“Elder Wei, you are overstepping your boundaries. I understand your anger at the state of your hall, but it doesn’t suffice to justify your insulting behavior. Besides, even if I wanted to release your people, I can’t. They’re suspects in an ongoing investigation. Until their innocence is conclusively proven, they can’t be let go!”

“They are not suspects by any reasonable measure.”

“They are associates of a proven traitor. Of course they are suspects!”

“So you claim loose association as sufficient evidence to warrant suspicion and even arrest of entire groups of people?”

“At the discretion of an elder? Yes, I do. But listen, since you seem so adamant about your position, I will try my best to accommodate your wishes. We all benefit from keeping our relations on the grounds of friendly cooperation after all. Naturally, I expect…”

“You can keep your offers to yourself.”

“What? But…”

“Since you have stated your position on suspicion by association, I think I should point out that the recent expedition mounted by the Enforcement Hall, which I accompanied to Moonlake City was successful in finding and taking down the smuggling ring.”

Ning Bai’s eyes widened.

“I personally participated in the raid on their hideout. For our purpose here, one person I took captive there is of especially big interest.”

“I’m not sure what you are…”

“Zian Bai, a member of your own family!”

For several seconds, the silence was absolute. Then, in a low, almost hissing voice, Ning Bai answered.

“Elder Wei, I advise you to choose your words very carefully now.”

Liu Wei continued unbothered.

“I also found documents conclusively proving Zian Bai’s long-term involvement with the group and pointing to several senior members of your family directly involving themselves. At that point, I think it’s reasonable to assume a directive from a higher authority…”

Suddenly, Ning Bai started to scream with anger.

“ENOUGH! I will not see you attempt to tarnish my honor any further! An insult like this is without precedent!”

“So basically, you’re saying that your baseless accusations that go against all common practice are to be taken with utmost seriousness, but incriminating evidence brought against you and your family is to be dropped on grounds of the fragility of your own ego?”

Ning Bai stood still, stunned at that remark. Liu Wei paused. While it had encompassed his thoughts rather well, it had come out quite a lot harsher than he had intended to phrase it. The larger issue at hand though, was that he hadn’t said it.

Slowly, slightly incredulous, he turned around to look at Qingge. She had come forward from her position, now standing next to him. Her face was shaped by genuine anger, her hands cramped into fists. At the same time, her eyes were filled with tense trepidation and sweat was building up on her forehead.

More than understandable, considering that she had just told off an elder.

…

Qingge immediately regretted having spoken up. What in the world had gotten into her? Was she suicidal? She’d even promised Elder Wei to stand back! She needed to apologize, bow and get out of the damned way.

“Your family supported a criminal organization to enable it to steal from your own sect and when people went out to deal with it, you abused their absence to cause even more chaos!”

The words kept coming regardless. And somehow, it felt incredibly right.

“All you want to do is take as much as you can for yourself and when you can’t have it, you trample it because you’d rather no one had it than anyone but you!”

She knew that this was a terrible idea, but she was just so, so done with this bullshit. How could anyone be so selfish, so opportunistic and yet so prideful at the same time? Elder Wei was living proof that they didn't have to be this way, so why would they?

“Even when you’re called out on it, you insist on possessing some self-appointed moral high ground. Your utter disrespect for this sect, its members and the very laws your ancestors helped create is apparent to anyone paying even half-hearted attention!”

Qingge breathed heavily, while staring at the opposing elders. Having vented all of her frustration, the full extent of what she had just done was still just starting to dawn on her.

She flinched as Elder Bai’s face turned from disbelief to anger and then to uncontained hatred. Suddenly, she felt the pressure of his soul bearing down on her, freezing her in place unable to move a single muscle.

“You… You insolent little… You damned bitch, I’ll make you pay for that!”

Qingge could do nothing but watch in terror as he stepped forward, a sphere of water gathering in his hand before morphing into the shape of a long whip. With a lazy twist of his wrist, he swung his new instrument against the air, producing a deafening crack before raising his hand, preparing to strike.

What happened next went by too fast for Qingge to properly comprehend. In one moment, Yang was suddenly in front of her, his arms stretched out protectively. In the next, a bright flash of light forced her to close her eyes, immediately followed by a wave of heat so intense that she could feel the built up sweat completely evaporating from her forehead washed over her. Finally, there was a loud crash hitting her ears like a thunderclap.

