Legend of The Young Master

Chapter 150: It's About to Unfold

Lady Xueyan shrugged. "How old are you, Young Master?"

The question visibly unsettled him because his answer was none.

"How many sieges involving demonics and monsters have you experienced? How many demons and cultivators have you fought?" She took a step closer, pressing for an answer. "I'm a warrior's daughter, Young Master. These may not be polite questions, but I believe I have the right to know."

Wuyi leaned against the wall, scratching his chin thoughtfully; he saw no reason to be truthful here. "I've taken down more men than monsters. I've survived a few sieges, but most were against men, which we broke in the second month. I am—" He met her gaze. "I'm twenty." Whether it was true or not, he felt compelled to say it.

She emitted a sound that was a cross between a satisfied grunt and a snort.

"You did not know, did you? Did your divination suggest otherwise?" he said, standing upright. "I may be young, but I've seen more of the world than you can imagine. And my clan—" He paused, letting the silence linger.

"Your clan?" she prodded softly.

"Never mind," he concluded, his voice barely above a whisper.

"I've put my defenses in the hands of a child," Lady Xueyan remarked, but her lips twisted in a self-mocking smile.

"A young leader with Qi master-level cultivation and command over seasoned warriors. Whether facing demonics or humans, I can confront anyone in this mortal realm. Honestly, there's no better fighting force in your entire kingdom. I've been through this, studied it, unlike most of my peers. So, it's a bit late for second thoughts.

You insisted on dealing only with the group leader, which is me," Wuyi stated confidently.

"I know," she replied, taking a sip of her wine. "I'm scared." Unexpectedly, she grasped his hand. "I'm fifty years old and have never endured a demon siege." She released his hand and bit her lip. "Are you scared?"

He took her hand back and smiled. "Always, of everything. But I can promise you this: even if everyone else falls, you and I will survive." He grinned. "I've become quite skilled at conquering fear. Being a coward teaches you a lot about courage."

She chuckled. "You're quite the character. If you were older, I'd invite you to my private quarters."

He nodded. "I'm too drained to perform to your expectations, my lady."

Their laughter and light chatter continued until both their wine glasses were empty. Finally, she looked out the window and asked, "What's your greatest fear?"

"Failing," he answered, laughing at his own words. "But I might be the only one in this fortress who isn't afraid of demonics or dark cultivators."

"Is that bravado?" she questioned.

He stared into the fire for a moment. "No," he sighed. "I need to check on the watch. My scouts are attempting something daring tonight, and I need to ensure everyone is prepared. You're aware that the enemy is using animals to spy on us, right?"

"Yes," she whispered.

"Do you know anything else that could help this young master protect these walls?" He leaned in closer.

She averted her eyes. "No," she admitted.

He set his wine glass on the sideboard with a clink. "I've been honest with you."

"Let's take a moment to gather our forces," she said, offering a weak smile. "Go check on your watch. My minor secrets won't make a difference here."

He bowed, and she gestured for him to leave. He stepped into the dark stairwell.

As he roamed around the fort, he felt its every single array. He closed his eyes and entered the Sacred Chamber, stood in front of the Statue of Wisdom, and spoke: "Comprehende potentiam et ordinem."

The statue rotated and showed him a vision. A vision of all the members of the Lotus Pavilion; they were like charging flags, connected with the array of the fortress, and at the center was Lady Xueyan. This array protecting the fortress was grand. Wuyi realized this was the secret she was hiding. Now it all made sense: this array was strong but it was weak at the same time.

It was made to protect the fortress against powerful cultivators, warriors, or spells; that is why the specter was not attacking the fortress, but there was no defense in the array for physical attacks such as flying serpents—if they attacked, the array might not be able to stop them.

As Wuyi walked, he encountered Wanxie, the archer on duty, who stood with his arms folded. Upon seeing Wuyi, Wanxie straightened his back. "You've dispatched a scouting team," he observed. "I can't find Baijian or many of the Qi warriors for their shifts."

