"My apologies my friend but it seems you were outvoted." You tell Shenlong. The Great Dragon's face remains neutral and rather that run the risk of angering him, you quickly add. "Eating is also a major part of this festival. While games are fun, if you want to experience the true essence of this then you must have something to eat. Celebrating without food is like...an ocean without fish or a forest herbs. It's a small part for certain but integral to the whole." Shenlong seems to think about it before nodding.

"I see..." He says. "...it would be folly to not attempt to engage in everything else that is offered at this celebration. Lead the way then."

You lead your friends to another area of the small down and it only takes a few steps before the smell of food hits your noses. Sweet, spicy, fragrant, fried and fruity, the variety of smells only serves to make your stomach growl and urge you to move faster. As you arrive, you can see dozens of stalls lined up on the street, each one containing some variation of kitchenware, utensils, cups and more importantly, food. The closer you arrive, the more frantic you can feel Xin Lan's cottontail wiggle and their nose twitch. "Unfortnately the town feast won't be starting until late this afternoon but there is a competition going on to see who is the best cook. I think you'll enjoy this just as much with the veriaty of food everyone has made." You explain.

"So not only do you compete in games of athelticism but in also tasks such as cooking." Shenlong notes.

"Competition and innovation go hand in hand." Renshu says. "When one is pressed to do their very best within a strict set of circumstances, often times they can come up with things they might not otherwise have thought of."

"And innovation is what drives us forward." Hien adds. "While one might say it's a duty to their fellow man to innovate and improve society's quality of life, there is also something satisfying in improving one's craft. It enlightens us and exhilirates us to see yourselves improve."

"Plus, it's really really good." Xin Lan says eyeing the food. "Food is like...gems you can eat." They say, slowly becoming distracted.

"I see..." Shenlong says eyeing each stall with an academic eye. "Then I shall partake in this...eating."

"Excellent!" Bao says clapping her hands in glee. She takes Shenlong's hand and leads him to a stall which was serving sweet buns. With that, it seemed like the singal for everyone to split up and find something they enjoyed. Hien wanders over to a stall offering dumplings while Ming hurries over to a stall offering fried goods leaving you, Xin Lan, and Renshu alone.

"Well? What are you waiting for?" Xin Lan asks a bit impatiently. "Food!" Renshu laughs softly.

"I think Xin Lan wishes for you to carry them over to a stall." He says. You chuckle and ruffle Xin Lan's ears before moving over to the nearest stall.

>What kind of food do you want?
>Something sweet. Maybe that will perk you up a bit more.
>Something spicy. You want something that will really hit you hard.
>Something savory. You might not eat as much as Xin but you do want the flavor to linger a while afterwards.
>Something exotic. Maybe you might find something you're not accustomed to.
>Write in.

>>4758931
>Lead them to something savory, then something sweet
>Mentally ask Renshu to get us something really spicy.

Hehe, Xin is going to pig out but I dont see a reason not to have a little fun. Suprise Cinnamon challenge anyone?

>>4758931
>Find Chuanli, Guong and An's stall is and eat their food and drinks, and introduce them to our special guests.
>Something contrasting, opposing tastes combined are either incredible or horrible, no middle ground. Nothing ventured is nothing gained.

>>4758968
Oh yeah, Guong and An can happen, but lets get this first testing out of the way first.

>>4758931
>Something exotic. Maybe you might find something you're not accustomed to.

>>4759028
I'd support exotic but I still want to prank Xin.

>>4758968
>>4759028
>>4759061
Getting something exotic. Showing our guests to our friends. Gonna try an trick sneaky bun. Writing.

File: image.jpg (453 KB, 1200x900)

453 KB JPG

The three of you wander down the street looking at the various stalls. Xin Lan can't seem to keep still and they stand on your arms to look over your shoulder. "What gives?" They ask. "We're missing so much food."

"I'm looking for something special." You say. "Something exotic or something we've never had. Why play it safe when there might be something special in plain sight?" Xin Lan wiggles a bit. "Alright. But it better be extra special." They say. You laugh. "No promises. Smell anything in particular?" You ask Renshu.

Renshu pauses to sniff at the air. "There are various interesting smells but let's try that one." He says pointing to a smaller stall. As you get close, you can feel heat radiate from it. You all slow your pace and find a cat hunched over what looks to be a hole. You lean a bit forward to get a better look and see that the hole contains what looks to be a large cast iron. Much to your surprise, there is a small fire burning within the pot. "Whatcha doin'?" Xin Lan asks and the cat jumps with a scream. Everything goes quiet and you feel everyone staring at you.

"Don't do that!" The cat chides you as he glares at you. "And for your information, I'm cooking."

"What might that be?" You ask pointing at the pot. "Most people don't light fires in their cookware."

The cat stares at you, fuming for a bit before the pull up a bowl full of what looks like dough. "I'm making naan."

"None what?" Xin Lan asks. The cat stares at him. "Not none. Naan. It's a kind of bread from outside of China. My great grandmother used to make it all the time." He explains. "Just watch." The cat grabs a handfull of dough, kneads it a bit and moves to slap it against the side of the pot. It sticks and says there just above the flame. "So we leave is there for a few minutes and you end up with this." He pulls up a basket full of the same kind of dough but now cooked and singed by the flame. "You can eat it plain but I'm serving it with this." He pulls up another bowl full of a green paste. Within the paste, you can see chunks of potatoes. "It's a spinnach and garlic paste with potatoes." He takes three peices of the naan and serves them to you with the paste spread over. You each take one and bite into it. The bread is nice and fluffy despite it looking like it might be crispy.

"It's nice and smooth." Renshu says chewing. "The flavor of the paste matches with how fluffy the bread is. Not overpowering at all."

"It's not the nicest looking food." Xin Lan says going for another serving. "But it's pretty good."

"It seems relatively simple to make. We might be able to do this on the road. Do we need some other utensil to make this?" You ask.

"Nope. Just a bowl, something to grind the spinnach, and a pot to stick the bread with." The cat says proudly. "I'm betting that no one else has something like this." He continues. "So this year, I'm sure to win. Simple but effective."

File: 8888551938_9adf84cf85_k.jpg (1.28 MB, 2048x1661)

1.28 MB JPG

"Well I wish you good luck." You say as you grab another peice of bread to chew on before you leave.

"Well that was pretty good but certainly not a treasure." Xin Lan says once you have wandered back to the streets and they sniff at the air. "Alright, my turn to pick. I say we go to that one." They point at a stall just father up ahead.

The stall was being hosted by a goat who was finishing up serving a group of children. Upon noticing you, he happily waves you over. "Hey, you're Tai Lung aren't you?" He asks stirring a steaming pot.

"Yes..." You say cautiously.

"Great, so you've must've been all over the place while running away from the authorities." The goat says offhandedly as he starts to serve up three plates. "Here tell me what you think of this?" He asks pushing a plate towards you. On it was a small mound of rice surrounded in steamed vegitables and with two small cups full of what looked like sauces.

"Now this certainly looks better." Xin Lan says hopping onto the counter and grabbing his own plate. You take a bite of the food and find the rice to be a bit bland but realize that it was probably intended to be eaten together rather than one by one. You mix some rice with the steamed vegitables and drizzle some sauce onto it. Immeditately you can taste the difference. The steamed veggies help bring some more texture and flavor to the rice and you find the sauce to be slightly acidic and spicy but that only serves to contrast and bring a kick to the meal it self.

"Now this is a meal." Xin Lan says, mouth full.

"It is quite flavorful." Renshu admits. "The vegetables are steamed nicely and their texture matches the rice. The sauce only accents the meal and doesn't get in the way." Renshu agrees.

"...It tastes nice." You say.

"So? Do you think I'll win? Every had anything like this before?" The man asks.

You shake your head. "Can't say that I have and I'd say it's better than the last meal I had but we haven't tried much. Although I still wish you luck. Seems like the competition is fierce."

"You bet." The man says. "Winner gets to brag about it all year." He chuckles. "Oh! Looks like there's more people coming." He says gently motioning you to either choose to get more or stand aside. You step to the side to allow others to partake in the meal and look at your siblings.

"Alright. This time you get to choose." Xin Lan says. "Stripes and I got to pick."

"Technically my choice was Tai Lungs." Renshu says.

"I didn't see him smelling out food." Xin Lan counters.

"He is right." Renshu says. "It is your turn to pick."

>What do you do?
>Go look for a meal that interests you.
>Go find An Bo and Guang. Both of them are competing although sepereately.
>Find your friends and see what they are eating.
>Try and get Xin to eat something they probably wouldn't enjoy although you've never seen them turn down a meal before.
>Write in.

>>4759375
You're making my mouth water Luo.

>Go look for a meal that interests you.
Presentation is key. And it's not nice to try and force xin to eat what they wouldn't enjoy, the amusement comes from their suprise and unexpectedness.

>>4759375
>Go find An Bo and Guang. Both of them are competing although sepereately.

>>4759383
Come on, let's see our friends food.
An probably made her food look good, although Guang is probably all taste since he may think beatiful food isn't manly.
Or a it's a piece of art because a real man does a complete job, 50/50 really.

>>4759375
>Go look for a meal that interests you.

We can go to Bo and Guang in the afternoon.

Also cant believe I am reading a literature food porn during fasting.
You're tearing me apart, Luo!

>>4759413
You're right, may as well. Lets see what they are up to, then we can gather the others to introduce them.

Nothing stopping us keeping an eye out on the way.

>>4760010
But I want to eat their food for the competition too, all the secrecy they made during the party made me curious.

>>4760010
I have become the final boss of TL quest.

>>4759383
>>4759388
>>4759413
>>4760010
>>4760664
>>4760479
Go no idea what the votes are. I think it's look for stuff that interests us. I'll be doing a write up in about an hour. Gonna go walk for a bit and start getting back into doing some exercise.

>>4761003
2 for interesting foods
2 for finding out friends.

So my suggestion was keep an eye out for interesting foods as we look for Guang and Bo.

>>4761019
That seems like a good compromise to me.

>>4761019
I'll take both. As long as there's hand holding

>>4761081
I regret...everything. Leg day sucks even when you're out of shape. I'll stick to writing about fit people. Writing.

File: chinese-pan-fried-dumplin(...).jpg (2.14 MB, 4494x3000)

2.14 MB JPG

"Alright, let's see what we find." You say as you begin to wander around the street looking for more meals. You end up picking from severals stands and munching on smaller meals rather than sticking to a single large serving. There's the ussual kinds of things you expect to find. Potstickers, glistening with the steam they were cooked in, their sides slightly darkened with a nice sear, multiple variations of fried rice with various kinds of veggies mixed in, peas, scallions, onions, carrots. You and the others stop for a moment to try a hot bowl of egg drop soup, it's broth slightly viscous from the egg yolk and cooked to a beautiful golden yellow and the oil perfectly balanced as to not give it a bad after taste.

As you Xin Lan and Renshu are finishing up the soup, you feel a warm sensation come over you. Partly from the heat of the soup but you come to realize that you're happy. Happy because you have a chance to hang out with your friends without a looming threat over your heads, happy because despite the last few days you were somewhere that you were accepted as who you were and not as an alias. Most of all, you were happy that...you were with family. Actual family that loved you and cared for you after so many years. You weren't just spending time with two rabbits who were your close friends. You were spending time with your brother and sister, far beyond just some oath you made. The feeling made you content and carefree and part of you even begins to wonder if you should simply stop here. Were the pools really worth the risk of losing all this? To jeopordize the lives and even more so, the happiness of those closest to you? Obviously, the awnser was yes. The Pools represented something more than just a location you were wanting to find. They had become a symbolic goal. Something that represented how far you had all come. Getting there simply meant another major step in the journey of life and to abandon that felt like a betrayal of all the hard work you put in.

As you're lost in your thoughts, you feel something bat your cheek. "Hey!" Xin Lan shouts, finally getting your attention. "Where are we going next?"

"Be nice Xin Lan. Tai Lung is enjoying himself." Renshu says, though his tone implies what you expected. He knew how you really felt. You shake your head and bring yourself back to reality. "Sorry." You say. "How about we go look for An Bo and Guang? They're competing too, right?"

"Oh yeah!" Xin Lan says getting excited. "If there's any of his brew involved I'm in!"

"From the glimpses I caught in the kitchen, I'm quite interested in how their meals turned out." Renshu says in agreement.

"Can't be that hard to find him." Xin Lan says, sitting on your shoulders and resting their arms on your head. "His whole kitchen smelled like it was burning in spice."

"Then lead the way." You chuckle and Xin Lan pats your head. They sniff for a moment and point, "Onwards!" They shout and you go to find your friend.

File: SQ-1.jpg (182 KB, 667x667)

182 KB JPG

Sure enough, as you approach what you soon learn to be Guang's stand, your nose is hit by the smell of heat and spice. Not enough to be overpowering nor unappetizing but when compared to all the other meals you had, it certainly was intruiging. You pass a couple leaving the stand, their eyes watering but chatting amicably. "Don't forget to vote for me!" You hear the young boar shout. He turns to face you with an air of professionalism and promptly drops it when he see it's you.

"Hey! It's my main man!" He says and upon seeing Renshu his grin grows wider. "And his bro! You doin' ok man? Sure you should be up right now? Heard from the old man that you were pretty ill." Renshu waves Guang's concerns away and smiles.

"I am better." He says. "And I did promise I would be here didn't I?"

Guang grins. "Well I can't fault a man for keeping his promises though An's been trying to tell me that even sometimes we just gotta let the cards fall where they may." He shrugs. "Not gonna stop me from doing what I can though. Still, good to have you back man. We've been dealing with some punks who thought it was funny to kick the big man while you were all down."

"I apologise." Renshu says. "I certainly hope I didn't cause any trouble while I was ill."

