It was a pleasant day to be out in the open, even when surrounded by people he was not particularly fond of. Being with his family again had reminded Fan Ran how much he preferred being elsewhere. The arena box he was in, outdoors or no, was still a place he could not escape being constantly reminded of his duty.

There had apparently been a change to the plans of the tournament, which led to this public outdoor viewing situation. Or maybe it had been planned and nobody told him. He honestly did not care one way or another. Being outdoors meant his father and brothers could not criticize him as openly for his weakness and failures, which was a nice break.

Why can’t I sit with them?

Ran’s eyes moved to another box holding his fellow sect members. In particular, his attention was drawn to his faction, a group of young people he was shocked to find he preferred being around more than just about anyone else.

Even while on his initial assignment at the Black Dragon Sect, a place he thought of as a dying tree of an institution, he was happier than when he was home. Just being away from his siblings and their constant reminders of their superiority was worth “learning” at a sect without focus.

He had believed at first that, except for the escape from family, the Black Dragon Sect would be a waste of his time. And, for a while, it had been.

Of course, the last few years had more than made up for the “wasted” time. He had truly not expected that wilted tree to bear such impressive fruit. Certainly, the faction members were becoming far more than he had originally believed them capable of. But that was undoubtedly not because of their own capabilities or resources.

His eyes moved to the box holding only two people. There sat the shining bald head of the insane master of the Black Dragon Sect. And next to him, looking as uncomfortable as Ran felt, was the sect master’s miraculous disciple. The one who had caused so much consternation among the noble factions.

He grinned to himself, thinking of the faces of those pompous pricks as she had dismantled their latest attempt at “putting her in her place.”

Fools. They’re so caught up in their own games, they can’t see the most powerful piece on the board.

Oh, they certainly felt she was a problem, but they were blind to her true threat. The Bao and their lackies, including the Shen, just believed her a trumped-up commoner, hiding behind her master’s robes. They had no idea. But Fan Ran knew. His whole clan leadership knew. Maybe even the Gui knew, but he doubted it. Ran was not sure about the seventh prince. He was certainly taking one of many possible correct approaches if he did.

Ran was man enough to admit he was bit jealous of Gui Zihao as he watched Fenghuang Yu from his seat. She really was quite the sight, dressed not in her shapeless sect robes, but, like all the other noble ilk, in much more luxurious attire. Fenghuang Yu was, not to put too fine a point on it, likely one of the most beautiful people of their generation in the empire. Whoever wrote that ridiculous “fairy list” in their sect was a moron for listing her at only fourth.

But, Ran had a job to do, and making sure the gifted cultivator, beautiful or not, remained loyal to the empire was his priority. Marrying into the Gui was an acceptable solution, which was why he had made the decision not to interfere and steal her away. He was confident he could, especially with how the prince was forcing it, but inserting himself was not worth the risk of alienating her or the Gui prince.

So instead, he remained in his place, acting as a friend, confidant, training partner, information source, and co-faction leader. Surprisingly, he had found he mostly enjoyed those jobs. Training partner was obviously his favorite, but the rest he had found himself becoming somewhat attached to. Even the leadership role had not been the nightmare he had expected it to be. Mainly because the real leader, the stunning girl he was struggling to take his eyes from, pretty much allowed him to manage it however he liked.

“I see you remain focused on our goals,” his second brother’s voice whispered quietly next to him. “I don’t blame you. Look at her. This is first time I’m seeing her in person and… wow, would I like to try that out for a ride.”

Ran’s irritation instantly spiked. His brother, Fan Guan, was a womanizing prick, and Ran immediately felt himself becoming defensive on Yu’s behalf. Sure, he had never been dedicated to single girl either, but he also had never been cruel. In fact, he had tried hard to treat well all those girls he had been with, always been honest with them in advance about his interest, and never once given any of them anything but his full attention when he was with them.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

Guan on the other hand… Ran knew his second brother well, and the brute would take advantage of any pretty girl he could… as long as it did not interfere with the clan or an assignment. That was about the best he could say regarding his brother. He was a bastard but a loyal one.

Guan knew his place in the clan and did whatever was asked of him. He was also the member of his direct family that doubted Ran’s capability the most, except maybe their father.

“She almost makes me wish I had your assignment. Why you haven’t seduced her into your bed is beyond me.”