"It's about to unfold," Wuyi replied, composing himself. "Inform the watch to stay vigilant." He looked up, but the stars offered no guidance. "Just tell them to be alert. I need to speak with Lady Xueyan."

He straightened his posture again, nodded as if acknowledging an unseen companion, and returned to the hall where Lady Xueyan awaited him.

"You've figured something out," she noted.

"I have some speculations," he responded.

"And you've checked on your guards," she added.

"Not sufficiently," he admitted. "Lady, there are too many unknowns here. Maybe I'm too inexperienced for this situation. But we face two enemies: the external threat and the internal one. I wish you'd share what you know."

"If I revealed all my secrets, you'd punish me with flaming whips," Lady Xueyan said, quoting an ancient Zenith scripture. She rose from her seat and walked toward a bookshelf. "Have you solved this puzzle?"

"With the substantial clues you provided," he replied.

"It wasn't my place to tell you," she said. "Our oaths limit our abilities."

He nodded in agreement.

"You seem on edge," she observed. "Is it because of my allure?"

"We've made a risky move tonight," he confessed. "Now that I grasp the stakes, I'm uneasy. Things aren't unfolding as I'd hoped on a night when I've taken what now appears to be a reckless gamble." He paused, then voiced his inner turmoil. "I don't appreciate being manipulated."

She shrugged. "No one does," she said dismissively. "I don't engage in gambling metaphors. But maybe we can make a positive impact and prevent the reckless behavior you were concerned about. Let's mingle with our people, Young Master."

As they stepped out, Lady Xueyan moved with the grace of a queen, followed by a veiled member of the Lotus Pavilion. Wuyi couldn't help but notice how Lady Xueyan's gown and robes were far more opulent than what was typically worn by members of the Lotus Sect. Clearly, she was a wealthy and influential woman who had chosen to join the sect.

Upon their entrance into the courtyard, all chatter ceased. A circle of dancers swayed to the melody of flutes, played by Wuyi's own attendants. Lady Xueyan gave a nod of approval, and the dancers resumed their performance.

"When will they attack us?" Lady Xueyan inquired softly.

"Hopefully never, if all goes according to plan," Wuyi replied cheerfully.

"So, you prefer to earn your keep without conflict?" she questioned.

"Absolutely," he said, bowing to Liwei, who was observing the dancers. She acknowledged him with a cool nod. Wuyi felt he was setting his sights too low; perhaps he could win over not just Liwei but Lady Xueyan as well. "However, we also enjoy victory, and that requires effort."

"An effort you're willing to make?" she asked, smiling. "Our verbal jousting is so effortless, I might need to atone for flirting."

"You're so skilled at it, you must have many admirers," he teased.

She playfully tapped the back of his head with her fan. "From the distant past when I was young, you mean?"

"Like all stunning women, you turn my compliments into slights," he retorted.

"Let's stand here; we're visible to everyone," she suggested, nodding to Monk Zhen, who stood awkwardly between the Ancestral Shrine of the Lotus Pavilion and the steps leading to the Great Hall.

Wuyi sensed hostility emanating from the monk. He was reminded of a time a year ago when he had to execute a rogue archer in his company for killing comrades over loot. Monk Zhen had a similar aura, one that the statue of harmony seemed to amplify.

"Monk Zhen, allow me to formally introduce you to the Young Master," Lady Xueyan said, her eyes flashing in a way that reminded Wuyi of her younger, more predatory self.

Monk Zhen bowed slightly.

" I heard your name was something like 'bastard noble in the south.' Do you have a preferred name?"

Wuyi had grown accustomed to minor antagonism, so it took a second for Monk Zhen's demeanor to fully register. He focused his gaze intently on the monk.

Lady Xueyan nudged Monk Zhen with her elbow. "Enough. We'll talk later. You may leave now."

"I am a monk, blessed by Buddha," Monk Zhen retorted. "I go where I please and answer to no one here."

"You haven't met Baijian," Wuyi interjected.

"You look familiar," Monk Zhen continued. "Do I know your family?"