Chapter Twenty-Seven: Conspiracy

"Strange?" The Fairy of Mount Gu She had been following closely behind Shen Wansan. In such dim conditions, even if she wanted to observe her surroundings, she could hardly make out anything, so she simply gave up on the idea. This house was not a pleasant place; walking through it, the oppressive gloom pressed down on her, making her wish she could leave as soon as possible. Thus, when Shen Wansan suddenly stopped and asked her this question, she couldn't help but pause, uncertain of his meaning. Yet, since the question had been asked, she steadied herself. Another chill wind brushed over her, and the tinkling sound echoed again at her ear, sending a chill down her spine. Perhaps this was precisely the "strangeness" Shen Wansan spoke of. "This wind, and that sound?"

"It seems the Fairy is indeed a perceptive soul. The wind comes from that window, and the sound from the water flowing beneath the house. Do you understand?" He resumed his stride, and after the two of them had left the house, Shen Wansan paused to close the door behind them. By then, the night had fully settled, the sky outside dim and shadowy. The moonlight was hazy, weaving in and out of drifting clouds, making it hard to see clearly. Yet even so, a faint silvery glow spilled onto the ground, casting a thin mist over the surrounding scenery, just enough to make out shapes and distinguish objects.

The Fairy of Mount Gu She was puzzled once more. At the threshold of the house, the wind had been so distinct, but out here in the open, there was not even the slightest breeze. Could the wind have ceased in just that instant? No, that was only a brief moment—such coincidence was unlikely. If that were the case, why had Shen Wansan asked her that question? A man like him would not act without purpose. With that thought, she paused slightly, turned to glance back at the house; in the gloom, the door was nothing but a dark shadow, impossible to see clearly. At this moment, Shen Wansan smiled faintly and said in a low voice, "Is there anything else you wish to ask? Speak freely. Since I’ve brought you here, you must understand the stance of Mingyue Mountain Manor. As long as Prince Qi fulfills his promises, Mingyue Mountain Manor will follow his lead. Besides, with Prince Qi’s abilities, Chang’an will be his sooner or later!"

"Prince Qi’s abilities are beyond question. What I’m curious about, Master Shen, is this: At the door, I felt a breeze, but after we’d taken only a few steps, it disappeared. Did the wind really stop?" Since he had broached the topic, she did not hesitate to ask her doubts. Yet even as she spoke, she was secretly astonished; Shen Wansan had noticed her briefest pause and discerned her actions—his strength was not to be underestimated. No wonder, then, that Prince Qi would choose to ally his noble house with a man of the martial world.

"You may not realize, Fairy, that even when there’s no wind outside, you can sense it at the door. The window faces the entrance for a reason. The tinkling sound is mountain water channeled from above into the house. Water has a property: whether cooling or heating, it changes temperature more slowly than stone. Therefore, the room’s temperature changes more slowly than outside. When there’s a temperature difference, air flows from high to low—thus, the wind you felt. That is the reason." Shen Wansan stopped and turned to her, explaining gently. Though the principle was simple, not everyone could deduce it. The Fairy of Mount Gu She, being clever, understood at once, her estimation of the old man rising even higher. Such martial prowess, such worldly knowledge—there was likely no second person like him in all the martial world. With that thought, she nodded lightly, indicating her understanding. "I am enlightened. With such ability, Master Shen, even without Prince Qi’s help, the title of Alliance Leader will surely be yours in time."

"You overestimate me, Fairy. Across the land, besides Mingyue Mountain Manor, there are other esteemed figures—Celestial Mechanic of the Qilian Sect, Dongfang Mingyue of Cold Mountain Valley. Even the Donghua Gate, though greatly weakened since Shao Donghua fell in the great righteous-evil war sixteen years ago, still has deep roots. The new head, Shao Changchun, though only in his twenties, is said to rival his predecessor in skill. So I cannot be certain. Moreover, the various sects are never truly united and would hardly agree to elect a martial alliance leader. In the end, we must rely on Prince Qi." These words were sincere; at such a moment, there was no need for pretense. As the saying goes, they're all in the same boat—unity might be the best way forward. Shen Wansan understood this; Prince Qi, facing even greater peril, understood it better still.

"Since the Night-Luminescent Pearl is still in your possession, Master Shen, what of the rumored Golden Leaf in the martial world—truth or fabrication? Was it also your arrangement?" She understood well that Chang’an was a city as impregnable as iron; it would not fall easily. Even with Prince Qi’s overwhelming power, unmatched among the princes, to challenge the imperial house directly would be like striking a stone with an egg. No one, not even a fool, would do so, let alone a man like him. Thus, if Shen Wansan could be elevated to Alliance Leader, and the power of the martial world harnessed, the chances of success would increase. This was a move Prince Qi was bound to make. Even if the Night-Luminescent Pearl had truly been stolen by the so-called Golden Leaf, Prince Qi would not truly break with Shen Wansan. Perhaps that was why she was so curious—was the entire affair of the pearl’s theft a calculated move? Knowing the old man’s scheming nature, it was certainly possible.

Shen Wansan strode forward, a trace of satisfaction on his face, though his smile was subtle, almost imperceptible. Deliberate, perhaps. After all his careful planning, the time had come to put his schemes to use. Yet, facing this woman, he felt it was wise to keep some things to himself, at least in this matter. The old man led the way, and the Fairy followed, not pressing with further questions. After all, curiosity was but a fleeting feeling—already she felt a faint regret for her earlier words.

"The Golden Leaf is real. A genuine thing cannot be faked, don’t you agree? As for whether it was my arrangement—one could say yes, or no. In the end, the result is the same. Whether it’s me or Prince Qi, we both need a target. Otherwise, what reason would there be for a martial assembly? No reason, no excitement. Do you agree?" They walked on for some time, until the lights ahead shone brightly—the glow of the main hall. Retracing her steps, the Fairy found the path behind them swallowed in darkness, impossible to tell the way back. Even though she had tried to remember distinguishing features, in the blink of an eye, everything seemed changed. "A target? Master Shen, what are you planning?"

"The loss of the Night-Luminescent Pearl at Mingyue Mountain Manor has set the world abuzz. You and I know the pearl is a fake, but the martial world believes it real. The Golden Leaf has become a symbol. If the Golden Leaf were to commit some further outrageous deed, as vicious as the Blue Lotus Demon Lord sixteen years ago, would the martial world not see the Four Great Sects gather once more? Then, the martial assembly, the position of Alliance Leader—all would follow as a matter of course. As for turning a thief into a public enemy of the martial world, perhaps only Prince Qi has the skill to accomplish that." Shen Wansan’s words were calm, but their meaning was clear. Facing such a calculating man, anyone would feel a chill. It was best to have nothing to do with such people; neither friend nor foe was a wise choice. After all, an enemy may be eternal, but a friend never truly is—there is only interest, and that is perhaps the most reliable thing of all.

"Rest assured, I will convey your words to Prince Qi upon my return." The Fairy bowed respectfully. If she could distance herself from such a man, it would be the wisest move. In the martial world, caution was always wise. Shen Wansan appeared to await this answer; his smile grew more pronounced, as if he could already see the future. "Then I shall await your good news, Fairy."