A Pawn's Passage

Qi Xuansu followed Pei Xiaolou into the Zhenwu Temple.

“Qing Xiao isn’t here?” Qi Xuansu asked nervously.

“She’s not. She’s out visiting someone,” Pei Xiaolou replied.

After working with Zhang Yuelu for some time, Pei Xiaolou had genuinely come to fear this junior because, to him, there was nothing more intimidating than someone who took things too seriously.

Qi Xuansu breathed a sigh of relief because he was not quite ready to face Zhang Yuelu yet.

He did not think that he was the type to cower in front of women, nor did he intend to act like a henpecked husband. The reason he feared Zhang Yuelu was not because of her higher status or her assertive personality. It was because he had deceived her, so he felt guilty and simply could not muster any confidence.

“Who are we meeting?” Qi Xuansu asked again.

“Your direct superior,” Pei Xiaolou replied casually.

As they spoke, the two men arrived at a standalone courtyard with two Spirit Guards standing at the entrance. Upon seeing Pei Xiaolou, they immediately saluted the Sage and granted the duo passage without question.

Though these Spirit Guards belonged to the Ziwei Hall, and Pei Xiaolou was from the Chongyang Palace of Immortality, everyone knew that he was Sage Donghua’s younger brother and Lei Xiaohuan’s husband. As such, he commanded more respect than many Ziwei Hall members, and no one dared to look down on him.

Soon, Qi Xuansu met the towering Lei Xiaohuan in the study and saluted her formally as a subordinate.

“Tian Yuan, it’s been a while,” Lei Xiaohuan said, waving her hand to indicate that formalities were unnecessary.

Although she had a high cultivation level, she was somewhat like Daoist Ji—mostly holding honorary positions and rarely involved in the daily operations of Ziwei Hall. She would only occasionally act as Sage Donghua’s envoy, so she was not too accustomed to rigid protocols and rituals.

Qi Xuansu said, “After parting ways in Xijing Prefecture, I never imagined we would meet again because of the Purple Immortal Mountain case.”

Pei Xiaolou chuckled. “You should consider yourself lucky to uncover the Purple Immortal Mountain case. The previous Jiangnan case brought Zhang Yuelu into the limelight, earning her the Earthly Preceptor’s favor and allowing her to rise up the ranks swiftly. This time, the Purple Immortal Mountain case has brought you to my brother’s attention. Without this case, your return to the Daoist Order probably wouldn’t have been so smooth.”

Seeing Qi Xuansu’s confusion, Lei Xiaohuan elaborated, “During the Jiangnan case, Sage Donghua suggested using Fang Linhou to uncover the mastermind and resolve the matter entirely. Unfortunately, it fell just short of success. The Purple Immortal Mountain case is the second chance for that.”

“I see,” Qi Xuansu murmured, suddenly enlightened.

It seemed that the struggle between the two factions had already begun during the Jiangnan case. Back then, it had been covert, with only undercurrents of tension. This time, however, it was almost entirely out in the open.

“Alright, let’s get down to business,” Lei Xiaohuan said as she moved behind the desk. “Have a seat and relax.”

Qi Xuansu took a seat secondary to Pei Xiaolou’s.

Lei Xiaohuan carefully chose her words. “I don’t like beating around the bush, so I’ll cut to the chase. There are six main things we have to discuss today.

“Firstly, as of May 5th, you are no longer a disciple of the Zhengyi Sect and will be returning to the Quanzhen Sect. Do you have any objections to this arrangement?”

By convention, disciples from the Wanxiang Daoist Palace would be considered Quanzhen Sect disciples upon graduation. This was what Bai Yingqiong had mentioned about Wanxiang Daoist Palace continually supplying talent to the Quanzhen Sect.

However, this rule was not absolute. To balance the three sects, high-ranking Daoist priests from the Zhengyi Sect and the Taiping Sect could also take disciples from the Wanxiang Daoist Palace. Their disciples would then convert to their master’s sects.

Qi Xuansu’s master, Qi Haoran, was part of the Zhengyi Sect. That was why Qi Xuansu had been assigned to the Zhengyi Sect.

