48 Planning

In the dark world, a white-robed figure was walking through the dusty, desolate woods. He had done this several times over the past few weeks, hoping to glean some insights on why things had gone so poorly. The Sight was never wrong, after all, but he himself was only human. Besides, he had been warned. Those sharp edges on the bagua coin had been a clear indication of the potential consequences.

The trees that adorned the twisted landscape were wreathed in white mist. They didn't obscure his vision but provided an accurate depiction of that day's events. The man in white briefly witnessed the appearance of a black dog's corpse. It disappeared momentarily. Just the same way, the corpse of a three-tailed fox also appeared briefly before disappearing. Strangely enough, the brief appearance of the fox's corpse felt like a hundred days. That surely meant something. The Sight was never wrong.

After the three-tailed fox disappeared, five figures fled away from the dangerous area. No wait, it was six figures. They were being pursued. Of course, they appeared differently than they would in the real world. One figure appeared as a pure, bloodied snowflake. Another was a gentle flame. Not the powerful type, but rather the kind that could kindle people's hearts in the darkest moments. The third figure appeared as armor made of silk and gilded with gold—hardly the most effective armor one could find.

Zhou Li had seen these figures before. They didn't concern him. He was here to see the last three figures, because they were familiar figures that he had seen in the mirror. One figure was coin-imprinted with a bagua. Its sharp edges were stained in blood. Zhou Li's blood. Another coin floated beside it. It was white-rimmed and imprinted with a black pentagram. It also glowed with five colors. There was now fate connecting these two coins, and the line was growing thicker and thicker with each passing moment.

The sixth figure was very mysterious. He had not seen this figure in the mirror per se, but its actions confirmed its presence. This figure could evade the Sight. Such cases were rare—even the most influential figures, whose fates could not be read, would still reveal some clues under the Sight's close scrutiny. Thinking back to the prior scene with the black hound, he had noticed long ago that it hadn't simply disappeared—rather, it had been whisked away by the mysterious figure.

Unfortunately for Zhou Li, this meant three figures whom he only had vague clues about. One figure who he couldn't see, one that would cut him if he drew near, and finally, a figure that was obscured with white mist. He wouldn't have known anything about these figures if it wasn't for his brother's timely report. He had used the first-hand information to deduct that one of them was a spirit beast, a fox. Also, this spirit beast was powerful enough to forge a contract of equals at a young age. Regrettably, he had no access to information on its specific species.

The coin with the circle and the star, according to the ties of karma, was definitely its contractor. Du Cha Ming, according to the report, had suffered a lethal attack from his brother Zhou Xian and survived. This was also why Zhou Li concluded that the man and the fox had formed a contract of equals. From what he'd gathered, Cha Ming was a dual body and qi cultivator who was apprenticed under Elder Ling to learn to craft talismans. Yet why the white circle and the black star? And why did the white mist obscure his Sight? Despite ample information, he still had many questions.

The final figure was the obscured figure he couldn't see in the slightest. Such an unknown variable was far too dangerous. The web he had weaved over several months was spread very thin, and the slightest tug in the wrong place would cause it to unravel.

As this latest perusal in the bleak woods did not yield any benefits, the dejected Zhou Li moved his attention to matters he could affect, such as the ongoing plan in Fairweather County. There were some embarrassing failures there of late, a matter that he didn't want repeated. A tearing sound rang out as he grabbed the surrounding air, which ripped under his influence. This was his painting, one that he could create and tear at will. The rip gradually widened into a makeshift doorway, allowing him to step out into the darkness.

After a few quick steps, he arrived at a large table bathed in light. A large map was spread across it, and various miniatures indicated stationed forces—the empire's and his own, among others. The future was like a game of chess. As much as he could see the future, it was akin to looking several moves ahead. Most people were pawns and were ultimately controlled by a "player." Only players could move pieces and make decisions.

On the map, he noticed his various forces, which had automatically adjusted due to a powerful Dao enchantment. There were forces spread out amongst various small villages, while others had been assigned to guard key areas.

