The voices of Duan Liang Zheng and Mei Lian clashed in Arthur's quarters, bouncing back and forth.
"If you had taught Qing Tian properly, I wouldn't be cleaning up after him every damn time!" Liang Zheng's tone was heavy, as though he carried the weight of the sect upon his shoulders.
Mei Lian snorted. "Oh? And when he concocts a heaven-defying pill, whose son is he then? Yours, of course. But when trouble follows, suddenly he belongs to me?"
Arthur sat cross-legged, eyes closed, struggling to focus on the faint rhythm of Qi moving through his meridians. He drew a slow breath, exhaled, then opened his eyes. The banter showed no signs of ending.
Finally, he rose, sliding the door open. The wooden frame groaned, cutting their voices short. Both parents turned, startled.
"Where are you going?" Liang Zheng asked, his brow furrowed in authority.
Arthur bowed slightly. "To the Alchemy Pavilion, Father. Perhaps Elder Yan can help me."
Neither replied, but their gazes followed him as he stepped out.
Rivalry between Duan Zi Xuan and Liang Zheng for the sect master's seat had grown bitter. With Arthur lending his hand in alchemy, his entire household's prestige had risen sharply. Zi Xuan had to swallow the bitter medicine, but now he would not allow such a rise to go unchecked.
He borrowed the blades of the Inscription Pavilion to strike at Liang Zheng.
Arthur walked on, not to Alchemy Pavilion but to Ming Hao's residence. The tiled roof, the aged wood, even the faint scent of herbs in the wind stirred a pang of memory. His life had indeed changed to a better residence than this… but at what cost?
He called softly, "Ming Hao."
The young man emerged, his expression carrying a sly amusement.
"Well, well. It's barely been a month since your household soared, brother Qing Tian, yet you've already offended the Inscription Pavilion. You work fast, brother."
Arthur did not bite the bait. He kept his voice level. "I wish to speak with Uncle."
Ming Hao narrowed his eyes. "Why?"
"I hope he might help me resolve this matter."
A dry sneer escaped Ming Hao's lips. "And why would he lift a finger for you?"
Arthur inclined his head calmly. "If you would summon him, I will place five Amber Radiance Spirit Stones in your hand now… and another five once he agrees to see me."
The mocking smile vanished in an instant. Ming Hao's eyes widened at the sight of the stones Arthur produced. He straightened, face shifting from disdain to eagerness.
"Of course, brother. You did not need to do that. How could I refuse?" His fingers closed around the Spirit Stones like a miser grasping gold.
He disappeared into the residence. Moments later, footsteps sounded within.
Duan Zi Xuan emerged.
Arthur lowered his gaze respectfully, but the middle-aged man's eyes were sharp and unreadable, carrying no warmth, no hostility — only a weighing silence.
"So…" Zi Xuan's voice was quiet, each syllable deliberate, "why has the one who can stir heaven's cauldron come to my humble abode?"
Arthur met his gaze, steady but humble. "Nephew dares not claim such. I only seek to correct a mistake before it burns wider than intended, Uncle."
Duan Zi Xuan studied Arthur for a moment longer, then turned, his sleeves brushing lightly against the air. "Walk with me."
Arthur followed in silence as they moved deeper into the residence, through corridors lined with calligraphy scrolls and faint incense. Zi Xuan's gait was steady; his every step was unhurried.
Zi Xuan finally spoke. "You come here seeking my aid. But tell me — how can I extend a hand in matters where you clearly offended the Inscription Pavilion? If I did so, would I not be accused of bias? I am a man of justice, Qing Tian. I do not move lightly for family when rules have been broken."
Arthur lowered his head. "I understand, Uncle. And I apologize again for my mistake."
Zi Xuan's tone softened, though his eyes remained sharp. "Mm. It is rare for a youth to admit fault so quickly. Yet apology does not erase consequence."
They entered his personal chambers, an airy hall with a lacquered desk and shelves of scrolls. Zi Xuan motioned for Arthur to sit, but he remained standing.
Arthur's voice was steady. "Then… what must I do to appease Uncle? I know I cannot undo what was said in the Pavilion. But if there is some way to help you, perhaps you might help me in turn."
Zi Xuan's lips curved faintly, a smile that carried no warmth. "And what use could you be to me, Qing Tian? You are still young, a mere flame not yet a torch. What could you offer me that the sect has not already promised?"
Arthur clasped his fists respectfully. "I ask not what I can give now, but what I might strive for. You can speak your desire, Uncle. If there is a path, I will walk it."
Zi Xuan's gaze lingered on him, unreadable. "Hmph. Ambitious words. Do you know what ambition breeds in this sect? Contention. Your father and I… are both contenders for the same seat. The Sect Master will not reign forever."
Arthur bowed. "Then I will not ask you to risk your position. But surely, if my small effort can ease your path, that would serve us both."
For a moment, silence stretched, broken only by the faint crackle of the incense brazier. Zi Xuan finally leaned back in his chair, tapping a finger against the armrest.
"Very well. If you truly wish to test your sincerity…" His eyes narrowed, gleaming like cold steel. "Bring me Whiteflare Bloom Breakthrough Pills. Not the ordinary kind. I require the only pill the Pavilion has with seven-tenths purity and efficacy. Only such a pill would be worthy of a man aiming for the highest seat."
Arthur drew in a quiet breath, understanding the weight of what was asked.
Zi Xuan's smile deepened ever so slightly. "Do that… and perhaps this 'matter of offense' will be written off."