Legend of The Young Master

Chapter 123: Ignorance Is Bliss.

He shifted the topic. "What can you tell me about these mysterious tomes and paintings outside?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

She grinned. "I think you'll find more joy in deciphering it yourself."

"You're quite the cunning elder," he remarked, amused.

"Ah," she beamed. "You're beginning to understand me, Young Master Black." Her eyes twinkled with a hint of coquetry before she paused, her tone shifting to one of caution. "There's something I've decided to share with you," she said solemnly. "It concerns Elder Xingchen."

He remained still. "She informed me that there was a betrayer among us, and she vowed to reveal him or her. I was supposed to be at the farmland that day, but she insisted on going in my stead," Lady Xueyan confessed, averting her eyes. "I fear the demon that took her life was actually targeting me."

Wuyi, already suspecting who the betrayer was, wondered why the mistress allowed him to stay. Was it affection or naivety?

"Or perhaps Elder Xingchen discovered the traitor, who then eliminated her. Or he was already aware of her intentions and laid a trap," Wuyi mused. "Who is privy to your plans and movements, venerable mistress?" His eyes bore an unspoken question, seeking to understand her reasoning for protecting the apparent traitor.

She leaned back, her staff striking the floor with a thud, revealing her agitation. Their eyes locked in a silent understanding.

"I am not your enemy," he assured her gently.

Struggling to hold back tears, she said, "These are my people. I'd rather die than start distrusting them all." She shook her head, the delicate fabric of her headpiece fluttering. Wuyi decided to act ignorant until it became clear why the mistress did not doubt the real betrayer, especially when it was so obvious to him.

"I need to reflect and perhaps consult my records. Elder Yueli is my deputy, and I trust her implicitly. Master Zhen is my attendant. Elder Yueli has full access to the fortress and is privy to most of my thoughts. Wuli Yuan, the fortress overseer, is also the King's representative here. I will arrange for you to meet them all."

"And what of Liwei?" Wuyi inquired softly.

"Yes, she is often in my company," Lady Xueyan confirmed, locking eyes with him. "She and Xingchen were not close."

"Why is that?" Wuyi asked.

"Sister Xingchen was of noble birth and possessed spiritual power," Lady Xueyan said, her gaze shifting to the window as the fledgling bird became restless at her movement.

"Would you like me to return him to his perch?" he offered. The little guy flew to him the moment he mentioned it.

Wuyi carefully lifted the majestic bird onto his fist and returned it to its perch. "He must be of royal lineage?"

"I once had a friend in the royal court," Lady Xueyan replied, a wistful smile gracing her lips.

"And Liwei is not of noble birth?" Wuyi probed further.

Lady Xueyan stood up. "I'll leave you to conduct your own investigations," she said. "I have no interest in discussing the personal matters of my followers."

"It seems I've offended you," said Wuyi.

"Master, the creatures from the Demonic Woods are taking the lives of my people. One among us is betraying our own, and I find myself needing to employ wandering cultivators for protection. Today, everything vexes me," she said.

Wuyi spoke, "Nevertheless, I lost seven men, and the threat is more serious than I considered. Now, I am not greedy enough to force you to pay me more, but what you paid is not enough."

Lady Xueyan frowned and spoke, "What do you want?"

Wuyi turned and looked at the majestic roc fledgling. "I will take him, and we will call it even."

Lady Xueyan was surprised. She spoke, "Maybe the little bird is more valuable than we imagined."

Wuyi replied, "Why do I get the feeling that you know everything but claim ignorance? I am not sure why."

Lady Xueyan nodded and took out a manual. "Sometimes ignorance is bliss. I will speak honestly. I know how precious the fledgling here is, but to me, my people, this fortress, and pavilion are more important. This fledgling is the most precious thing we might have here, which is why it was brought. More than the bird, this manual is what you came looking for.

I might have made you believe that your group was the only one interested in working for us, but that was not the case. Given our pavilion's rich history, many other factions were interested in serving us. There was a reason I hired your faction. It was not that other factions were not promising; on the contrary, many of them had more members and were aligned with large sects and clans.

But I chose your faction because that is what the pavilion's divination showed us. Please understand, young master, the threat we are facing is not simple. I felt assurance when you informed me you have three Qi masters serving under you, but more assurance came from you, who are young and wise beyond your years. I also know what your faction is looking for.

I know you've lost warriors and the dangers are coming. The price is not enough; my pavilion will not let you make a loss in our deal. My people are ready to offer the manual to you. I know it is something you need, but I cannot read it, so I do not know if it will be satisfactory. If not, I want to offer the fledgling. It seems the fledgling likes you, and if you want it, then that is Heaven's will.

I will offer both payments to you. Do know that when the bird grows, you will have a hard time feeding him, even my stronghold might not have enough food resources."

Wuyi was amused that the fledgling had been brought specifically for him. Besides, the lady said the pavilion had divined what he needed, not that she had divined. How did that work? This also concerned him; if he could be divined, it might not be a good thing.