A Pawn's Passage

Unexpectedly, Yao Pei was standing outside Qi Xuansu’s door.

Qi Xuansu could not help but ask, “Su Yi, how long have you been waiting?”

“I just arrived,” Yao Pei replied flatly. “Congratulations on advancing to the Heavenly-Being stage.”

Qi Xuansu sighed. “Oh, I thought you’d be kind enough to stand guard for me.”

Yao Pei ignored his comment and cut to the chase. “The investigation team has arrived. Sage Sun has informed us to attend the banquet.”

Although Zhang Wuhen’s incident did not escalate into the Daoist Order’s internal conflict, the Golden Tower Council still responded swiftly.

A joint investigation team composed of members from Ziwei Hall, Beichen Hall, Tiangang Hall, and Fengxian Hall arrived at the Wanxiang Daoist Palace, accompanied by the Palace Master.

This investigation team was not here to assign blame, but rather to review the sequence of events.

Furthermore, since this matter involved both the Zhengyi Sect and the Quanzhen Sect, the investigation team was primarily composed of Taiping Sect members. The leader of the group was none other than Lu Yushu, the Deputy Hall Master of Fengxian Hall, who had previously been part of the seven-member investigation team in Jinling Prefecture.

The Wanxiang Daoist Palace specially hosted a banquet to welcome the investigation team. Since Yao Pei and Qi Xuansu were directly involved in the incident and had made contributions, they were invited to attend.

Due to flourishing maritime trade in recent years, exchanges between the East and West became more frequent. As a result, the Daoist Order adopted many Western influences, just as the West had absorbed Eastern traditions. But this was not necessarily a bad thing. If there had been no learning from other cultures, people would still be wearing wooden clogs and kneeling on mats instead of wearing boots and sitting on chairs.

This banquet was neither the traditional individual seating arrangement of ancient times nor a large round or long communal table. Instead, it imitated Western-style buffets, where a long table was laid with various dishes for the guests to help themselves. The primary beverages were different varieties of yellow rice wine along with a small selection of red wine. But there was notably no baijiu. This style of banquet was to encourage more interaction and casual conversation.

Neither the Palace Master nor Sun Hewu made an appearance. Rather, Ning Lingyun hosted in their stead. This was expected, as the presence of these elderly figures would have made the younger generation overly restrained. Moreover, the elders were not particularly fond of such modern and trendy events. They preferred the traditional formal banquets, which were solemn and ceremonious.

Naturally, this was Qi Xuansu’s first time attending such a heavily Western-influenced banquet. He took a cup of yellow rice wine from an attendant and remarked with discomfort, “This is so strange. Why copy all this from the West? Can’t we just sit down and eat properly?”

“Five out of ten people here are practicing the Fasting Technique. Do you really think this banquet is about eating?” Yao Pei said expressionlessly, “It’s just a cover. The real purpose is to network and gain intel. If everyone sat together at a single table, there would be things that couldn’t be openly discussed.”

As they spoke, Lu Yushu walked over. The Deputy Fengxian Hall Master took the initiative to greet him. “Superintendent Qi, we meet again.”

Qi Xuansu saluted her. “Greetings, Deputy Hall Master Lu.”

Lu Yushu returned the salute and exchanged pleasantries with Yao Pei before turning back to Qi Xuansu. “Superintendent Qi, the last time we met, you were with Deputy Hall Master Zhang. Today, I see you with Mage Yao. Both Deputy Hall Master Zhang and Mage Yao are outstanding young talents. It’s quite amazing how you’re able to associate with such remarkable prodigies of the Daoist Order.”

Her words carried an implicit jab, implying that Qi Xuansu was eyeing multiple options at once. If there truly was an ambiguous relationship between Qi Xuansu and Yao Pei, this remark could serve to sow discord.