One of the smaller groups on the map was chasing a soldier of the empire, who was clearly heading toward Fairweather City. Unfortunately, they had not seen him in a full day. It was likely that he would escape, though the advantage that this would provide Fairweather City's expeditionary force was negligible. For a moment, he cursed the Merchant. His greed had gotten the better of him, and he had made the wrong decision. The Merchant was the type of person that would choose wealth over security. It was his nature.

Since the soldier was escaping, he decided to cut his losses. The soldier was represented on the board by gilded iron armor. For a moment, Zhou Li remembered the gilded silk armor from his painting.

Is it the same armor? He rejected the thought, however. A person of that soldier's caliber could not change so profoundly in such a short time.

Sighing, Zhou Li removed a small crystal from the pouch at his waist. The stone glowed with an ominous red light, and a small film of black flames flickered on its surface. Any mortal who saw this crystal would find it repulsive. To Zhou Li, however, this crystal was incomparably precious. He would not use it under normal circumstances. However, it was his nature to choose security over wealth.

With but a thought, the crystal diminished in volume by fifty percent, producing a small quantity of pure black flames. They danced about joyfully in Zhou Li's hand. After completing this simple yet exhausting task, Zhou Li focused his red pupils on the small figurine with the gilded armor. They were instantly connected with a small thread of karma. The thread was golden and inconspicuous. But not for long.

The black flame underwent some subtle changes as Zhou Li formed some complex hand seals. A thin thread separated from the main body of the flame and slowly imbued itself into the fragile karma thread. The thread slowly siphoned away the black flame over the next quarter hour, until it was finally depleted. The golden karma thread was now tainted with black and red spots that slowly migrated toward the suit of armor.

Satisfied, Zhou Li put away the half-consumed crystal. He then took out his notebook and quickly jotted down some instructions for his father and sister. Fortunately, that plan was proceeding quite nicely. After taking a moment to compose his thoughts, he moved on to the most important task of the day.

Brother, how are the preparations going in Fairweather County? he wrote.

Soon after, a reply appeared on the mostly filled page. Elder Brother, everything is on schedule. Our allies are cooperating, and it seems that the "rescue mission" will be starting in one week's time. On another note, I've noticed the presence of two old friends, a man and his fox. Can I eliminate him yet?

Negative, Zhou Li replied. I guarantee your revenge, but only after the plan is completed. Moreover, your power will increase drastically, making revenge a walk in the park. After all, the blood moon draws near.

Affirmative. I will update on progress in twelve hours, as usual, replied Zhou Xian.

After completing this portion of the conversation, he wrote to the Merchant. The man was very enthusiastic about completing his portion of the plan. Zhou Li had used the simplest method to motivate the greedy individual—money.

More than he had ever earned in his short lifetime.

***

Tick... tick… tick…

The clock in Wang Jun's office repeatedly broke the silence as he read the latest report. It described the unrest near Fairweather City. There were also sections on recent trade disruptions, both within the country and outside the border. A rebellion in the kingdom to the east had caused a sharp increase in prices for food, metals, and medicinal herbs.

For a moment, he paused as he sensed a foreign presence. This had occurred thirty-seven times these past few weeks, much more often than usual. As was his common practice, he wrapped the thread of fate with obscurity. He knew who the intruder was, of course, and there was no way he would let that guy spy on him. It was a momentary distraction, a welcome respite from his intense workload. Wang Jun brought his attention back to the report and finished reading it.

A few minutes later, Wang Jun sipped a cup of tea and hummed in appreciation. "Delicious as usual, Elder Bai. Where is this tea from? I can't say I've tasted anything quite like it before."

"Right, this tea is rather special," Elder Bai replied. "It's from a small town in the Xia Empire. They grow this type of tea by splicing half the branches with a complementary tea. Not only does it provide the combined flavor of two different teas, but the fact that they grow together on one plant subtly changes the flavor of each component tea. It is a unique creation and always in short supply."

Nodding his head while licking his lips, Wang Jun proceeded to discuss the business at hand. "Elder Bai, did Elder Jin respond to our request for support these upcoming days?"

