[KEKEKE. 'OPERATION MATCHMAKER'? HOW INCREDIBLY ADORABLE? EMBARRASSING? A MIX OF BOTH. I WOULD PAY GOOD VILLAIN POINTS TO SEE AND RECORD THIS POEM. IT IS WORTH WASTING SYSTEM MEMORY SPACE ON!]
Su Lan Yi was torn between irritation at the System, laughter, and sympathy for the clearly conflicted young girl. "Your secret is safe with us, Xuan Ji. Though I'm curious, why did you decide to tell us?"
Xuan Ji's gaze dropped to her feet. "Master Hei saved my life once," she said softly. "I wouldn't want him to be embarrassed in front of the whole sect without having any idea of what was going to happen."
Hei Wuya's expression softened in a way Su Lan Yi had never seen before- the fearsome man and his aura momentarily replaced by something warmer, almost gentle, like a kind teacher. "Thank you, Xuan Ji. Your concern is noted and appreciated."
The girl beamed at him, then seemed to remember herself and dropped into another bow before scurrying away. She almost stumbled over her robes, but she continued on.
"She seems quite fond of you," Su Lan Yi observed once they were alone again.
"Xuan Ji has been through a lot," Hei Wuya replied, his gaze following the departing girl before returning to its usual steeliness. "She's stronger than she appears."
Su Lan Yi was about to press for details when a commotion from the other side of the courtyard caught their attention. A group of disciples had reappeared, carrying what appeared to be a couple of training dummies, though something about their furtive and suspicious manner suggested these weren't for ordinary practice purposes.
"I should probably investigate whatever mischief they're planning now," Hei Wuya said with a drawn-out sigh, rising from the bench. "Will you be able to return to your quarters on your own?"
"I managed to escape them on my own, didn't I?" Su Lan Yi replied with a small smile. "Besides, I think I'll observe whatever drama is unfolding here. For research purposes. It should help me to understand the disciples of the Sect."
Hei Wuya gave her a look that suggested he knew exactly what kind of "research" she had in mind, but didn't argue with her. "Very well. I'll return shortly to escort you to the meeting with Elder Xuan."
As he strode across the courtyard toward the troublemaking disciples, Su Lan Yi settled more comfortably on the bench, Karma curling contentedly in her lap. The fox's blue eyes followed Hei Wuya with what seemed like intelligent interest.
"He's a very different person here," Su Lan Yi murmured, stroking Karma's soft fur. "And his disciples are far off from what I'd have expected."
[THE TERRIFYING TERROR OF BLOOD MOON, REDUCED TO EXASPERATED TEACHER BY NOTORIOUS, MATCHMAKING TEENAGERS. IT'S QUITE THE CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, HUH? ALMOST MAKES ME WISH I HAD POPCORN.]
"I wonder what else we don't know about our demonic cultivator friend," she whispered, watching as Hei Wuya confiscated what appeared to be a surprisingly well-crafted puppet that bore a striking resemblance to himself, complete with miniature scowling face and tiny red gemstones for eyes.
The disciples scattered like startled birds, though not before Su Lan Yi caught Liu Chen mouthing what looked suspiciously like "Tonight's still on" to his fellow conspirators. He then sprinted off at full speed, presumably wanting to speed up his mischief.
She found herself smiling despite herself. Life at the Blood Moon Sect had been great so far.
[SU LAN YI. WE HAVE A MISSION, REMEMBER? THE RATINGS ARE ALMOST AT 2.5 STARS NOW. OUR CHANGES SEEM TO HAVE BEEN LIKED BY THE REA- CELESTIAL LIBRARIANS.]
Her thoughts quickly darkened at the system's words, as she remembered the smouldering ruins of her shop. The Divine Healing Sect would pay dearly for what they had done- not just for destroying her business, but for everything they'd put Su Ruolan through. Five gold pieces were just the beginning of what she would extract from Wei Chenglin. And once she was done with him... well.
Later that afternoon, Su Lan Yi found herself seated across from Elder Xuan and Elder Zhang in a small, elegantly appointed pavilion. Elder Xuan's appearance belied the power she could sense radiating from him. Unlike most Blood Moon cultivators with their dramatic black and crimson attire, Elder Xuan wore simple grey robes, his white hair pulled back in a scholar's topknot. His eyes, however, were the same intense crimson as Hei Wuya's- a mark of deep Blood Moon cultivation. His hair was greying at the temples, but he truly was an elder of the Sect- his ageing had slowed down significantly, if not entirely. 400? 500 years old? Maybe.