Guang shakes his head. "No way man. No one messes with friends of the family." He says. "You guys did us all a solid by taking on those raiders and saving An. Even if the old man said otherwise, I wasn't gonna let some punks pick on my crew. But that's in the past, it's New Years!" He says with a clap. "Bet you're all here for my food, right? Let's have a good time and try to forget all that depressing stuff."

"Hell yeah!" Xin Lan says raising their hand in salute. "What do you got for us?"

"Check this out." Guang says with an excited smile. He turns behind him and spoons out some rice from on pot being kept at temperature on a low flame then turns to open another pot. Upon removing the lid, a wave of spice hits your nose making it water. Grabbing a ladle. he scoops out what looks like stew and pours it next to the rice. The soup like fool was rather thick and viscous, more of a kind of sauce than broth. It was bright orangish yellow, and full of a variety of veggies. Green broccoli, red bell peppers, cauliflower all gave it a bright and inviting appeal. The rice itself, while plain and white, soon began to stain from the sauce and began to absorb it as well. You can feel your mouth water from anticipation and apprehension. It looked delicious but the smell of spice kept you at bay. The perfect combination to bring out excitment.

"Now that's spicy." Xin Lan says taking a bowl and spoon before taking a big bite.

"It certainly is bright." Renshu says mixing some rice with the veggitables. "Quite inviting and yet...dangerous."

"Thanks Guang." You say as you take a spoonful. It was only a half second before you mouth erupts in fire. Smokey and spicy, the searing heat of the spices within the sauce and veggies seems to burn everything it touches. Your eyes water and your nose runs and just as the idea of thinking of spitting it out hits your mind, you taste it. A soft, soothing sweetness from the rice. It melts into the heat and provides some protection against the burning, just enough to allow you to keep the food in your mouth and enjoy the rather complex flavors of the veggitables within the spice itself.

"GAH!" Xin Lan breathes out and you can feel the heat of their breath on your head. "This. stuff. kicks!" They say breathing heavily. "Trying to kill us or what?"

"Should have eaten slower little one." Renshu says amused, though his eyes were also teary and crying. "It's delicious. Perhaps the spices could be toned down a bit or perhaps it's my own intollerence of the ingredient."

"I can see why we smelled it from all the way back." You admit, sniffing. "This is certainly something you made but...what is it?"

"I don't know if it's got a name but I've been messing with some of these forgein spices the traders bring in. Was thinking of trying it in the brews. Can you imagine a spicy drink? Cold but hot?" Guang asks. "Anyways, I figured it'd be best to learn how to cook with it before I just dump it in beer. That burning sensation is the best right? Makes you feel like you're alive!" He bends down and quickly comes back up with a few mugs of ale which all three of you graciously accept.

"This is An Bo's rice is it not?" Renshu asks once he puts his mug down, steam practically coming from his mouth. "It's a nice contrast to the heat."

"Yeah. An says this dish is like us." Guang says rubbing the back of his head rather embarassed. "She says it's like how I hold my temper to be nice to her. Bit of a lie, I'm never angry at her. Guess I'm just rougher around the edges without her."

"An excellent analogy of your relationship I would say." Renshu says moving the food around his plate. "The sweetness of love and innocence to hold back the anger and fury of protecting the ones we love." He adds showing his plate, now with the food organized in a yin-yan symbol. "The two of you are made for one another. You give her the strength to move forward and she tempers your passion into something constructive."

"Well...I mean...I guess you could say that..." Guang says, now thoroughly blushing.

"Where is An Bo?" You ask finishing your drink and placing your empty place on the counter. "Wasn't she competting as well?"

"Oh! An is on the otherside of the street. We kind of entered late thanks you all the...you know...so we took what spots were available." Guang explains before scratching his head. "Hey...can you check up on her? Make sure she's doing ok? She hasn't really been alone for this long. I'd check up on her myself but I don't want to make her think I don't believe in her strength, ya know?"

"Aww you do care." Xin Lan coughs out as they try to deal with the spice. "We'll check up on her for you. We were just on our way to look for her after trying your food."

"Course I care for her!' Guang says now growing bright red. "Just...you know...I don't gotta explain it to you! You're married. You get it."

"Oh do I ever." Xin Lan says amused as they lean on your head and scritch your ears. You feel your own face grow warm and you hope that you can hide it behind the spices. Renshu, however, seems to share their sibling's amusement.

"Great!" Guang says. "Well I hope you vote for my dish though knowing An, she's not gonna let me win easily."

"Where do we vote?" You ask. "Several others have asked us to do the same."

"Oh yeah. At the start of the street they set up a small booth, well more of a table with a box on it. Just slip the a paper with the booth number on it into the box." Guang explains and they point their thumb at the top of their booth. You see a large number 20 on it. "I'm number 20 but numbers were also shuffled. Dunno what number An got."

"Thanks Guang. We'll be back with the others. Can't let them miss out right?" You say with a grin.

"Oh yeah! Bring em on over. There's plenty to go around." Guang says, grinning.

>Where do you go next?
>Go get your friends and head over to An's booth before coming to Guang's.
>Get the others and bring them to Guang.
>Go to An's booth with your family. You can bring the others later.
>Go find the others and see what they had. Maybe they have some booths to show you.
>Write in.

>>4761404
>Go get your friends and head over to An's booth before coming to Guang's.
The festival is a perfect time to stage a kidnapping by her villanous mother.

Also the first post made me question the morality of eating eggs in the setting. Would it be like eating a placenta? Some a animals do it.
But if it was fertilized it would be like an abortion right?

>>4761411
The exact conversation I knew would pop up haha. I'm not sure to be honest, if you want a nitty gritty explanasion, eggs can be laid unfertalized so perhaps it's just a natural use for them from mothers who don't want extra children? Of course that in itself brings up even more unplesant conversations.

Did my best to not include meals with meat in them for that reason. Still it is interesting to consider. Would it be morally reprehensible or is it seen as the natural cycle. If eggs come from citizens, does that make them a delicacy due to rarity? or something common?

>>4761411
I'm going to support this, and just ignore the implications about eggs.

>>4761419
Perhaps it would be natural, the asian fowl naturally produced a lot of unfertlized eggs before humans turned it up to eleven.
I guess the same argument goes for using silk and wool right? Since it would come from sheep and silkworm.
Now the question goes to who would want to wear someone elses hair, and would silkworm larva producing silk count as child labour?

>>4761440
I mean, people get hair transplants and we wear coats made of animal hide. I don't see why this is much different

>>4761444
It's them being sentiant that makes it weird.
But I guess it could have become accepted if it doesn't cause problems, being different species and all.

Just thought another reason to bring our friends to An first, too spicy food ruins the taste of food eaten later, so they can eat food and enjoy Guang's torture later.
I may put my vote for An's food though, Guang's rice being cooked by her feels a bit like cheating.

>>4761455
it's the taste that counts, in my opinion. Even if she supplied the rice, he was still the brave fool who made this "mouth murder chowder"

>>4761411
>>4761438
finding our friends. Writing.

>>4761465
Man, it's like you guys don't even like spicy curry. You're starting to sound like An Bo's mom and it's worrying me. Jokes half aside, I'd definitely see her as the kind of woman who would refuse to eat anything that didn't look like native chinese food.

>>4761630
I never ate curry, but my country has plenty of spicy foods, and some even look like it. Unfortunaly they are bad for the bowels.
Guang lost my vote becayse he is using An's rice, because it feels wrong to vote for him if all the food isn't completly cooked by the contestant.

>>4761697
It was An's rice in the sense that it's her recipe he's using not her cooking it and handing it to him although I can still see the logic applying to that. It's my bad for not explaining it.

You and the others head back up the street to visit An Bo. Along the way you search for your friends to bring along. The easiest person to find was Ming, whom you find chewing happily on sweet bread from the bakers' stand. "That'll go to your thighs you know." Xin Lan calls out from the top of your head. Ming glares at the two of you and defiantly bites into her bread. "Just so you know, this is carbs which I need to survive the hell you put me through. Unlike you maniacs, some of us need to actually take breaks." She says as she chews. "Where have you guys been?" She asks curiously.

"We eat tons of food." Xin Lan says going over the various stalls you all went to. "Then we went to Guang's and nearly died."

"Correction, you nearly died." Renshu says laughing quietly. "The rest of us had enough self restraint to not take large mouthfulls of spicy food."

"Bigger bites means bigger flavor." Xin Lan insists, frowning. "Anyways, we're gonna head to An Bo's stand to try her food. You wanna come?" Ming finishes up her bread and nods. "Sure! I never got to see what she was making. Are we getting the others?"

"That's the plan." You say. "I'm sure the others are around here. Unless they left to go look at the rest of the festival."

"I think I saw Hien nearby." Ming says looking around. "Near one of the stands serving noodles." Ming leads the way and all you head through the now growing crowd of people. You decide to take lead and cut a path through the crowd before Xin Lan finds your friend and points him out. You find Hien quietly enjoying a cup of tea and talking to the owner of a stand who doesn't seem to be offering any food. As you approach, Hien smiles and invites you over. "My friends, it's good to see you. Come, have some tea."

"A cup of tea would be wonderful." Renshu says stepping forward. "A nice break from chewing and heavy meals."

"I'd rather have something a bit less hot but I could use a drink." Xin Lan says.

"Sure." You say stepping forward and see that it's the kind old woman from the general store. "Hello dearies." She says. "Let me grabs some more cups." The old woman turns around and grabs a few more cups before pouring some tea from one of several tea pots at her side. You all take a cup and take a sip. The tea was still warm and despite how many batches have been served before you, was still flavorful. It was a bit sweet which was a nice surprise. Most people tended to lean towards the stronger or more bitter flavors.

"Wonderful..." Renshu says taking a sip. He takes a wiff of the cup before saying. "Jasmine Flowers, if I'm not mistaken?" The old woman smiles. "You know your teas sweetie?" Renshu shakes his head. "No, I'm afraid I only have passing knowledge of the subject. A small hobby of mine and one I have woefully neglected." He says modestly.

"He's lying." Xin Lan says. "Stripes is always drinking tea. I bet he's just being humble."

"Oh dearie, you don't need to be shy." The old woman says. "If you're ever around the store at noon, we can have some tea together. It's always nice to sample flavors with another connesuir." She says.

"I'd be delighted should the opportunity arises." Renshu says.

"Miss you wouldn't happen still have some of that first tea, would you?" Hien asks. The old woman nods and pours you all another cup. You and your friends all take a sip and you pause. Unfortunately, this tea was rather bitter. Not bad but certainly not something you enjoyed to drink on a daily basis. You quietly drain the rest of your cup out of politeness and hold it lest the kind old woman mistook you for wanting more.

Renshu sips quietly and all of you watch him carefully, eager to see if he could guess the kind of tea. "It certainly is a green tea but not quite...Baozhong, correct?" He guesses.

"Ooh, you're good." The old woman says happily with a excited thumbs up. She hurries over and pours another cup of tea for him. "Now this one is special. I wasn't planning on serving it to people and just have it to drink while I sat here but have a taste."

"I'm honored." Renshu says as he takes another sip. Despite him drinking it in one go, you see it. A brief freeze and twitch of his face. Disgust, anger, and disappointment emanates from them but they keep a smiling face and tone. "This is 煎茶 (Sencha) ma'am. It's probably one of the most popular teas in Japan." He says politely. "It has been a while since I've tasted it."

The old woman claps happily, completely oblivious to Renshu's emotions. "Oh! Very good!" She says. "A nice trader brought me some many years ago and I make sure to save some for special occasions." Renshu simply nods, his face a mask. Taking the attention from him, you ask, "So, do you think you'll win this year? Only serving drinks is certainly a unique way to go about it."

The old woman laughs. "Oh no no sweetie. I haven't competed in years. I just like offering tea to people passing by. Nothing helps digestion more than a nice cup of tea! And that means eating more food! I've been doing this every year for a while."

"Thank you then." You say. "I feel like I could go have a few more plates of food now." You turn to Hien. "We're going to visit An Bo's stall. Do you want to come?" You ask.

"Of course. I think I've had enough of a break from meals to go another round." Hien politely bows to the old woman. "Thank you for the tea ma'am. And for the stories."

"Nonsense. I'm just an old woman. Telling tales and drinking tea is all I'm good for." She says. You all bid your goodbyes and continue down the street. You soon find Shenlong and Bao wandering the street with a bowl of noodles in hand. Though Bao was happily enjoying her food, Shenlong seem far more interested in the chopsticks.

"Wooden rods to eat meals with? Why ever would mortals handicap themselves when their fingers are perfectly servicable?" He wonders outloud.

"Because eating with dirty hands is rather disgusting." Bao says. "Imagine after a long days of work in the fields and you simply stick those in the food."

"Is water not good enough to cleanse the body?" Shenlong asks as he eats.

"Of course it is however, it's still polite to eat with untesils." Bao says. You approach the two. "Hey, we're about to visit one of our friends who is cooking. Do you want to come with us?"

Bao nods. "If it means more food then yes." She giggles.

"The multitude of ways to cook the same ingredients and have different effects is interesting. If you are leading us to another variation, then lead the way." Shenlong says. Your, now rather large, group head down to where An Bo's stand. You see her serving bowls of what looks like soup to various patrons. Despite being seperated from her boyfriend, she looked happy and content. "Mr. Tai Lung! You're here!" She says in surprise at both your arrival and the size of your group. "I thought you'd have been busy. Oh? Are these your friends?" She asks looking at Shenlong and Bao.

>How do you introduce your guests?
>Write in.

>>4761792
>Yes, they are old friends I met just after I begun my pilgramage to becomw a better man. They might be my oldest friends after Luo, actually.

>>4761817
And I forgot to properly introduce them, wonderful.
>This is Bao, a priestess at the village of [name I don't remember], and her superior, Shen.
I wonder how he will react to being called by a nickname.