"Yes, Young Master. The family also supports your decision to establish the Wang family's economic dominance by any means possible. If the trifling Zhou family wants to push us around because they have the support of the Song Kingdom's royal family and advisor, they are in for a rude awakening. We'll teach them what it means to throw money at problems."

"Excellent. Then let's proceed to the next step of the plan. Please have our contacts begin importing medicines and placing orders from our preferred suppliers in both the Xia Empire and the Ming Empire. Use expedited shipping. I want the products at the border in three days.

"Further, please send word to Lijiang City's weaponsmithing guild that I will be making a trip there in three days for a one-day negotiation on a sole-source purchasing contract that includes the remaining thirty cities in the Song Kingdom. I want to completely crush the Zhou family in this market.

"Also, please begin spreading propaganda vilifying the Alchemists Association and their disdain for the poor. Go into detail about how their monopolistic tendencies are increasing costs for middle-class consumers.

"Finally, please proceed with triggering an election in the Song Kingdom Medical Association and run our candidate on a platform supporting affordable medical care and pharmaceutical reform. Simultaneously begin a conversation in the Song Kingdom Chamber of Commerce about the benefits of free trade and the limits of isolationism.

"Meanwhile, we will also move our agenda forward to standardize apprenticeships and institute craftsmanship standards for weaponsmithing—this will greatly increase the barrier for the Zhou family to enter in this field and increase our profitability. All in the name of consumer protection, of course."

Elder Bai nodded and took away a stack of papers from Wang Jun's desk. What had been said was simply a summary. The sheets of paper included detailed instructions and contingency plans.

Once Elder Bai left his office, Wang Jun took a deep breath and exhaled slowly to calm himself. His green robes were changed out for slightly more fashionable ones. He took a scented bath and put on cologne, something he rarely did.

After a half hour of preparation, he went to Hong Xin's residence and led her to the Jade Bamboo Restaurant, where they occupied a private room. After a sumptuous banquet, Wang Jun began the conversation.

"Xin Er," he started. He felt uncertain about how to proceed, despite rehearsing this moment many times. "I think that we should stop dating."

Hong Xin's pleasant smile suddenly disappeared. Tears began running down from her red eyes. "Didn't you say that you love me?" Her tears broke Wang Jun's heart. But this was something he had to do for her own good.

"Yes, I love you," he replied. "That's why I need to let you go. Even though you're the best thing that's ever happened to me, we're unsuited for each other. You need to move on and find someone else, someone better."

"But I don't want anyone else…" she said in a weak, quivering voice.

"I'm sorry. This is goodbye." With these words, he left the poor girl sitting by herself in the private dining room, her face covered in tears. As he shut the door to the room, he heard her uncontrolled sobbing. He shuddered slightly before continuing down the hallway. A drop of salty liquid traveled from his right eye to his mouth, which he quickly wiped away. This single tear was all he could afford.

Uncle Bai was right, he thought. It was unfair for me to lead her along. Ending it now is for the best. One day she'll find someone much better than me. Someone who can care for her properly and keep her out of danger. Someone who won't let her die like I did my sister.

He didn't return to his courtyard immediately. Instead he went for a walk to calm his nerves. Sadness was a luxury he couldn't afford yet a tax he couldn't avoid paying. It was snowing outside, a rare occurrence this time of year so far south. Hundreds of snowflakes pelted his face and wreathed his blond and white hair. While he could have made the snowflakes melt away, he chose to let them remain.

As the snow accumulated, he walked on the wooden floor of the entertainment district, leaving distinct footprints wherever he went. They would soon be filled in with fresh snow, leaving no trace of his passage. As he walked, he focused his attention on the snowflakes on his face. They had melted and subsequently soaked his green robes.

The melting snowflakes reminded him that he and Xin Er belonged to two different worlds. She was a precious snowflake, one that would surely melt into a liquid droplet if she touched him. The heat he emanated would change her into something she wasn't. It would sap away her innocence. And as much as he wanted to be with her, he could never forgive himself if he destroyed such a precious snowflake.