Chapter 274: Beyond Reproach (Patreon)

~~~

When the day of his hearing arrives, Liu Jin waits in the Apothecary for his escort. Since Elder Xue will be accompanying him, there is really no need for the Eternal Flame Clan to provide any additional security. Nevertheless, certain formalities must be kept. Anything else would reflect poorly on the host.

Still, Liu Jin is surprised when Elder Chang arrives at their doorstep. There are two Core Disciples with him, but they are utterly superfluous next to the Elder. 

“I greet the Emperor of the Storm Dragon Empire,” Elder Chang says, his hands folded behind his back. “It heartens me to see you in good health.”

Liu Jin would be reassured by those words had they been said with even a hint of warmth. Alas, Elder Chang’s face is an impenetrable wall, and his Qi is as transparent as a slab of granite. 

“I am conflicted,” Liu Jin says. “I am pleased to see you, Elder Chang. But what does it say that the Warden of the Punishment House was chosen to escort me?”

Elder Chang stares at him. Unamused. 

“It says that my adherence to the law is known by all,” Elder Chang says. “It also says that, as I cannot be bought or bribed and lack power on par with Elder Xun, my time is not particularly respected by my colleagues.”

Liu Jin blinks.

“Oh,” he says, suddenly feeling awkward. He had just made Elder Chang admit he got stuck with the job because he was weaker than the other Elders. “I apologize.”

“Let’s just go,” Elder Chang says, turning on his heels. Elder Xue chuckles softly as she and Liu Jin follow after him.

For people like them, it would not even take seconds to arrive at the hearing. There is no need to use a carriage to travel across the Eternal Flame Clan, yet they do. 

“There is no need for you to feel awkward, Emperor Qing,” Elder Xue tells him once they are seated. The carriage begins moving at a sedate pace. “This man is simply impatient. He cannot wait to go to Pyre’s End.”

Liu Jin’s eyebrows rise in surprise. Pyre’s End is where the Renegades of the Eternal Flame Clan go to cultivate. 

“Is that true, Elder Chang?” He asks.

Elder Chang nods stiffly. “It is as I told you once before. The issues surrounding the succession made it unwise for me to enter seclusion. That matter is now settled. Once this hearing is over, all remaining obstacles will have been removed.”

“Congratulations, Elder Chang,” Liu Jin says. “I wish you success in your endeavor.”

“Wishes are unneeded, but they are appreciated,” Elder Chang says, lightly inclining his head toward Liu Jin.

“Yes, we are all quite happy for you. Why don’t you regale us with your plans for after your ascension?” Elder Xue asks.

Elder Chang gives Elder Xue a long look, which she meets with impenetrable smugness. Liu Jin is nearly certain there is something he is missing between them but decides he’d rather not know.

Sometimes, ignorance is the best policy.

“I,” Elder Chang says, glaring at Elder Xue, “intend to hunt down the traitor Xun Huwen. His release is a stain on the Punishment House and the Eternal Flame Clan. It must be rectified.”

“Xun Huwen has gone to the other side of the Dead Plains. He is either dead or dying.” Elder Xue points out.

“We both know the world is nowhere near that kind,” Elder Chang says, and Liu Jin starts to get the sense that this is not the first time they have had this conversation. “He cannot be allowed to roam free.”

“If that is what Elder Chang wishes…” Liu Jin speaks up, surprising both Elders. “It might not be much, but the Storm Dragon Empire is willing to offer its support.”

Elder Xue shakes her head. “Of course you would.”

Elder Chang ignores her. His eyes focused on Liu Jin.

“Then it seems we have much to talk about later.”

~~~

Once again, the Sparring Hall has been modified so that the whole of the Eternal Flame Clan might gather. Thousands are seated, and even more are forced to stand. The building and its surroundings teem with activity. Nearly all have come to watch, from the lowliest Outer Disciples to the esteemed Elders. 

The last time something like this happened was during the trial of Elder Cheung, who had performed abominable experiments on the disciples of the Medical Pavilion.

This time, it is Liu Jin’s actions that will be discussed. 

As his carriage approaches, the crowd surrounding the Sparring Hall parts to make way for him. The whispers and murmurs of the disciples almost sound like rain as they enter the building. Elder Chang goes to the high seats with the other Elders, while Liu Jin and Elder Xue stand in the center of the room. 

