บท 30: Chapter 30 - In return, you'll have to make a lot of metal path babies with her.
Next day, in the sect.
A young internal disciple respectfully informed Xin that he was summoned to the Administrative hall.
"By whom?"
"I don't know, brother Xin. But please, hurry."
Weird. Is the sect making their next move?
Xin strode through the corridors, ignoring the beautiful art around him, approached an old man overseeing the hall, then bowed.
"Speak."
"Name's internal disciple Xin, I was summoned. Where should I go?"
"Lady Meiling wanted to see you."
"Who?"
"I thought you'd know her, newbie. She's in her study. Up the stairs, through the outer wall tower, you'll see the sign."
Xin ascended the stairs and entered the outer walls. It was one of the highest locations in the school, except for the central tower, where the Sect Leader resided.
For a moment, he stopped to admire the view. A grand view on the valley and the mountains opened up again, this time more captivating than ever. The people below were like tiny ants, working the rice and wheat fields or travelling across the Azure river. That massive stone bridge looks so tiny from up here…
Don't get distracted. Xin bowed to a grim looking man, a Foundation stage guard protecting the tower, informed him about being summoned and entered.
The tower's interior was decorated with expensive carpets, mannequins in ornamental armour (that Xin suspected could come to life, if need be) and rare exotic plants. He found a modest looking heavy door with a sign that said "Shenmiao Meiling, Logistics Overseer.", braced himself and prepared to knock.
The door opened by itself. Quite embarrassing.
"Please come in," a familiar voice said. "I've prepared some tea."
Xin entered the spacious room, and his senses were immediately overwhelmed. The air was laden with the sweet scent of honey and spring flowers, simple yet intoxicating. The birds chirped somewhere outside, their mating songs resonating with beautifully carved grey wall stone. In the centre of the room, sitting on top of a velvet futon, a woman was meditating in front of a small decorative lake, clad in elegant metal armour. She looked calm, even still, her eye
"Lady Meiling, you've summoned me. So, that's your name!" Xin nervously proclaimed. "What a nice room you've got, I am impressed." He remembered to bow, but it was a few breaths later than customary.
"Of course you are. Pull yourself together, for I need your assistance." She put her hands on her knees, her gaze drilling into his eyes, as if scanning for weakness.
"Anything, my lady. Master, I mean." Xin didn't know if he should keep eye contact with her, would it be considered rude?
"The Clay Nest situation. Of course we were informed. Could you please enlighten me about it?"
"What aspect of Clay Nest?" Fuck. Xin decided to stall, but his question made him look like an idiot.
"Inspector Xiu Ge, of course. It's a bit personal, we used to be friends when we were both children, although he was a bit older. Our fathers started together, in the city guard."
Xin stared at her. A bit older? She looks thirty at most. Fair jade skin, sharp, yet feminine face, warm, beautiful blue eyes. In comparison, that man looked like a different species. And decades older.
"I know what you are thinking, boy. Your stare betrayed you."
"Forgive..."
"No need to. It's tough to wrap your mind around cultivation when you just began. Thing is, as your patron, I'd like to extend a helping hand."
My patron? She gave me advice. Once.
"Forgive me, Iron Fairy, but what do you mean, my patron?"
"This name is for friends, and it's an ironic nickname. Your insistence to call me that is quite rude."
"Forgive me, master. I didn't know." So that's why Xie Xiaodan and Huang Lingbo grinned when he spoke to her. "Still, my patron?" Xin wouldn't let this one go. To concede this status is to sell out to her.
"You see, in this sect, every man wants to wave their metaphoric spear. As an arms supplier, I've got a decade of stories to prove it. When you and several other 'seeds' appeared, the urge to wave that spear became too much to bear.
Some people here were overtaken by an instinct to hinder your growth, and it took some direct and indirect interventions to leave you be. I think this justifies calling me your patron."
She speaks so vaguely, and presents no evidence. What do I even say?
"By saying 'metaphoric spears', are you hinting at genitals?" Xin asked.
Lady Meiling had a subtle change of expression, then blinked twice with a blank face.
"As a metal path master, I've identified you and Murong Zhan as the best potential apprentices for when you break through. I am looking to expand my disciple list."
Xin just found out about this opportunity, but already got jealous. Wait, was that the point?
"I'd say Murong Zhan is more suitable. I've heard your family name somewhere, I assume that you are a noble. Me, I am a clanless reject. Me and Zhan are equal in battle prowess, so I think you should just pick him."