Elder Zhang, by contrast, wore more traditional Blood Moon attire, though his clothing was adorned with medicinal herb patterns along the sleeves. His face was weathered but kind, with sharp eyes that missed nothing. His goatee, however, extending up to his waist, was a questionable fashion statement. Su Lan Yi had always wondered how such men managed to not drop food all over their facial hair.
"I must say, Mistress Su, you recover with remarkable speed for someone who was nearly crushed beneath a burning building," Elder Xuan observed, pulling her out of her thoughts as he poured tea with practised grace. "My decoctions are effective, but not typically that effective."
"Some of it is all of your good wishes, and the rest is my own healing capacity," Su Lan Yi replied, accepting the cup with a graceful nod. "Though I admit, your Recovery Tonic is remarkably potent. If somewhat pungent."
Elder Xuan laughed, the sound unexpectedly warm. "The bat wing, yes. An acquired taste, I'm afraid, but essential for binding the other ingredients."
"It could benefit from a touch of honey," she suggested. "And perhaps star anise to complement the bitter notes."
"A thousand years of experience speaking?" Elder Zhang asked, genuine curiosity in his eyes. He looked as if he were ready to pull out a scroll and start taking notes at any point.
"...Precisely that," Su Lan Yi confirmed, after a moment. "Though I find my memories of specific formulations sometimes elusive. Medicine was something I picked up mainly as a way to survive as a solitary cultivator."
"So you have memory loss because of having your soul fragmented," Elder Xuan suggested casually, taking a sip of his tea.
[SU LAN YI. THIS CONVERSATION IS HEADED IN DANGEROUS TERRITORY.]
Su Lan Yi went very still. "Wuya told you everything, didn't he?"
"He felt it necessary, given the unusual circumstances of your arrival and recovery," Elder Xuan explained. "Rest assured, the information has not gone beyond us Elders. It will never. He, too, would never tell anyone but us."
"And what does the esteemed Blood Moon Sect make of having a failed immortal in their midst?" Su Lan Yi asked carefully. She knew how these things could go- one minute a guest, an enemy the next.
Elder Zhang leaned forward slightly, stroking his goatee. "I find you to be a fascinating addition to our little community, Mistress Su. Your knowledge of medicinal arts alone would make you a valuable ally, but your unique perspective as someone who has walked the immortal path..." He trailed off appreciatively.
"We find it refreshingly novel," Elder Xuan continued. "Blood Moon has long collected unusual knowledge, especially that which other sects deem too dangerous or unorthodox. Your situation presents a fascinating research opportunity."
[LAN YI. PLEASE.]
"I'm not a specimen to be studied," Su Lan Yi said, a little too sharp. The System was just being stupid, per usual. She hadn't told, them, had she? They'd just found out. How was it her fault?
"Of course not," Elder Zhang agreed readily, mistaking her tone for anger at them.
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"You're a guest, and if I'm not mistaken, increasingly important to some within our walls." He glanced meaningfully toward the window, where they could see Hei Wuya in the distance, attempting to corral his excitable disciples as they prepared for whatever evening entertainment they had planned despite his earlier prohibitions.
Su Lan Yi followed his gaze, watching as Karma darted between the disciples' legs, apparently having appointed himself supervisor of their activities. The fox had taken to Blood Moon Sect's inhabitants with surprising ease, particularly to Hei Wuya, whom he still insisted on using as a personal perch whenever possible.
"Your unusual companion has made quite an impression as well," Elder Xuan remarked, following her gaze. "I've never seen a Grudgebearer Fox bond so quickly with humans. They're typically solitary and wary of cultivators, with good reason."
"Karma is just like that," Su Lan Yi agreed, her fingers absently tracing the edge of her teacup.
"Perhaps because he recognizes a kindred spirit," Elder Zhang suggested. "Both of you are out of place, navigating unfamiliar territory. He's come into this world, and is without a mother or guide-"
"I understand the Divine Healing Sect has been sending messengers to acquire more of Wei Chenglin's medicine," Elder Zhang noted, changing the subject. "Wuya mentioned your conditions for providing it."
Su Lan Yi's expression hardened, her heart filling with rage at the mere thought of those people. "Five gold pieces is a very modest price for what they did to my shop. The names of those responsible and their punishment is non-negotiable. Why?"
