awashlogs | March catch-all

[ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

+500 POINTS! He wants to lift his arms up in triumph at seeing him smile. Who knew that would be enough! ]

I was thinking that such a state would be impossible to achieve.

[ He regards Shen Qingqiu with a mildly thoughtful glance. Yes, he supposes that's true. ]

Certainly, it is an impossible dream for one of common birth.

[ He frowns. ]

That's --

[ Shen Qingqiu holds his hand up as a way to say. Hold that thought. ]

[ Wait a fucking second. Is he right?

He wants to say that there are those with a common birth but achieve such strength. His eyes dart side to side. Luo Binghe has the blood of a Heavenly Demon Elder in him. He's also the child of a highly proficient cultivator. A person can't say that isn't grade-A goods.

He thinks of a certain young wizard that's parents were actually quite miraculous in their own right, enough to be singled out by the main bad guy. He swipes to another hero. That person is a young wizard warrior in space, but his father had some incredible blood to him, too, that was passed on.

His hands start weighing all the protagonists that have some secret birth to them to those that don't and he's going through the most famous examples to try to see if he has a leg to stand on. I don't think like choose your own backstory for your character is quite fair, because you choose that. That isn't necessarily the norm of the world itself. So he swipes away a good chunk of EA games.

Can I count isekei stories? Those people are of common birth, but they get transported into another body and gain incredible levels. Which is really more luck than anything. Hey, how come they never had a System to fight with? Motherfuckers!! Now, he's just pissed that he had such a shitty time and they were immediately fine. How was that fucking fair?!

Could he count stories that are mostly mundane in origin? But that didn't seem fair since this is saying strength to fight against impossible odds. Can I count fighting games? They usually are a rags to punch you in the fucking face stories. But the main-main protagonists usually have some important backstory that ties them to the main villain.

He claps his hands as he comes up with a few that he can say are actually underdogs that gain enough power to beat up everyone. ]

Edited 2019-03-18 02:38 (UTC)

[ Okay, I'm back. ]

I did not want to answer carelessly so I thought long and hard on what you said. [ Shen Qingqiu gives a small nod. ] There are many that are able to achieve that dream due to their birth, but I believe there are many more that can despite their birth.

They simply have to want it enough. Don't you think?

[ Does he? Berkut huffs, clearly finding this whole thing very absurd. That doesn't even merit a second of thought. ]

What nonsense. A sheep cannot overcome or lead a pack of wolves.

[ I think there is at least one cartoon about how that is not true, but I mean, I see the point! ]

But what if the sheep never sees itself as a sheep? If a person never sees themselves as what they are but what they wish to be, I believe they can achieve whatever they want.

[ But ah, confidence speaking. ] Even though my sect is quite powerful, we have suffered attacks from demons over the years. Cultivators are trained to fight specifically against such forces, but still ... there is always the chance of failure. It is why I wondered about my thoughts of strength.

If the foundations are solid, if the people are of good stock, but they still lose ... what was our strength? [ I didn't mean to bring this point up, but like, hey, why not. Like I'm talking about my specific situation. I'm kind of annoyed as the cannon fodder here! We have some Grade-A goods and we lose?! I get it, but like ... un-fucking-fair. ]

The foundations are merely a starting point. If you continue to lose in spite of those boons, it means your methods are inadequate.

[ Despite his lack of the full context, he stands by this sweeping judgment. The qualities Shen Qingqiu has listed aren't bad, but they hardly make for an easy victory. Against strong enemies, triumph must be earned through effort and diligence, to say nothing of confidence in one's skills.

If there's a chance of failure, one must crush that likelihood with one's own hands. ]

[ Well, that's more than fair. ]

That's fair. [ Honestly, he shouldn't have taken the time to think it if he was going to say it, too. ] While we teach swordplay and fighting, many of our peaks are not focused on battle. It is because there is no wrong way to cultivation... so it allows us to specialize in different studies.

[ He thinks that he's said this before, and mentally apologies for giving the same information. ] I have never considered it bad, but we are considered strong somewhat due to our numbers and influence. Again, as we are hoping to improve our own cultivation and not seek out territory or glory in the material world, it is fine.

There is another sect that I think of now... Huan Hua Palace that focuses on military might. They are more connected to the world but that is their choice to do so. [ And doesn't Luo Binghe use that one to help wage war with the world? ]

Our methods may be inadequate, but I don't think we should turn completely militaristic. [ Erk. ] No offense, Your Highness. I suppose... I am just an old man who would rather talk things out than resort to violence.

Edited 2019-03-20 05:02 (UTC)

[ Seemingly not offended in the slightest, Berkut waves a dismissive hand. ]

There are many ways to show strength. Military might just happens to be the most direct.

[ And universal. It's obvious to tell who's lost and who's won in a fight. Seeing the victor standing tall over the loser, people can't help but to notice the winner's quality. What value there is to be found in negotiation relies on very strict conditions as far as Berkut's concerned. ]

You are free to pursue that path, but know that these demons of yours can easily choose another.

[ Especially if they've the upper hand in this feud, he thinks. Those in an advantageous position have no reason to negotiate with those at a disadvantage. ]

[ He inwardly feels like he's sparkling. I didn't think that'd you respond that way! ]

That is very true. [ But if it comes to sheer power, no one can stand up to Luo Binghe! He pauses as he wonders if Liu Qingge would do all right against him. ]

It's very difficult. I would not mind working with demons if there was one amicable to the idea. But they simply wish to be at war with us. [ He lets out a very small sigh. ] I believe so long as one can come to some understanding with one's enemies that there need no be conflict.

[ Which is just what? Repeating what I just said about liking to talk more than fighting. ] I suppose... that is what I mean by wishing to see a kinder world. [ And he perks up as he sees the bathhouse! And that's what I mean about seeing a warmer world!! ]

[ Since they've arrived at the bathhouse, their conversation must be cut short. Berkut isn't nearly invested enough to stand around, much less enter those halls with Shen Qingqiu. No, he's perfectly fine to continue on his way to where Buceph awaits his return. But first: ]

Well, these demons of yours have yet to show their faces here. Why don't you take this time as you soak to figure out how you might reach this understanding? I should like to hear what you come up with.

[ Entertain him later, teacher. ]

[ He offers a small nod. That's right. The best ideas come when one's sitting in the bath. ]

I shall hope I will come up with something worthwhile.

[ !!! Shen Qingqiu realizes that he has forgotten something very important about the bathhouse. He is glad that Berkut has been so kind to pause to offer him a few friendly words before wandering off. ]

Ah, before you go... I wanted to let you be aware. This building is one shared with many people. You may end up finding the large bath being filled with other people. But it's supposed to be that way. A communal space where you can get warm and have enjoyable chats with others that you normally would not.

[ I understand. As a straight man, I absolutely understand. If I was in the tub and someone just suddenly swung their heavenly pillar and plopped down next to me... even a calm, righteous cultivator like myself wouldn't remain calm! So, he's really glad he didn't forget that tidbit!! ]

That is why it is here before the public, is it not?

[ He thought that was self-explanatory. Still, it's good to hear the confirmation. Of course, Berkut's not thinking about the exact scenario that Shen Qingqiu's got in his own mind: Such things don't matter to him. ]

Well, that's perfect for you. I shall leave you to discuss with the others for a solution.

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