Molting the Mortal Coil

The force weighing upon the messenger lessened, but didn’t disappear. He immediately knew the damage he’d caused in haste better be worth it, or he wouldn’t escape punishment. The man felt sweat pouring down his back, he’d been told it was extremely important and to rush with all haste. He didn’t even know if the news was worth the trouble he caused. Maybe the source of information had been exaggerating?

The messenger could only steel his resolve and hurriedly relay the news before his delay caused him more problems, “Sect Leader, Lang Sheng has returned to Plum Lantern City!”

Having blurted out the news, the messenger held his tongue, hoping it was enough to keep him from being punished. His face fell, as almost immediately the power around him increased in intensity, squeezing him slowly. Then it suddenly started to reduce. The Sect Leader pushed his hands against the ground and threw himself up from his seated position. He laughed loudly, “Ahh, Lang Sheng. The little murderer. I see. Where is he?”

The messenger let out the deep breath he’d been holding before speaking, “He arrived with others from the Chong Clan and is staying with the Zhu Clan. He was overheard asking to ‘join the delegation’ at the gates. He arrived an hour ago, so we haven’t got any news from the inside yet.”

A vicious smile crawled across the Sect Leader’s lips. Then he nodded, “I see. Prepare my carriage for a visit to the Tang Clan.”

Back at the Zhu Clan.

The little garden party had already come to a close and as a part of the ‘Chong Clan Delegation’ they were put into the same courtyard as the members of the Jinxi Faction. Sage was inwardly pleased, the Zhu Clan had given them a good opportunity to speak and clash with the Jinxi without having to be involved. If they were placed in different residences, then the Zhu would be caught in the middle of their bickering. Now, since they were all together, they could fight amongst themselves and the Zhu Clan could even step in and be offended if the guests caused a disruption. All they had to do was accept the declaration that they were all from the same Clan and ignore the existence of competing factions.

Sage was getting ready for a verbal confrontation, but surprisingly, the Jinxi filed into their rooms and ignored them.

“They can’t just be rolling over, right? They’re planning a response aren’t they?”

Xiezi nodded, “The Jinxi don’t quit easily. Especially in these sorts of political games and power struggles. The Jinxi faction haven’t been the leaders of the Chong Clan for so many generations because of their great power. Even when others equal them in strength, their political skill and ability have kept them in charge. The Great Elder of Xie simply refuses to play games with them, and refuses all contact beside direct orders. The Patriarch wants to control everyone so he has a grudge against the Great Elder, which has led to this conflict.”

“So, the Jinxi won’t give up. Especially in this sort of battle of influence, right? Okay, so what do you think they’re going to do next?”

“I have no idea,” then she smiled and puffed up her chest while saying, “I take after the Great Elder. That’s why she trusts me so much. There is no need for all this nonsense, we just tell it to them straight and wait to see what happens.”

Sage was taken aback. So, despite how much they knew, this Xie faction ignored all maneuvering and just bluntly revealed all their cards to everyone. He’d thought he was being carefully groomed by their honesty, like they were showing off their information gathering skills to him so he’d back them. Turns out, these Xie were the type to just throw their cards on the table before they’d even made any bets. This Great Elder seems quite confident in her power, they don’t even pretend to bluff or deceive.

With such a blatantly arrogant position, Sage didn’t bother to plot with Xiezi anymore. He’d thought she had some great plan to use his tenuous relationship with the Zhu Clan. Something like using his newfound strength to demand concessions from them because of their lack of care for him previously. Sage was wondering if they’d try to buy him off, or plead they were weak women that lacked the strength to defend themselves from all of Sage’s enemies. Yet, it seemed that Xiezi had no such intentions at all. She was probably just going to tell them everything, airing all of the Chong Clan’s dirty laundry and then ask them to support her side. Hadn’t she done the same to him? These Xie seemed to trust that their blunt honesty would work better to gain allies than the subtle tricks and manipulations of the Jinxi.

Over the next few days, there were no more large gatherings that would give Sage an opportunity to disrupt things. Instead, the Jinxi met with the Zhu Clan on an individual basis. Using the excuse of a personal conversation, there was no room for Sage to politely interject. Especially since Sage only knew a few people within the Zhu Clan, he couldn’t just say he always wanted to catch up with people he’d never met.

Sage wanted to delay Xiezi, and continue hampering the Jinxi’s plans, but he realized that his only option was to be exceedingly rude like that first garden party or he had no chance. He wasn’t very invested in the conflict among the Chong Clan, but he was interested in getting some payback on the Zhu Clan. To hamper the Jinxi, he’d end up looking like a fool in front of the Zhu, so he gave in and let Xiezi have her way.

At the end of the first week, they finally received an audience with a highly placed Elder of the Zhu Clan. Sage and Tujiu accompanied Xiezi, following behind each of her shoulders, immediately announcing that she was in the lead. The Elder was surprised, the severe face of the middle aged woman scrutinized them closely. Her black hair was pulled back into a bun and pinned with a pair of jade chopsticks. An attendant announced them and the Elder simply watched them.

Xiezi stepped forward and gave a deep bow to the Zhu Elder. She clasped her fists in salute, “Chong Xiezi sees the Zhu Elder. The rumors of your beauty are actually outshone by your great bearing.”

With the guest having spoken first, the Zhu Elder smiled, “Good, you have some manners. What business does the Chong Clan have with my Zhu Clan?”

Then the Elder looked over Xiezi’s shoulder to Sage, “Or is this a visit for a personal matter?”

Xiezi didn’t seem bothered by the Elder’s words. She fixed her wild gaze upon the Elder’s eyes, “I am here for my Xie Family. Outsiders may not know it, but the Zhu Clan has no small relation to my Chong Clan. The Jinxi have been trying to suppress my Xie.”

The Elder glanced to the others in the room, but relaxed when she thought of the background of those gathered. She sighed, “What you say is true, but why should we care if you two are squabbling?”

“This matter has advanced past arguments. The Chong Clan has been divided into two, and there will soon be a fight for leadership. The Patriarch is planning on ordering the Great Elder of the Xie to abolish her cultivation. Of course, she will refuse, and a war will break out.”

“Do you think your Patriarch is a fool, why would he do such a thing? You can’t fool me with such shallow words. Heh, even if you did war, what would it matter to us?”

Xiezi blushed slightly, “The Great Elder threatened the Patriarch and declared, ‘I do not acknowledge your authority any longer. If war is what you want, then I dare you to order me to abolish my cultivation’!”

Hearing such crazy words, the Elder was taken aback, “Your Great Elder really said that?”

“She knew the Zhu would not wish to be involved. That is why the Great Elder told me to tell you this: ‘The agreement from ancient times still stands. If the Xie or the Zhu were ever to fall, they can always seek shelter from the other.’ You need not support us, but be ready to receive us when the conflict ends. Whether it is a victory feast, or to accept our survivors, please be prepared.”

The Zhu Elder frowned, “You aren’t here to get us to back you?”

Xiezi shook her head, “No. I have said all that needs to be said. The Zhu would not go back on their ancient agreement, would they?”

The seated woman sighed slowly, “Why does she have to be so headstrong, not even trying to ask others for help…”