“My, I wasn’t expecting such a crowd.”
Tai Sho was dressed in earthy green robes, and stood with the absolute poise of one who had a solid footing in the core realms. Drawing his eye over the man’s form, Lu was again struck with the sense that reality was bending to present him in the best possible light; his mid-length hair was voluminous and wind-swept in the most flattering way, the faint summer breeze catching him in such a way that nothing, not a single hair or thread, looked awkward or out of place for even a moment.
Ah, and here I am in my damaged training robes, all scuffed up. Should I put on a fresh set? No, no, don’t think about it. Continue normally! Putting on his most sincere smile, Lu cupped his hands and inclined his head. “Senior brother! Thank you for joining us, I was afraid we might not be able to speak today.”
“How could I refuse? This is something I care about deeply.”
Lu nodded. “Well, I’m glad to help you. I have to admit, when I originally heard your question I was confused – how could any core disciple not have a wealth of information, such that a junior like myself would be awestruck? But as I dug deeper, my sympathy for you grew and grew. To think that the Elders were excluding you for such petty reasons!”
Behind him, Han Bing let out an audible scoff. Please senior, the plan, the plan! But if Tai Sho was offended, he didn’t show it. His smile was slightly sad. “I agree, but at the same time I suppose they cannot be faulted for being a little overprotective – I’m certain you’ve heard the nature of my relationship to Bull, since last we spoke?”
Another nod. “Just the basics, senior; I have little interest in butting into my friend’s private affairs.” Another scoff, and Lu turned to give Han Bing a look. “I would appreciate it if we kept the discussion to just the current situation.”
“Of course. On that note, shall we get to the meat of it? I notice everyone here is part of the mission-“ he gave a nod to the small crowd, who were either talking amongst themselves or obviously eavesdropping, “-So I’m sure we all have a lot of other things to be doing today.”
“True,” another voice broke in.
Lu froze his face before it could break into a scowl. You too, brother Jung? Ah, perhaps I didn’t word my request correctly… His personal trainers weren’t just here to keep an eye on the situation, but also to subtly insult Tai Sho. That way when Lu was comparatively polite, he would go easy on the man who was taking his side. Subtly, I said subtly! You’re going too hard, this isn’t a spar!
Perhaps he should have asked after their own relationships with the man. “Yes, yes. Absolutely.” He cleared his throat. “As you know, Bull disappeared from the sect during the Year’s End festival. What you might not know, is that I was captured alongside him.”
“It was a kidnapping?” Tai Sho’s pleasant features twisted in shock. Ah, oh dear, you didn’t even know that much..? “Who? How?”
Lu opened his mouth, but before he could speak Ging broke in. His usually unflappable voice was incredulous. “You were kidnapped a second time? When did that happen?” The other disciples chimed in as well, in various tones from disbelieving to sympathetic.
He was thrown off. Wait, was this a bigger secret than I thought it was? Yes, I didn’t receive the handful of condolences afterwards like I did after returning from the other world, but… I assumed that was just because I was shut in my rooms for days at a time! In hindsight, he supposed that two prominent disciples being spirited away right under the sect’s nose, by an enemy that was already taken care of, would definitely be swept under the rug. Oops. Well, let’s not dwell on that; everyone here is being trusted with big secrets, so one more shouldn’t matter.
“Well, during the celebrations- actually no, let’s not go through every detail.” Tai Sho’s brow twitched minutely, and the others expressed their own disappointment. “The important part is this! Bull and I were in the process of being transported to Salt. I escaped using some secret methods I obtained in the other world, but not before Bull was sent through.”
“So he’s in the other world…” Tai Sho’s expression was thoughtful for a moment, before becoming furious. “Where? Do you know where he is specifically?”
Lu supressed a triumphant grin. Ah, I was right, he does want to rescue him. That was something he had been having doubts about, but it seemed he hadn’t been overthinking things. “Not specifically, no. But there’s a big clue: whoever took him, they had distinct knowledge of us, the people who had already been there.” He nodded to Lady No.
Lan spoke with a worried tone. “Do you think it was a leak, from inside the sect..?”
“I don’t believe so. No, the leader of the operation must have been someone from Salt, I’m certain.” It’s the only thing that makes sense. They mentioned being paid for us, and the black cloaks were obviously a small operation, mostly grunts with only a few higher realm leaders, all of it underground. If they had the sort of power to infiltrate the sect, then why stop at only two disciples? “And there are only two clans with any ties to the Steadfast Heart: Horrible Swamp, and Junk Dog. Even if other natives broke through themselves, they wouldn’t know anything about me or Bull.” Assuming information didn’t spread out, but let’s not complicate the narrative with pointless details.
Tai Sho snarled like a tiger, his perfect face twisting. But then like a plug being pulled from a sink, the emotion seemed to drain away all at once. “I see.” He laughed, the sound dark. “It seems strange to learn all of this the day before it would become useful…” He eyed Lu. “You aren’t lying about this for your own benefit, are you? Looking for a spot of vengeance by proxy?”