>>4761440
My take is that it’s not considered weird in this world to sell your natural products if people find them useful. If you produce silk, why shouldn’t you weave it into garments and sell it? If you have unfertilized eggs, may as well earn some extra coins by selling them to carnivores or omnivores.
Simple as. Its fine to them because it’s like selling a service to them.

>>4761792
>Thing is my friend high priestess of the wind Bao, one of the first I have made on my travels, and our mutual friend Shenlong. Certainly my 'oldest' friend to date.

Bit of a pun there, but I would like to avoid the nickname.

>>4762085
Well, it was more of a way to hide his identity by giving him a false identity, but at the same time close enough that someone can get it in retrospect.
By being her superio, he could just be the head priest, and is just named Shen, but if you get that he is the great dragon, than it becomes a pun.
I chose it because Hien wanted to hide his identity from her, so we don't know how the tavernkin will handle the spaghetti.

>>4762561
I uh. I uh dont think that Shenlong is able to hide, nor does he apparently see a need to.

But if you want to go that way, we can introduce Bao as she is and let Shenlong introduce himself how he wishes.

>>4762910
That's a fair point actually, we can just say they are old friends and let them introduce themselves as they wish.
I will switch my vote to that.

So it seems like the vote is to let them introduce themselves?

>>4763148
I vote for telling they are our old friends like in >>4761817 and let them indrotyce themselves.
Although the pun in >>4762085 is a good one, so maybe include that part?

>>4763148
Yes.

"Our old friends, why don't you intoduce themselves"

>>4763159
Damned split second posting.
But this is the idea.

>>4763159
Holy shit I mangled the word introduce.
>>4763169
I feel your pain on a spiritual level.

>>4763176
Neat, never knew I had Blood-Kindred

Works for me. I'll get to writing more food porn. Writing.

Also nearly screwed up. Almost posted with food as good. I'll uhh...post the "good" stuff on paste bin.

>>4763201
I'm sure it will be. . . Saucy.

>>4763251
Very. Tons of [spoilers]consensual hand holding, cute nicknames, cuddles, head pats, and generally anything that will drive ornery fox mom's crazy with rage.[/spoiler]

>>4763269
Joke ruined.

On a separate point. Any plans after the festival? Stuff you want to get done or finished up?

>>4763275
Let's see what would go on this type of festival.
Traditional dances and songs, food, religious cerimonies and prayers, fireworks, parades, drinking, people seeling things and scammers.
Maybe have one of those parades with people holding a giant paper dragon? It could be funny to see Shenlong's reaction. Perhaps a fortune teller reading palms? Make us guess if they are legit or not.

>>4763293
And playing with sprites too! They father is around and people have light up a bunch of incense and other smells, so they might be in high spirits.Heh

>>4763269
O-oh.

>>4763275
After this, start working on our peace form, get back on track speaking to the spirits [air/fire perhaps] and of course, continuing on our way to the library.

And of course, once we have refined the style somewhat, offering it to Shenlong and Bao. Partly for our own legacy, mostly as a gift in the only way we really know how to express ourselves well in.

Something something, one battle speaks a milliin words

>>4763275
I read as plans for the festival instead of after, so time to fix my mistake.
We got to make sure the council plan goes through, maybe tell Hien to send a truted priest of the imperial family to properly put the dead of the library and the village, get rid of the traps in the forest so innocents don't get hurt, train our new style, meditate with Xin and Renshu to help with their new progress, find a sorceror to reach Ming, find out how to officiate Guang's and An's marriage so they aren't considered eloping so her mother can't do anything and find someplace with fire sprites so we can meet them.
Than it's just going to the Library, pools, getting a house and a pardon.

>>4763360
Hey wait a minute.

We DO know an immensely powerful spiritual individual. She's walking around eating food with Shenlong.
If we teach Ming to the best of our extent, I think we could ask Bao to lend her some tips of how to be a spiritualist/where to find instructions

>>4763360
You could ask Bao. I mean what's more official than a dragon priestess blessing their marriage?

>>4763400
I wonder if she has a mask.

>>4763372
I thought Ming was more of a magical sort than faithful, and that's why it wouldn't work.
>>4763400
You know what would be more official than the dragon priestess? The dragon himself.

>>4763410
Ming is "Sensitive" meaning she could go any which way. Chi strikes to witchcraft to spiritualism like we do, she could do it all or none.
But potential is only worth something when trained properly.

>>4763410
Now that would be a wedding wouldn't it?

>>4763405
In the last thread she was described as wearing a hat with hanging beads/veil that partly obscured her face, Luo even put a picture I think.

File: Spoiler Image (107 KB, 920x1176)

107 KB JPG

>>4763418
Not quite what I had meant.

>>4763414
Well, in chinese and japanese mythology/history sorcerores and wizards are also types of priest right? The Onmyoji and Shujengas in Japan, and Taoist alchemist and astrologists. So it could work actually.

>>4763424
Oh fuck I completly missed the joke.
We need to get a mask for Ming, it could help with her feelings of not being as cool as the rest of the team

Internet is killing me here. Won't let me post. Gonna see what I can do about it.

To explain because that was a semi test post. Anything longer than a few sentences refuses to be posted. Dunno what the hell is going on.

>>4763457
Try taking a screenshot and posting the image.

File: vegetarian-chinese-hot-an(...).jpg (1023 KB, 3000x2001)

1023 KB JPG

You nod and motion to them. “These are some of my old friends whom I first met on my journey. Actually I think they’re some of my oldest friends come to think of it. Older than even Luo too.” You say amused. Your friends seem rather the opposite at that joke. An Bo gives a polite bow. “Hello!” She says. “You must have come a long way to visit our little town.”

“Bao.” Bao says introducing herself. “And this is my husband Shenlong.” She says hugging a rather surprised Shenlong’s arm. “If it wasn’t for Tai Lung’s invitation, we wouldn’t have traveled this far out to visit though I’m glad I did.”

"W-where are you from?" An Bo asks nervously eyeing the large dragon.

"Out of the country." Bao says smiling under her veil. "We were 'born' here but we've since moved out."

"O-oh..." She says unsure of how to continue. "W-well I'm glad you've come all the way here for a friend." She says.

"So are we." Bao says happily. "It's been a while since we've been to a festival like this. Even more so knowing that we got to see a cooking competition." She adds hinting to An Bo and helping her along. An Bo gives a little jump as she remembers why she was there.

"O-oh! The competition!" She stammers. "I suppose you're here to taste my food." She says nervously as she turns around to grab some bowls. "It's not much." She admits as she ladles some soup into the bowls. "It's just some vegetable soup." She says politely. Bao and Shenlong move forward to grab their servings as you and your friends form a line to get their own bowl. As you approach for your and Xin Lan's bowl, An Bo waves you over frantically. "W-where are your friends from exactly?" She asks nervously.

"I'm not really sure." You lie. "I guess I never did ask. I met them in a village a few days away from my hometown. Why?"

An Bo fidgets. "Maybe you should tell your friend that her husband's name isn't...really appropriate." She says chewing her lip. "Does she know that he's using the Great Dragon's name?" She says nervously. "Some people might not like that..."

You smile and place a hand on An Bo's shoulder. "It'll be fine An Bo. They can take care of themselves and they've lived with the name for a while. I'm sure they know how to deal with that situation when it arises." You look at the food. "So what did you make today? Guang didn't want to tell us. Though he did wanted us to make sure you were doing ok." An Bo smiles, "He's so sweet. He doesn't like showing it in public but he's a big softie. He won't let me sleep on the floor or use any of the thin blankets." She says as she pours you some soup. The soup itself was a rich golden color. It reminded you of egg drop soup although rather than egg, the soup is filled to the brim with vegetables and roots. You step aside to let the others grab their own serving as you take a bite.

The soup was pleasant to say the least although that was an understatement. It was smooth and warm and despite the lack of meat in it had a nice right flavour that perfectly mimicked it. However, the mushrooms gave it a nice earthy taste that grounded the flavor giving it a nice blend. To add to it's richness, you taste some spice in it though unlike Guang's dish the spice here only served to accent the rest of the flavors, heightening them though your unsure why that was. It was as if the spice seemed to make things taste stronger. The vegetables themselves were nice and soft. The roots were cooked, you think grilled, perfectly and had a nice crunch that gave the meal something to contrast the ingredients texture wise. Furthermore, as you eat it you don't feel like your getting full. Bite after bite and all you think is about how you could have another serving.

"Are these wild mushrooms?" Ming asks holding a mushroom. "The roots are native to these woods too." An Bo nods eagerly.

"Yes! Guang and I were taking a stroll one night and he started showing me the roots and wild plants in the woods. He helped me pick all of the ones I used to make this meal." She says. "I thought they tasted nice and then decided that maybe the people here would like a soup made from the forest they live in. I thought it would make them feel more at home while they ate it. Mr. Chuanli says that the roots in the soup are full of nutrients that can help ease pain and restore energy."

"He's right." Ming says chewing. "These roots are commonly ground up to make powders for invigoration and these wild onions contain a chemical that helps relax muscles so it's excellent for cramps or tenseness."

"And by grilling the roots, you preserved their nutrients." Renshu says. "Often times boiling ruins the medicinal properties of raw ingredients unless done so in a precise manner. However the onions are the opposite, by boiling them they release their effects into the broth as well as their flavor."

"Not to mention, the spices are used quite well." Hien says. "I remember reading of a cooking method where it's used to enhance the flavor of a dish and a better example I cannot find."

"You have harvested nature's bounty to not only with the intent of helping those around you but to honor the gifts of nature themselves." Shenlong says holding a root in his chopsticks and examining it. "A unique and productive way of going about it. I approve." He says eating the root. An Bo blushes heavily and covers her face. "I-I didn't really intend to do it like that." She stammers bashfully. "I just wanted to make a meal that helped people and...maybe brightened their day. It's nothing special really! Haveyouseenthebaker'scakes?" She asks suddenly as if trying to change subject. "They're quite something aren't they?"

>What do you say?
>Agree that Ming does enjoy the baker's cakes but joke and say that's not what you were talking about. Tell her what you think of her food.
>Ask An Bo about the festival.
>Ask An Bo about her and her boyfriend.
>Write in.

Wooo update! Did you find out what was going on boss?
>>4763757
>Agree that Ming does enjoy the baker's cakes but joke and say that's not what you were talking about. Tell her what you think of her food.
An shot straight into my weakpoint, I fucking love mushrooms.
Also it seems claiming their friends are their husband as a cover is a trait that all of our friends share.
Shame that Bao did not for just Shen, if someone could pull it off it would be her, but I guess he's too prideful for that.

>>4763779
I didn't unfortunately. But it seems to have worked now that I'm on a different network. Also Shenlong is a bit too prideful for nicknames. Titles are different but if he's going to be given a name it will be his full name and no less.

>>4763757
Welp. she made an RPG potion of restoration that actually tastes good.

Sorry Guang, but An Bo just blew your shit out of the water. Practicality and taste work wonders and your mouth murder chowder is great fun but this win goes to An.

>>4764145
Idiot.

>Agree that the bakers cakes are good but not the topic of conversation
>Ask how soon we can expect a wedding invitation

Little bit of teasing.

>>4763757

Ill go with >>4764156
A little teasing is always good. Ask Xin.

>>4763779
Yeah Mushroom team!
Butter Garlick button mushroom and Sautee ear mushroom is the best!

>>4763779
>>4764156
>>4764274
Teasing An Bo. Writing.

You chuckle. "Yes the bakers' food is delicious as Ming can attest to that but that's not what we were talking about." You say gently. "You've made quite a dish and I think it deserves the praise it's getting." You say as you place the empty bowls on the counter. "It's delicious and clearly you had everyone's well being in mind when you made it not just in flavor but in it's effects. You've got a talent for cooking here and I hope you continue to improve."

"Yeah. Not anyone can mix ingredients like this." Xin Lan says patting your head as they add. "Just look at the big guy. Poor guy can't get near a kitchen without destroying a dish. It's quite sad."

You look up at Xin Lan and they ruffle your ears. "It is true." You say. "I have no talent for cooking so seeing someone who can do what you do only makes me want to encourage that talent more. If you want to help then improving on it as a surefire way to do so. Just don't lose sight on why you wanted to improve on the first place. Don't lose that spark of wanting to help others and your boyfriend. Unless of course..." You say slyly. "You two are planning on moving beyond just dating? I've never been to wedding before."

An Bo blushes and fidgets. "Marriage? I don't....I don't know." She says happily flustered. "I mean...I think I'd like to but I don't know if Guang would want to...and oh my, it's so much work." She says. "H-how was yours?" She asks.

"Oh it was no big deal." Xin Lan says before you can awnser and you can imagine the smug grin on their face. "Really the wedding isn't whats important." They say seriously. "You love the guy right? Then it's your vows that matter. If you're willing to give it your all then Guang should be able to do the same. A relationship isn't anything if both parties aren't genuine about your comittments. Marrige is a big step but it's won't feel that way if both of you are together to work with one another." They lean forward and rest their arms on your head. "Can't tell you how many times the big guy stuck his neck out for me as we traveled and how many times I'm willing to do the same for him. Not to mention the fact that life would be pretty bland without him. Granted I don't expect either of you to need to do that for one another but just being willing to help each other out is more than enough."

You look up. "Since when do you know so much about marriage?"

Xin Lan pats your head. "Since I've got to know if I ever need to impersonate Stripes. Unlike you, I do my research."

"Funny, you don't seem like the romantic type." You say.

"Oh don't worry. I can show you how romantic I can be tomight." They tease. You decide not to press the issue.

"I mean...I've though about asking." She admits. "But it's too soon." She says. "I mean...what if I'm being just like my mom? Maybe I'm going to fast."

>What do you say?
>Write in.

>>4765138
It amuses me how she didnt question the fact that we have never been to a wedding.