"I've named you worthy, are you arguing against my judgement?"
Xin stared at her for a moment. He felt like she set up a trap for him, and this humility suddenly saved him. Now, she is going to act offended to make him apologise.
"No." The shorter the answer, the less instruments she'll have.
"Let me ask you again. Xiu Ge's incident, what do you know?"
"I know that Xi Ti was found dead nearby. The younger inspector told me."
"And what have you told him?"
"Nothing, really. I am not related to this case, the inspector just visited us a certain time ago with a routine inspection. I think they are grasping for straws."
"Shenmiao family and Xuanwu families, what do you know about our relationship?"
"Nothing."
"The Tortoises have assimilated the Lions centuries ago. The Shenmiao family was a part of the 'Lions' faction, but we stayed relatively independent."
Xin nodded.
"There is a conflict between the Xuanwu clan and the Divine Sword sect brewing in the capital. The Divine Sword sect are looking to build a northern branch, and are trying to enforce an unfavourable trade agreement onto the Xuanwu on top. See where this is going?"
"People being killed. Our sect wouldn't want them here, I assume?"
"That's correct. And the Xuanwu clan agrees. At least the leaders. Many of the cadet branches are on the Divine Sword sect's payroll, and are happy for these 'trade opportunities' to emerge. To allow a capital region sect to expand like that would lead to a huge loss of face for all of the North, and we're already tied with the East for the least prestigious region."
"I don't see the connection with the inspector's case. You think Divine Sword sect killed him?"
"Word is, Feng Chonglin got him killed. And some people in the Xuanwu clan think so, too."
"That's a serious accusation. Are they going to accuse him without evidence to steal away our business?"
"Exactly, and I came up with a plan to counter it."
Xin felt like he was being set up for an extortion. He didn't respond.
"So, according to our intel, it will take around a week to bring the inspector back to consciousness. By that time, the process needs to be wrapped up. Otherwise, he could create a lot of noise, attracting unnecessary attention.
Thus, a good compromise would be a joint deal. The sect will use their power to protect you from these fabricated accusations from the city guard, who are controlled by a faction in the Xuanwu clan. Three sides reach an agreement, the sale is agreed, the case is dropped, the inspector is silenced. What a good ending, am I right?"
"Sounds reasonable. That's how I think the sect should act."
"Except... it would be an expensive operation, for obvious reasons. So, may I ask you some questions?"
"Sure." Xin was very suspicious. He hated this political double-speak.
"Let me tell you a secret first. I am about to attempt a breakthrough, rank three. In a month's time or so. Once this happens, I'll be elevated to the position of an elder. This has already been agreed. I'll have plenty of resources and influence in that position, and I'll probably be leading the Artefact Pavillion instead of the logistics department. I chose to invest in you, and I have an offer."
Xin gulped. This whole situation sounds very dangerous.
"I am listening, master."
"So, my young niece's family asked me to find her a husband. She is nineteen, just like you.
Good looking, too. And she's got a decent metal qi bloodline. So, how about you marry her? My clan would adopt you, on the condition that you do your best to spawn a lot of children with a metal bloodline, and I would help elevate you in the sect. And tutor you, of course."
Xin looked into Lady Meiling's eyes. She was truly stunning, her armour helping her exude even more dignity and majesty.
"And what would you want in return?"
"You explain the whole situation with Xiu Ge to me. In detail. Every single moving piece. Then I'll help you introduce this story to the sect elders, in a way that would benefit us all. Once a sale concludes, I'll help you break through, and you'll enter my service as a rank one master."
Xin was overwhelmed. This was such a seductive offer, but things can't be that good, can they? What was he missing?
"My lady, may I take a minute to think? That's too much to digest so fast."
"A minute it is. You may breathe some air on the balcony." She waved her hand and a door leading to the balcony opened.
Xin stepped out, leaned on the railing and took a huge breath.
No time to enjoy the view. No time for emotions. Think. This Murong Zhan mention, it feels weird for some reason. The idea was to make me envious, but why be so open about it? To make me feel like this offer is fleeting? Same with the inspector recovering in exactly seven days. Suspicious.
I have no clan, while Murong Zhan is a part of a noble family. It would be much easier to control and pressure me, and I'm more talented. I am a better pawn.
My children would belong to her clan, as I would be adopted. His children would carry his surname.