"It is a fair demand," Elder Zhang nodded approvingly. "Though I wonder if you might consider another avenue for exacting your revenge."
He exchanged a glance with Elder Xuan. "The Imperial Alchemical Examination."
"You want me to enter the competition?" Su Lan Yi asked, raising an eyebrow.
"With Blood Moon's full support," Elder Xuan confirmed. "We never participate- our reputation makes it politically complicated. But you, as an independent alchemist with our backing..."
"Could enter and expose their methods," Su Lan Yi finished, a cold smile forming on her lips. "I didn't want to waste my energy on it initially, but now..."
Their conversation was interrupted by Hei Wuya's arrival, his usual composed demeanour slightly frayed around the edges. "Elders, I apologize for the delay. The disciples required supervision." He shot a pointed look toward the window. "Though I fear it did little good. They seem determined to proceed with their plans regardless of any threatened punishments."
"The passion of youth," Elder Zhang said with a barely concealed smile. "I remember a certain young disciple about a decade ago who suddenly became so much more approachable. No one could quite figure out why the infamous 'Terror' had softened his edges."
Hei Wuya's expression remained carefully neutral, though Su Lan Yi noticed a slight tension in his jaw.
"Please, join us," Elder Xuan said, gesturing to the empty seat beside Su Lan Yi. "We were discussing the arrangements for the upcoming Ghost Frost Orchid harvest."
As Hei Wuya took a seat beside Su Lan Yi, Elder Xuan unrolled a map of what appeared to be cavern systems extending beneath the mountain range bordering Blood Moon territory.
"Our sentries have reported increased activity near the Eastern cultivation caves," the elder explained, indicating a section of the map. "Scouts identified at least three groups of unknown cultivators conducting reconnaissance in the area over the past week."
"Divine Healing Sect's loyal dogs," Hei Wuya said grimly. "Preparing for their harvest."
"Most likely," Elder Xuan agreed. "Though their numbers seem greater than in previous years. We've identified at least twenty cultivators, including two at the Nascent Soul stage."
Su Lan Yi studied the map with interest, a vengeful gleam in her eyes. "These caverns are extensive, and they have multiple levels. How do you monitor them all?"
"With difficulty," Hei Wuya admitted. "The Ghost Frost Orchids grow only in specific conditions- areas with high yin energy concentrations and natural spirit stone formations. We've established permanent cultivation arrays at the largest growing sites, but the smaller chambers remain vulnerable. It was in the notes I gave you, which... well."
"And these orchids used in the Heaven's Ascension Elixir, have they ever been paid for?" Su Lan Yi questioned, memories of her destroyed research and shop burning in her mind. "They steal what they can't cultivate themselves, then corrupt the recipe to create addiction and dependency. Another crime to add to their ledger. They don't even bother trading."
"The Divine Healing Sect has been poaching them for generations," Elder Xuan explained. "They lack the knowledge to cultivate them properly, so they steal ours instead. Typically during the new moon, when our defensive formations are naturally weaker. But I'm sure your research covered that?"
"It did. The new moon is four days from now," Hei Wuya added.
Su Lan Yi traced a section of the caverns thoughtfully. "If they're bringing that many cultivators, they must be planning something beyond their usual harvest."
"Our thoughts exactly," Elder Zhang agreed. "Which is why we'd like your assistance, Mistress Su. Your knowledge of alchemy and medicinal ingredients- particularly your understanding of how the Divine Healing Sect has modified traditional formulations- could prove invaluable. Besides, parts of your memories belong to a Divine Healing Sect member, so I'm certain you can figure out their motives"
"You're asking me to help defend your orchid harvest?" Su Lan Yi clarified, intrigued by the possibility of confronting her enemies so directly.
"We're asking you to help us understand what they might be planning," Hei Wuya corrected. "Given the timing of their attack on your shop and the subsequent theft of your research, there could be a connection."
Su Lan Yi considered the request, her eyes cold and calculating. Her initial goal had been simply to expose the Divine Healing Sect's corruption and clear Su Ruolan's name. But now, with Lin Mei in a coma, her shop destroyed, and her research stolen, the scope had expanded considerably.
"I'll need access to your medicinal storerooms," she said finally. "Both to prepare something for Lin Mei and to better understand the properties of properly cultivated Ghost Frost Orchids."
"Granted," Elder Xuan said immediately. "Wuya will escort you there, after our evening meal." A mischievous smile flickered briefly across his face. "Which I understand might be quite the entertaining affair, despite his best efforts to prevent it."