However, while Qi Xuansu had no objections to following his master’s footsteps, he had no particular attachment to the Zhengyi Sect.

His recent journey to Yunjin Mountain had further eroded his goodwill toward the Zhengyi Sect. In contrast, the Quanzhen Sect Sages like Pei Xiaolou, Lei Xiaohuan, and Daoist Ji had shown him great kindness. Even Sage Donghua, whom he had never met, was his benefactor. All of this made Qi Xuansu favor the Quanzhen Sect more.

Although Zhang Yuelu was a member of the Zhengyi Sect, she had close ties with the Earthly Preceptor. She had even considered joining the Quanzhen Sect.

Moreover, Zhang Yuelu cared about the Daoist Order as a whole rather than the interests of a single sect or lineage, so she probably would not oppose his conversion to the Quanzhen Sect.

Of the three sects, Qi Xuansu’s true enmity lay with the Taiping Sect, thanks to people like Shen Yuzu, Shen Mingshu, Su Ran, Liu Futong, Lu Yunfeng, and Li Tianzhen. The fight for the Xuan Jade was also tied to the Taiping Sect.

“I have no objections as long as I’m not joining the Taiping Sect,” Qi Xuansu replied.

“We certainly won’t assign you to the Taiping Sect.” Lei Xiaohuan chuckled.

“Secondly, as you’re already aware, you’ve been transferred to the Ziwei Hall. Sage Donghua has already communicated this with Sage Cihang, who is the current Tiangang Hall Master, so she is well aware of your situation. However, at Sage Donghua’s request, Sage Cihang has not informed Zhang Yuelu of your transfer, as we have decided to leave this opportunity to you instead.”

Qi Xuansu smiled wryly, unsure of what to say.

It seemed that these influential figures also knew how to show consideration for the minions, but only if they wanted to.

“Thirdly, your promotion to the fifth rank.” Lei Xiaohuan continued, “This is largely thanks to Zhang Yuelu. That girl is truly loyal and devoted to you. Even after your mishap, she went to great lengths to preserve your position, merely reporting you as missing rather than deceased. Moreover, she didn’t forget to petition for the recognition of your contributions, even at the risk of those merits amounting to nothing.

“The two of you managed to stop an Ancient Immortal’s divine descent, earning you an Earth Merit, which is equivalent to 3 Xuan merits. Splitting some of the merits with the Imperial Court, the Daoist Order was allowed to keep 1 Xuan merit and 2 Huang merits.

“You have also subdued 5 mid-level cult leaders, which totaled 6 Xuan merits and 2 Huang merits. You already had 2 Huang merits to begin with, so adding another Huang merit and 2 Xuan merits equates to 3 Xuan merits, qualifying you for a promotion from the seventh to the fifth rank. However, due to the tenure system, you could only be promoted to the sixth rank and enjoy the benefits of a fifth-rank priest.

“Your uncovering of the Purple Immortal Mountain case is a major contribution, but due to the case’s sensitivity, we can’t publicly credit you for it. Instead, you’ve been discreetly rewarded. As such, Ziwei Hall has made an exception to override the tenure system by promoting you to the fifth rank and awarding you with the title of Prospective Mage.”

Qi Xuansu nodded to indicate his understanding.

“The fourth item on the list is, how did you survive the flying ship crash?” Lei Xiaohuan paused before instructing Qi Xuansu. “No matter who asks about it, there can only be one answer: Sage Donghua saved you after the incident.

“Otherwise, there’s no explaining why Sage Donghua didn’t save anyone else. If anyone asks for details, just tell them that you’re not sure what happened and that all you know is you’ve gained an Auxiliary Heart. Since you were unconscious at the time, not knowing the situation is logical, so you may direct those questions to Sage Donghua.”

“That explanation works well.” Qi Xuansu agreed.

Many would doubt Qi Xuansu, but there were only a few who had the authority or the courage to question Sage Donghua. The three Deputy Grand Masters certainly had the authority to, but they were too busy with their duties to waste time on a minor figure like Qi Xuansu.

“Item number five is: why didn’t you return to Tiangang Hall after being rescued?” Lei Xiaohuan glanced at the prewritten notes.