Yes, it is beyond you.

“Of course you can’t understand,” Ran mumbled back.

“What’s that supposed to mean? Just because your limp member can’t win over women isn’t my fault.”

Ran let out a dramatic sigh. “And that’s why the only assignments you get require limited independent thought. At least of your big brain.”

Guan turned to him, anger showing on his face. “Why you little shit… Don’t think you’ll stay the focus of the clan leaders forever, little brother. I can’t wait until you fail. I’ll be the first to volunteer to take your place. Then that lovely thing will see what a real man can do.”

Ran rubbed his face. “You have no idea how wrong you are. On all fronts.”

He knew well that Yu would turn his big brother into a twisted ball of burnt dough if he tried anything. He almost wanted to see it. Then again, Ran wasn’t the same as he had been before joining her faction. After all the training with “that lovely thing,” Ran was pretty confident he could turn his brute of a brother inside out too.

But that did not matter because if Ran had his way, this barbarian would not get anywhere near Fenghuang Yu. He would make sure of it.

The mission was too important. She was too important. To their family, to the empire, perhaps to the world.

Ran forced his face away from the girl – no, his assignment – and onto the other noble booths. These fools were the greatest risk, at least of the ones he could account for in advance.

Over the last few days, Ran had gone over the intelligence reports with his father, his father’s advisors, and Ran’s siblings that were going into the Spirit realm. The results were nothing he had not expected. The Ling were almost certainly not threats, and some were possibly supporters – specifically, those supporting the seventh prince above the third for crown prince, which was most.

The Gui were a mix, as Ran expected. The supporters of Gui Zihao would support Yu to a point, the rest would be either antagonistic or neutral. He had memorized the names and what was known of each Gui clan member entering the spirit realm. There apparently had been a late change involving the second princess, but he was unclear why she would have gone from a neutral party to opposition.

Maybe I’ll ask Yu if she knows.

He was aware that she stayed away from court politics, despite her relationship with the prince, so Ran doubted she had any idea, but it might be worth exploring at some point.

As for the other nobles, the Bao and Shen were opponents of everyone but each other, with the exception of the Gui who were publicly vocal in their support of the third prince. Ran was unsure why those two clans were taking such an aggressive approach, but that they were, made his father, and him peripherally, concerned.

That those clans were so openly antagonistic indicated a greater level of confidence than the available intelligence justified. Just the Bao and Shen clans alone were not strong enough to accomplish the goals they have espoused. Those facts led his family to believe that they could be missing some critical pieces of information, which always made his father nervous.

Thankfully, his assignment was not to gather that intelligence, nor did it have anything do with the succession conflict. No, his role was to be with Fenghuang Yu, which he admitted to himself, in a very deep part of his mind, was not such a bad job. Especially since they would, if everything went according to plan, be together in the spirit realm for years.

“I hope we can trust you to complete your missions, son,” his father said with a scowl as he approached.

“Of course, lord father,” Ran said firmly. “I will fulfill my duty.”

Despite Ran’s words, his father’s scowl did not leave his face. “I understand she is attractive.” Then he glanced at Guan, which made his brother bristle. “But do not allow yourself to be distracted.”

Ran knew they could not say anything too specific in such an open setting, but there was a widespread expectation that some broad talk about plans in the spirit realm would inevitably be spoken of. Doing so told the other houses that they had plans and were being clever about it. In short, everyone knew everyone was saying things everyone else might be listening to. It was absurd, but necessary politicking.

“Father, I know my task well. I have been doing it for years now. Have my reports been anything less than accurate thus far?”

“That fact alone is why you have been permitted to remain on your assignment. You have many doubters in the clan, and as such, this is a great opportunity for you. Do not allow yourself to be led astray by a pretty face or,” another glance at the scowling Guan, “other diversions.”

Ran was getting rather frustrated with the distrust, and likely his temper showed it. “Father, I will complete the mission. Your doubts are unfounded. Just be sure the clan remembers my contributions when this is over.”

“We do not spoil our offspring, unlike the others here.” Then his eyes moved around their entire box and spoke so all could hear. “Rewards go to those who earn them in our clan, remember that. All of you.”

Ran’s eyes did quickly flash to his assigned target and back then.

How could I forget?