Sleepin wit the fishes

Emperor never did get to see the map that was requested for as he hadn't looked back at Gao once he stood to leave on that rather first disgruntled meeting. It was still very likely some key information there inside whatever scroll the pixiu commander was toting about. Yet the Imperial mastiff had apparently other things on his mind at the moment. Or rather seeking ways in which to quiet it. Loathing the feeling of being tugged in so many directions. Perhaps it was a bad idea to summon them all at once. Even though for now they were trickling in, he was sure it would soon be chaos. This might just be his last few days of true peace and he was going to lap it up with indulging himself in a pipe stuffed to the brim with opium, cloves, and marshmallow leaf for just a hint of sweetness. Nimbly his fingers worked the stout cramming the herbs in. Heating the small lantern to cook the opium ball over. Threading a sticky portion of the substance on a long needle and setting it over the fire. He sat back in the chair letting the robes settle and pool around his feet. Mane slicked down and his dull gaze matching the low flicker of the candle's light.

Guandao was peeved, to say the least, about being called a failure and scolded on his poor performance. Dragon lion had spent so much time and resources getting the information on that map. Whilst the Yellow Flag army had largely left his area... there was the fair share of traps and civilian militia about. Thankfully it was not anything too dangerous for Gao and his trained soldiers. Seven foot plus Pixiu was dressed in a more relaxed manner today, and freshly bathed after training. Dark brown mane and lengthy full beard combed and straightened to marvellous perfection. Keen yellow eyes peered out from stoic expression on his face. Brute had dressed down from the previous interaction with Emperor. Simple pair of black breeches with golden dragon and lion on either leg. Dragon taloned feet clicked softly upon the floor bare of covering. Upper form was covered by a soft blue chinese style tunic with the image of a phoenix upon his back. Guandao's arms crossed behind himself, lacking any weapons at this time. A long pipe extended from his maw, scent of tobacco, vanilla, and imported honeysuckle rose from the burning bowl at the end. Pixiu's feet eventually lead him into a back room of the Bar as he wandered aimlessly... only to find Zongshi. Deep inhale taken before a thick plume of smoke exited his leonine nostrils. "Zongshi, I hope my presence isn't disturbing you." Rumbling bass voice crossed the air between himself and Emperor. Voice was like the sounds of hundreds of feet marching to war. Like the sound of a shaolin temple practicing their martial arts.[<]

Immerse Like a fresh seabreeze the air of the space seemed to change. As the opium door to The Golden Tether had opened those who would gaze upon it would not see the familiar scenery behind it. Curiously emerging from the balcony doorway was the slender, cerulean haired figure. Glowing in between his bronze colored horns was a circular light emitting a dissipating glow. As he makes his entrance his aura presents as yang, moving in an almost ethereal flowing fashion. Draped in beautiful but vintage silken garment carefully crafted and meticulously maintained. Making his way toward what appears to be the meeting place the clamor of the bar tickled his long and spiraled ear tufts. This is calming to him for he can take solace in the idea that this place seemingly hasn't changed in eons. Everything is as it should be until he got closer to the assumed meeting area. Just beyond his path, auras highly steeped in yin energy permeated the space. This palpable energy could only come from one who walked on a path of greatness, though, for good or for the detriment of all cannot be ascertained. He presents himself in perfect classic imperial Chinese reverence; dipping to a knee putting palms to the ground and pressing head to the floor in single kowtow, awaiting the recognition of the important figure before him. -e-