She explained, “That’s because Sage Donghua has assigned you a special mission, which is highly classified. If anyone asks, direct them to me or Sage Donghua.”

“What if Qing Xiao asks these questions? Should I give her the same response?” Qi Xuansu inquired.

“Of course not!” Pei Xiaolou interjected. “You can tell her that your special mission is to investigate the Daoists secretly shielding and supporting the secret societies. Your presence in Cuowenbu was to investigate the White Jade Hall; your appearance in Xijing Prefecture, where you were pursued by Feng Bo, was to investigate the Heavenly Court. All of this falls under the scope of investigating secret societies, hence covering your tracks.

“Purple Immortal Mountain, Jiangling Prefecture, Wannian County, and Bohai Prefecture are all tied to the Taiping Sect, which also falls under the scope of investigating those who are shielding and supporting secret societies. Since the Purple Immortal Mountain case is unresolved, these won’t officially count as merits but rather as hard efforts, which is why you’ve been promoted to superintendent.

“As for Qin Wubing and Commandery Prince Qin, I have already informed them of the correct statement. So no matter who investigates, the story will be flawless!”

“Don’t be smug! If anything goes wrong, you’ll be held responsible,” Lei Xiaohuan chided while casting her husband a sidelong glance.

Pei Xiaolou coughed lightly. “Don’t worry, nothing will go wrong!”

Lei Xiaohuan rolled her eyes before continuing, “The sixth item on the list is, why didn’t you reveal your identity as Qi Xuansu? You can attribute this to Sage Donghua and the mission. But how you want to ensure Miss Zhang doesn’t feel hurt about your decision to keep it from her is up to you.”

Pei Xiaolou chimed in. “We’ve done everything we can to help, but we can’t handle everything for you. You’ll need to put in some effort yourself.”

Qi Xuansu nodded with a bitter smile.

Lei Xiaohuan advised him. “In my opinion, Miss Zhang is an open-minded and magnanimous individual who will understand the importance of the bigger picture. So I don’t think that she would take offense over something so trivial. Don’t worry too much about it.”

Qi Xuansu sighed. “Even if she doesn’t care, I do.”

Lei Xiaohuan glanced at him before glaring at her husband. “At least you still have a conscience, unlike this buffoon.”

“Why are you dragging me into this? I’ve never deceived you!” Pei Xiaolou quickly protested.

Lei Xiaohuan ignored him and continued, “I wasn’t familiar with Miss Zhang before this, so I assumed she was like Yao Pei or Li Changge. But since working with her, my impression of her has improved greatly. I truly admire her work attitude and conduct. So Tian Yuan, don’t you break her heart. Frankly speaking, if you miss this opportunity, there won’t be another one.”

Qi Xuansu replied solemnly, “Of course.”

Lei Xiaohuan changed her tune. “But don’t sell yourself short. Although your cultivation level may not be as high as Zhang Yuelu’s, you have already reached the 6th or 7th level of the Guizhen stage.

“Considering your background from the Wanxiang Daoist Palace, hence lacking support from a family or master, you’ve earned your keep. Even with some guidance from Madam Qi and a few lucky encounters, you’ve relied on your own efforts and progressed by going through life-and-death struggles.

“When I last saw you, you looked utterly wretched with a severed arm. But look at how far you’ve come! I’d say you’ve done quite well given the circumstances.”

Qi Xuansu thanked her. “You flatter me, Sage Lei.”

Lei Xiaohuan stared at him intently for a while. Then she suddenly laughed. “Well, putting aside all these external factors, it all boils down to feelings. I may be a brute at times, but as a fellow woman, I can sense that Miss Zhang has had a hard time coping with your ‘death.’ She works so hard not just because she takes her duties seriously, but also because she is grieving you. You risked your life to save her, so you’re absolutely worthy of her.

“I don’t know much about romance, but to me, I think you two are meant to be. If Tantai Qiong couldn’t see your worth, then consider her blind. You should just focus on doing your best and marry Zhang Yuelu when the time is right. Even if her family doesn’t show up for your wedding, we’ll both be there to celebrate the two of you! Screw those snobs!”