Disciples

Yana Wyen

To seek the good in life is a noble goal indeed. For what hope can one have of comprehending the matters of Heaven if they do not understand matters of Earth? I must say that that business of blood and curses is rather nasty, however. She should take care not to let them stain her soul. In terms of temperament, she's quite agreeable. Unfortunately, she wields the wrong sort of blade and I doubt I could convince her to trade it for myself.

Xū

Ah, the boy. The only way to describe him is "lacking." Not that I think him untalented — quite the opposite. It is simply his nature that lacks, only defined by what it is not. The way he fights is of particular interest. His ruthlessness cannot be ignored, but more interesting is how "empty" it is. Lacking any intention or order, it seems almost wrong to call it fighting. Even the unpracticed beast is defined by what it is. Regardless of whatever else I think, I don't find it particularly agreeable.

Shi Rèn

Such an unlucky one... He stumbled right into my path as I was fluttering about looking for something to dig my nose into and I cutting more than just distance. It wasn't too deep, but I fear his lack of fortune won't give it time to mend. He didn't seem upset by the ordeal, likely because of the frequency of such incidents. If this is his fate then I suppose that there's nothing to be done but meeting it head on. He would certainly make an amusing master if he didn't meet a premature end. Of course, he fights with nothing at all, so that's not for me to worry about.

Shīzi Dànshēng

Speaking of beasts, this one seems to be something foreign. Another land's guai, perhaps? That hide of his certainly isn't anything normal. Claws might be considered blades and an affinity for Metal is auspicious. He seems particularly unlikely to take up a sword, however. His style involves too much grappling and is too savage to adopt a sword. That might be fixed with time, but he still wouldn't be ideal.

Taizhou Xiu'Er

It's a tad surprising to find out that there are those who didn't simply wander here. Ah, but I suppose it's natural for one who weaves stories to be drawn to a library. He is quite talkative, but I enjoy listening and he tends to have something interesting to say. A sword makes a poor brush and I'm not terribly interested in being covered in ink.

Ageratum

How should I put this? He wants not for wits, but some wisdom would do him well. It wouldn't hurt if he were more personable either. So needlessly cagey about what he's up to... Oh well, the wine he offered was a more than sufficient fix for my drought, so he must have some idea of how to endear himself. He isn't much of a martial artist at all and even if I were willing to try teaching him, I prefer a master that's a little more proud

Dong Fuai

Now here's one I can envision using me to strike down the wicked! Kind, humorous, and willing to grasp his destiny — most importantly, he's already comfortable with a sword. Yes, those sisters are a problem, but a small one. They are but reminders of the past, while I connect to what is better left forgotten. I am the beginning of a new journey, waiting to be defined. How could it even be a choice?

Saya Kurokami

To draw one's blade is always a grave matter, but I know now that drawing blood and craving bloodshed are not the same. If she's going to wield such a hateful thing then she must tame, lest she be consumed by it and end up with miserable fate. The best I can do for her is provide sufficient motivation for her to overcome her curse. If she fails... Well, it's best not to think of that. However, she might make a decent master if she gave up that wicked blade.

Tian Rui

The only way to describe him is "noble." He seems better fit for a more civilized age, but that's not a bad thing. His style is artful but not overly so, and the lack of attachment to any treasure is certainly appreciated. I only fear that he might be too prim and proper. I'd hate for a master who can't enjoy a drink now and then, or one who won' allow me to enjoy one. I'll have to prod him a bit before making a decision.

Gale

Drifting about as a cloud, free of worry or concerns over grand ideals, is quite attractive. I enjoyed the life of a traveler myself, for a time. A partner for such travels might not be bad, but I feel there is a loneliness even then. Would his empty hand ever truly grasp me?

Alkaios

A half-divine prince of another land? I'm sure he must have plenty of stories to share. Taking the journey to verify them could interesting if I could procure a ship. Both his demeanor and the way he fights are full of energy, a good thing. However, he has a preference for poles. A shame, but he could still make a decent drinking partner.

Hóngxīng

That haughty star acts as if she hasn't fallen. That she thought it appropriate to compare ourselves is a testament to her lack of shame. How many times must I hear of the splendor of the Sage? That I must compete with her as a decent master must be a punishment for the sins of my past self, but I find it much too harsh. Of course, anyone who would choose her over me is not fit to be my master in the first place.

Zheng Yao

Another one freed from the path of destruction. Yet, he is cursed to chase his shadows. Can such a thing be called righteous? Regardless, I doubt we could get along as master and blade. I am one who has understood the "purpose" of a sword and he is a Saint. Though those withered things he carries shouldn't make much competition, I should think.