Emperor had thought he was going to have some peace and quiet...but apparently that idea came crashing to a halt as rather large winged lion appeared puffing at a pipe of his own. Long black beard was given a singular stroke, tossing it to his left to throw it over his shoulder. "Hmm of course not. I do not own the opium den...not this one at least. Sit." Giving an open handed gesture towards the skillfully placed pillows. "Do you bring me better news?" A perk of his brow with some expectation. As he squeezed the needle between his fingers and rolled it turning over the lump of opium until it gave a gentle warm golden illuminance. He then scrapped it off into the bedding of leafy material and spices within the bowl and the smoke began to rise up as he took a drag from the mouth piece. Blowing it out in a snaking white mist that rose towards the ceiling like a serpent. And for a moment some laxness washed through the muscles of his shoulders until a presence was seized by his sights. An oddity with long blue hair and eyes like an ocean. Who approached with a courtly elegance about him...er...he had to squint for a moment at the chest and even still the energy made him a bit confused as to a true gender. But the edges of cheekbones and face seemed to give a slight masculine edge. As the man prostrated himself at his feet he would lean forward. "Who are you? You have a message for me?" Curiously as he kept his face dipped down that he couldn't see all the details. He attempted to dip forward and press fingers under his chin to lift his face. A slight jog of a memory there. "Oh...I remember you. That dog I threw a bone to. Told my men to set you up with something for your advise on the waterways." Obviously he wouldn't admit outloud that the man was somewhat responsible for saving his life and helping him discover the Tether. "Seems you've risen though the ranks just fine." Satisfied he leaned back and lingered the pipe over the fire for a time before taking another long inhale.

 Guandao stood for a couple of moments as he looked over at the blue haired form that prostrated itself before Zongshi. Gold hued eyes narrowed a bit as he studied the form. Pixiu was a brute and a genetic freak in his own right with the mixture of his height, but also retaining thickly muscled form that was made of tightly compacted muscles. Mixing the tropes of western heavily muscled barbarians with the eastern lean, toned, and flexible martial artist. Walking that fine line between raw power and agility. Deep inhale of his pipe given before he moved to a seat and he thought for a moment. Pixiu obviously peeved that his information was going literally nowhere. "I gave you all the information I had, Zongshi. I do not possess the ability to say it any other way. The Yellow Flags have withdrawn their forces, abandoned their posts, and are clearly preparing something. However, whatever that may be is out of my scope of influence." Left hand reached into his tunic. Guandao pulled out his left hand and withdrew that map. Extending it to the mastiff while it was still folded up. Golden eyes moved between him and the blue haired creature prostrated before him. "Is this someone I should also know... or a new addition to your empire, Zongshi?" Questioned lightly as he sat near Emperor with his hand outstretched with the map and dancing his eyes between the two figures.[<]

Immerse Rising from his prostration one can hear the shimmer of jewelry not unlike from an imperial courtesan. As his head arose adhering to custom, eye contact was respectfully not made. With head bowed similar to one's prayer to a god, the slender marble faced surveyor said, Thank you for receiving me, Shèngshàng. At the sound of how he was remembered, some disappointment did wash across his face. Though the thought of such a weak and turbulent time may not be a pleasing memory for the the great and powerful Emperor. With this thought to reassure him, his pride and vigor renewed and showed on his face also. "I am Shunliyan, one of your surveyors currently stationed along the waterways. I have information may be worth your attention and consideration? Though i havent seen with my own eyes, there has been a substantial decrease in the recent fishing product. This would suggest that there is an unusually large concentration of commercial fishing. Perhaps this is where the yellow army has withdrawn to as the gentleman had suggested."

Emperor gave a grunt as his back settled to the expanse of the chair, broad shoulders near dwarfing the wide width of the seat. Filling it up with a mighty presence about his bear like build. He grabbed away the map from Gao with a twitch of his lips rising. Unscrolling it and looking over where there were marks of where the Yellow army had been and had withdrawn from. "And yet I haven't heard a word of a plan yet." A grunt in the deep guttural voice the paper crinkling as it rolled back closed. Lifting the pipe back to his lips. Eyes cast back to the pale faced man as he waited for Gao to do his job and give him helpful scenarios or plans on what he wished to suggest if he was so sure what the signs meant. As the blue haired wonder would speak he tapped out some ash from his pipe. His teeth clipping against the metal as it was reset within the droopy thick jowls. Fingers released his chin as he sat back to observe the beautiful being. Having half a mind to throw him into his consort hall as some sort of dancer. He angled about the pipe as he puffed and shifted the dragon shaped shaft. Then hearing him speak on some fish a deeper etching frown. Eyes canting from the one to the other. Can he not get a break of this vastly outrageous speculation. "Find me answers. Don't bother me until you've gotten solid information and an actual plan." A vibration of a growl in his chest as he stood again and gave them both a heated look. And off he went again...As he left he could be heard muttering. "Boy giving me news about fish...gods help me..." Echoing off the walls of the hallway. -e-

