Following the Sect Master's lead, we slowly make our way through the sect's premises. Despite the sect's young age, there is everything one needs to provide the best environment for the disciples.
''This is our training hall, oh and the building next to it is a library.''
Tan Wei gives me a brief summary of each facility, its ins and outs, as well as its flaws.
''The manuals are mostly up to foundation stage. We have some incomplete Qi condensation techniques, but our disciples are not at that level yet.''
Shaking his head in disappointment, and with a snort, he continues,
''If only they spent their time cultivating instead of making trouble...''
He glances at me, voice low, even hesitant,
''Speaking of trouble... you might have gone overboard there.''
He remarks, but there's not a hint of disapproval in his voice. More than that, it seems like he is curious about my reasons.
My eyes drift towards him for a brief moment, before returning my gaze to the front.
''First impression is the key.''
My voice calm and steady,
''I had to set the expectations. And the pattern.''
He nods softly, but then he looks at me with slight confusion.
''What pattern are you talking about?''
He tilts his head to the side, recalling everything that has happened.
Tap Tap Tap...
The pressure around me increases again, each tap on the mask raising it twofold. A few disciples look in our direction as we pass by, the ones closer to us begin to suffocate and need to take a few steps back.
''This, Sect Master Tan.''
Releasing my pressure, the disciples around give a collective sigh of relief. Most of them were not present at the scene, but the rumors have already begun spreading.
''The rhythm is followed by consequence. Cause, then effect. If I make it predictable, it becomes burnt into their memory.''
My voice cold and detached as I continue,
''Quiet rhythm with severe consequences... they'll listen for it even when it isn't there.''
I glance at him briefly, my smile hidden underneath the mask.
''That's why they will pay attention to me. Not because of what I do, but because the quiet tap might come at any moment.''
The Sect Master appears to be immersed deep in thought, his eyes drifting from one side to another, as if considering something.
''Elder Xu, let's say that your approach works.''
He glances up at me, his voice slow and uncertain,
''What will be my role in all of this? I don't think I can comfortably adopt your methods.''
I give him a soft chuckle as I shake my head.
''No need for that, Sect Master Tan. I should be the only person playing the role of a villain. If everyone does it, people will leave the sect.''
His scarred eye narrows as he slowly nods his head.
''Your role, Sect Master, is to reward those that work hard. You mentioned that we have plenty of resources.''
With a sigh, he shakes his head dismissively.
''We do, but as I said, without an alchemist, they are useless.''
The disappointment within his voice is clear. Despite trying many different methods, all his attempts ended up in vain.
''Are these alchemists powerful?''
The Sect Master shakes his head.
''Yes, but not in the way you think. Most of them would lose even to our outer disciples.''
He glances at me for a brief moment before moving on,
''Their strength comes from necessity. Pills and elixirs are essential once you reach a certain stage. Patriarchs, elders, nobles... all rely on them. This reliance gives them influence.''
He glances at me again, but this time, his gaze lingers. His tone firm and serious, he continues,
''Elder Xu, no matter what you do, do not offend an alchemist. Doing so means offending every single expert backing them.''
He rubs his temples, the weight of memory pulling his shoulders down.
''There was once a Sect Master, no different from myself, who led a smaller sect near the western river. One day, he lost his patience with an alchemist under his roof. Threatened him.''
He pauses, as if recounting the story within his mind.
''The next day, the sect was no more. Not weakened nor punished. Gone.''
He says bluntly, but a slight tremor can be heard escaping his lips.
''The disciples were slaughtered, the sect's walls burnt. The Sect Master's head was nailed on a spike above the ruins as a warning. No one claimed responsibility, but everyone knew...''
His voice turns into a whisper,
''The alchemist had called for help, and every hand that owed him answered.''
He leans forward, his gaze resolute.
''This is what it means to offend an alchemist. I'm warning you, Elder Xu. When you are with an alchemist, show them the utmost respect.''
For a moment, silence lingers between the two of us. He speaks with sincerity, yet I can only chuckle in response.
Respect...?
If Fear is what keeps them safe...
then Fear will be the very thing I use to tear their safety apart.
.
.
.
[STATUS]
[Name: Han Ye]
[Age: 18]
[Cultivation: Terror Manifestation Realm - Late Stage ▸ Qi Condensation - Early Stage]
[Fear Points: 4 555]
[Trauma: +536/day]
[Infamy: +24/day]
[Fear Points needed for the next stage: 6 000]
[Techniques: Shadowless Step, Thousand Faces Arts (incomplete), Silent Pulse Breathing, Crow Shroud Technique]