Hei Wuya's expression darkened. "Elder..."
"I've been meaning to ask," Su Lan Yi interrupted smoothly, "how a sect with such a fearsome reputation came to house such disobedient young disciples. They seem remarkably high-spirited for cultivators on the demonic path, who come into contact with resentful qi frequently."
Elder Zhang's expression softened fractionally, his gaze moving to Hei Wuya. "That is largely thanks to our Wuya here. Around a decade ago, something changed in him. No one quite knows what happened, but he became different."
"Different how?" Su Lan Yi prompted when Hei Wuya remained silent, his jaw tightening almost imperceptibly.
"He abolished the traditional punishment system, which, I must admit, was rather brutal, and introduced a curriculum that balanced combat training with scholarly pursuits and, most controversially, periods of leisure," Elder Xuan explained.
"Leisure is essential for proper cultivation," Hei Wuya stated, as if reciting a long-held belief. "Constant pressure creates rigid meridians and stunted spiritual growth."
"A surprisingly progressive view for the Terror of Blood Moon," Su Lan Yi observed, studying him with renewed interest.
"The title was not of my choosing," he replied stiffly.
"Perhaps not," Elder Zhang agreed, "but it has served its purpose. The cultivation world fears the Terror enough to leave our younger disciples alone, while within our walls, they thrive under his permissive supervision."
"I wouldn't call it permissive," Hei Wuya objected, nothing the emphasis on the word.
"No? Just this morning I observed Liu Chen organising what appeared to be an elaborate puppet show behind your back, and you pretended not to notice until they were nearly finished," Elder Xuan pointed out mildly. "And now they're proceeding with their evening plans despite your explicit prohibition. Permissive."
"Creative expression builds spiritual flexibility," Hei Wuya muttered, not quite meeting any of their gazes. "And sometimes punishment only encourages more elaborate rebellion."
Su Lan Yi couldn't help the laugh that escaped her- a genuine sound of delight that seemed to surprise all four of them equally. "The fearsome Master Hei, defeated by teenage determination. How utterly unexpected."
To her further surprise, a faint smile tugged at the corner of Hei Wuya's mouth. "Life is full of unexpected developments. Like finding a thousand-year-old failed immortal selling medicines on a wooden cart."
"Touché," Su Lan Yi acknowledged, raising her teacup in a mock salute.
Elder Zhang watched their exchange with evident satisfaction. "Now that we've settled the matter of the Ghost Frost Orchids, perhaps we should prepare for the evening meal? I understand the disciples have arranged something special."
Hei Wuya's expression suggested he would rather face a heavenly tribulation, but he nodded resignedly. "I've considered locking them all in the training hall, but that would only result in property damage and more elaborate schemes in the future."
"The wisdom of experience," Elder Xuan commented approvingly. "Besides, I find myself quite looking forward to Liu Chen's poetry recital. I hear he's composed an epic about a matchmaking fox?"
[I WONDER IF THEY SELL TICKETS TO THIS PERFORMANCE? IT SOUNDS ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTFUL. PERHAPS WE SHOULD AWARD VILLAIN POINTS FOR PARTICULARLY CREATIVE IDEAS?]
Su Lan Yi suppressed a smile at the System's commentary, rising carefully from her seat. "Well, we wouldn't want to disappoint them after all their hard work. Lead the way, Terror of Blood Moon. Let's see what your disciples have planned for our entertainment."
As they made their way toward the main hall, Su Lan Yi found herself contemplating the unexpected alliances she was forming. She had come to this world to restore her fragmented soul and fix a narrative gone awry. Now she found herself plotting revenge against the Divine Healing Sect with the backing of Blood Moon's resources, preparing to participate in the Imperial Alchemical Examination, and about to be the guest of honour at what promised to be a thoroughly embarrassing matchmaking attempt.
The Divine Healing Sect had taken everything from her at once: her shop, her research, nearly her life. They would soon learn the price of crossing a thousand-year-old failed immortal, though. Su Lan Yi would make them pay, not just with gold, but with their reputation, their pride, and their precious Heaven's Ascension Elixir empire.
[CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT DETECTED. THE VILLAIN ORIGIN STORY IS DEVELOPING SOME DISTINCTLY REVENGE-DRIVEN UNDERTONES. HOW VERY ON-BRAND OF YOU, SU LAN YI.]
"Quiet, you," she whispered as they entered the main hall, "The story isn't over yet."
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