But anyway
>"your worry is well founded, some people go faster or slower than others and it is all about knowing what your partner is ready and willing for. That being said I suggest that you dont get trapped by indecision and keep second guessing yourself because in that mire no cart can escape without a massive push to be free of it. If you wonder what he would think about it or if you are going to fast, ask him. If you worry you are being too pushy, ask him. If you two can have an honest conversation then your bond will be strong and you will know where everyone stands about it. Two heads to think it over, aye?"

>>4765138
There's really no need to rush. Marriage isn't the end of the world, it's only the beginning. If you stay true to your feelings and maintain open communication with your partner, you'll know when the time is right.

Just finished catching up on this. Great stuff Luo, it's really been an amazing ride so far.
Very brave of you to push the bara gay furry angle. I wouldn't have been mad if you guys had gone that route, but I'm more of a Xin Lan fan myself. Justice will always be on the side of the androgenous bunny onahole

>>4765138
>I'm pretty sure your mother was so desperate to have the marriage be quick because of a interested in the finacial and political gain of that husband-to-be family. Isn't there a period before the marriage were you bound yourself as fianceé? You already live with them as family, the rest would just be making it official, no?
>Tell me, what exactly make you love Guang so much? Simple passion and attraction can fade away, but if it's his personality and actions, than your love will grow stronger with time.

>>4765187
>>4765211
>>4765225
Seems like the vote is to talk it out and not rush into it. You'll know when you know but also to ask herself what she sees in the relationship. I get that right?

>>4765211
Sadly it seems it was not to be as interesting as it might have been. It happens with votes. It also seemed like the most logical...ish conclusion to who would press the question first but I've written tons of paragraphs on it. Maybe there will be a next time or maybe TL will grow comfortable enough to ask the question himself. For now there's a festival to enjoy and the library to find.

>>4765263
That's right.

And yeah, I dont really have a horse in the race, because they are all the best girl, but if it had to go anywhere I am pointing it to Renshu. The guy has my heart.
Then again, I dunno if it was down to how interesting the choice would be and how much of it were Anons pushing for how terribly awkward TL is.

>>4765314
You can try to push for renshu, but you will fail.
I am Baofag, the legendary first-girl warrior. Thousands of quests have fallen before me, and thousands more will fall.
What hope do you have to resist my influence?

>>4765314
>>4765329
Thus is the complexity of the waifu wars it seems. Nonetheless, we move on.

>>4765187
>>4765211
>>4765225
Dispensing that advice. Writing.

>>4765329
I am the steady stream of peace, implacable and adaptable as the wind, while victory is impossible then denial of the enemy win conditions and eternal war are their own reward.

>>4765329
Fear not friend, for you do not stand alone.

"Your worry is well founded. Some people go faster or slower than others and it's all about knowing what your partner is ready and willing for. That being s aid I suggest that you don't get trapped by indecision and keep second guessing yourself. If you wonder what he would think about it or if you're going too fast, ask him. If you're worried you're being too pushy, ask him. If you two can have an honest conversation then your bond will be strong and you will know where everyone stands on it. Your mother was desperate for a quick marrige because of the financial and political gain of that husband's family but you aren't looking for that." You say. "That being said, you already live with them as a family, the rest would just be making it official, no? There's really no need to rush. Marriage isn't the end of the world, it's only the beginning of a new one. If you stay true to your feelings and maintain open communication with your partner, you'll know when the time is right."

"Now look who is sounding like Stripes." Xin Lan says poking your cheek. You simply poke Xin Lan's side in response.

"I guess the important question is, what exactly makes you love Guang so much?" You ask.

"Eh?" An Bo says suprised. "I...don't know." She admits.

"Don't be blunt." Xin Lan says. "What the big guy means is try to think of the reasons why you fell in love with Guang. Let's make it easier. Why did you even talk to him to begin with? How'd you two meet?"

"Oh, well he bought some of our scrap cloth." An Bo says. "He wanted some to use as rags to clean the tavern with."

"Alright...so then why did the two of you talking? I mean, buying your scrap materials isn't really romantic, now is it?" Xin Lan asks.

An Bo fidgets. "He was...nice." She says.

"Tons of people are nice." You say. "He must have done something special."

"He asked me if I was ok..." She says. You and Xin Lan looks at each other.

"Now that's a start." Xin Lan says. "Anyone can be nice. Takes an extra step to take yourself out of your own world to think of others. So then what?"

"We started talking." An Bo says now thinking. "We didn't really like the way our parents treated us. I guess we bonded over that. Then... you know. Everything kind of happened."

"Alright, so he risked his neck for you. That's fair." Xin Lan says. "But what about now? What made you stay? Guang himself even said if you didn't want to stay with him, he'd let you go and do what you want. He just wanted you to be happy."

"He's still nice." An Bo says. "Every day, before I wake up, he goes and gets my favorite kind of sweet bread and when he's not looking, I like to go and get his favorite kind of cookies. The ones with walnuts baked in them. He's always asking if I like the clothes I wear and offering to go get me more or buy the cloth if I want to make some. Guang likes to act grumpy and tough but he's a really sweetheart. He worries a lot because he doesn't think he's as good as his father or that he won't be able to run the tavern when...well when his dad won't be around anymore. I don't think he knew his mom very well so he's really attached to his dad. He talks more about it at night when we're alone in our room. I do my best to let him know that he's doing fine and he doesn't need to worry but I think he's still scared."

"Something wrong with his dad?" Xin Lan asks.

"No but Guang sometimes tries to think ahead, at least when he's not getting hot headed. So I think he thinks a bit too far ahead." An Bo admits.

"Alright so the guy goes out of his way to make you happy." Xin Lan says. "That's good. Sounds like he even trusts you with his problems. That's a pretty good sign of a relationship. Not many people open up like that."

"It does sound like the two of you have a connection that runs deeper than just physical attraction." You point out. "Maybe it's too early for marriage but that doesn't mean your bond can't grow deeper. Take it at your own pace and be open to one another about your feelings. I'm sure whatever happens from there will be something you're both happy with."

"You really think so?" An Bo asks.

"Nothing good ever comes out of lying in situations like these and you can't make a decision you're happy with if you don't know all the facts." You say.

An Bo nods. "That sounds right. You two really know a lot about this." She says. "How long have you two been married?" Xin Lan giggles and hops into your arms. "Never." They say with a wink. "We haven't even dated." You give a bewlidered An Bo a polite nod and walk to go with your friends as a several more people wander up to taste An Bo's food.

"So where to next?" Ming asks looking up at the sky. "It's noon so we still have plenty of time."

"Noon?" Bao asks. "It's almost time for us to leave." She says. "Plenty of ceremonies will be starting soon."

>What do you say?
>Go check out a few more games.
>Go visit the merchants for trinkets or souvenirs.
>Go see if there are other attractions at the Festival.
>Write in.

>>4765511
>Ask that we go somewhere a bit quieter

I'd like to paint a portrait of the lot of us, maybe another of just Shenlong and Bao for them as a gift while we hand over the others as well. Because hey, if they have to leave now then I'd prefer they get their momento's while they can just vanish corporeally. I don't think we can do that.

>>4765511
>Just bring the rest to Guang so we can let him know An is fine. And for them to pass through the spice test.
>Go see if there are other attractions at the Festival

>>4765526
Oh yeah, and let them try Guang's murder chowder.
Lets see Shenlong shrug off this concoction.

>In unrelated news, several countries are now wracked with tsunami's and hurricanes filled with spices

>>4765526
>>4765520
Actually, fuck the other attractions, making the painting for Shenlong is top priority.
But we still should pass by Guang to tell him An is ok.

>>4765530
He will ask how Guang managed to steal part of Zhulong's power.
Maybe he will like it and go share it with his lady Dilong in Eureka

>>4765520
>>4765526
>>4765530
>>4765532
We're just gonna let Guang know An bo is fine and then get to painting. Writing. Now question. Do you want to Paint shenlong as is or paint him as you see him in Eureka?

>>4765569
Paint him as he is.
But behind him, paint as he appears in Eureka faintly.

>>4765569
As he is currently. This is to commemerate the occasion. A memory snapshot, if you will. Putting a shadow or faint impression of his true form behind him is a possibility, but really not required.

So I went looking for the last thread in the archive to the image you used for Shenlong, and I can't find thread 10.
Did you forget to archive it boss?

File: imgbin-chinese-dragon-tig(...).jpg (111 KB, 728x787)

111 KB JPG

>>4765589
That I did. Thanks for reminding me! Here's the image by the way.

>>4765596
>>4765589
Lucky you caught it, it's still in the archive of the board.

Aaand archived. Thanks for the reminder.

>>4765596
Part of me almost wants to see how good Shenlong is at dragon style kung fu.
I know this is hubris and I understand that he's that powerful that his very presence is sufficient to crush anyone that dares appear before them, but there is something to be said for being more skilled than one of the godly arbitrators of heaven.

>>4765610
There is indeed and now I'm wondering how it would play out if Shenlong held back enough for you to actually try. Does he rely on strength so much that he actually never practiced? Or is he simply so old that skill has simply accrued over the many years he's existed?

File: Shenlong.png (632 KB, 742x1076)

632 KB PNG

>>4765576
Something like this.
Off to the archive to get images for everyone, I don't expect for it to be a good collage, but it will have to do.
Draw anon come back, the drones need you.

>>4765625
Hey that's really awesome! Nice job. I too miss draw anon

>>4765618
I don't actually see any reason for him to have tried to learn, nor to have adopted humanoid form to practice. Bioloically he would be more durable and strong than even TL, just by divine powers but still.

Going by pure skill, I believe we would have him beat, due to the mortal drive to improve and master before our limited time runs out. Because to quote Fate of all things "Technique is divised by humanity to overcome our natural shortcomings and he without shortcomings needs no technique."

File: 1600715730793.jpg (46 KB, 700x635)

46 KB JPG

As I search through the archives collecting all images that I can, I found the image Luo used for the fire sprites.
They are cute.

File: edab420fd57ff2c7ec10e6ada(...).jpg (99 KB, 743x1024)

99 KB JPG

>>4765625
>One year after training with TL

"First I want to go see Guang. We did promise to try his food. After that I want to find somewhere quiet for a while." You say.

"Oh right!" Ming says. "I never got to see what he was making."

"We did promise." Hien agrees. "Where is he right now?"

"He's on the other side of the street." You say as you start to head over there with the others right behind you. Like before, the smell of spices hits your nose before you reach the stand. Several people are leaving the stand, just as teary eyes as the first you saw but many more are around the stand, curious as to the source of the smell. You and your friends wait patiently for the crowd to clear out before you all gather around Guang's stand. "Hey guys!" Guang says waving you all in and wiping his hands clean on his apron. "Glad to see you're all here! Just managed to get a new batch as well, so it's extra hot." He says grabbing half another set of bowls to serve everyone. "So you see An yet?" He asks.

"We were just there. She's giving you a run for your money." You say with a grin as the rest of your friends take a bit. "And she's doing fine. She seems to be happy participating in the competition."

"We made sure no one's gonna bother her either." Xin Lan says. "So you can just worry about attracting customers." They tease as they watch the others eat Guang's food. Bao waves her hand infront of her mouth as she pants. "Hot. That's really really hot." She says looking around for something to drink. Guang quickly pours her some cool juice which she gratefully downs the moment it hits the counter. Shenlong continues to eat, unperturbed, but says, "This tastes like fire. Do mortals normally enjoy feeling their mouths being incinerated?"

"Well...no...but that's what makes this special." Guang says flustered. "The heat and sweetness of the rice are like opposites so they match. It's unique...ya know?"

"No." Shenlong replies.

"I dunno what you guys are talking about." Ming says swallowing, tears running down her face. "This stuff is really good! Can I have some more?" She asks holding out her bowl. "What kinds of spices did you use?"

"I can't pronounce the names." Guang says perking up and filling up Ming's plate again. "But I can show you them. Maybe you'll find some on your travels." You all stare as Ming takes another bite of the dish and chews happily, her face getting bright red from the heat but she continues to merrily eat the meal. "I need the recipie to this." She breathes out and takes a sip from her drink. "I want to make this on the road."

"Y-yeah! Definitely!" Guang says a bit in awe himself. "I'll write it down after the festival and give it to you."

"Thanks!" Ming says downing her drink and taking out a napkin to wipe her face clean. "So...you said you wanted to go somewhere quiet?" She asks.

"Yeah..." You say slowly. "But let's go place our votes for the compeition first."

>Where do you want to go to paint?
>The Shrine in the middle of the town. Might be a bit busy but seeing as it's noon, you suspect everyone is busy taking part in the festival to make their way there right now.
>On the rooftops of Taishi. You're definitely not going to find anyone there.
>In the woods. It seems like the most appropriate place if not a bit cliche.
>Write in.

>>4765681
>On the rooftops of Taishi. You're definitely not going to find anyone there.
All of us can do Kung Fu super jumps, so it shouldn't be a problem.
Also Ming is becoming too powerful.

Ah fuck I can't find a image of Hien or Renshu that aren't the human reference images.
I remember you had posted something that you thought how they looked like boss, but you must have put it into a spoiler and I must have rolled through while looking through the archives.
You wouldn't still have it lying around would you?

File: 68674d6f8c9d37e790f8a4092(...).jpg (59 KB, 600x684)

59 KB JPG

>>4765782
For Stripes? I got one. Hien unfortunately doesn't have a furry counterpart...but I'll do some diving to find one for you. Here'sa refrence sheet for an OC I've been using for Renshu's character image. By sheer dumb luck it's a perfect match. Here's the one I first used.

File: dd7722586bf59cee45093b1f2(...).jpg (64 KB, 564x798)

64 KB JPG

The cooking one. Surprisingly...there's a ton of fan art of this guy shirtless. Another conicidence as well considering the going shirtless is a refrence to Geese Howard from Fatal Fury which is where Renshu's fighting style originated from as well.