Xiang Chang

Zhou Yun

I'd be lying if I said I didn't like his fervor for the sword, but it does draw my mind to some unpleasant memories. If I was satisfied with being a tool for wanton slaughter then I would never have found my way here. Little better is the isolation that comes with such dedication. Of course, I'm welcome to be proven wrong. His mind is not fit for the path of the immortal, yet his body has been crafted to wield a blade. Perhaps an unclouded mind may show itself to be more capable of an untainted devotion.

The boy has made his desire for my aid on his path to comprehending our Tao known, and his willingness to coax it out of me by force even more so. Going and challenging all who obscure your path... There is charm to it that my nature yearns for. But how many who might have been called brother or sister were cast aside when they could no longer challenge her? How many more were cut down to prove she had surpassed them? I am not ignorant to what I am, but there is much to be considered before embarking on such a journey. And I would ask him to consider as well - has he dedicated himself to the Sword or to Slaughter?

Yue

I do hope she'll invite me if she decides to go on an outing. Her luck is poor, to say the least, but she makes exceptionally pleasant company. With her as a travel partner, I'm certain that I'd never suffer from boredom. Though, even if she did practice the sword, I don't think her style could make any great use of me. It's a bit too passive and it feels...unfinished.

Tora

Another thick-skinned one, though that's no excuse to go running around in bandages. She comes off more like a stone than anything when she isn't sparring. For some reason, when I look upon that blade I feel an urge to snap it in half. What's the point of such an oversized and inelegant thing?

Méi Xiǎnyuè

She is quite naive, but that's far from a bad thing. The company of such a bright-eyed child does me good and I even find myself doting on her somewhat. A sword may be too rigid of a concept for one so given to shifting and changing. Anything can be made to be a sword, but should all be made so? Should she? It was certainly ideal for that woman to wield Heaven and Earth as her blade, but that girl is much gentler.

Liang Shen

Two dragons? How blessed I am. This one does seem less prickly. He's at least convinced his loyal companions to follow him here, while she is in the habit of being tossed. I can't say the idea of being used as a tuning fork has me terribly eager and he's much more comfortable smashing than cutting besides. Perhaps one of his companions might suit me better?

Xīng Lantou (Liber)

The Heavens reject even stars. Or perhaps they were cast down so we may bask in their light? He's certainly entertaining with his lack of worldliness or even an understanding of truths that are known to beasts and mortals. He seems comfortable with a blade at least. I'd spend more time teaching him how to speak than anything.

Elders

Yèwǎn

The owl is an excellent host, never being a bore when we converse and always able to recommend another read. Though, it seems that he doesn't approve of my lazing around and he has made a comment or two about my drinking. He lacks a bit in vigor for my tastes and is another one with claws besides. Of course, I wouldn't deny him my aid if it was desired.

Yue Qianli

She's some good fun, which makes it all the more disappointing that she has her hands full with that saber. The deceptive thing got my hopes up before she drew it and revealed it for the liar it is.

Batudai

I've never much liked poison or similar tricks. If there is anything she and I can agree on, it's that a blade should speak for itself. If it is merely a vector for your true weapon then you disrespect it. One who would use a blade so could never be called a swordsman, and would never truly wield me. Even so, I might as well spend some time showing him how to speak. As he is, the boy would be far too meek to by my master anyway.

Zào Zhēn

It is true that those who cannot walk the path of the immortal oft find themselves trampled by those who do, but what can be done? Staying my blade will not change that we live in a cruel age. Only by changing the will of the Heavens may the Earth be spared. Still, hers is a dream worth chasing and it is respectable that a mortal has strived as far as she. I fear I would be little more than a slab of metal in her hands.

Ancestors

Wen Wanroe

That woman never made time for any of life's pleasures, so I've taken it upon myself to enjoy them. Still, a sip of wine makes life sweeter while many will make you forget life entirely. To say this one's hedonism is excessive does not do her justice. I can't say I'm incurious about how an empire of ceaseless revelry has managed to continue functioning, but I'm certain that there are none in such a land who could be my master. She tested their swordmistresses before and, while they were decent, there was nothing so special about them that could make up for their debauchery. Hmm, but perhaps there might be some fun in testing them again...

Húndàn

He reminds me of that woman's master. Though, he was kind enough to challenge her himself. To have truths carved into your very soul by a true master's blade is nothing short of an honor — at least she believed so. This one smacks more of a desire to amuse himself than to temper young Taoists. Needless to say, I've no interest in a master who would rather leave traps for children than use me directly.

Zhao Yuèliàng

To think, there are so many whose genius might take them to the realm of Sovereigns if they had but a little push... then there is this child who has been pushed to the edge and lacks the talent to cross the boundary. It should go without saying that she's worth little as a master. I'm not even sure she could learn the mortal limits of the sword. However, she is quite amusing and medicines may provide some fun if I find my gourd running dry.