Qi Xuansu remained completely unfazed and replied, “Birds soar farther when they follow phoenixes, and a person’s character is elevated by the company of the virtuous. The next time we meet, perhaps you’ll see me with Li Changge. After all, it’s only natural for me to befriend all the finest young talents of the Daoist Order, isn’t it?”

Lu Yushu’s smile stiffened slightly. Stumped by his response, she offered a polite excuse and left.

Throughout the exchange, Yao Pei’s expression remained as unfeeling as usual. Those who cultivated the Taishang Emotionless Sutra did not have feelings. They only cared for interests.

After Lu Yushu left, another old acquaintance approached—Xu Kou.

Xu Kou teased him. “Old Qi, why is it that you always happen to stumble into the biggest events? First, the second major Jiangnan case, and now Zhang Wuhen’s resurrection!”

Qi Xuansu sighed. “There’s nothing nice about witnessing these life-threatening events. One misstep, and I’d be dead.”

“But as long as you survive, you’ll keep rising through the ranks. In just one year, you’ve gone from seventh rank to fourth rank. That’s even faster than Deputy Hall Master Zhang!”

Qi Xuansu retorted, “Well, age matters more. If I only get to the first rank by the time I’m 80, I’ll have no hope of becoming the Grand Master. I’m just a fourth-rank Jijiu Daoist master for now, which is barely worth mentioning in the Daoist hierarchy. Meanwhile, Qing Xiao is already the youngest third-rank Youyi Daoist master.”

Xu Kou chuckled. “Your ambitions are something else. You’re always talking about being the Grand Master. On the other hand, I’d be content just to retire as an ordinary Sage.”

“I’d like to think that if I aim for the highest, I’ll only achieve something average. If I’m only aiming for something average, I won’t achieve much. That’s why we should set our expectations at the highest level so that the final result will end up average. Otherwise, we won’t gain anything. If my goal is to become the Grand Master, I will most likely attain the title of Sage. But if your goal is to become a Sage, you will probably only reach the third rank.”

Yao Pei remained silent, simply watching the two men with a calm expression.

Qi Xuansu took the initiative to introduce her. “This is Mage Yao from the Quanzhen Sect, the one who stands on equal footing with Qing Xiao.”

Xu Kou was taken aback. “Your reputation precedes you, Mage Yao.”

Yao Pei simply nodded slightly in acknowledgment, maintaining an aloof demeanor.

Qi Xuansu then asked, “Why isn’t Qing Xiao here?”

Xu Kou replied, “To avoid suspicion. After all, she’s from the Zhang family.”

Qi Xuansu nodded in understanding. This reasoning was indeed indisputable.

Uninterested in the two men’s casual chatter, Yao Pei politely excused herself and temporarily left. She was not like Qi Xuansu. She was a woman with considerable ambition and vision. The arrival of the investigation team at the Wanxiang Daoist Palace was a rare opportunity, as it brought news from the outside world. Thus, she intended to make full use of this chance to gather insights into various external movements while also relaying information outward through the Quanzhen Sect.

Xu Kou watched Yao Pei’s departing figure and warned, “Tian Yuan, I’m not trying to accuse you of anything. But I’d like to remind you that Deputy Hall Master Zhang won’t tolerate any nonsense.”

Qi Xuansu caught Xu Kou’s underlying meaning and let out a helpless laugh. “Who do you take me for? Do you really think I’m so capable as to catch the eyes of the two most outstanding women of our generation? Mage Yao happens to be a distant relative of mine. She only associates with me out of respect for our elders.”

“Aren’t you from the Wanxiang Daoist Palace? How did you end up being related to the Yao family? Could the rumors be true? Are you really the illegitimate son of Sage Qi Jiaozheng?!” Xu Kou gasped.

Qi Xuansu snorted and cursed, “You’re the illegitimate one! But my master does have some connections with the Qi family. This kinship is more of a familial association than actual blood relations.”

“I see.” Xu Kou nodded.