>>4765796
>>4765798
Does he have a full body? Otherwise I will use the main character in Usagi Yojimbo, that an anon recomended in one of the archived threads.
He apparently is based on Miyamoto Musashi, so it could work

>>4765801
I can probably find one. One moment.

In a place that no man dares tread, there you'll find Luo in their stead.

-Excuse for why my search history is full of weird shit.

File: 2767097056_180d4ee88a_z.jpg (67 KB, 427x500)

67 KB JPG

>>4765801
And here's a nice image of that Miyamoto Usagi, I already edited a version that's grey with stripes, but better leave the untouched one just in case.

>>4765806
RIP Luo's google profile, forever shall it be haunted by furaffinity and e621.

File: 6e0768a28d4c3fb71660f3a9a(...).jpg (146 KB, 848x1199)

146 KB JPG

>>4765812
So quick reconissance notes. Apperantly they like drawing Stripes as a moody edgy OC and very few people like drawing a full body without him either 1. Weilding a gun. 2. shirtless. 3. with some other OC in a way that can't be easily photoshopped apart.

Here's another refrence sheet. Of and 4. In a suit which makes sense because I think he's supposed to be a cop from zootopia? Might have to go with tmnt bun.

File: Renshu attempt.png (106 KB, 232x500)

106 KB PNG

>>4765817
Well, here's he edited.
Also are you sure it's an OC and not a genderbent Judy Hopkins? It's to judge the limits of furry degeneracy.

>>4765812
[Maybe that's why I'm in the library. This is where no man dares tread...despite not finding anything remotely spooky. Found a couple of books who's language I don't recognize but I'm pretty sure these moonrunes are like some kind of old langauge no one uses...or it could be from some old asian country. I dunno.]

>>4765830
It's...both neither and exactly that. Curiosity got the better of me. Stripes aka Renshu aka Jack Savage was the original iteration of Judy Hopps (the main character of the film). Apperantly the film was supposed to be a furry spoof of the James Bond franchise but was scrapped. Stripped bun is supposed to be a secret agent. With the idea turned down, Jack was remade as Judy and the rest as they say is history.

>>4765840
Interesting. Who would have guessed this would lead to me learning something.
I guess I'll just use samurai bun then.
Now we just need to find a lynx noble and the gang is done.

File: b95a75346bc5432f59cbb992c(...).jpg (145 KB, 1080x1350)

145 KB JPG

>>4765845
Not the best, too bulky but this is a good one. You can thank Khajiits for the wares.

>>4765857
Now I understand why people said he was our son.

>>4765871
He's a grey furred and spotted lynx. I think they're called snow lynxs though that might just be a colloquialism. He's not nearly as bulky and we'll built as TL or Stripes and stripes is already on the leaner side but He's a good size for some who trained to be a jack of all trades kind of noble.

File: The gang.png (471 KB, 550x402)

471 KB PNG

Well, here's everyone, in all of their contrasting artstyle glory.

>>4765877
Not gonna lie, still damn impressive.

File: DwEZ_tXU8AAVgy8.jpg (272 KB, 1500x1500)

272 KB JPG

>>4765877
Have a modern Guang

>>4765900
I love it! Nice image anon.

>>4765681
>Rooftops of Taishi
Its quick, easy and makes an alright background.

We'll be painting in 2 hours. I'll see you then.

>>4765687
>>4766201
After dwelling in the bowels of the library that is the internet, we made a collage. Anyways the votes point to painting on the roofs. Writing.

You all make your way to the small table containing a voting box. Sitting next to it is a very bored looking teenager. He unceremoniously hands you the number of the booth you want and you place it in the box. With out so much as a goodbye, the teen goes back to reading their book. You wonder if you were ever like that in your youth or were you simply too busy with training to do so.

Once you had all voted, you turn to your friends. "Let's go to the rooftops. That seems like it's quiet enough." Your friends shrug and Xin Lan climbs onto your shoulders as you pick up Ming before you all leap onto the rooftops of Taishi. The rooftops were oddly quiet. Even at this height you suspected that the noise from the festivities would reach up here but they sounded dimmer and muffled. "Why exactly are we here?" Xin Lan asks as they rest their chin on your head.

"I...wanted to paint." You say a bit anxiously. "I thought it would be a good gift for Shenlong and a nice way to commemorate how far we've come."

"I think that's sweet." Ming says.

"That's not a bad idea." Renshu agrees as he looks out over the town. "I didn't know you could paint."

"I...well I'm not sure if it would be very good but I often drew pictures when writting letters to my father and he always made me practice some kind of brush skill growing up. Said it would help with my dexterity." You say.

"I bet it'll be fine." Bao says smiling and removing her veil and revealing her glowing blue eyes. "Where do you want us to stand? Do you want us to sit?" You pull Xin Lan off of your shoulders and they wiggle a bit before you set them on the ground. It takes a few minutes before you manage to arrange everyone in a way that both fits your canvas and pleases the eye. Having them stand side by side seems too wide and made the eyes wander all over the place. Trying to clump them all together or sitting in a group was either too messy with various heights or left too much negative space. Finally you manage to set them all in a way you liked. With the tallest standing in the back and the shortest either kneeling or sitting in front. Once that was settled you pull up your paints and begin to sketch your work.

You're not sure how long it takes you but it feels like a while, however your friends wait patiently as you work and once you had finished placing the final stroke. You set your brushes down and wave everyone over. The image was as you had seen it. With everyone sitting on the rooftops of Taishi as you positioned them. However, you add the image of Shenlong's true form in the sky connected with the one infront of you.

"You didn't get my good side." Xin Lan says as your friends crowd around you to see.

"Funny, I didn't know you had one." Ming shoots back.

"That's alright. It's kind of hard to comprehend my beauty sometimes." Xin Lan counters.

"I like it." Bao says. "Look he even painted you in all your glory." She tells Shenlong.

"I am pleased with this." He says in what you think is pride though not for his image. "Even if it had not been of such high quality, a gift from a friend is a rare thing indeed. I shall treasure it always." He inhales and breaths an emerald flame upon it and your hands. Everyone shouts in shock and you almost drop the painting if you hadn't suddenly realized that the flames didn't burn. Once the flames had receded you find yourself holding a beautiful picture frame. Wrought of pure emerald with a glass of diamond, the frame glitters in the afternoon sun with your picture immortalized and preserved within. Dragons are carved from the emerald as they circle the frame, their eyes made of impossibly small rubies and their claws of golden topaz. Each dragon holds a small sphere, as is custom, made of sapphire. Your friends look on in awe as they take in the frame.

"Gems of the dragons..." Hien says. "Legends have only hinted at their beauty. To see not one but six in my lifetime...and to see them crafted in such an extravagant detail. It's a gift in of itself."

"I think he liked your picture." Xin Lan says. You nod and hand the framed image with a low bow. "Thank you my friend." You say. "To receive such compliments from you is an honor that words cannot describe." Shenlong takes the painting and you turn to Bao, rather embarassed. "Sorry, I guess compared to that my next gift isn't really that much." You say as you pull the fan you bought and painted for her out of your bag. "But I got you this and painted it myself."

Bao takes the fan and opens it up. "Oh you shouldn't have." She says happily as she obscures her face. Closing it she taps your nose with it. "And that's nonsense. It's just as good. Just because it's not in a fancy case doesn't diminish the intent behind it. Thank you." She says.

You look at the sky, the sun now past noon and just beginning it's decent. "It's getting late for you, isn't it?"

"Yes." Bao says gently. "We have to go but you already know that we're never truly gone."

"Yeah..."

"Plus...there's always next year." She says.

"Indeed. I am interested in what the new year will bring. And I am curious of exploring this concept of...food once more." Shenlong adds.

"I'll look forward to it." You say looking down back at the two. "To next year." You say handing Bao the orb you bought. She takes it and looks amused.

"To next year." Bao and Shenlong repeat. The two bid their farewells and turn to leave. Just as they arrived, it takes you a few seconds to realize that they were no longer there.

>What do you do now?
>Go back to the festival. Enjoy the celebrations a bit more before the town gathering for prayer and then the community feast.
>Go somewhere else and prepare for the fireworks of the night. You've had enough for the crowds for today.
>You still have your other friends to spend the day with. Find other ways to commemorate this day.
>Write in.

>>4767593
>Ask the others what they'd like to do
If nobody comes up with anything they want to do, I suspect we should get a nice place set up for watching the fireworks. Spend some time playing Go or cards perhaps.

I'd have suggested a friendly spar but Ming would kick our asses.

File: Tai Lung.png (45 KB, 216x256)

45 KB PNG

>>4765877
Trying to draw this collage, put everyone on the festival clothes Ming got us and use the rooftop as background instead of a street.
Just finished Tai Lung. Sorry for the relative low quality, I'm not an artist, I edited memes.

Should have updated the site before posting.
>>4767593
Ah shit we didn't give him our gag gift.
>Go somewhere else and prepare for the fireworks of the night. You've had enough for the crowds for today.
Normally I would join in the prayer, but we already communed with with spirits enough on our daily basis.

>>4767662
It's cool enough for me man.

And we did give him his Gag gift.
>You say handing Bao the orb you bought. She takes it and looks amused

>>4767708
Thanks my dude.
I was rereading the wrong part looking for it.
Anyway, Renshu next.

>>4767624
>>4767664
Taking these. Writing.

File: Renshu.png (26 KB, 77x198)

26 KB PNG

Now I must desecrate artanon works.
A unfortunate sacrifice.

File: Xin.png (16 KB, 74x167)

16 KB PNG

Ming next.

You turn to your friends. "What do you want to do now?" You ask.

"I could go for a nice long nap." Xin Lan asks leaping into Renshu's arms. The larger rabbit chuckles and pets their younger sibling. "I think I've had my fill of food as well." He says. "Parhaps something less intensive would be a good idea."

"I want to go buy some souvenirs." Ming says. "We've been so busy with everything that I forgot to buy something to remember this by."

"Wait, you didn't get us presents?!" Xin Lan asks.

"You're wearing your present." Ming says poking Xin Lan's belly.

"A quick venture to the trader camps wouldn't do us any harm." Hien says. "Perhaps we should find somewhere to relax, away from the crowds."

"An excellent idea." Renshu agrees. "We do have, after all, our own celebrations and gift givings to give tonight. And I'll need sometime to prepare dinner as well."

"More food?" Xin Lan groans. "I'm already full..."

"I have complete confidence that you'll recover small one." Renshu says. "In any case, I shall go and gather my things. Shall we meet up at the inn after Ming's shopping?"

"Sounds good to me." Ming says. "It shouldn't take long. I just want something small. Like a figurine. It won't take too long."

"I'm gonna go with Stripes." Xin Lan says. "Think I've had enough of crowds for now."

"I shall acompany Tai Lung and Ming." Hien says. You pick up Ming and the 5 of you go your seperate ways. The streets were as crowded as ever as you all nagivate and even seem to get more so as you approach the traders. Shouts of sales and other wares being sold reach your ears as you push through the crowds and make way for your friends. You travel from trader to trader as you browse various wares. Unlike the previous traders you interacted with, these were not selling essencial or useful products. No food or seeds. No clothing or tools. Instead their carts are full of festival items. Small fire crackers for children to throw, dolls and wooden figures of China's most prominent figures. You not that you don't really see a figure of Hien anywhere but there are dozens of his sister. Much to your surprise, you see what vaugely looks like a figure of a snow leopard which also catches Ming's eye.

"Who's this?" Ming asks as she kneels over to point to it.

"Ah, that's jess some hero they've been talkin' about in the next city. Sumthin' about him and a few others chasing off tha mob." The trader says as he picks his teeth with a claw. He shrugs, "I dunno much but seems like he's a folk hero there. Figured I'd buy a few and see if I can resell em. Got the rest of the set if you want em'. Not many people do."

"Yes please." Ming says, amusement in her voice. The trader gets to his feet and hops into his cart. A few moments later, he brings out more figures which all bore a slight resemblance to your friends. "These are the rest. Don't really recognize em' but they'll all pretty popular in the city. Maybe it'll spread. Dunno..."

"I'll take the set." Ming giggles as she pays the man and takes the figures. She sticks her tongue out at you as she wiggles the figure that looks like you. "I got what I wanted." She says amused. "If you guys don't want anything. Do you want to head back." You shrug. You had done all your shopping a few days prior and didn't feel the need for momentos. Hien shakes his head as well and the three of you head back to the inn. The streets in this part of town were rather empty which gave you all breathe of fresh air as you could walk without having to fight the crowds. You find Renshu and Xin Lan waiting for you at the front of the inn.

"I was thinking we could spend the rest of the day in the woods." Renshu says. "Far away from the crowds. It'd give us some privacy and it is said that New Years is best spent with those closest to you."

>What do you say?
>Agree to go and set up for the fireworks in the woods.
>Say you had somewhere else in mind? (Where?)

>What do you do to pass the time?
>write in.

>>4767883
>Agree, but perhaps find a hill or something so we have a good view of the fireworks.

>Play a few games of Go and such, just enjoy the company of our friends.
When renshu is cooking, I think we should spend the time talking with him. Not touch anything, heavens no, but just with Renshu. It'd mean a lot to him I think.

>>4767896
That's good, but don't forget Xin is also with us.
So that means it's also a family bonding time.

>>4767918
Bonding time is before the cooking

Sounds good. What do you want to talk about?

>>4767965
With Renshu, I feel like something light is in order.

Maybe first on why they like to cook, maybe dream up a few plans for that house we talked about building. Gotta collect ideas.
Oh, and what did they think of us inviting a god to a festival?