Had this attack been directed at her or Yang, they would have been reduced to steam and ashes in an instant. But it hadn’t.

“I was being as charitable with you as I possibly could. I gave you ample opportunity to step back, admit a mistake, correct your actions. You could have walked away from this with your honor intact.”

Elder Wei’s voice was calm and quiet. Yet, despite the surrounding heat, the cold wrath that they contained was enough to send a shill down Qingge’s spine. When she slowly opened her eyes, she saw that Elder Bai was not standing before them anymore.

“But you refused that. You refused to listen to reason. Refused to give in. No, you had to argue the inarguable because that’s what your ego demanded.”

The man had been flung a good twenty meters before hitting the solid body of the mountain, his impact having left behind a small crater in the stone. Below that, he was struggling to stand up, his robes singed and, in some places, burned away, revealing bruised skin.

“And now you, you who dares to call yourself a scholar, try to kill a member of the very sect you swore to protect for speaking the truth before you.”

Elder Wei’s eyes were glowing with white fire and his face was expressionless. Little flames were dancing across his fingers in mesmerizing patterns, the air around him shimmered from the heat and Qingge could feel the Qi all around and even in her own body swinging in a strange, rhythmic motion that seemed to originate from him.

Sun Liang and Jiang Peng had both assumed combative stances and were surrounded by glowing fields of energy, likely the product of defensive artifacts. Sun Liang seemed grim and calculative while Jiang Peng’s expression was fearful, like he was ready to make a run for it at any moment. At the third realm of Dao Contemplation as he was, he would likely not have survived the attack Liu Wei had just casually released.

Like this, tension almost unbearable, the two sides remained at a silent standoff for several moments. Then, in a sudden motion, all of them shifted their attention to the sky. Following their gazes, Qingge could make out a trio of flying figures approaching at high speed. Once they were near them, they slowed down and descended towards them.

Elder Ma Rong was the first one to land. His expression was, calm and thoughtful. Qingge couldn’t remember ever seeing him any other way. He gave Elder Wei a quick nod before turning to the others.

Next was Elder Xia. Visibly distressed, she immediately rushed over to Elder Bai and gently pushed him to sit down again. She then started gathering water above her palms and running it over his wounds. The master healer she was, any bruises and scratches seemed to immediately disappear under her influence.

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The last person to descend was Sect Patriarch Long Zhao. Instead of dropping from a few meters’ height like the others, he smoothly floated to the ground, landing exactly in the middle between the two parties. His expression was stern as he surveyed the situation, looking over each person individually and everyone it landed on acknowledged him with a bow of respect.

When his gaze met Qingge, she felt as though it pierced right through her, revealing every thought, every feeling and every little secret she possessed. When it moved on after several moments, she realized that she’d had unwittingly held her breath.

Finally, after Elder Xia was finished with her treatment of Elder Bai, the Patriarch spoke.

“Elder Wei, tell me what has happened.”

“Very well, Patriarch. When I arrived from…”

Before he could get any further, Elder Bai called out, his tone accusatory.

“Honored Patriarch! Elder Wei has attacked me without any…”

“Elder Bai,” The Patriarch interrupted him, his voice loud and strict, “I did not ask you to speak.”

Visibly confused, Elder Bai opened and closed his mouth several times, not knowing how to respond. With a nod, the Patriarch signaled Elder Wei to continue.

“Okay then. As you know, I was recently away from the sect for a prolonged time. When I arrived back here, I learned that Ning Bai had taken the entire staff of the Training Hall captive under the ridiculous premise of investigating the recent smuggling activity.”

Elder Bai opened his mouth to protest but thought better of it at the last moment.

“Naturally, I made my way here to confront him about this and demanded their release, as there is no sufficient evidence for them to be held in captivity and their absence is severely interrupting the progress of the sect’s disciples.

“When he continued to deflect, I confronted him with the fact that the Enforcement Hall’s investigative unit which was at Moonlake City alongside me has managed to find and destroy the organization responsible for the smuggling and that we, in the process of raiding their hideout, had encountered and arrested a member of the Bai Family. Several written documents that conclusively proved his involvement and also strongly pointed to additional collaborators from his family were found as well.

