Chen Fong found Xie Mu in the eastern courtyard, where cherry blossoms strewn across worn stone paths. She sat at a wooden table beneath the branches, scrolls spread before her like a general's battle map.
"Your timing is excellent." Xie Mu didn't look up from her work. "I've been reviewing the guard rotations."
Chen Fong settled across from her. "The whispers are spreading faster than expected."
"Fear has that effect." She raised her eyes to meet his.
"Every crisis presents opportunity." Chen Fong traced a finger along the edge of one scroll. "The nobles are watching, waiting to see how the Viper Clan handles this threat."
"And what do you propose?"
"Anyone in the midst of paranoia are desperate for certainty." Chen Fong leaned forward. "Offer them security details, inside information for a price."
Xie Mu's brush stopped mid-stroke. "You plan to make money out of this?"
"More than profit. Influence, access, trust can't be bought with gold alone."
Understanding dawned in Xie Mu's eyes. "We do have eyes and ears in every noble house."
Chen Fong smiled. "Fear makes people predictable. They will accept our help, slowly binding themselves closer to us with each passing day."
Xie Mu set down her brush. Genuine surprise crossed her features as a realization sunk in. "This isn't just about surviving the current crisis. You're laying groundwork for something larger."
"The best strategies serve multiple purposes." Chen Fong watched her carefully. "What do you think?"
"I think," Xie Mu said, "that you're more dangerous than anyone realizes."
System Notification: Vassal potential—Xie Mu. Trust levels approaching critical point.
Xie Mu met his gaze, her eyes gleaming with ambition. "I'll consider your proposal. But understand this, Chen Fong: if you're wrong, it will cost you dearly."
Chen Fong's smile widened. "I wouldn't expect anything less."
A shadow fell across their scrolls. Xi Fang glided toward them, her silk robes whispering against the stone path. Chen Fong had felt her watching throughout their conversation, her presence like a coiled serpent waiting to strike.
"Such intense discussion." Xi Fang's fingers traced the edge of their table. "I couldn't help but notice."
Xie Mu gathered her scrolls. "Just reviewing guard rotations, my queen."
"Come now." Xi Fang's lips curved. "We both know Chen Fong isn't interested in mere guard duties."
The System pulsed a warning in Chen Fong's head as Xi Fang circled behind him. Her perfume carried notes of midnight jasmine and something sharper - perhaps poison.
"Your perspective would be valuable," Chen Fong kept his voice neutral. "If you'd care to join us."
"Would it?" Xi Fang placed her hands on the back of his chair. "Or would you prefer I remained occupied elsewhere while you and Xie Mu plot?"
"My queen-" Xie Mu started.
"No need for pretense." Xi Fang's fingers drummed against the wood. "I've seen how quickly you've risen in Ra Cun's esteem, Chen Fong. How convenient that your suggestions always seem to benefit the clan."
"Is that not what we all want?" Chen Fong met her gaze.
"What we want," Xi Fang leaned closer, her breath warm against his ear, "and what we're willing to do to get it are two very different things."
The System highlighted Xi Fang's vitals, marking pressure points and vulnerabilities. Her power radiated like heat from a forge, tempting and dangerous.
"Perhaps we should discuss this more privately," Xi Fang straightened. "Both of you. In my chambers, after sunset."
System Notification: Potential Vassal detected—Xi Fang. Unique skill: Venomous Mirage. Approach with caution.
Chen Fong and Xie Mu arrived at Xi Fang's chambers as the last rays of sunlight faded from Purple Lotus City. Lanterns cast dancing shadows across the ornate doors, their red glow reflecting off the carved jade serpents that framed the entrance.
Xi Fang's private quarters sprawled across the eastern wing of the manor, a maze of interconnected rooms filled with rare artifacts and ancient scrolls. She received them in her study, where incense smoke curled through the air like spectral dancers.
"Your punctuality speaks well of you both." Xi Fang lounged on a cushioned divan, her dark hair spilling over her shoulders like liquid silk.
System Alert: Caution - Target displays heightened awareness. Proceed with extreme care.
"How could we refuse such an invitation?" Chen Fong kept his tone light, measuring each word.
Xie Mu settled onto a cushion, her usual practical demeanor tinged with unease. "You mentioned concerns about our earlier discussion?"
"Concerns?" Xi Fang's laugh held no warmth. "I find myself fascinated by how quickly you've both aligned your interests." Her fingers traced the rim of a wine cup. "Tell me, Chen Fong, what makes a newcomer so invested in our clan's future?"
The System highlighted subtle shifts in Xi Fang's posture - the tension in her shoulders, the way her free hand stayed hidden within her robes. Chen Fong recognized the signs of concealed weapons, likely poison-tipped needles.