File: Ming.png (22 KB, 76x209)

22 KB PNG

>>4767965
If he is feeling alright, if he has enjoyed the night so far.
i thought about trying to tease how Xin looked like a child clinging to him, but it can be in poor taste.
Anyway, here's Ming. Now the worst part is Bao, Hien and Shenlong, because I will have to change their positions.

>>4768034
>>4767853
>>4767766
Doin alright so far my man. This shit be cash.

>>4767896
>>4767985
Back from food. one last write up for the night. Writing.

File: Hien.png (16 KB, 88x212)

16 KB PNG

Here's Hien.
it 's a harder because All I could salvage from the pic was the arms and the head shape, had to do the rest of the body and the face from scratch.
Also I was going to paint the dragon that ran through the shirt's side, but than I realized he was looking like captain Picard and I changed my mind.

File: Hien.png (17 KB, 88x212)

17 KB PNG

>>4768276
Guess who is the idiot that forgot to draw the tail?

File: Hien.png (20 KB, 88x212)

20 KB PNG

>>4768281
Ok, now here's Hien dressed he should be.

"Not a bad plan." You say. "I doubt anyone will be in the woods today."

"A nice meal in the forest sounds lovely now that we don't have to be afraid of someone trying to murder us." Ming admits.

"Who's afraid? Not like anyone alive could touch us." Xin Lan says.

"Overconfidence does not suit you." Renshu says poking Xin Lan in the head who grumbles in return. You all make your way towards the woods and to the familiar place you all know. The sounds of the fesitval fade away as the trees grow denser. Soon only the sounds of nature can be heard and you all find your way to the training area you had set up long ago. As you walk into the clearing, everyone begins to go their own ways, fall back on their own habits. You soon find yourself gathering wood as always while Ming begins to set up camp.

"We can camp out here for the night!" She says excitedly. "I'll be just like when I was little and I'd camp up under the stars with my friends. We'd tell stories and stuff."

You all shrug and agree. It was a nice day out and looked to be the same for the night. Why not spend it out in the quiet nature for the last day of the New Year? You set the pile of wood in the fire pit Renshu made and light it. Warm flames crackle to life and with your chores done, you lay on your back and rest. "You sure you wanna be that close to the food?" Xin Lan teases as they balance on one of the poles.

"Maybe you should nap for a while. You ate the most out of us all." You reply.

"Good idea." Xin Lan says flipping to the ground and relaxing against the balance pole. They yawn and cover their eyes with their ears. "Wake me up when the food is ready." They say before snoozing. You go back to watching the afternoon sky and looking at the clouds float by. Eventually you start to crave something a bit more stimulating so you sit up and turn to face Renshu who at the moment was grinding was looked like small seeds into a powder. "How'd you get into cooking anyways?" You ask.

"I just found it to be relaxing." Renshu says as they continue to grind. "The repetition in following instructions, the creation of something unique and beautiful from the destruction of other things. It helps me keep focused and relaxed. Perhaps such things help me keep away from undesirable thoughts." He says. [Of course, that's simply me lying to myself.] He adds in your mind. "Still, if I hadn't learned to cook I'm betting the Xin Lan would have starved long ago. Simply can't cook at all. There is also something to be said about rituals. Japan is rather fond of them though I suppose China is no different in that regard. I guess it simply became a habit that I cooked and it's not one I'd been keen to leave behind. I suppose there's even some things I can take pride in."

"You ever think about opening a restaurant?" You ask. "You're quite good at it."

"You mean settle down?" He asks. "Such a thought had never crossed my mind before. I never thought it possible to stop living the way I do. However, now that might be a possibility." He muses. "I think I would rather live away from the public however, I find some degree of privacy much more inviting than living in a town or city serving customers."

"Oh yeah? You've been giving the house idea some thought? You know it's a dangerous game to indulge in Xin's ideas right?" You say.

"I think it's a risk we might have to take." Renshu says smiling. "A nice home to settle down and no longer worry about the trappings of life seems pleasant."

"What kind of house would we even build?" You ask. "Knowing Xin, they'd probably want it made all out of gems or gold or something."

"Something comfortable." Renshu says simply. "A few bedrooms, a kitchen, perhaps a small room for which to gather and read...maybe a garden." He adds. "I feel like that would be rather enjoyable."

"Is that you saying it or you lying to yourself?" You ask.

"A bit of both I presume, but I think I would enjoy planting and watching things grow. At least something that isn't specifically designed to kill and lives off of water." He says placing a pot over the flames to boil water. "So many ingredients we eat are plants. Having a garden would make us more self sufficient to a certain degree."

"Think we could grow some trees?" You ask.

"Fruit trees? I don't see why not. There are some preserves that can be made with fruits and those are always a nice light snack. Well, I guess it would really come down where we would build our home." Renshu admits. "And if there is farmable land."

"We could bring soil from other places." You say. "Wouldn't that help?"

"For smaller plants yes, but for trees it'd be much easier to have the soil already there?"

"Well, we could live in a forest." You say looking around you. "We already pretty much do that already. All we'd have to do is build a house and not many people would go through it."

"I would rather not." Renshu admits. "Too many trees. I would like somewhere with sightlines. Perhaps it is old habits but I would also like our home to be easily defendable."

"The what would you reccomend?" You ask.

Renshu smiles. "Against everything I have said...I'd love to live on the beach." He admits. There's something else he leaves unsaid but you decide not to press him on it.

>What do you ask him about now? (We'll get to the shenlong and how he's feeling. I still counted those don't worry.)
>Write in.

>>4768509
>What about Eureka? It’s got all the peace anyone could ever want, good neighbors, and beaches overlooking a golden sea. I hear the health benefits of living there are to die for.

>>4768564
But anon, the commune is murder!

I'd say perhaps recommend half way up a mountain.

>>4768509
>Not so sure about a beach, not exactly something defensible, and the salt water is hell on the fur. How about a mountain surronded by a forest? We can cultivate fruit trees nearby the base, use the soil for a small garden around the house. If it was at the source of a small river, we would have easy acess to clean water, and perhaps a nice waterfall too. It would also make it easier for to commune with Shenlong and Bao if we build a small shrine due to the proximity to the sky and woods. Although I may be biased to towards living in a montain hall.

>>4768852
Ignore the thing about it not being defencible, Renshu already commented on that. Also we can say that we can use the stair, steps and any bridges as training too, specially for Ming if she decides to stay with us.
And don't think I don't see what you are doing boss, trying to push us towards a place that the cap can easily visit Ming, and give us an excuse to fight in the pirate arc you were planning.

File: Shen.png (40 KB, 144x282)

40 KB PNG

Here's Shenlong in his humanoid form.
Bao is next, and she will probably be the hardest, I don't think I can salvage anything of the reference pictures to maintain even a impression of a cohesive perspective.

Ok

File: Bao no hair.png (23 KB, 139x220)

23 KB PNG

Post Bao as she is in case I fuck up the hair.

>>4768992
>>4769732
For some reason, I keep seeing Shenling as Bruce lee or a wife beater, and I dont know which is funnier.

>>4769751
The shirt kept reminding me of an addidas tracksuit because of the line that run by the side.
But I know for sure that the pants and shoes are traditional chinese clothing, I vividly remember seeing something like it in a old kung fu b movie.

Been pretty busy today so I've not been able to post. I'll pick up the write up tomorrow. Looks like so far the suggestions are the spirit realm and a mountain.

>>4769788
Where else to live?

>>4769805
I dunno...an island? Although Xin would never like that. Ocean is evil, man.

>>4769815
I think they would kill us if we put a moat around our home.

Such betrayal would not go unpunished.

>>4769822
There will be a very angry bun hiding under the bed, swiping at your ankles.

>>4769805
There's still the desert, the steppes, plains, at a riverside, in the snow or inside a cave.
Although for some of those suggestion we would need to leave China.

File: Bao.png (24 KB, 139x222)

24 KB PNG

Here's Bao with hair.
Now I need to try and draw that weird hat.

File: Bao with hat.png (24 KB, 139x222)

24 KB PNG

And now she hair the hat mask thing.
Also just realized that since that I drew Bao from scratch, she is in a different perceptive, wearing different clothes, has a different eye colour and is another animal from the reference picture (It looks more like a wolf than a cat), that this counts as an original work.
I have become a furry artist, may God have mercy on my soul.

>>4769942
Your soul has been marked. Yanlouwang will judge you.

>>4769942
Now start raking in the big bucks.

But nice job man, really.

File: Painting.png (209 KB, 575x450)

209 KB PNG

Wasn't feeling like drawing a whole ass dragon just to make him transparent in the background, so I decided to do something a bit different, but still in the same spirit.
Next is to draw that fancy frame Shenlong magic'd up.

>>4770102
Without sarcasm or exaggeration, that's actually made me smile Anon. Love this quest man, best one on the board with Lieren coming second.

>>4770102
Damn anon, that's really awesome! I love the constelation as a dragon. That's pretty creative.

File: Framed Painting.png (357 KB, 773x625)

357 KB PNG

Now here's it framed.
>>4770126
>>4770124
Thanks! I agree, this is the best quest on the site, with both primarch quests coming right behind.

File: Framed Painting Fixed.png (355 KB, 748x625)

355 KB PNG

>>4770247
I had fucked up the proportion on the sides.
So here's the fix.

>>4770282
Holy shit my guy. That's amazing.

>>4770247
>>4770124

D'aww I don't know about best quest but I'll take the compliment.

>>4771405
Slow day today. And we're already on page 3 with only 200 posts. Doing pretty good. Better get to writing.

>>4771698
I was waiting on an updated boss.
There are only so many times you can say thanks or compliment someone before it starts looking disengenous.
But fuck it, thanks. And this is really the best quest, it has a lot of variety, from fights, strategies, intrigue, politics, wholesome moments, drama, travelling, self-discovery, etc, all wrapped up in some very good writing and chill anons, that are willing to discuss, propose write-ins and make jokes.
Although the votes are mainly just me and two other guys, I know there are at least 3 other anons that pop up from time to time, and they are cool too.

>>4771732
Oh I didn't mean about compliments. Usually there's some discussion about game stuff aside from joking and art. Like plans for the team or about the house idea. Though summer is soon upon us and that either means more work for some or having to deal with people put of class. I'd add summer vacation and trips but not in this pandemic.

>>4771732
Much the same. It's nice having about 406 posters, as I think has been mentioned before in the past.

And while I could have started a discussion on refining that spirit technique, it just didn't feel like the sort of thing we should be doing on our break time.

>>4771750
Talking about the house, I realised something the other day, the house complex I drew was basically a fusion of the chinese fortified town center from Age of Mythology and a maxed out Noble Estate from Emperor:Rise of the middle Kingdom. No wonder why I was picturing it so clearly on my mind.
I think I'm going to redraw it, put it on a moutain side, with a river spring and waterfall, change the place of the buildings, add a small field for farming and a path going down.

“What about Eureka? It’s got all the peace anyone could ever want, good neighbors, and beaches overlooking a golden. I hear the health benefits of living there are to die for.” You say. Renshu gives you an amused look.

“While I’m certainly willing to die for you, I don’t think Xin Lan would approve nor would I be allowed to bask in the glory of that land.” He says. “And while all of China would be glad to be rid of us, there is one person who would be most displeased.” He adds looking at Ming who was currently locked in what seemed to be a heated game of chess with Hien. “I’m afraid we can’t die until Ming gives us permission unless we wish to upset her.” Renshu says laughing as he pulls a knife out to chop ingredients.

You give a good natured grunt at that. “Well then what about a mountain? We can plant fruit trees at the base in the forest. If we find a river or waterfall that means fresh water. We can also build a small shrine to Shenlong considering the proximity to the sky and forest. We can also bring soil up to plant our own garden up the mountain as well. Although I could be biased from living in the Jade Palace for so long.”

“A mountain would certainly offer up the privacy we would want.” Renshu says as he drops his chopped veggies into the boiling pot. “Although perhaps part of you still wants to relive tales of ancient masters living up in the mountains.” He teases. “At any rate, it will be Xin Lan who will have to carry his precious materials up the mountain. I will be content with wood and stone.”

You laugh. “Still, it would be a nice place to have and just relax. Maybe invite our friends without them being worried about harassment.” You say as you shift your sitting position a bit. “You have to admit, we have some high profile friends.”

“That is true.” Renshu says. “Not many people can invite a literal God to New Years.”

“Surprised?” You ask.

“Of course.” Renshu says. “And at the same time no. If anyone could have done it, it would have been you. Though to actually see it was another thing entirely.”

“Well I was surprised myself to be honest. I only really asked since I was asking Bao to join us but I figured I’d make the offer. I’m glad Shenlong enjoyed himself. Not sure what would have happened if he didn’t.” You admit.

“Let us be glad that it ended up the way it did.” Renshu says.

“Speaking of which…” you say before pausing. You did not know how you wanted to phrase it. You think for a moment but with nothing coming to mind, you simply ask outright, “How are you feeling?”

“I feel fine.” Renshu admits but you know he’s lying to some extent.

“But…” You urge him onwards.

“Nothing I wish to speak about.” He says. “Rest assured that I feel better. There are a few things I wish to ruminate on my own before I ask for help.” He admits. “Right now I simply wish to enjoy the holiday with everyone.”

>What do you say?
>Tell Renshu to tell you what’s on his mind.
>Try and read Renshu’s thoughts.
>Leave him be and go speak with someone else.
>Write in

>>4771828
>"If you're sure Renshu. And you know that you can ask for help whenever."
>Go take a look at the chess match

And back to being uncertain about the gender of one of the buns. God damnit.
Anyway, lets just not try and read his thoughts, that's a gross invasion of privacy and breech of trust.

>>4771828
>If you say that you are feeling better, than it's all I needed to hear. But remember that this freedom it's a continous path, we can fall to our own shackles again if we don't stay wary.
>Go see if Xin is really sleeping or faking it. Hard to tell with them when they want to maks something.

