Jing Wudi froze and stared at Fan Li who looked back with an earnest expression. Silence descended upon the side hall, a silence so profound it felt as if a strange wind had swept through and chilled Jing Wudi to the bone. He instinctively pulled the blankets tighter around himself. An awkward grimace flashed across his face.
"I apologize, but... I cannot accept. Can't I repay your kindness in some other way?"
Fan Li was stunned for a moment after hearing this. "Damn it!" he cursed inwardly. Had he misjudged the situation so badly?
"Ahem," he cleared his throat, schooling his features into a neutral expression. "There seems to be a misunderstanding. What I meant to offer was the position of Director of the Censorate in my newly founded Great Jin kingdom.”
Fan Li's true intention was to recruit the entire Dark Heaven Sect as the foundation of the Great Jin Censorate. Now, with only Jing Wudi remaining, he hoped to rebuild the organization from scratch.
The misunderstanding was clarified, but Jing Wudi still did not agree immediately.
"Your Excellency has shown me great kindness, and I, Jing Wudi, am not one to refuse a debt. In truth, the Dark Heaven Sect's way of life has never been suited to a life of seclusion.”
He paused. The Azure Cloud Sect possessed the remains of his ancestor, Jing Ke. To uncover the secret of Yi River's Chill, he had to reclaim them. But now, the Dark Heaven Sect was in ruins, and he was the sole survivor. What right did he have to bargain?
His sect was gone, his ancestor’s remains still out of reach. The weight of his failure pressed down on him. Shame and self-reproach gnawed at his insides. He couldn't even bring himself to refuse Fan Li’s offer.
“There’s one more thing I forgot to mention,” Fan Li clapped his hands.
Several Azure Cloud Sect disciples who were waiting outside, entered the hall carrying a crystal-clear ice coffin. It was a work of art, carved from a single block of black ice. Such a coffin, with regular infusions of spiritual energy, would never melt.
Inside, lay the body of a man. Though a millennium had passed, his features, as if carved from stone, still bore a striking resemblance to Jing Wudi. The man’s face was serene, almost peaceful, but his body told a different story. Multiple wounds marred his skin, several sword wounds clearly fatal.
“Brother Jing. I have persuaded Sect Leader Yu to relinquish Jing Ke's remains.”
Jing Wudi shot up as if struck by lightning. "How… how is that possible?!”
He had never seen his ancestor’s remains, but one look at the ice coffin sent a tremor through his very being. He had no doubt that the body inside was real.
“Sect Leader Yu was moved by your story. He wishes to mend the rift between our sects and has entrusted me to return Jing Ke’s remains to you.”
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Fan Li intended to recruit both Jing Wudi and Yu Shenzi, hoping to reconcile the thousand-year-old feud between their sects. Forcing them to coexist peacefully under his rule would be a far greater challenge.
As for the cost of acquiring Jing Ke's remains, Yu Shenzi had named a hefty price. Fan Li didn't even bother haggling.
“Your… Your name is Fan Li?” Jing Wudi stared at Fan Li with wide eyes.
“And you are the Emperor of the Great Jin?”
“Your Majesty…” Jing Wudi began, choosing his words carefully. “I would like to borrow the Azure Cloud Sect’s training grounds for half a month. During this time, I ask that neither you nor the Azure Cloud Sect disturb me. Is that acceptable?”
He hadn't pledged allegiance, nor had he expressed gratitude. Instead, he demanded seclusion and forbade Fan Li from disturbing him. His attitude bordered on disrespectful.
Yet, Fan Li simply smiled and asked, “Will half a month be sufficient? Take your time. We are in no hurry.”
“It will be enough. I will give you an answer in half a month.”
An answer? What kind of answer?
Neither of them elaborated. This was a test of trust.
"Very well. I shall await your answer." Fan Li turned to leave.
This was the first time he had referred to himself as the emperor of Great Jin.
Days turned into weeks. Yu Shenzi grew increasingly restless. As per Fan Li’s request, he spared no expense, sending a bowl of Longevity Broth to the side hall every single day.
To his dismay, it was Jing Wudi who was enjoying the fruits of his labor.
"That penniless brute! Eating my food, living under my roof! How did things end up ?" Yu Shenzi grumbled while stroking his beard.
Fan Li might have promised to cover Jing Wudi's expenses, but was he trustworthy?
They had been spending a lot of time together lately. Fan Li never missed an opportunity to praise the Azure Cloud Sect’s legacy and Yu Shenzi’s medical expertise, his words laced with an intent to recruit.
Did Fan Li truly think he could sway him so easily?
Yu Shenzi had yet to uncover Fan Li's true background. The young man was clearly intelligent, talented, and wealthy. He was most likely a scion of a powerful clan. Perhaps even a prince in hiding.
The more Yu Shenzi pondered the possibilities, the more plausible they seemed. The thought was both exhilarating and terrifying.
If he pledged his allegiance to a powerful figure, he wouldn't have to worry about the Azure Cloud Sect’s future. But the current political climate was turbulent. Aligning himself with the wrong side could be disastrous.
Moreover, serving another meant attending countless banquets and engaging in tedious social obligations, leaving him with little time to hone his medical skills.
He couldn't do it. He would repay Fan Li’s kindness, but entrusting his life and the fate of the Azure Cloud Sect to a complete stranger was reckless.
"It’s better to stay out of it. The Azure Cloud Sect is safest remaining neutral."
As he pondered his options, a familiar figure appeared outside his door. It was Fan Li. He was dressed in a fine silk robe, a jade belt cinched around his waist, a gentle smile gracing his lips. He looked every bit the refined nobleman.
Yu Shenzi stared, momentarily captivated. Perhaps serving Fan Li wouldn't be so bad. He seemed like a benevolent and generous leader.
He quickly shook his head, dispelling such thoughts. “What brings you here so early, my friend? Come, come! You must try my Thousand-Year Spring tea."
He expertly prepared the tea. Fan Li, no stranger to the ritual, took a seat and sampled the tea with a pleased expression.
“I never tire of the Azure Cloud Sect’s Thousand-Year Spring. The subtle bitterness, the lingering sweetness, the rich aroma – truly a tea among teas.”
Yu Shenzi beamed at the praise. It was rare to find someone who appreciated the nuances of his beloved tea.
“Unfortunately even the most exquisite aroma can be lost in these deep mountains.”
His words held a double meaning. The Azure Cloud Sect, despite its legacy and skill, was hidden away from the world.
Yu Shenzi laughed awkwardly, unsure how to respond. He, too, felt the sting of unfulfilled potential. But leaving their secluded mountain was easier said than done.
Besides, was Fan Li worthy of such a risk?