After all that happened, Sage knew he had been far too ambitious. He’d thought that with some cheap manpower he could spread over the whole of the Kingdom, gathering money and information to fortify a new generation of the Lang Clan and repay the Holy Flame Sect for taking him in. Many disasters later, he now knew more than ever how small his position was and how easily he might lose his life. He had underestimated the desire of those in power to prevent others from threatening them.
He restructured the Jade Horde, renouncing his direct leadership and giving the three equal authority. They could vote among themselves for important issues, and he would remove himself as a check to their power. Even if they had proven to be loyal, he decided to not make himself into a target any more. There was already a spy network intermeshed among the Jade Horde, which had been his goal in the first place. He gave them free reign to do as they wished, and would hire them if he required their services. As the new heads, they would receive all the rewards of their efforts. Hopefully, that would inspire them to expand and gain power on their own and he wouldn’t have to manage their welfare or worry about their betrayal.
The Dragoons fit the role of lower level troops quite perfectly on their own. He was happy to let his defective products and the humans who managed them run loose. He even ‘helped’ them by promising to send over young and eager Dragoons who wished to see the world. Unlike the Hoplites who were loyal to whoever their commander was, the Dragoons were born serving fealty to him and they would be convenient double agents to make sure his own creation didn’t try to bite him again.
With the first meeting finished, Sage felt apprehensive again, especially when Wan Ling entered the room unannounced. She had a smug smile on her lips, and Sage felt a lecture coming on. Then the door opened again and the placid face of the woman Dian Huifang filled his vision. Sage blinked and the older fellow Manji walked in just on her heels. Wan Ling’s smile faded and then she took a seat. Manji saw her face and laughed, but then the door opened again and in walked the snowy beauty, Ruanfu. Her blue eyes locked onto Manji with a predatory light and she took the seat next to the elder eel. Right behind her, Wanqian Lei walked in, sitting on Ruanfu’s other side.
Sage looked around the room, all the Nascent Souls had gathered, with the exception of the Swamp Genesis Spider that was still recovering from its injuries. Even with the accelerated timerate of the Inner World, the spider’s injuries were very severe and would take decades to heal, not to mention it didn’t even have a Human Seal yet.
Before Sage could say anything, Wan Ling cleared her throat and the room turned deathly silent. She smiled across the table at Sage, her sweet face being quite the opposite of the harsh tone her voice took, “What were you thinking? When those enemies arrived at our gates, why didn’t you run or hide? What were you trying to prove?”
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She paused for only a moment and then sighed, “It’s a good thing you survived. We nearly bankrupted the Prosperity Company in order to arrange your rescue. Flying Ships and long range messaging treasures aren’t cheap you know.”
He had wondered and suspected about how his life came to be saved, but it turned out that Wan Ling had contacted every single one of his past friends and acquaintances. Thankfully, the list was long enough for his life to be saved, if just barely. They both turned towards Dian Huifang and Elder Manji, knowing that the two of them were the most important reason the tide was turned.
Dian Huifang smiled, “I hope that this helps make up for the trouble my family put you through, Brother Lang. I wasn’t going to let house arrest stop me from saving you,” she paused a moment and then lowered her voice and leaned closer, “How are all of those poor Hoplites? Have you been taking good care of them? Can I come visit them again soon?”
Manji laughed, “She just can’t help herself. Brother, when do I get to see this marvelous world of yours? Little Fang just won’t stop talking about it.”
“I’ll take you to see it. I have a palace with many large fluffy beds. They’re quite soft and inviting.”
Ruanfu suddenly chimed in and Manji’s smile froze. He looked over at the young white haired woman with a bit of fear and also excitement. His eyes darted around the room like he was looking for a trap or waiting for an inevitable ambush. Then he couldn’t help but look at the blond haired man next to Ruanfu. Wanqian Lei had the facial features of a european, which truly made him stand out among all these easterners. More surprisingly, he didn’t seem to care a whit that his wife was so eagerly trying to seduce an older man right in front of him.
Sage definitely didn’t want to know any more about Ruanfu’s sex life so he quickly changed the subject, “Thank you all for your assistance. I said it before, but know that I truly mean it. As you can see, for someone over a century old, I really don’t have that many friends in this world. Please consider me ready to help you all just as you helped me.”
Before they could start asking him for things, Wan Ling jumped in, “Alright, enough with the sappy platitudes. Just saying you’re grateful is not going to cut it. To truly thank them you shall have to give gifts and benefits, and those don’t make themselves. You’ve got many gifts that need to be given as well as a whole Clan to rebuild. Don’t you forget that we’re partners! You better get a dozen new things for us to sell, and fast!”
“Oh, partners is it? Is that what they’re calling it these days?”
Dian Huifang was smiling and looking back and forth between Sage and Wan Ling, laughing like a schoolgirl. Elder Manji was pulled away from worrying about Ruanfu, laughing as he looked at Sage’s face. Without his body, the face of Sage’s Nascent Soul was showing far more emotions than he normally did. He’d lost his unerring bodily control and his stony demeanor was shattered. He was slightly blushing as he realized what Huifang was referring to, and the rest of the room had also noticed and had to stifle their laughter.
Ruanfu seemed to take a little pity on him, or at least chose her interests first, and rose to her feet. She pulled on Elder Manji’s arm and made him stand as well. Then she smiled at Dian Huifang, “Come along, Sister Dian. I shall take you to see the great Tiankong City!”
She took Huifang’s arm and led her around the table towards Sage. Wanqian Lei followed right behind her and gestured for Manji to follow like an usher. The four of them approached Sage and he just nodded, sending them all into the Inner World, leaving him alone in the room with Wan Ling.
She glared at him, and fiery light seemed to flash in her eyes. Then she whistled.