>>4771845
Sure we can check. But if they are actually asleep, let them be.

>>4771860
Of course, everyone deserves a nap.
Except us, everytime we sleep something goes down, therefore if we never sleep nothing bad will happen.

>>4771899
Seems legit. But that's also mostly when we get KO'd

>>4771844
>>4771845
Taking these. Writing.

File: Shogi_board_pieces_and_komadai.jpg (1.2 MB, 1914x832)

1.2 MB JPG

"If you say you're feeling better then that's all I needed to hear. But remember that this freedom it's a continous path, we can fall to our own shackles again if we don't stay wary. You can always ask for help." You say as you get up.

"I know." Renshu says. "And I will should I ever need it or feel myself falter." You nod and make your way towards Ming and Hien only stopping to check on Xin Lan. You tower over the small rabbit and your shadow envelops their sleeping. You could never really read the smaller rabbit and you wonder if they were truly asleep or if they were only pretending. Despite how much of a heavy sleeper they pretended to be, Xin Lan always seem to awake at a moment's notice like their older brother. They never snored nor made any noise you'd associate with sleeping. Frankly, you wouldn't be surprised if neither rabbit actually slept. You crouch and wave your hand infront of their face. They don't react. You're half tempted to lift one of their ears over their eyes but decide to leave them be in the event that they really are napping. With your curiosity unsatisfied you move over to your other friends and sit next to them to watch.

The game looked...evenly matched? You were never one for high level chess. It takes you a second before you realize you don't understand what's going on at all. This wasn't game you ever saw. The board was a set up in nine by nine squares with small tiles on each one. On each tile was a strange symbol, some red, some black. Both your friends were staring intently at the board as if trying to discern some kind of hidden meaning from within it until eventually Ming picks up a tile with her pointer finger and middle finger. You find that to be strange but it seems to be part of the game as Hien does the same. The two stare at the board for a bit longer before Ming ultimately sighs and flops on her back.

"So you surrender?" Hien asks with a small smile. Ming let's out an annoyed grunt that you take to be an afrimative.

"What are you playing?" You ask as you gently pick up a tile. It seemed to be made of regular wood but from the way they were handled, you'd have guess it was far more fragile than they seemed.

"将棋 (Shogi) or Japan's version of chess." Hien explains as he resets the board. "The Game of Generals as it's also known. A recent aquisition of Ming's and a testament to her genius." He chuckles. "Only 4 games in and she's already pushing me to my limits. Though I must admit my knowledge of the game and it's tactics is limited to the few times I've played with diplomats." You eye Ming who was quietly staring at the clouds, no doubt that she was replaying the game in her head and trying to figure out what to do next game. Flipping the tile, you notice that the red symbol is on the other side and as you study both sides it hits you. "Wait...Ming you understand this?" You ask.

Ming sits up and shakes her head. "Not really. I mean, I memorized what each tile is and represents. I assume the symbol on the tile is the name of the piece." She takes the tile from your hand. "See, this is the lancer. This tile can only go forward but it can travel as far as it can until it's blocked by another tile."

"So then what's with the different colors?" You ask.

"When a tile reaches the other half of the board, you can promote it. It learns knew ways to move and sometimes it loses it's old pattern of movement when promoted." She explains as she places the tile on the board.

"There is strategy in knowing when to promote a unit." Hien says. "Much like in real life, promotion does not always suit a warrior even if their prowess is great. You must learn to read the board, know what to move and what to sacrifice. Whethere or not to promote a unit and how to corner the opponent's king."

"Sounds complex." You admit as you look at Ming. "And you learned this in 4 games?"

"Not all of it." Ming says bashfully. "Just the basics." Hien laughs. "Modesty is it's own reward as they say."

"Do you want to play?" Ming asks.

>What do you say?
>Pass on the change of playing with the two but say you'll be fine watching and trying to learn that way.
>Agree to play. Learning by doing is a method. (Who do you play against?)
>Agree to play with the two but ask if there is another game you an try. Something you know better. You don't want to water down their fun with your own inexperience.
>Write in.

>>4772141
>Pass on the change of playing with the two but say you'll be fine watching and trying to learn that way.

>>4772141
>Pass on the change of playing with the two but say you'll be fine watching and trying to learn that way.

>>4772141
>Pass but learn by watching, and occasionally asking questions.

>>4772141
>Pass on the change of playing with the two but say you'll be fine watching and trying to learn that way.

>>4772214
>>4772334
>>4772669
>>4772771
Courage is not the absence of fear but rather the realization that you should have napped with the smaller bun because Ming will absolutely destroy you in any board game. We'll pass and just watch. Writing.

>>4773571
>Napping with the bun.
I not keen on waking up to a siege from the rest of the nomads and their traitorous backers seeking revenge on us and Taishi for ruining their plans.

>>4773650
Nor am I so inclined to find the peacocks cannons have found their ways in hand held form to the apparently not extinct ninja clan which produced Xin and Renshu and appeared to kill them both.

>>4773650
>>4773667
Well congrats. Now that's gonna happen. Didn't even think of that but now you've gone and given me ideas.

>>4773678
I'll be real with you, I love the idea of a peacock samurai or such.
Like when but more martially active. I think it could he sweet

>>4773726
No peacock samurai please, L5R has a whole clan of the fuckers.
Now gun totting ninjas on the other hand, that would be interesting.

"No thanks. I'll just watch." You say. "I don't think I'd prove much a threat to Ming...unless I threaten her with extra exercise." You chuckle. Ming sticks her tongue out at you and finishes setting up the board. You spend the new few games watching the two move peices here and there, taking one's peices and even managing to put some back. You're not really sure was winning or losing but you think you can get a gist of who was in the lead based on the number of peices left on the board. At least until one of the two pulls a come from behind win by positioning their own peices in an unexpected way. Despite having no real idea of what's going on, watching the game is surprisingly entertaining with the ebb and flow of the game.

After the 5 or 6th game, the smell of food begins to fill the air. You turn to check on the status of the meal to see Renshu stirring the pot gently. Xin Lan's nose twitches and they lift their ears to attention and gets up. "Food." They say quietly as they sit and lean against their brother. Renshu pets their head and sprinkles some salt.

"Dinner is ready." He calls out and starts to serve the soup into some bowls. You and the others leave the game unfinished and hurry over to get some hot food. As you arrive, Renshu is placing bread into the soup to soften them up. The soup itself is a rich brown and smells faintly of pepper. Finely chopped veggies and egg float around in the broth. Renshu lifts the full pot with one hand and moves it to an empty patch of dirt then moves a few sticks with vegetables skewered on it to cook over the flames. You all sit down and eagerly take a bowl. "Food." Xin Lan says again, this time with more gusto, as they dig in happily. You raise the bowl to your lips for a sip of the broth. It's pleasantly smooth and slightly salty. You lower the bowl and take a bite of the veggies. They're nice and cooked but still crisp to give the soup some texture. Your friends all emite sounds of contentment as they also dig in and soon you're all immersed in the meal.

>What do you do?
>Strike up a conversation with the group.
>Speak with a single person near you.
>Say nothing and enjoy the meal in silence.
>Write in.

>>4773767
>L5R has a whole clan of the fuckers
Where do you think I learned to love the idea?

>>4773769
>Ask Hien how he's liking a more subdued new years
>Strike up a conversation with the group, Reminisce on how far we have come within a year. And how much more we can do with the new one.

>>4773769
>So how have you all been enjoying this New Years? I personally feel the celebration has been much more enjoyable now that I things that are actually worth commemorating, and people to share it with.
>And I apologise for not telling the identity of my friends ahead of time, but after seeing how flustered Ming became about the proper decorum when she met Hien, it was too good of a prank to pass up.
>Renshu and I have been discussing a bit about giving Xin's idea for a house a shot after this pilgramage of ours. I was thinking of settling on a forested mountain with a spring, while he prefered a beachfront property, anyone else has an opinion or ideas?
>>4773778
Monkey is the best clan the Crab are overrated

>>4773889
Good questions, but I think we should rephrase it from "too good a prank" to "Too good a suprise" to pass up.

And nah, Dragon clan is great with Crane clan having the Kakita family to redeem it from being utterly rubbish

>>4773898
Yes, surprise is way better.
The only acceptable way to play a Dragon is to roleplay as the ikko-ikki and be a secret rebel.
>Kakita
imagine being from the hypocritical clan that is descended from a ronin and having the gall to act like the superior to other. You can't write laws that look down on them but give a free pass to your husband, Lady Doji, you inbred bitch

>>4773778
>>4773889
Can't celebrate the new years without chatter. Writing.

>>4773925
I just had fun by making a dragon who got hostage'd to the Kakita and learned their style of sword play, then made a Kakita who got Hostaged to Mirumoto and did the same. I do this to annoy absolutely everyone I possibly can, because it amuses me.

>>4773938
What sort of new year is it without drinks, food and fine company?

>>4773965
Uhh...m-my new years....

>>4773996
Well I suppose fasting is a choice, and you may not get very many visitors in that library of yours. But a merry one indeed with people whom you enjoy spending time with.

Shame that most of the people I know are introverts who only appear out of social obligation.

>>4773996
Hey, Corona fucked everything for everyone, not much that can be done.
>>4773965
In that case it becomes way more than acceptable. Pissing people off is a respectable tradition of swordsman, as proven by our brother's master

You enjoy the food for a bit longer before speaking up. "So how have you all been enjoying this New Years? I personally feel the celebration has been much more enjoyable now that I things that are actually worth commemorating, and people to share it with."

"Food." Xin Lan replies contently and you wonder if they're eating while sleeping. Renshu pokes their nose in response. "I mean...this is the only New Years I know so techinically it's the best one ever. Good job big guy." They say grabbing a cup and pouring a drink from a small keg.

"It's been the most active New Years I've had." Ming says as she chews on her bread. "Even in Soknan, I only really wandered around for a few hours before I went back home and ate my meal. Never been part of a show or enjoyed a cooking competition."

"It certainly was a change of pace." Hien admits.

"What's a celebration in the Forbidden Palace like?" You ask.

"Alot bigger and busier." Hien admits. "But not as fun. Feasts and adulation. Tons of people coming to see us. But less freedom. There's rules and regulations. Social contracts and rituals. It's a maze of etiquette and there's not much room to enjoy the holiday. The food is always amazing and the entertainment just as well. But when you have to restrict yourself for keep face, a lot of the joy is lost."

"You should run away with us." Xin Lan says as they reach for a vegetable skewer before their hand is batted aside by Renshu. Rubbing his hand, he adds, "It's life on the road. No one to tell us what to do besides Ming. And you don't gotta hide anything. You already have us two. Nothing you could have done could be worse so you can be yourself."

"Perhaps some time away from the palace would help you." Renshu admits. "When one is forced to take a role...they become accustomed to it. They use it to shield themselves and soon, they forget what it was like to have been before that. Some time away from that atmosphere might help you come to terms with you who really want to be and perhaps once you know it will serve as a guide. You may never ascend to the throne but there will always be people who look to you for guidance. One cannot hope to do so without knowing what guides themself."

"You have a lot of responsiblity." Ming says. "Maybe you should take some time off while you don't have any positions to fill. It sounds like you had your life planned out for you."

>What do you say? Do you invite the young Lord or do you give him some advice?
>Write in.

>>4774127
Didn't we already have this talk around the time we fought Tigress?

>>4774127
>Your life is your own, Hien. Never forget that. What you do with it, and how you live it, is always yours to choose. Whether you adopt a facade to help people through politics, or become a wandering swordsman and hero of the people who brings down all who threaten his people with his own arms, just make sure that you're content with whatever path you take. Live the kind of life that will leave you without regrets.

>>4774189
I think so, but if I recall correctly, your friends weren't there or part of that conversation. That or it was an out of character thing. Sorry if it's a repeat.

>>4774127
>As I said before, I would welcome you into our group with open arms, and I still believe that travelling through China with a hidden identity has given me a new perspective in life that I needed. So much so that at this point reaching the pools is more of a symbolic end than a real need.
>But we still have that whole mess with the raiders, and I believe that this seties of attacks is the beggining of something bigger. By what you tell of the palace, it's seem you are the only one if a cool head that could stop a barbaric act to befall them in retribution, instead of actual justice. Not only that but the scrolls have to be delivered and someone must investigate who leaked the knowledge of the scroll to this nomads with a vendetta, and a trusted priest of the imperial family has to be dispached to the [village with library name] to properly put their souls at rest, or atleast honour their loyaty and sacrifice
>I know that it all sounds hypocritical coming from the man that told you that you shouldn't sacrifice your soul for the good of China, but I have doubts that the five will be able to maneuver through all the politics of the palace without help, especially after what happened with Tigress.
>But who knows, maybe in the library we will find that the pools are at the other side of China and we will have enough time for you to rejoin us. One way or the other, I will try and keep contact with you, just like I have done with my father.

>>4774200
>>4774241
Writing.

"Your life is your own, Hien. Never forget that. What you do with it, and how you live it, is always yours to choose. Whether you adopt a facade to help people through politics, or become a wandering swordsman and hero of the people who brings down all who threaten his people with his own arms, just make sure that you're content with whatever path you take. Live the kind of life that will leave you without regrets." You say. "As I said before, I would welcome you into our group with open arms, and I still believe that travelling through China with a hidden identity has given me a new perspective in life that I needed. So much so that at this point reaching the pools is more of a symbolic end than a real need. But we still have that whole mess with the raiders, and I believe that this seties of attacks is the beggining of something bigger. By what you tell of the palace, it's seem you are the only one if a cool head that could stop a barbaric act to befall them in retribution, instead of actual justice. Not only that but the scrolls have to be delivered and someone must investigate who leaked the knowledge of the scroll to this nomads with a vendetta, and a trusted priest of the imperial family has to be dispached to Yunnan to properly put their souls at rest, or atleast honour their loyaty and sacrifice."