"The Viper Clan's strength lies in its ability to adapt," Chen Fong met her gaze steadily. "I simply offer perspectives that might benefit us all."
"Us all?" Xi Fang rose with fluid grace. "Or just those who support your rise?"
System Warning: Target possessing advanced combat capabilities. Venomous Mirage technique detected.
Chen Fong felt the weight of her scrutiny, sharp as a blade against his skin. Unlike his previous vassals, Xi Fang's power matched his own - perhaps exceeded it. One wrong move would shatter everything he'd built.
Xi Fang circled Chen Fong like a predator sizing up its prey. "I know you are fishing for conflict."
Heavy footsteps interrupted them as Captain Jiao burst through the doors, his face flushed with anger.
"My queen, the northern patrol reports-" Jiao Long's eyes narrowed at Chen Fong and Xie Mu. "I wasn't aware you had company."
"We were just discussing clan security," Chen Fong stepped back, giving Jiao Long space. "Perhaps your input would be valuable."
"Security?" Jiao Long's harsh voice cut through the room. "While you waste time with proposals and politics, my men intercept Iron Talon scouts at our borders." He turned to Xie Mu. "Your redistribution of guard rotations has left gaps in our defenses."
Xie Mu's face paled. "I followed standard protocols-"
"Protocols?" Jiao Long slammed his fist on the table. "Your inexperience shows. If Chen Fong hadn't suggested additional patrols along the eastern ridge, we'd be blind to their movements."
Xi Fang's expression shifted. "Additional patrols?"
"Yes," Jiao Long growled. "While some of us play political games, at least someone had the sense to strengthen our actual defenses."
Chen Fong placed himself between Jiao Long and Xie Mu. "The Iron Talon's movements concern us all. Perhaps we should focus on solutions rather than blame."
Xi Fang's suspicious gaze moved away from Chen Fong to Jiao Long. "Indeed. Captain, explain these scout sightings in detail."
As Jiao Long launched into his report, Xie Mu shot Chen Fong a grateful look. The System hummed with approval as Xi Fang's attention fixed firmly on the captain's increasingly agitated explanations.
The next day, Chen Fong caught Lu Ten at the hunting grounds. The Viper Head was cleaning his latest catch. The hunter's hands moved methodically, stripping meat from bone. This was his way of calming his nerve.
"Captain Jiao's been questioning your hunting routes," Chen Fong kept his voice low. "Says they align suspiciously with Iron Talon movements."
Lu Ten's knife paused. "That paranoid fool? I stick to the same paths I've used for years."
"Yun Feng mentioned similar concerns." Chen Fong leaned against a wooden post. "Though his exact words about the captain were less diplomatic."
"Yun Feng?" Lu Ten's eyes narrowed. "What's that snake been saying?"
Later that evening, Chen Fong found Yun Feng, a Viper Head specialized in gathering information, drunk in the inn. "Strange. Lu Ten claims you've been reporting his movements to Captain Jiao."
"That backwoods hunter?" Yun Feng scoffed. "Jiao Long's the one demanding reports on everyone's whereabouts."
Chen Fong shrugged. "The captain seems convinced someone's feeding information to our enemies."
The seeds of doubt planted, Chen Fong waited until the three men crossed paths at the manor's main hall. Their heated whispers and accusatory glances told him everything he needed to know.
As darkness fell, Chen Fong slipped into the abandoned alley where he had first met Xun Bai. He pulled a sealed letter from his robes - carefully crafted evidence of the three men's supposed conspiracy. A broken wine jar sat untouched on the ground. Chen Fong tucked the letter beneath it, knowing the Third Sage's network would ensure it reached the right hands.
The letter detailed fabricated meetings between the three men, each betraying the others for their own gain. By morning, their suspicions would turn to certainty, and the Viper Clan's unity would crack just a little more.
In the shadows of Purple Lotus City, Xun Bai unfolded the letter beneath flickering lamplight. His pale fingers traced the papers, a cold smile spreading across his features. The fabricated evidence played perfectly into his plot. Chaos bred opportunity, and few understood that better than the Third Sage of Hell.
Meanwhile, Chen Fong sealed himself in his quarters, reviewing in his head the Viper Heads' routines and habits. He mapped out their movements through the manor. Xie Mu's late-night strategy sessions, Yuan Xia's training routines at dawn, Lan Zhi's meetings with merchants at dusk. Each presented opportunities, vulnerabilities he could exploit.
The Poison Sisters had positioned themselves throughout the manor - Qin Feng near Yuan Xia's quarters, Qin Ru watching Lan Zhi's office. Their presence would ensure his targets remained isolated when he made his move.
Chen Fong reviewed his timeline. With Xun Bai in play, he couldn't afford to wait. The System pulsed in agreement, highlighting the urgency of securing these vassals before confronting Xi Fang.