Scene 1 — The Zhao Clan's Dark Dawn
Inside the Zhao Clan's main hall, an oppressive silence lingered.
Dozens of candles burned low, their flames trembling in the heavy air, painting uneasy shadows across the carved pillars.
Zhao Qingtian sat at the head of the long blackwood table, his expression cold as river stone.
He tapped a single finger once. The whispers stopped.
"Enough," he said, voice cutting through the stillness like a blade. "We move at dawn. Zhao Feng, outline the plan."
Zhao Feng — thin, hawk-nosed, with a strategist's calm — stepped forward and unrolled a city map across the table.
Two red circles glowed faintly over key districts.
"First," he began, "the Bai and Yun families. They supply most of the Lin Family's herbs and caravans. We offer them exclusive contracts — double pay, full escort protection. If they refuse…" He smiled thinly. "…bandits will strike. We'll make it look natural."
An older elder nodded, voice low. "Make the robbery clean. No traces. The city guards must see random chaos, not by Zhao hands."
"Second," Zhao Feng continued, "the Thousand Veil Chamber. They control the merchant flow. Through our debtors and contacts, we'll spread a rumor: a noble fell sick after using Lin Clan pills. Another apprentice fainted from impurities. The Chamber will panic and suspend their contracts."
Murmurs rose — dark, approving murmurs.
Zhao Qingtian's gaze turned sharp. "And the Pill Academy?and also Xu Tian stood up for Lin Xian before."
Zhao Feng gave a small, confident bow. "The headmaster is your old friend, Patriarch, he is on our side. And for Xu Tian, he is just an outsider? he won't move unless pressured by evidence. Once rumors spread, he'll wait instead of helping Lin Clan. That's all we need — hesitation."
A young man with slicked-back hair — Zhao Rui — grinned. "Leave the inspectors to me. I'll pay a few greedy officials. Soon, the Chamber will 'discover' fake ingredients or unstable pills. The city will believe what it's told."
Lady Shen, elegant and calm, spoke next. "My agents are already in place in the market and Lin trade hall. Two will monitor shipments; one handles accounting."
Zhao Qingtian finally asked, "And the Ghost Pavilion?"
At that, several elders straightened unconsciously.
The Patriarch's smile was slow and cruel. "They'll create 'accidents.' Wagons lost. Horses missing. Maybe one or two guards vanish. Quiet and clean. They're professionals — no corpses on the streets."
Zhao Feng tapped the map again. "We'll also plant a fake buyer — wealthy, polite. He'll place a huge order. Then we tamper with the samples. Once the pills 'fail' inspection, the Thousand Veil Chamber itself will strike the Lin Clan down."
Another elder hesitated. "And if Lin Xian finds new suppliers?"
Zhao Qingtian's tone was ice. "Then their wagons never arrive. Bandits, beasts, or fire — pick whichever story fits. By the time they react, the Lin Clan will be isolated."
Zhao Rui's grin deepened. "And when their walls fall, I'll be there to take the boy myself. Lin Xian will kneel, Patriarch. I'll make sure of it."
Zhao Qingtian stood slowly, his shadow stretching long across the marble floor. "Good. At dawn, we begin. Zhao Feng — contact Bai and Yun first. Zhao Rui — your inspectors. Lady Shen — your watchers. Ghost Pavilion awaits orders. No direct contact. No mistakes."
He turned toward the open balcony. A cold wind swept through, bending the candles.
"When this city wakes, it will hear whispers. Trade will choke, rumors will rot their name, and by the time Lin Xian realizes, his foundation will already be collapsing."
He raised his hand slightly, eyes like frozen steel.
"Do this cleanly. If Lin Xian kneels before me, I'll take his pride first—then his life."
Outside, thunder rolled over Azurecloud City. The night itself seemed to tighten, as though the city were holding its breath before the storm.
The first war of shadows had begun.
Scene 2 — Xiao Jin's Empty Belly
By the time Lin Xian and Bai Yu Sheng stepped out of the Thousand Veil Chamber, the afternoon sun was beginning to dip behind the rooftops.
Bai Yu Sheng's face was still flushed with excitement from their earlier deal, but beside her, Lin Xian looked calm — almost too calm.
Just as Lin Xian adjusted his robes, a small "thump" came from his shoulder — Xiao Jin landed there with a wobble.
The tiny spirit beast's chubby belly gurgled audibly. His fur, usually puffed up like a little ball, now drooped as if deflated.
He glanced pitifully at Lin Xian, rubbing his flat stomach with both paws.
When Lin Xian didn't react, Xiao Jin let out a dramatic "hmph!" — crossed his stubby arms, and turned his back, tail flicking like an offended kitten.
Lin Xian blinked. "…You're protesting?"
Xiao Jin peeked over his shoulder and nodded vigorously, then pointed toward a row of restaurants down the street.
He even drooled a little, eyes sparkling as he spotted roasted duck hanging in one of the shop windows.
Bai Yusheng giggled, her laughter soft and silvery. "Your spirit beast is adorable. I didn't think he had such… personality."
Bai Yu Sheng burst into laughter, covering her mouth. "Hahaha— I didn't think even a spirit beast could be this dramatic!"
Lin Xian sighed. "Fine. We'll eat. But you're paying," he said, glancing at Bai Yu Sheng.
"Me?" She blinked. "You're the one selling heaven-shaking pills, and you want me to treat you?"
"You're the Bai family's jewel," Lin Xian said smoothly. "Think of it as an investment in friendship."
"…You're impossible," she muttered, but smiled anyway. "Fine, dinner's on me."
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Scene 3 — A Table of Flavors
They entered one of Azurecloud's finest restaurants — Jade Crane Pavilion, known for dishes that shimmered with aura light.
Plates arrived one by one, steam curling in the air:
Spirit Duck in Cloud Broth, tender meat floating in a golden soup that glowed faintly with Qi.
Moonlight Lotus Buns, soft white dough that melted instantly in the mouth.
Glazed Firefish, skin crisped in spirit oil, aroma rich enough to make Xiao Jian drool rivers.
And finally, Skyfruit Nectar, a sweet drink made from spirit fruits that tingled down the throat.
Xiao Jian stuffed his mouth shamelessly, tiny paws working faster than thought.
"Mmm! This! This is what I call cultivation!"
Bai Yu Sheng laughed so hard she nearly spilled her drink. "He really eats like a human!"
Lin Xian just leaned back, eyes half-lidded, enjoying the rare calm. "Let him. He'll burn it off in an hour."
When the plates were finally empty, and Xiao Jian lay on the table rubbing his belly with a blissful sigh, the laughter faded into a quiet moment.
Scene 4 — A Serious Offer
Lin Xian put down his cup. "Bai Yu Sheng."
Her smile softened. "Hmm?"
"Earlier, you said you wanted to be partners. Why?"
She blinked, then met his eyes earnestly. "Because I see potential. That pill you made — it's not just business. It's an evolution. If I can help spread it, both our names will rise together."
Lin Xian's gaze lingered on her for a long moment, unreadable. "You're honest. I'll give you that."
He leaned slightly closer. "But partnerships aren't built on excitement. They're built on trust — and risk."
Bai Yu Sheng smiled faintly. "Then I'll prove mine first."
He nodded, satisfied, and stood up. "We'll see. For now… enjoy the calm. The storm is coming."
She tilted her head. "Storm?"
Lin Xian's eyes gleamed faintly under the lantern light. "The Zhao Clan just moved their first piece."