"I'm afraid you vastly over estimate the ammount of influence I weild, my friend." Hien says. "I have no influence over the decisions of the courts. At best I could provide testimony and only add to their crimes. Furthermore, they're war criminals Tai Lung. They threatened not only the stability of the country with their plan but the lives of the royal family. Even with we were to not assume that was their intent with the scrolls and they were merely pillaging, they have the destrcution of several cities to answer for. By techinically they tried to murder me and in itself is a crime, though to be honest I doubt that will be applied given all they will be done. I apologize but I fear you ask too much of someone in my position. Sister or not, I cannot argue against her word once she has made a decision. She is the Empress and her word is final."

"I dunno about this being something bigger." Xin Lan says as they twirl a spoon between their fingers. "Yeah they knew the locations of the scrolls but...I dunno. What would the end goal be? China's royalty would be dead and the country in chaos. Then what?"

"They would take over." You suggest. "They had an army. If things when as they planned, not many people would stop them."

"See that's the thing though." Xin Lan says. "They were completely surprised by us. Not just us but the Five. There's a reason why even our people didn't just off the royal family besides there wouldn't be anyone who could afford it and we didn't know everyone in the tree. There's too much planning involved, too many things to consider. If the plan was to somehow throw China into chaos by murdering the royal family then they'd call an entire army upon them. No way the nobility, as lazy as some may be, would sit around and let that slide. As Hien said, she's the Empress. Not only that but there's always someone to take over. They'd have to basically kill everyone in a position of power." They shake their head. "What I'm getting at is that things don't add up. They knew of the scrolls but they didn't know about The Five? Our group makes sense. We've done a decent job of keeping low but the Five? You'd think they'd plan for that."

"But we did take them by surprise. Maybe they did have a plan but didn't have time to enact it?" Ming asks.

"Maybe...they just seemed really ill prepared for what was meant to be an secret invasion force. It does nag me that they knew of the scrolls but that begs the question. Who'd tell 'em? Who'd be dumb enough to sell their own country out? If someone is smart enough to convince a bunch of forgeiners of the country secrets, then they'd know they'd be next on that hit list. No way the raiders would have let that guy live and if they failed, like they did now, and someone talked about their source of information? They'd be in the same position. Looking from the opposite perspective, what could they have to gain? At best, they'd get the throne right? Even if the guy could take the throne without someone pointing out the obvious fact this consiprator had no reason to be on the throne, do you really think the raiders would simply hand over an entire country to him?"

"Then how do you think the raiders came across the information?" Hien asks.

"I have no clue." Xin Lan admits. "Those scrolls were something we would have killed for but the only location we knew that could contain them was the Forbidden Palace. So someone had to tell them. It's the only answer but who and why I cannot say. However, I just can't see the end game to that plan? Did they intend to have them get caught? Did they intend for them to succeed?"

"And therein lies the problem with consipracies." Renshu says. "And our greatest asset. You'll never know. Your own logic works against you and you simply run around in circles. We're not logical creatures and to attempt to divine such quandries from the minds of other men is simply an exercise in futility. The raiders have been stopped and their plans foiled. The scrolls are safe with us and the culprits to be delivered to face justice. These are the immutable facts as we should rest easy knowing we've done our part to save the royal family. If the raiders do have coconspirators then they have no way to contact them now nor would the imperial guard allow them to do so knowing their crimes. The plans cannot proceed further."

"Maybe..." You admit. "I would still like to know how they came across that information."

"We may never know and that is ok." Renshu says gently. "Such is life and we cannot cling to the what ifs. Nothing good will come from chasing shadows and paranoia."

You sigh, "I know that it all sounds hypocritical coming from the man that told you that you shouldn't sacrifice your soul for the good of China, but I have doubts that the five will be able to maneuver through all the politics of the palace without help, especially after what happened with Tigress." You tell Hien uncertainly. "But who knows, maybe in the library we will find that the pools are at the other side of China and we will have enough time for you to rejoin us. One way or the other, I will try and keep contact with you, just like I have done with my father."

"I...see." Hien says. "Yes, I would like that though I might be unable to write back." He says. "Though I must ask...when do you plan to depart?"

>What do you say?
>Say you'll leave the day after the festival. As nice as it is here, it's best you don't stay too long or you might just end up living here.
>Say that you'll be here for a few more weeks. You could do with some more time off.
>Say that it'll be a while. You've grown fond of the town and you really want to live...well normally for a while.
>Write in.

>>4774455
>Say you'll leave the day after the festival. As nice as it is here, it's best you don't stay too long or you might just end up living here.
Adventure waits! Also we have nearly spent around half of the threads here, if we don't get a move on it will become Taishi quest.

And I don't know, the raider leader talked a lot about not failing their people and duty, this is probably just a smaller part of a possible real invasion force, they probably were meant to get the scrolls back to their people or at the hands of their coconspirators, we only discovered they had it because of magic bullshit.
And of course there is the possibily that one of the people in that list is the one that sold it out, as a way to remove people ahead of them in sucession, was a traitor or nomad sympathiser all along, simply had a vendetta against China or the Imperial family, or the most conspiracy theory possible, soneone that wanted conflict thinking it would strengthen China or the Imperial line.

>>4774455
>Say you'll leave the day after the festival. As nice as it is here, it's best you don't stay too long or you might just end up living here.

Time to move on. We did what we need and want here but the pools wont find itself

>>4774455
>The day after
We bid our goodbyes and get back on the road. We've made a home here but it's time to get walking.

See while I understand the temptation to stay and take stock, if we do then we shall stagnate and grow complacent. Which is not what we should be doing, better we keep walking our roads than grow rusty and worthless.

>>4774495
>>4774543
>>4774714
We're retiring. Hien can find us in Taishi-...no wait we're still on the move. We leave after the festival! Writing.

"The day after the festival." You say. "As much as I would love to spend more time here, we have our own goals and I don't think any of us are ready to settle down just yet."

"Speak for yourself." Xin Lan says. "I'm already married and town has good food. I'm all set to settle down and I'll be damned if my husband wants to go on some crazy journey." You flick a small rock at the rabbit which they deftly deflect.

"Protests aside, it wouldn't feel right to stop now. It'd feel like we've given up even after all we've accomplished." You explain.

"Ahh, we haven't done that much." Xin Lan says. "We just stopped a dragon's curse, saved two cities from massive evils, freed a town from a faulty magic circle, raised my brother from the dead, went to hell, saved a couple from a power mad mother, stopped an army, saved a noble, befriended a dragon, had tons of food for new years. You know, regular stuff."

"Right, I'll be sure to remind you all to try harder." Ming says amused as she serves herself more food and Renshu places a veggetable skewer on her bowl. "Maybe next time we might even be able to do something worth while."

You snort, "Perhaps but I'm proud of us for all we've done. Even if we didn't do things of that magnitude, if we ended up being the people we are today then I would still be proud. Although on the topic of dragons, I apologise for not telling the identity of my friends ahead of time, but after seeing how flustered Ming became about the proper decorum when she met Hien, it was too good of a surprise to pass." You say with a laugh.

Ming smacks your arm with her spoon. "If you keep bringing up those surprises then I really will throw you out a window. That or I'll douse your meals in so many spices you won't be able to taste anything for a month."

"Don't make her mad big guy. She really will do it." Xin Lan jokes.

"I'll make sure that next time you're surprised, it can't be traced back to me." You promise. Ming just stares at you grumpily.

"Though somehow that reminds me of something else." You admit. "Renshu and I have been talking about Xin's idea for a house. I was thinking we could build on a mountain side with a spring but Renshu says he prefered somewhere on a beach."

"No beaches." Xin Lan says. "The ocean is evil and I refuse to live near it." Renshu gently lifts Xin Lan and sits them on his lap. "The ocean is not evil, grumpy one." He says gently as he strokes Xin Lan's ears. Xin Lan wiggles a bit but seems to settle down even if their nose twitches grumpily. "And it's a rather beautiful location if you think about it. Where else will you hide your treasures?"

"I don't about building a house." Ming admits. "That's a lot of money that we don't really have. Plus, we still have so much to do. If you guys build a home, you might end up just settling there. Shouldn't we finish our journey first?"

"A little planning never hurt anyone." You say.

"I would rather live in a small town." Ming says. "Living up in the mountains or on a beach is a bit too lonely. Not a city though. They're a bit too crowded now for my taste."

"If we live in town, then we can't have our own house." Xin Lan says. "We'd have to follow ugh regulations." They say with a shudder.

"What...kind of home were you thinking?" Ming asks curiously.

"Well it needs to be made of like marble."
"I'd like a garden in it and maybe an orchard."
"Training hall and shrine."
"Oh and a nice big kitchen for Stripes!"
"A bath house would be nice."
"Somewhere to meditate."

"Ok! Ok!" Ming says as she ways her hands in defeat. "I get it. You guys need tons of stuff and some privacy." She says giggling. "I don't think there's a village in China that can hold you guys. Maybe it's for the best you guys have your own home. Otherwise, you might end up taking up the whole town needing room. Better yet, why don't you guys just recreat Hien's palace?"

You all share a laugh at that and continue to talk idly. There wasn't an purpose to it. No sharing of pertinent information or important details. Just talking about things such as traveling, nature, games. Things you'd never have given a second thought before you went to jail. Things you'd have considered topics for fools and idlers. Time goes by and soon the woods around you darken. You and Xin pour more wood into the fire and the warm light illuminates the training area.

>What happens next?
>Fireworks. Should be time right around now.
>Gift exchange. There's still a bit before the fireworks happen.
>More idle chatter. (What do you want to talk about?)
>Playing a few more games now that everyone is free from chores.
>Write in.

>>4775801
>Fireworks
Best not to miss the, this town can't afford massive amounts I don't think.

>Then gift exchange

>>4775801
>Fireworks. Should be time right around now.
>Gift exchange. There's still a bit before the fireworks happen.
Watch the fireworks and exchange gits right after. If we try to do it before we run the risk of the show starting mid-exchange.

>>4775903
I remember Renshu saying he spied a bunch that the mayor bought, probably planned to impress the five but they skipped the town after the tigress incident.

>>4776080
Still doesn't mean they can afford a massive amount of them. Best not to miss half of it by starting a gift exchange and stopping when the first explosion goes off.

>>4776096
Or worse, he bought a shitload of then, and they are of low quality, or bought from the black market and are the peacock stash, leading to a big explosion right over our heads, because we left the town.

>>4775903
>>4776074
You guys worry too much. The town was annhillated the moment you stepped foot out of it. We're watching the fireworks. Writing.

You drain one more bowl of soup and set it aside. "It's about time isn't it?" You ask Renshu. He looks up at the sky. "It very well could be. The festival is still going strong and it seems like everyone is gathering close together."

"What are you two talking about?" Ming asks curiously. You raise a finger to your lips and point up at the sky. Ming and the others follow your line of sight and look up at the night sky.

"Those...those are stars alright, big guy." Xin Lan says and Renshu pats their head. The woods goes quiet as everyone simply watches and wonders what to expect. A few more seconds roll by before you head the familiar squeal of fireworks. A light flashes through the sky before exploding into bright light and scattering thousands of smaller stars among the night sky.

"Fireworks!" Ming gasps as another rockets through the air and a flash of green explodes overhead. You hear whizzing and see a firework fly through the air as it releases spirals of sparks before exploding overhead. You and your friends sit still and watch in awe as the night sky it lit up over and over again by beautiful explosions as they paint the canvass above you in a multitude of colors. Ming holds on to your arm and leans against you as the fireworks become more and more fequent. Despite all the explosions above your head, there was certain silence among you as none of you said a word. There wasn't any reason to.

You hear the squeal of another firework, though the whine is slightly different. Your curiosity pays off when it explodes overhead and the sparks burst free in the shape of a star. Your surprised when you hear Xin Lan gasp and say excitedly as they hug their brother's arm, "They're forming shapes!" Another explodes above you, forming a Ying Yang symbol in red and blue. Then another in the shape of a flower and another in the shape of the words for 'Luck' and 'Prosperity'.

Finally, you hear the screech of several fireworks flying simultaneously and you see them all explode above you at the same time. The sky lights up brightly as the sparks come free and form the shape of a large dragon. The night goes silent once more as the sparks fade away and give the sky back to the stars. "No more?" Xin Lan asks disappointed. You all look back down to the campfire, your necks a bit sore from staring up for a while.

"How'd you guys know there was gonna be fire works?" Ming asks.

"Perhaps I might have gone snooping around when I shouldn't have." Renshu says with a smile.

"You?" Ming asks surprised. "But you're supposed to be the good one."

"Oh I'm far from that." Renshu laughs. "Xin Lan didn't have the best of role models, I simply have more restraint."

"You mean you're boring." Xin Lan says happily.

"That's not what women say." Renshu teases. Xin Lan quickly looks up, surprised.

"Did...did Stripes make a joke?" They ask.

"It is the new year." You chuckle. "I suppose anything is possible."

"Well, if we're going to continue with surprises then maybe we should start exchaning presents." Ming says stoking the flames.

>Who will deliver their gifts first?
>Xin Lan
>You
>Renshu

>>4776252
>You
Lets start as we mean to go on.

>>4776252
>You
And say sorry to Ming for getting her a present for work instead of leasure, we didn't know something she would enjoy, and asking directly kinda removes part of the fun.

>>4776252
>You
that way if our gifts suck the disappointment can be covered up by everyone else's gifts!

>>4776262
>>4776294
>>4776337
Alright. We'll go first. Writing.

I can't remember. Did we get Hien anything?

>>4776436
Cushion and portable shrine boss.
I even drew it.

File: 1618269101883.png (59 KB, 835x215)

59 KB PNG

After a quick trip to the archives, I bring pictures.

>>4776465
Right! Sorry about that.