Guandao breathed in deeply of that pipe, fairly impressive that he didn't smoke all his tobacco in one go. A rather large cloud of smoke rolled from his nose and lifted to the sky. "Press where they retreat. Concentrate your forces where the Yellow Flags haven't withdrawn from, as that's where they'll likely attack. If we can acquire the lands that they freely give up, then we can solidify footholds. The civilians, bandits, and militia aren't that dangerous without the backing of the Yellow Flags." Commented as level headed as he could. Gao was not told to plan, he was told to report. Golden eyes looked towards the Emperor. Brute wasn't incapable of making plans... but you cannot expect him to act a tactician when he's been commanded to scout. Soon his attentions moved towards the newcomer. "Interesting..." Mumbled softly as he reached up to stroke at his immense facial hair. Guandao looked at Shunliyan. "Shunliyan, was it?" Questioned as he made sure to commit his name to memory. "If they're increasing their fishing, that means one of two things, or both." Eyes looked over at Zongshi. "We all know that fish is the cheapest, and most plentiful food to feed an army. It can be served raw, dried, and cooked. Next to rice it's the cheapest food. So if they are withdrawing their troops, and gathering their forces, they need the increased food. By increasing their fishing they are also choking our food supplies too." Standing up, the seven foot three pixiu loomed tall and proud at full height. "You want a plan? Encroach upon the lands that the Yellow Flag leave, build up your forces with conscriptions, and send out naval forces to sink unauthorized commercial vessels." Grunted softly as the brute stood where he was.

Immerse Like a freshly reared child he winced from the authority of the monstrous mastiff's words. Though temporarily shaken Emperor's intention was clear. As Emperor exits he quickly stands to ketow once more. Now attention shifts to the other towering yin figure in the room. Because it is the will of Shèngshàng this may be a perfect opportunity to come closer to the court. "It seems we are to work together?" Shunliyan says as he turns to the dragon clad creature, though completely lacking the level of imperial reverence held for Emperor. "What do you call yourself, sir? "

Guandao grumbled and chewed on the metallic end of his pipe. Giving one good puff and a wince at the burnt taste. White smoke exhaled before he tapped the ash out into a pot. Hands worked to refill the pipe with tobacco, vanilla, and honeysuckle leaves. Imported blend wasn't cheap, but Pixiu were known for their wealth gathering skills. Sigh given as he moved to sit once more upon the pillows of the opium den. Golden eyes looked over at Shunliyan and he nodded. "Aye, tis what it appears to be." Slight bow of his head given before he introduced himself. "I am Gao Kang. A Battalion commander and tournament champion. Apparently also tactician in this case." Chuckle given as he reached for a piece of wood, dipped the tip into the fire until it ignited, blew it out til it was an ember. Heated red hot tip dipped into his tobacco before he puffed upon it. "So, we have soldiers being withdrawn, and an increase in fishing."[E]

Immerse "A strong name for and for strong fighter! The red army will need your strength in this war we see on the horizon" the pearlescent man walks toward the fireplace, with a circular soft light glowing from between his horns. "I will return and when i do, i will have more solid information. I'm still too young for my head to roll." the fireplace glows as the circular light does revealing another land beyond the veil. Shunliyan bows out and enters into the undisclosed land.

Guandao smiled and nodded to the man. "Thank you, that's appreciated." Spoken softly. Though his eyes widened as he watched the man walk to the fireplace... something opened up... and then he was gone. Mouth hung open and that tobacco pipe fell from his lips and landed next to him. Golden eyes opened as wide as they could as he tried to process what he's seen. Sigh and a groan given as he reached up and rubbed his face. "Gah! Well that was fucking helpful! Now I've got to come up with a plan and present it to, and no pressure, THE GOD DAMN EMPEROR ON MY OWN!" Roared out softly as he kicked a chair clean across the room.