Suddenly, the man’s faint smile seemed sinister, despite not changing at all. “Oh, absolutely not! Absolutely not!” He extended his arm, gesturing to Lan and his trainers. “Feel free to ask them! Or any of the other participants in the diplomatic mission, for that matter.” Please, senior, let’s not point fingers! Especially not at me! I’m the only one who’s told you the truth this whole time, aren’t I?
For the smallest fraction of a moment, Tai Sho’s face was thunderous – but the next moment it reverted, and Lu was halfway convinced it had been a fearful hallucination. “Ah yes, because my peers have been so honest with me in the past. You all brushed me off before; what changed? What about this man Lu has compelled you to change your minds?”
There was silence for a moment, before Han Bing replied with flared nostrils and his chin held high. “I, for one, believe this gathering to be a mistake. Your crimes are obvious, and you should have been expelled immediately.” Crimes? Expulsion..? “But I will say this; nothing that my junior has said has been a lie as far as I know.”
Lan was clutching his robes like a child holding a blanket. “The same for me. I cannot speak for this kidnapping business, but I was told about Guanyin’s situation some time ago.” He adjusted his spectacles. “As for telling you… Well, it’s not as though it could be concealed forever. Lu’s plan…”
“Ah, so there’s a plan?” One perfect eyebrow climbed to Tai Sho’s hairline.
Ging spoke next. “Given that there are only two possible options, the correct course of action is obvious. If Bull is not being held by the swampmen, then we will simply attack this ‘Junk Pit.’ The pride of the Steadfast Heart demands nothing less.”
The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
Seeing the core disciple’s expression move minutely towards scepticism, Lu attempted to regain hold of the conversation. “Yes! A simple smash and grab; the majority of their forces will be at war, so it should be easy. But still, having the power of a core disciple would be quite reassuring, wouldn't you agree?”
Apparently, that was the wrong thing to say. “Lu!” Han Bing sounded scandalised. “You aren’t thinking of trusting this man with your life, are you? Telling him what he would have learned anyway is one thing, and involving him in our plan is another.” He made a violent gesture. “I won’t allow it!”
“Yes, I agree. My apologies, but if Tai Sho is involved, we’ll have to travel separately.” Lu looked Jung’s way, surprised. You too? What exactly did the man do, to engender this response to his presence?
He sent a worried glance at Ging, the highest realm asset he had acquired, but to his relief the man just shrugged. “A core disciple would be useful. It’s not as if he’ll stab us in the back for no reason.” He crossed his arms. “You two should reconsider. You’re allowing your emotions to-“
Han Bing interrupted by simply storming away without a word. His eyes met Tai Sho’s for a moment, and the intensity of their flared senses made Lu’s poor third realm soul ache. Then he sniffed and raised his head, leaving decisively.
It was then that Lady No spoke up. “Lu, you should have told us you wanted his help.” Her face was conflicted. “Some advance notice would have been nice.”
What the fuck did he do?! I- I assumed the thing that broke them up was infidelity or some such, but you’re all acting like he’s a murderer! Surely the sect would have expelled him for an actual crime, right? “Senior brothers and sister, let’s all calm down a moment. Sir Sho hasn’t even accepted my request.” He sent a pleading look the man’s way.
Tai Sho looked back with an unreadable expression. “Hmm. Before anything else, I should thank you for the information, disciple Lu. I retract any insinuations of your dishonesty; that was overly suspicious of me. As for aiding you…” Please, the sect refused to assign any core disciples without actual proof, and none of the ones I asked volunteered! If we run into a Warboss-! “I will think on it; I dearly wish to help Bull, but our intervention might not even be necessary.” He put a hand to his chin. “I will have to do some more intense study, maps of the wider area… How are you even hoping to locate him? My understanding was that the Junk Pit was like a city.”
Lu opened his mouth, but at the last moment his brain screamed don’t reveal any more huge secrets, idiot! The existence of the world-piercing slivers would definitely be one of those. “That will have to remain between me and the Elders, senior. But I do have a method to retreat instantly, should it be required.”
Tai Sho hmmed a second time. His eyes darted around between the five remaining people, his sense rippling like a sail in uncertain winds. “I see. Let us say I were to join you; what obstacles would stand in our way?”
----------------------------------------
Suu Li watched from her perch as that stupidly hot-blooded Han Bing stormed off, before placing her attention back on something much more important; maintaining her bow. She would need it tomorrow, so she was applying special oils to the wood, which the scholars assured her would keep it from turning to mush in an instant.
The minutes passed swiftly, and soon the afternoon turned to evening, but still those other fools continued to chatter about their ‘plan.’
As if such a slapdash thing was worthy of the name. Little Lu was obviously as incompetent as his masochistic friend; just go in and bust him out? As if that would work! They’ll be on a war footing, the exact opposite of distracted! Having to hear such stupidity made her head ache.
But eventually the pain ended. The scholar left first, then Tai Sho, then a pair of combat fanatics. Then, much later, Lu and the sixth realm. Make me waste my whole day, bah. When they walked out of the clearing, the sun was nearly set.