“This over here is Junior Member Qingge, general manager at the Enforcement Hall and leader of the aforementioned unit, she has accompanied me here. When she restated these allegations, admittedly in a rather offensive way, Elder Bai completely lost control of his temper, exclaiming that he would, and I quote ‘make her pay’ accompanied by several tasteless obscenities which I refuse to repeat here.

“He then attempted to attack her with a move which would surely have killed her, an injustice which I would not allow me to idly stand by and also an insult to both me and the sect. I intervened, mounting a counterattack before he could execute his. That leaves us at the point just before your arrival.”

“I see… Elder Liang, Elder Peng, can you confirm this course of events?”

The two turned to look at each other. Then, Sun Liang answered, while Jiang Peng nodded along.

“Well… mostly, yes. There are a few points which I would word and value differently, but the general claims are indeed correct. I want to add that while the two of us came here at his request, we were not in the know. We couldn’t have expected this sort of conduct from a fellow elder after all.”

“I understand… Very well, I have made my decision!”

“Patriarch, you have got to hear me out!”

Elder Bai seemed more and more desperate.

“Your perspective will be taken into account, Elder Bai, but I do not need any further information. As the highest judge of the sect, I have deliberated and shall now present my verdict!

“Firstly, all members of the Training Hall are to be freed immediately! Their captivity goes against all precedent and the principle of hall autonomy. As leader of the Training Hall, Liu Wei holds the final say over their fate, so long as it doesn’t collide with any council decision.

“Secondly, Elder Bai’s attack on Junior Member Qingge was a valid reason for Elder Wei’s interference. He shall not be held accountable for it, since he was provoked by her words, but neither shall Elder Wei.

“Thirdly, any public accusations against the Bai Family regarding the smuggling organization are to be refrained from! This matter will be investigated by the Enforcement Hall which shall organize all evidence and findings and then present them to the council. We will then debate their merit and act accordingly.

“That is all.”

Elder Wei was the first to speak.

“I thank the Patriarch for his wise judgement. If you allow, I will go and free the members of my hall now.”

“Granted. You may leave.”

After bowing respectfully, Elder Wei turned around and signaled Qingge and Yang to follow him. Soon, they had left the scene behind and reentered the forest. Qingge breathed a long sigh of relief. Then, as she could finally relax a little, the shame kicked in. She had failed the faith Elder Wei had put in her and destroyed the ongoing negotiations with her stupid tantrum. The entire situation had been her fault. He had even had to safe her life again!

“Elder Wei… I apologize for my outburst! I don’t know what came over me.”

“It was a reckless thing to do, and it contradicted my orders. Had I not been present, you would not be alive anymore right now.”

The Elder paused for a while before continuing on.

“But your anger wasn’t misplaced and your accusations justified. I do not blame you for it, nor am I irritated or disappointed. We are lucky that everything turned out well in the end, and I must admit that I very much enjoyed putting Ning Bai in his place. That attack was… almost therapeutic in a way.”

He chuckled before turning serious again.

“Be warned though. Ning Bai isn’t known to be forgiving, nor do I think I hit him hard enough to make him forgetful. You have made a powerful enemy today and though he should think twice about trying to directly harm you again, he will surely try to get back at you in time.”

Qingge swallowed. If that was the price for her stupitidy, she'd accept it.

“I understand.”

Elder Wei studied her face for a long time, his expression unreadable.

“I hope you do.”

…

Meixiu Xia’s personal garden was truly a sight to behold. A whole host of servants was tasked singularly with seeing to it, meticulously caring for every single of thousands upon thousands of flowers, bushes and trees, all arranged in a flawless display of complex, unparalleled beauty. A truly impressive formation kept the temperature constant and supplied fitting amounts of humidity to keep the garden in full bloom all around the year.

As she strolled through this living artwork, the matriarch of the Xia Family allowed a serene smile to play across her lips. This was a great occasion. She would even go so far as to call it historic. Her little suggestion to Ning Bai more than a month ago had turned out far better results than she could ever have imagined.

The Training Hall had suffered plenty of damage, its business completely halted for a month and the security of its employees permanently called into question.