Qi Xuansu glanced around and saw that the guests had dispersed into small groups, chatting in twos and threes.

The day after the banquet, the investigation team officially began their work.

Qi Xuansu arrived at Xu Kou’s temporary residence in Dui Garden. Xu Kou saluted and adopted a formal tone. “Superintendent Qi, I have been ordered to question you regarding the exact events and details of the incident. I hope you will cooperate.”

“I knew you guys would ask about this, so I wrote a report after yesterday’s banquet. Take your time to read it.” Qi Xuansu retrieved a booklet that was over a dozen pages thick from his magical receptacle.

With official matters settled, the conversation turned personal. “How’s Qing Xiao doing lately?”

“She’s doing great. She’s the type who can’t sit still. Even though she’s technically on leave, she keeps running over to Yaoguang Division every few days. It makes it impossible for me to slack off! If I even think about sneaking away, she catches me immediately. She knows I don’t care about disciplinary records, so she just fines me Taiping coins instead.” Xu Kou sighed.

Qi Xuansu chuckled. “You said it yourself. She doesn’t tolerate nonsense.”

Xu Kou asked, “So, what’s your plan after finishing your advanced training at the Upper Palace?”

Qi Xuansu was quick to react and countered, “Did you hear something?”

“You’ll find out in a month and a half.” Xu Kou deliberately gave a vague response.

Qi Xuansu grumbled. “Even though I’m no longer in Tiangang Hall, we’re still a family. Why keep secrets from me?”

“That’s not up to me.” Xu Kou smirked. “You’re part of Ziwei Hall now, so you have to follow their arrangements. Even Sage Cihang can’t interfere.”

Qi Xuansu was briefly stunned. “My immediate superior, Sage Lei, doesn’t really involve herself in these matters. So, does this mean it’s Sage Donghua’s decision?”

“I heard that for years, the Imperial Capital Daoist Mansion has been nothing but a hollow institution, practically a retirement home. Now, the Golden Tower Council has decided to reform the Daoist mansion and clear out the useless freeloaders. As a result, the Imperial Capital Daoist Mansion has many vacancies now. Apparently, the Second Deputy Mansion Master Shi Bingyun traveled to Jade Capital to request personnel from Sage Donghua, who is in charge of these manpower issues.”

Qi Xuansu asked, “Are you saying that I might be transferred to the Imperial Capital Daoist Mansion?”

Xu Kou nodded.

“Ziwei Hall is hailed as the foremost among the Nine Halls and second only to Zixiao Palace. If I were to be transferred without a promotion in position, that would be a huge loss for me. Are they planning to make me a Deputy Mansion Master?” Qi Xuansu mused.

“Dream on! Since the Golden Tower Council is reforming the Imperial Capital Daoist Mansion, they’re obviously planning to reinforce it with top personnel. The Deputy Hall Master positions were filled ages ago. What makes you think it will fall to you?” Xu Kou scoffed. “I think it’s more likely to be a temporary reassignment.”

A temporary reassignment meant that Qi Xuansu would be sent to the Imperial Capital Daoist Mansion to take up a post, but he would still be officially listed as a member of Ziwei Hall. Once the assignment ended, he could return to Ziwei Hall.

Qi Xuansu asked, “Is this decision already finalized?”

“I only heard rumors. But Sage Donghua will definitely consult you first, since it’s a mandatory procedure. That’s why I said you’ll find out when you return to Jade Capital,” Xu Kou explained.

For a moment, Qi Xuansu felt a mix of emotions. The Imperial Capital was a place that stood in complete contrast to Jianghu, where he was accustomed to.

Xu Kou continued, “I come from the Imperial Court, so I have some insight into the Imperial Capital Daoist Mansion. Right now, the situation there is highly delicate. It’s a place where one can achieve great success. But if handled poorly, one misstep could lead to utter ruin, with no way back.”

Qi Xuansu murmured, “Right...the Great Sage Ziji.”