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, and 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. 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. He could see the valley, the mountains, the Azure river flowing near the Clay Nest. The people below were like tiny ants, working the rice and wheat fields or traveling somewhere.
Don't get distracted. He bowed to a grim looking man, a Foundation stage guard protecting the tower, informed him about being summoned and entered.
The inside of the tower had expensive carpets, mannequins in decorative armor (That Xin suspected could come to life, if need be) and beautiful rare 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. Xin got embarrassed.
"Please come in" - A familiar voice said. "I've prepared some tea."
Xin entered this spacious room, and his senses were assaulted from all fronts. The air smelled like honey and spring flowers, the floor tiles were laid from a rare grey stone, covered in elegant carving, and in the centre of the room, there was an armoured woman, meditating on a futon, in front of a small pond filled with crystal clear water.
"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."
"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 Xue Gu. I actually knew him. He came over to my family dinners when I was a child. Oh, how things change."
"I... I am sorry for your loss."
"That's not what I meant. Our fathers started out together, in the city guard. We used to play together, although he was a bit older. It was a long time ago."
Xin stared at her. A bit older? She looks thirty at most. Fair jade skin, proportional face, big, beautiful blue eyes. In comparison, that man looked like a different species. And much 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 didn't let go, she insisted on this status and she needs to clarify herself. Still, pushing like that might be a big risk.
"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. The instinct to hinder your growth, despite the sect policy and the Edict, it was too powerful, and it took some indirect interventions to just let you be. I won't go into more detail. Same goes about asking the teachers to be helpful and loyal towards you."
Was she actually helping him from the shadows? She speaks so vaguely. Xin didn't know what to say next.
"By saying 'metaphoric spears', are you hinting at genitals?" - Xin asked.
Lady Meiling had a subtle change of expression, then blinked. Her gaze said "Do you want a pat onthe head, kid?"
"So, as a metal path master, I've identified you and Murong Zhan as the best potential apprentices for when you break through."
Him? 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. We 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.
"So, let me ask you again. Xue Gu's death, what do you know?"
"He died in the Southern district, Xi Ti was found nearby. That's what that 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. Shenmiao family was a part of the 'Lions' faction, but we stayed relatively independent."
Xin nodded.
"Currently, there is a conflict between the Xuanwu clan and the Divine Sword sect. They are looking to build a sect branch in these lands, and are trying to get some trade guarantees from the Xuanwu clan, applying pressure in the capital. 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 cadet branches are happy for this opportunity to emerge, and are lobbying for the sect to enter our lands. This would be a huge loss of face for all of the North. We are already tied with the East for the title of the least influential region, and a big capital region subverting our politics would disrupt everything even further."
"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. We didn't do it. So, are they going to accuse us without evidence to steal away our business?"
"Exactly, and I came up with a plan to counter it."
Somehow Xin felt like he is 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 uses 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?"
"Fine." - Xin was very suspicious. He hated this political double-talk.
"Let me tell you a secret first. I am about to attempt a breakthrough, rank three. In a month 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 lead the Artefact Pavillion once this happens, 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, this armoured look giving her an unparalleled aura of 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? Wait.
I have no clan, Murong Zhan is a part of a noble family. I would be much easier to control and pressure, and I'm more talented. I'd make a better pawn.
My children would belong to her clan, as I would be adopted. His children would carry his surname. I've got a business she is interested in, Murong Zhan lives off his savings.
Business. If I tell her a fake story, she could investigate it and find leverage to use as blackmail against me. If I told her a real story, I'd basically surrender to her.
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. Getting your future kids exploited by some psycho granma doesn't sound appealing, too, even if that granma is extremely beautiful. I think I know what to do.
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 was confused, and squinted his eyes. Wait, what? Does she mean that comment Lei dropped about finding a "sugar mommy"? She heard it with some perception method, perhaps? He felt like he was caught with his pants down, struggling to stay cool.
"What comment? I don't get it. Anyway, I wouldn't dare to think myself worthy. I also understand that it would be extremely difficult for you to pull the strings to help us out, even if we are innocent. But my biggest concern is just my suitability for the role of your disciple. With this in mind, I'd rather take it easy and let things flow naturally, developing at their own pace. Otherwise, I'll find myself out of my depth." - 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.
"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.
"To sacrifice the foundation of the business to obtain it? This would earn you nothing. And the sect would have three valuable members under the risk of being tied to some scandal, throwing shade at the whole sect! How do you imagine the logistics of this?"
"Valuable members? A rank one granpa 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 that's why I value him so much. And Wu Lei has the potential to pierce the heavens, he is my dear brother. 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. 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, and 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 quickly retreated, calling her by her nickname was a disrespectful move, he had to quickly leave before she confronted him.
Shenmiao Meiling exhaled. What a frustrating kid. She unsummoned her armor, 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."