More importantly, Ning Bai had managed to absolutely ruin the image of his entire family as the honorable voice of reason it had been perceived as for so long. So complete was his failure that even the elders he had brought along for support had seen the writing on the wall and abandoned him.

It was entirely possible that the idiot would launch into a full-on feud against Liu Wei after today’s events. Even if he didn’t, his hurt pride would undoubtedly drive him to further foolish actions and with his image destroyed, any attempt to reassert his position would only further diminish his sway over the other elders.

With this, the millennia long rivalry between their two families over the position of central diplomatic hub of the sect had effectively been settled. The Xia Family had won. For at the very least as long as Ning Bai was in control, there was no coming back from this. And after that, the Xia Family would already be so entrenched as to make a comeback of his successors virtually impossible, Meixiu Xia would make very sure of that.

It did sting a little that she had to be the one to tear down a proud and storied legacy like that of the Bai Family, but in a cutthroat world like this everyone had to look out for themselves.

For a short moment, her smile widened, turning sinister with a hint of madness mixed in, though nobody was here to see it.

Who was she trying to kid, she loved it this way!

Epilogue

Things had settled down in the Training Hall after the return of the instructors. Regular training schedules had been resumed and the disciples had been quick to rebound, now more eager to learn than ever. There’d even been talk of an upcoming addition to the hall in the form of regular lectures for anyone to attend. Their contents weren’t yet revealed, but reception was generally positive.

With the promise of security that Elder Wei’s returned presence and dealings with the situation had provided, even the patronage of members had returned, if careful. The Hall’s service was still one they desired and so no amount of political insecurity was enough to keep them away for long.

Qingge strolled through their midst, her mind occupied with her dealings with the Bai Family. In the end, nothing much had come of their connection to the smuggling operations, no matter how clear it was. A couple of lower members had been convicted and a few compensation payments made, but no true punishment or even condemnation of their actions occurred.

She stopped in place for a moment, watching as an intense match between two disciples played out. She recognized one of them as Chonglin, the boy who had pulled of the most unexpected and glorious win in the competition a couple months ago. The girl he was fighting had her face partially concealed by her hood so she couldn’t tell who it was, but she was freakishly good.

Qingge continued on. She had really tried a lot and knew that Elder Shi had pushed hard for proper consequences to the Elder’s actions, but it seemed like the pillar families remained mostly untouchable. Mostly.

It was hard to evaluate objectively, but Qingge did feel like things were changing ever so slightly. She was rather certain that before Elder Wei’s mysterious change of heart and Elder Shi’s takeover of the Enforcement Hall, even the small slap on the wrist the Bai had received would have been impossible to achieve.

Qingge arrived at the main building and was taken inside by a staff member who had been waiting for her. Elder Wei had asked her to come here and already waited for her in his office, a saintly smile on his face. Unusually, he was wearing his ceremonial robes, decorated with artful golden embroidery. She hadn’t seen him wear those ever since his breakthrough.

Upon her entry, he bowed his head in a gesture of respect and began speaking, his tone solemn and warm.

“Qingge, it’s good to see you. I apologize for taking up your time by summoning you here; I know you’ve been busy, but there’s something I don’t want to postpone anymore.

“I’ve known you to be talented and skilled for a long time, but recently I’ve seen you truly excel all of my expectations.

“You’ve demonstrated leadership quality and organizational skills in your leading of the investigation. You’ve shown great resourcefulness and an admirable tenacity in your escape from captivity. And you’ve proven beyond any doubt your bravery and uncompromising willingness to fight against injustice when you stood up to an elder of the sect in the name of others.

“I’ve slowly come to realize what I’ve lost in you when I gave you up as an assistant that day and I frequently find myself wishing I’d treated you better so that you may have decided otherwise. But what’s lost is lost and the sect certainly benefits a great deal from the work you put in for the Enforcement Hall, so don’t worry. I’m not trying to turn back the clock or invalidate your past decisions.

“What I’ve been contemplating on and what I wish to ask you today is something else entirely. I don’t want to lead you on any further just because of my old penchant for dramaturgy so I’ll ask you directly:

“Junior Sect Member Qingge, would you like to become my disciple?”