In times of upheaval, rumors spread like wildfire through dry grass. The wise cultivator knows that perception shapes reality more than truth ever could. Your enemies will craft their narrative regardless of facts—your task is not to prevent their lies, but to ensure your truth proves more compelling in the end.
—Master Wu Zhi, Commander of Ten Thousand
Thunder cracked overhead as Blackmere’s city walls emerged through the misty distance. Light raindrops pattered against Xiulan’s already mud-stained robes. The weather matched her mood.
"We should pick up the pace before this gets worse." Xiulan adjusted her grip on the reins.
"Hmmm." Ren Chun’s noncommittal response drew her attention.
A transparent dome of qi energy shimmered above his head, deflecting each raindrop. The martial artist sat dry and comfortable atop his mount while Xiulan endured the increasing drizzle.
"Want to use your last favor learning this one?" Ren Chun flashed a smug grin.
Xiulan kicked her horse into a trot. "Not interested!" The steady clip-clop of hooves splashed through forming puddles as she pulled ahead.
The city gates thrummed with activity despite the weather. Merchants haggled over goods while porters shouldered heavy loads between the walls. The new acting magistrate had maintained order on the surface at least—a pleasant surprise after the corruption of his predecessor.
Xiulan slowed her mount at the edge of the crowd. Ren Chun caught up as she guided her horse through the gates. The guards snapped to attention with crisp salutes, recognition clear in their eyes despite her disheveled state. She nodded back to them.
Next time she ventured into the wilds, she needed spare robes—or perhaps some kind of mystical cleaning technique cultivators surely possessed. No one in the game ever got muddy.
The rain intensified as they passed beneath the city’s archways, turning the cobbled streets into shallow streams.
"Hey! Where are we going anyway?" Ren Chun called out from behind.
Xiulan steered her mount around a merchant’s cart. "First, we return these horses. Then I need to verify my family’s city manor hasn’t burned down in my absence."
He continued to follow her. "Haaa, okay."
The manor’s familiar stone walls emerged through sheets of rain. She hadn’t been entirely serious about it, but relief washed over Xiulan at the sight of the intact structure, its gates standing wide open. She guided her horse through the entrance.
"Halt—" A guard’s challenge cut short. Recognition flashed across his face. "Miss Lin has returned!"
Manager Han rushed out from beneath a covered walkway, his robes fluttering. "Did your expedition yield good results?"
Xiulan nodded, droplets falling from her sodden hair. "Thank you, Manager Han." She turned to a nearby servant. "Please prepare a guest room for Mr. Ren, with baths and fresh clothing."
The servant’s eyes widened at their mud-caked appearance. She bowed deeply. "Right away, Miss Lin!"
"So we’re just staying here?" Ren Chun asked.
Xiulan released a tense breath and turned toward Ren Chun. "You’re welcome to stay as a guest for as long as you like. Consider it thanks for your help."
"Alright, but what about after that?" He returned his horse’s reins to a servant who led the animal into the stable to be cared for.
A knot of guilt pricked at Xiulan’s stomach and she bowed her head. "You hardly owed me any favor at all. You’ve done enough—you don’t owe me anything more."
She adjusted her soaked sleeve. "Come by when you wish. I’ll see about making that earth reinforcement pill without charge. That should repay you properly."
She pivoted toward the manor entrance, but warm fingers wrapped around her wrist. The sudden contact sent a jolt through her qi meridians. She spun back, eyes widening at his stern expression.
"Aren’t you a bit full of yourself right now, Miss Lin?" Ren Chun’s grip remained firm but gentle. "Are you thinking I’m too stupid to know when and why I owe a favor? I thought it was interesting and after how well the first one went, you think I’ll let you return the last favor like this?" He exhaled sharply and frowned. "I’ll pay for the pill, and still owe you a favor."
"But—"
"Ah ah ah, no buts." Ren Chun released her wrist. "Call on me for the last favor when you need it, and I’ll try to help. If you can make it as eventful as our adventure in the swamp, that would be great!"
A grin spread across his rain-streaked face. "And are you really in a position to turn it down? I don’t know the specifics, but Miss Lin always gives off the impression that she’s in some type of trouble."
Xiulan studied the rain-soaked cobblestones beneath her feet. "I’m sorry, and thank you."