Now, for the business. If I tell her a fake story, she could investigate and disprove it, then use it as blackmail against me. If I told her a real story, I'd basically surrender to her, as I'd admit our guilt.
Wait.
If I expose the situation, Lei will also be in her pocket. And Feng Chonglin. She'll have an alchemist and two sect prodigies on her platter, served by me. Her plan runs deep…
Xin stepped back into the room.
"A cup of tea?" She asked, with a caring expression.
"If you would be so kind." Xin took a small porcelain cup, took a sip and sat down on a futon she prepared for him. There was no table, just a pond separating them. Xin stared into its still water.
"So, what did your balcony meditation reveal to you?"
"I thought about your niece. I have no doubts that she is very beautiful, looking at you, lady Meiling. Thus, this offer sounds very appealing."
"Oh my, if you keep this attitude, I'll start thinking maybe it's not my niece you are interested in. Have you taken your friend's idea to heart?"
Xin's heart dropped. She heard Lei's indecent comments about her during the tryouts! Perhaps she used a perception method?
"What idea? I don't get it. Same with the inspector situation, we aren't hiding anything, I told you everything I know, so I can't give you any secret intel that you are requesting, as there is none. And frankly, being your disciple is too much of an honour for someone like me, I think it would be wise to take things slower, or I'll catch myself out of my depth very soon." Xin remembered the advice of Feng Chonglin, and transformed it into an excuse.
The Iron Fairy looked amused after catching him off guard, but quickly became grim after he answered.
"Wait, what? An arranged marriage with a beautiful woman, and a patronage of a rank three master, and you are unmoved? Are you even into women, may I ask?"
"Certainly. It's just that, maybe I want to marry an equal. My family was very unequal, my father an independent cultivator, my mother a future clan inheritor. It was a small clan, but it was still a tough situation. They were both forced to break their cores and forbidden to cultivate, and I wasn't allowed to carry any of their surnames. Still, the difference in social status was a huge drain on their relationship."
"Very touching story, indeed, but I fail to see the relevance. Are you rejecting my help in favour of your feelings? I never considered you so sentimental. What is the true reason?"
I want to protect those dear to me. But it would be dangerous to give this answer, as she could wield it as a weapon. Xin just shrugged.
"Maybe I didn't make myself clear?" She continued. "I certainly have an ability to pull the strings, maybe you want to get investigated harder instead?"
Xin suddenly felt invigorated. An open conflict it is! He now felt like a fish in the water, not stressed at all.
"This would earn you nothing, except sabotage the business the sect wants to buy out. Three valuable members being involved in a scandal would also implicate the sect's reputation, this is a scenario we should all try to avoid."
"Valuable members? A rank one old man and two merchant guild scoundrels? You are out of your depth, already."
"We've established that I am a young talent earlier in this conversation. I know I am not too valuable, yet, but I don't agree with the notion that I have no value. Feng Chonglin has the depth other rank ones in the sect don't, and a lot of knowledge to pass, making him invaluable. Wu Lei has the potential to pierce the heavens, he has the strongest spirit out of everyone I know. If you truly have the sect's best interests in heart, I humbly implore you to reconsider suppressing us."
He felt like he fell for her bait, but the Iron Fairy also looked like she lost a bit of composure.
"So, what's your plan then? How will you survive on your own?"
"I don't know, actually. We didn't do anything, I think we'll have to hope for the best. Lady Meiling, I certainly don't see our interests clashing, and think we could be useful to each other in the future. For the marriage proposal thing, please consider Murong Zhan. His pedigree beats mine, by far."
"I see, disciple Xin. Let me tell you something. You've chosen a tough road to walk. The guys will be very amused by your choice, and they are certainly entertained observing your path. Me, I promise not to hinder your path, as I respect your values. I'll let you be, to grow on your own terms, but don't expect any help from me. And if you come, come begging on your knees. Now scram."
The guys? Master Xiaodan and master Lingbo, perhaps?
"Yes, Iron Fairy. I'll take my leave, thank you for your understanding." He bowed and quickly retreated, before she confronted him for using the nickname.
Shenmiao Meiling exhaled. What a frustrating kid. She unsummoned her armour, hiding it into her core's aperture, and dropped naked into the water of the pond. Water feeds metal, and nourishes the skin, too.
"A future righteous demon, you say, Xiaodan? A present idiot, I think. Be glad I didn't squash him."
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