Obviously, she had no desire to participate in this farce. But Elder Goldenseed wanted her to keep an eye on the little pervert, and when an Elder gave you an order you didn’t question it. So here she was, up in a tree, waiting for Lu to break off so she could inform him of what exactly he had gotten himself into.
Stupid. This whole thing is incredibly stupid. If he didn’t have the sect to cover for his mistakes, little Lu would be dead ten times over. It was frustrating to see someone fail so far upward.
----------------------------------------
Lu had a skip in his step. Yes, losing Han Bing was a rather hefty blow, and he expected that the rest of the ‘Rescuing Bull Committee’ would find Tai Sho’s presence equally disturbing, but he had finally, finally managed to rope in a core disciple. Even if they lost another three, or Heaven forbid four people it would still be worth it. I don’t care if the man actually is a murderer, if he helps me get Bull home I’ll happily kiss his feet.
Yes, everything was on track. Ging had even taught him a lower realm variant of his Eight-Headed Hydra Conjuration, the Three-Headed Snake Conjuration. He felt good; today was a success.
His mind turned to what he would need to do tomorrow, and then the following week. Do I have everything I need? I’ve got basically everything I own in my spacial purse – unlocked this time, not making that mistake again – But surely there are a few last-minute preparations I can make? I’d hate to step through the gate only to realise I’ve forgotten-
Something brushed against his spiritual sense, and Lu look up. Is that-? Leaning up against his door was a figure he recognised immediately. That onyx hair, those eyes like shining rubies, and that ideal figure! Ah, treacherous heart, how can you dare to dream of them, still? He hurried forward until he was within speaking distance.
“Suu Li? Ah, what brings you to my door at such a late-“
“No.” Her tone was clipped, the sort of voice that promised pain if it was disobeyed. But despite the embarrassment she had subjected him to, despite the coldness of her voice, Lu couldn’t help but feel his heart stir. “If you say a single perverted thing, I’m breaking your nose.”
Lu opened his mouth, then closed it. Perverted? As if any comments I made could be anything but gentlemanly praise! Is admiring the curve of a swan’s neck perverted? Obviously not! But the moment you say the same about a lady’s-
“No, no thinking it either. Look, this is important, understand? Shut up and listen.” She sniffed. “A decade and change ago, Tai Sho stole Bu Guanyin’s dantian while they were dual cultivating. Nobody has any proof, but that was obviously what happened.”
Lu blinked. Stole his..? That’s, that’s monstrous! Surely that can’t be true! “Even without direct proof, wouldn’t Bull-“
“Guanyin didn’t say a word, because his head is full of pride where there should be brains. And since there was no victim, Tai Sho got away with it.” A sigh. “There, message delivered. I’ll be going now; have fun dying out in some hellscape somewhere.”
“Wait, please-“ his words fell on deaf ears, and Suu Li disappeared under the effects of a movement art. “Damn!” What was that? Just drop that, and leave? What a beastly woman! Heart, you are banned from desiring that woman; I don’t care about your feelings, that’s an order!
He stood in front of his door for a minute, lost in thought. Eventually, a croak that might have been a chuckle issued from his throat. Well, you said just earlier that you would kiss his feet even if he was a murderer. Still feel the same way?
He grimaced. Well, it’s possible that Suu Li was lying – or more likely, was deceived herself. Bull did indeed lose at least part of his cultivation eleven years ago, but we also know he had a Heart Demon. It’s entirely possible that-
Lu shook his head. No, no, I’m not doing the talking-to-myself thing. Obviously I should consider her words at least somewhat credible; the social ostracisation, particularly and specifically regarding Bull, fits perfectly. I have to assume that if I go ahead with bringing him along, I’ll be opening a wound in Bull’s heart.
Am I willing to do that, if it means a greater chance of success?
Lu stood, silent, considering. And as he thought it through, he was disconcerted to find that yes, he actually was willing to cause his friend emotional hardship in exchange for getting to see him sooner. Ah, that’s something I’d have preferred not to know about myself. Rather barbaric, when you think about it.
But survival came first, before emotional wellbeing – it had to come first, you couldn’t have emotions without a pulse. Bull is strong. For all I know, he’ll brush it off easily. Yes, yes, that’s probably what will happen. Ah, not that I’m letting that monster off the hook, or anything! On the way back, maybe he’ll find himself a little too far from the group, and then…
Finally, a growing vengeful smirk overtaking his features, Lu opened his door. And promptly ran into something soft.
“You! You’re Lu, right? Finally, I’ve been waiting for hours!”
He blinked, then stepped back. Heavy golden robes, caked in mud, torn up quite badly. A veil, similarly golden, less muddy. Staff, long, topped with a ring of gold holding more rings of gold. Just, a lot of gold, in general. Two eyes peeked out from the veil – also gold – and the voice had been that of a young woman.
“A priestess?” He noticed something behind her, his jaw falling open. His mind stuttered, and for a second all he could think was oh dear, that’s a lot of mud she’s tracked in. “Why are you in my room? Why is there a giant hole in my floor?”
She crossed her arms sternly, but her voice came out faintly embarrassed. “That’s, uh, divine providence.” She coughed lightly. “But that’s not important! Tell me, where are you hiding the magic dirt?”