Ren Chun tilted his head. "Are you alright?"
"Huh?"
"Those four words! From you!" Ren Chun spread his arms wide. "Never thought I’d hear that from you! You’re such an aggressive person."
Neither impression would serve her well.
Qi pulsed through her meridians in time with her growing anxiety. The bath had washed away the physical remnants of the expedition, but clean skin and fresh clothes had brought fresh worry for Mei Chen.
At least the leather-wrapped umbrella kept most of the rain off as she headed out.
"Miss Lin." The gate guards snapped to attention. "Would you like an escort into the city?"
"No need." Xiulan adjusted her pack. The less attention drawn to her movements, the better.
The streets proved oddly empty despite the light rain. The few citizens who spotted her darted into doorways or crossed to the other side. Whispered conversations and furtive glances followed in her wake.
Great. More rumors. At this rate, they probably thought she breathed fire or ate children for breakfast. The image almost made her laugh.
The Treasure Pavilion’s curved eaves came into view through the drizzle. Xiulan shook excess water from her umbrella before stepping under the gate. The familiar scent of incense and tea filled the courtyard that beckoned.
A servant approached with a practiced bow. "Welcome to Treasure Pavilion."
She nodded politely. "Please inform Master Qingfeng that Lin Xiulan requests an audience. I’ve brought Earth-Heart Root to sell and wish to make additional purchases."
"At once." The servant bowed again and retreated.
Movement caught her attention. Two cultivators in indigo robes rose from their usual corner where a half-finished game of Go lay abandoned on the table.
The taller one stormed toward her with thunderous steps. "You better not be here to cause trouble, we’ve already had to—"
His companion grabbed his arm. "Wait, Martial Brother Long." The shorter cultivator studied her face. "I recognize her. She’s come here before?"
Long stepped closer, squinting at Xiulan. "Martial Brother Mo, I think you’re right. Didn’t she speak with Master Qingfeng both times?"
Mo performed a crisp martial salute, the sleeves of his indigo robe rustling. "We serve as guards from Aqua Seraph Academy, contracted by Treasure Pavilion."
"Lin Xiulan, sister to Lord Lin." Xiulan returned the salute with practiced grace.
"Remarkable." Long scratched his chin. "Your first visit here showed no signs of cultivation. Yet now..."
Xiulan stretched her lips into a practiced smile. "Why such hostility upon my arrival today?"
A flush crept up Long’s neck. "My deepest apologies." He shifted his weight. "We’ve dealt with numerous young cultivators lately. Many lack proper respect for Treasure Pavilion’s customs."
"Oh?" Xiulan arched an eyebrow.
"You haven’t heard?" Mo’s eyes widened. "A substantial bounty circulates for a rogue cultivator—the one who murdered your family. The notice brought many hunters to the city."
House Chao moves faster than expected. Xiulan pressed her lips together. The rumors spreading through the city would only complicate matters. Though perhaps it didn’t matter anymore—House Chao would construct whatever truth suited their agenda.
And the truth was a perfect excuse to pursue Zhang Wei. The trap had indeed set itself.
At least they seemed to lack evidence, otherwise the bounty would have specified her directly.
Her cultivation needed to strike a delicate balance—strong enough to protect her family, yet not so powerful she’d be forced to abandon them. At least until she dealt with House Chao. Her mother would need to secure House Min’s support, too.
"I heard about a small bounty," Xiulan said.
Long shook his head. "It started small, but now exceeds a thousand spirit stones. Young masters and fairies flood into the county, drawn by the reward. Word is the culprit still lurks nearby."
A thousand? No wonder. A weak laugh escaped Xiulan’s throat. "I hope these visitors don’t cause too much trouble."
"Such upheaval must weigh heavily on you." Long’s tone softened. "Losing family while awakening as a cultivator... Perhaps catching the culprit will bring peace."
A servant approached with quick steps and dropped into a bow. "Master Qingfeng awaits Fairy Lin on the second floor."
"Thank you for sharing the information." Xiulan bowed to the two martial brothers.
They returned her bow with matching precision. "Good health to you, Fairy Lin."
The weight of their words settled in her stomach as she turned toward the stairs.
Peace seemed an unlikely prospect.