A cold silence fell over the Li Estate courtyard. The morning chatter of servants and merchants ceased, replaced by a tense, waiting stillness.
Three figures walked through the main gate. The man in the lead wore the simple blue robes of a River Gate Sect outer disciple, his sleeves embroidered with three silver threads—a marker of seniority.
He moved with an unnerving calm, his eyes sweeping over the assembled household like a hawk surveying a field of mice.
Steward Zhao scurried to his side, bowing deeply. "Disciple Feng, thank you for coming. I merely reported the financial irregularities as it's my duty."
He played the part of the humble, loyal servant perfectly.
Lady Yu Yan, watching from her doorway, stiffened.
The disciple's posture was arrogant, his hand resting casually on the hilt of his sword. He wasn't here to investigate; he was here to claim property. This house was no longer theirs.
Disciple Feng ignored Zhao. His gaze found Li Xian and his mother. He produced a rolled scroll, bound with a blue ribbon, and unsealed it with a flick of his wrist.
"By the authority of the River Gate Sect," he announced, his voice devoid of emotion, "this official audit warrant is served."
He read the terms aloud, each word a hammer blow.
"All assets associated with the western courtyard are to be frozen pending investigation. All warehouse ledgers from the past three months are to be seized for review. The household of Lady Yu Yan is to be placed under formal supervision."
It was house arrest, phrased as a courtesy.
"And Li Xian is to be detained for questioning regarding the disruption of river trade."
Li Xian kept a faint, almost playful smile on his face, a mask of unbothered confidence.
Internally, his mind screamed.
This was a net, cast with the full weight of the Sect's authority, designed to scoop them up and make them disappear.
Li Xian bowed, a perfect picture of filial respect. "The Sect's authority is absolute. Of course, we must comply."
He stepped forward. "To ensure our family records are complete, may I have a moment to transcribe a copy of this warrant into our clan ledgers? It is a sign of respect."
It was a perfectly reasonable request, an act of bureaucratic deference that Disciple Feng could not easily refuse without looking like a brute.
It bought time.
As the disciple reluctantly handed over the warrant, the Dao Matrix pulsed behind Li Xian's eyes.
The old paper, the heavy ink, the wax seal stamped with the Sect's authority—it was a Canon Anchor, humming with historical weight.
"Easy, Glutton," he thought, clamping down on the sudden, sharp craving. "That's not food."
As Li Xian slowly copied the document, a crowd of servants and minor elders began to gather, drawn by the sight of the Sect's blue robes. He had his audience.
He finished his work and handed the warrant back.
"Thank you, Disciple Feng. I have only one question, to ensure my testimony is accurate."
"To ensure my testimony is accurate, could you please provide the registry number for the specific dock incident that triggered the Sect's jurisdiction? I would hate to speak out of turn."
Disciple Feng's hand, reaching for the scroll, paused.
Steward Zhao's eyelid twitched.
Li Xian pressed his advantage. "And of course, we will need a family elder and a representative from the Yunhai Merchant Guild to witness the transfer of ledgers. Just to avoid any… misunderstandings."
He raised his voice slightly, ensuring the servants and minor elders huddled in the courtyard could hear every word.
"I only ask to protect the Sect's esteemed reputation from false reports that might waste your valuable time."
He raised his voice again, ensuring the entire courtyard could hear.
"In fact, to guarantee perfect transparency, I formally request the presence of a Li family elder and a clerk from the Yunhai Merchant Guild to witness the transfer of our ledgers."
He smiled at the crowd. "We have the utmost respect for the Sect. That is why we must record everything, so that no one can ever misquote the Sect's will or cast doubt upon its perfect judgment."
He had weaponized etiquette.
Disciple Feng was trapped.
To refuse witnesses now, after such a public declaration of loyalty, would make him look like he had something to hide. Like he was someone who's guilty.
But his authority depended on the righteousness that his sect proclaim. If he strayed too far, he'll be marked and hunted.
"Very well," the disciple said, his voice clipped.
Li Xian bowed again. "Excellent. While we wait, perhaps I can assist with the preliminary investigation."
He produced the charcoal rubbing and the wax impression he'd made in the warehouse.
This was the bomb that he prepared. Of course with the help of his abilities he acquire from the Dao Matrix.
He presented them not as accusations, but as confusing discoveries.
"Disciple Feng, I uncovered these last night. The timestamp for the missing barge is impossible. It was logged as departing during a river closure that, I believe, was enforced by a Sect patrol."
He held the evidence out. He did not accuse the disciple or the Sect. He framed himself as a loyal, confused citizen.
"It appears someone has been forging documents and borrowing the Sect's good name to launder stolen goods. I am sure you will want to investigate this properly, to protect your honor."
Disciple Feng's dismissive arrogance evaporated. It was replaced by a sharp, dangerous interest.
This boy was not a victim to be processed. He was a variable that could disrupt the entire operation.
The disciple could not detain Li Xian now.
Not in front of witnesses, and not after being handed evidence of a deeper conspiracy that implicated his own organization.
To take Li Xian away would look like a cover-up.
He took the evidence, his movements stiff. "The investigation has new variables at hand," he announced. "We will first control the situation. The detention is postponed."
He pointed a finger at Li Xian, his eyes cold. "You will provide all relevant ledgers to me by sunset. And you will present yourself for a formal inquiry at the Sect's local headquarters tomorrow at dawn."
Steward Zhao retreated into the crowd, his face burning with humiliation. His eyes met Li Xian's, and they burned with a promise of absolute consequence.
The immediate threat was gone, but the war had just begun.
Li Xian could feel Glutton stirring, pleased with the tension.
"Happy?" Li Xian thought, a grim smile touching his lips. "You brought a Sect dog right to my door."