Chapter Twelve: The Society of White Bones

"Tao Sheng!"

The senior sister with almond-shaped eyes was actually surnamed Qu.

At these words, her expression changed at once, and she rebuked, "Do you think I won't dare to cut out your tongue?"

"Good!" Someone clapped and laughed. "It's high time someone shut his mouth. Nothing comes out of it but filth."

"Ouch," Tao Sheng hastily said, "Sorry, sorry, Sister Qu, I spoke out of turn. Please don't take it to heart."

Hearing this, Sister Qu's face softened a little.

Seeing the change, Tao Sheng quickly raised his cup. "Let me offer you a toast to make amends."

"Is that all?" Someone else at the table remarked, "Sister Qu, Tao Sheng only dares act so recklessly because he thinks you're soft-hearted."

Tao Sheng pretended not to hear, watching Qu's expression closely. When he saw she had no intention of getting angry again, he grinned and drained his cup.

Sister Qu ignored him and instead turned to Ying Chen. "His mouth has no gate; you needn't pay him any mind, junior brother."

Ying Chen could only nod, "I'll remember."

Tao Sheng chuckled again, as if he wanted to say something more, but before he could open his mouth, a voice spoke coolly, "Enough."

Tao Sheng snapped his mouth shut, not uttering another word. The rest fell silent as well.

The speaker was Yu Daojing.

Having put an end to the farce, Yu Daojing fixed his gaze on Ying Chen and said, "Ying Chen, your performance was commendable. Evidently, you have a solid foundation."

Ying Chen was a little surprised and cupped his hands, "Thank you, senior."

Yu Daojing nodded, then abruptly asked, "Chen Chang claims you promised him spirit stones as interest and coaxed him to lend you the talisman arrow?"

Ying Chen's eyelid twitched, and he glanced at the silent Chen Chang, who was now sweating.

Well, so that's how Chen Chang managed his account—dragging Ying Chen into the mess. It wasn't that Yu Daojing was unreasonable, but that he had made Ying Chen take the blame.

Yet since Yu Daojing brought it up, he must have already seen through it. Why, then, did he want Ying Chen to shoulder it?

Ying Chen considered this, then replied, "I did no such thing. I ask senior to judge fairly."

"Mm." Yu Daojing nodded slightly. "Chen Chang's tricks can't fool me, but what belongs to me is not something just anyone can touch."

Ying Chen understood somewhat, but still felt a chill in his heart.

Yu Daojing continued, "Today, I summoned you here intending to have you leave one hand behind."

"If you lend me the bone of your arm to forge a new talisman arrow, the matter would be settled."

Ying Chen listened without flinching. Yu Daojing, seeing his composure, seemed to approve and went on, "But you are a talent worth cultivating. I can offer you a brighter path."

Ying Chen cupped his hands again. "I ask senior to instruct me."

Yu Daojing said calmly, "I grant you an opportunity to join the White Bone Society. If you prove yourself one of us, I, as the head, won't be stingy with lending you talisman items."

At these words, everyone cast sidelong glances. Though some had guessed as much, most were still quite taken aback.

Ying Chen felt the familiar scrutiny once more, but at last, the ridicule was gone, and some even briefly showed goodwill, as if convinced he would join the White Bone Society.

Of course, by common sense, no one would make an unwise choice.

But Ying Chen did not rush to accept, nor did he dare to do so.

He knew almost nothing about the White Bone Society. Who knew what kind of organization it was? Did it reward unity and mutual gain, or was it ruled by one, making its members work like oxen and horses? Even that would be tolerable, but what if it bled them dry, demanding their very lives?

Even if it meant opposing Yu Daojing and the White Bone Society, Ying Chen would not agree blindly.

He steadied his breath, both to keep calm and to prepare for any eventuality, then asked respectfully, "May I ask, senior, what are the rules of the White Bone Society? What must I do to join, and what can I gain?"

The crowd waited a moment, surprised by this response.

Yu Daojing had already offered an olive branch, yet Ying Chen did not take it. Did he not fear missing his chance?

Chen Chang, who had been silent, suddenly began frantically winking at Ying Chen, urging him to accept, but Ying Chen remained unmoved.

Yu Daojing merely waved his hand. "Qu Qiao, explain it to him."

Sister Qu smiled gently and said softly, "Junior brother, you have not been here long and know little of these matters."

Ying Chen listened carefully, finally gaining some understanding.

The origins of the White Bone Society were lost to time, and even its founder was unknown. Its purpose was ‘mutual aid and support,’ gathering and uniting outstanding individuals.

Such societies sprang up every generation, but for reasons unknown, the White Bone Society endured, passing down through the years. Its members went on to join the inner sect or become stewards, and its influence only grew stronger.

Today, the White Bone Society was one of the most renowned associations at Red Water Cliff, its power extending even to the inner sect.

Though Yu Daojing was its current head, he was but a successor. Rule by a single leader was impossible—the society's regulations were handed down through generations, and though they might change, the fundamentals were never shaken, for many elders watched from above.

Qu Qiao said, "To join the White Bone Society, you need do nothing but abide by its purpose. Yet you can gain much."

Ying Chen soon realized—the White Bone Society was essentially a platform. Mutual aid among members was a pretense, but unity in pursuit of benefit was real.

Such an organization could indeed attract more talented people; no wonder it had grown to its present scale.

Ying Chen declared decisively, "Since senior favors me, I am willing to join the White Bone Society."

Chen Chang's face twitched, thinking, "This rascal, always so quick to change his tune."

Ying Chen cared little for others' opinions. He was not above bowing his head; joining the White Bone Society could smooth his path and perhaps bring some benefits—why refuse?

He seemed to forget his earlier stubbornness in an instant, grinning, "I ask all senior brothers and sisters to look after me in the days ahead."

Qu Qiao laughed again, waving her hand. "Of course, junior brother. If you need anything, just come to me."

Tao Sheng snorted, "Don't be so quick to climb the ladder. Senior Yu only gave you a chance. When did he say you'd join directly?"

"Oh?" Ying Chen replied calmly, "Then how should I seize this opportunity?"

Qu Qiao smiled and explained, "Our White Bone Society only recruits outstanding talents. Newly admitted disciples must earn a top score in their first major examination to be eligible."

"But since everything has been said today, let's use this minor exam as proof."

"As long as you achieve a top score, you may enter the White Bone Society."

Tao Sheng's brows twitched, but in the end, he said nothing, as if Qu Qiao truly had authority in this matter.