Chapter Thirteen: Pushing the Boundaries

Perhaps it was due to Ying Chen’s performance that the atmosphere of the ritual reached its peak sooner, and just as quickly, began to wane. After a brief silence, Yu Daojing lightly tapped the table, and suddenly, the paper figures scattered throughout the hall drifted toward the bright moon.

“It seems that’s all for today,” someone at the table stood up with a cheerful smile. “Everyone, I’ll be taking my leave first.”

Yu Daojing paid no mind, instead turning his gaze to Ying Chen and said calmly, “The Bone Society’s ritual is held at mid-month each time. Next month, I hope to see you attend again.”

It appeared that the method Qu Qiao suggested had indeed received Yu Daojing’s tacit approval. Ying Chen understood this well, and cupped his hands in respect, saying, “In that case, I’ll take my leave for now.”

Yu Daojing nodded slightly, and Ying Chen did not linger, striding away from his seat.

With his departure, others began to leave one after another. Soon, only three or five remained at the table.

At that moment, the white-robed man who had been drinking alone finally spoke, his tone cold and unexpected, “What is so special about this person?”

Yu Daojing twirled his wine cup lightly, smiling as he replied, “Brother Zhang, what do you make of his cultivation?”

The white-robed man answered indifferently, “Four years since entering the sect, and only at the sixth stage of Qi Refinement—utterly ordinary.”

“Indeed,” Yu Daojing agreed. “But what if I told you that at most a month ago, he was only at the fourth stage?”

“Hmm?” The white-robed man’s eyebrows furrowed, then quickly relaxed. “He obtained some spiritual herbs? Took a pill? So what? That only proves he’s of average talent, and any progress is mere happenstance.”

“You and I see things quite differently,” Yu Daojing smiled. “I believe that, regardless of the cause, it shows this person either has luck or capability.”

“If one possesses either, average talent does not hinder achievement.”

Yu Daojing set down his wine cup. With a gesture, the moonlight within the hall gathered and was drawn into his hand.

“In the future, when I become a true disciple and compete for the position of Daozi,” he said calmly, “such a person might become my ally.”

“If my judgment is wrong, it’s merely a cold move on the board.”

“Oh?” The white-robed man chuckled softly, as if recalling something. “In that case, why do you pressure him rather than show goodwill?”

“What difference does it make?” Yu Daojing replied. “I care not for loyalty, only for interests. If I can give him what he desires, he will naturally be ‘loyal’ to me; otherwise, it’s pointless.”

“Of course, before that, he must prove his worth.”

...

Upon leaving the Bone Hall, Ying Chen found the moonlight as clear as water.

He did not linger before the hall, nor did he leave too quickly. At a corner, he stopped and began to ponder every word exchanged during the ritual.

Within the details, much could be discerned.

“Yu Daojing...” He stroked his chin, vaguely sensing that events did not unfold as they were meant to, and the reason was obvious—cultivation, status, value. Since Ying Chen’s return, this was not the first time he’d felt the change.

He was deep in thought, all the while keeping an eye on the nearby activity. It didn’t take long before Chen Chang appeared, furtively glancing around as he tried to sneak away.

“Heh.” Ying Chen sneered inwardly, taking a silent step forward, intending to follow him unnoticed. Unexpectedly, Chen Chang spun around as if startled, coming face to face with Ying Chen.

Ying Chen raised his brows, but before he could speak, Chen Chang’s face suddenly lit up with a bright smile. “Junior Brother Ying, you haven’t left yet!”

“Wonderful.” He approached cheerfully, cupping his hands. “I was just thinking, I haven’t congratulated you on entering the Bone Society.”

“Hah.” Ying Chen’s smile was cold and insincere. “I haven’t joined yet, Senior Brother. Isn’t it a bit early for congratulations?”

“Not at all, not at all,” Chen Chang said, raising his voice. “Just a little assessment—your progress, Junior Brother, surely you’ll pass with ease!”

“Enough nonsense.” Ying Chen was in no mood for wordplay. His expression changed as he said, “Have you forgotten something you failed to tell me?”

Chen Chang could no longer feign ignorance, and with a bitter face replied, “Junior Brother Ying, I lost my head. I shouldn’t have pushed the blame onto you, but fortunately you turned misfortune into advantage...”

He was still trying to smooth things over when he suddenly noticed the look in Ying Chen’s eyes and shivered. “Hold on, there are too many people here!”

“Why would I dare, Senior Brother?” Ying Chen sneered. “Who am I to lay a hand on you? If your patrons come to your aid, I couldn’t bear the consequences.”

“Oh dear.” Chen Chang’s face was full of misery. “What patrons do I have? My sister sent me to the outer sect and hasn’t cared since. Senior Brother Yu and the others look after me, but they won’t grant me any further privileges... I haven’t even formally joined the Bone Society yet.”

Ying Chen listened with folded arms, thoughtful. It was much as he suspected—Chen Chang did have some background.

Though his words seemed sincere, such matters could not be judged by appearances alone.

Ying Chen replied blandly, “You must be joking, Senior Brother. You made a mistake and Senior Brother Yu didn’t hold you accountable, while I nearly suffered for it...”

“Junior Brother, Brother Ying, could we please not mention this again?” Chen Chang pleaded. “How about I apologize, and whatever you want, just ask.”

“Oh?” Ying Chen responded immediately, “Are you serious?”

Chen Chang hesitated, but finally nodded, “Of course... as long as it’s within my capability.”

“In that case...” Ying Chen stroked his chin, testing, “Have you ever heard of ‘Essence of Herbal Lore’?”

“‘Essence of Herbal Lore’?” Chen Chang was well-informed and responded at once, “Yes, the new medicinal treatise by Elder Gu. Are you interested in it, Junior Brother? I can get you a copy, no trouble at all.”

“A copy?” Ying Chen was secretly surprised. The library at Chishui Cliff rarely allowed copies to circulate.

Firstly, copying was strictly forbidden and offenders were severely punished. Secondly, in a place like Chishui Cliff, who could guarantee the accuracy of a copy, or that it hadn’t been maliciously altered?

If Chen Chang could truly obtain a copy and guarantee its reliability, he must have some influence.

“Rest assured, Junior Brother.” Chen Chang seemed to see what Ying Chen was thinking and patted his chest. “I have a reliable channel—‘Essence of Herbal Lore,’ right? I’ll have it for you tomorrow.”

Ying Chen’s heart stirred. “Since that’s so, could you get me a copy of each of Elder Gu’s medicinal treatises?”

“What?” Chen Chang was stunned, his blood boiling. “This rascal really thinks he’s got me cornered! How dare he push his luck!”

His expression shifted repeatedly, torn between erupting and giving in, unable to make up his mind.