hadn’t known existed. The alchemists kept away from such unnecessary and expensive items, leaving them to the smiths to fight amongst themselves. Before long, however, alchemical items returned, and soon, Iridescent Smoke and Iridescent Torch began fighting over a strange urn found in ancient phoenix ruins. The item piqued Cha Ming’s interest, and he inquired about the potential contents.