“It pleases me to welcome Emperor Qing Jin of the Storm Dragon Empire,” Lord Feng Gui says. As soon as he speaks, the entire hall quiets down. “I hope you have enjoyed your stay so far.”

Liu Jin looks at those assembled before him. Lord Feng Gui’s seat is placed perfectly in the middle, with an equal number of people to his right and left. Meanwhile, Lord Feng Shang has been seated to the far right.

“It has been most enjoyable, Lord Feng Gui. If anything, I should apologize,” Liu Jin says, looking at the large gathering, “I seem to have caused some controversy.”

“Nonsense, Emperor Qing Jin,” Lord Feng Gui replies. “Any opportunity to come together like this is a good one. The Eternal Flame Clan is built on the bonds between us all.”

Lord Feng Gui’s confidence is such that the nervous energy in the room has almost completely dissipated. He uses Liu Jin’s title openly and without suspicion, enforcing the image that there is nothing inappropriate happening here. Liu Jin is the Emperor of the Storm Dragon Empire, and that is okay.

“Now then,” Lord Feng Gui says, bringing his hands together, “Since we are all here, would you like to begin, your Majesty? The people here are eager to hear your story.”

“Naturally,” Liu Jin says, feeling every single eye and more than a few long-range spying devices focused on him. He takes a deep breath and allows his Qi to reach every corner of the room and beyond. “Lord Feng Gui, Elders, fellow disciples, I am grateful that you have gathered for me to speak.”

There is a balance he has to keep. Respectful, but not submissive. Though he has been preparing his words and practicing with Lu Mei, he cannot help but feel some nervousness.

“I was born a member of the Qing bloodline, though my father had no wish for the throne. He wished to live away from it all, and for a time, his wish was granted. He took the surname Liu and lived in Eastern Port City. That was where I spent the first years of my life,” Liu Jin says. He had already decided to keep his father’s identity vague. Let them assume his father was a royal bastard if they want. It matters not. “However, that relative peace was broken when General Murong Bang, an Emperor Realm cultivator, attacked my hometown. The attack was swift and brutal. We received no warning and were given no mercy.”

It is almost funny how the whole room seems to shiver, as if Murong Bang’s name had power from beyond the grave. Most of the people here have never even heard of him, yet there is no person alive who wants to contemplate the thought of an Emperor attacking their hometown. Few fates are more unfortunate.

“I survived. My father did not,” Liu Jin says. “I knew then that Murong Bang could not be allowed to live. However, I was young, powerless, and without allies.”

Liu Jin has a pretty good idea of what the rest of the room is assuming about him. Revenge is such a common motivation that it is easy for everyone to sympathize and fill in the blanks in his story with theirs. 

Liu Jin lets them.

“I sought the aid of the Eternal Flame Clan, as they have always been stalwart allies of the Storm Dragon Empire, and Lord Feng Gui freely gave it to me. The events that follow are known by all. Of the three Heavenly Generals, two were slain, including Murong Bang,” Liu Jin says. “Since there was no suitable successor to the crown, the responsibility fell to me. This may have caused concern among some of you, but I am here to reassure you that the Eternal Flame Clan and the Storm Dragon Empire are allies, and that will not change.” 

“Well spoken,” Elder Fa says before anyone else can speak. “In fact, too well spoken. Your Highness, the way you phrased it implies Lord Feng Gui knew of your identity beforehand. However, the truth is no one had any idea. You joined the Eternal Flame Clan under false pretenses and have been sowing chaos ever since.”

It is not surprising that Elder Fa chooses to speak against him. At this juncture, it is all he can do. They all knew it would come to do this. 

Nevertheless, they have to handle the situation carefully. 

“Joined under false pretenses, you say?” Elder Xue echoes, a single delicate finger on her cheek. Her dark eyes glimmer with amusement. “How can one join under false pretenses? We do not require the disciples to give us their life stories. That would be dreadfully boring. It is up to each Elder to evaluate the disciples taking the exam and discern their aptitude. Perhaps the Head of External Relations is lamenting his lack of skill?”

Elder Xue’s words cause some disciples to chuckle at Elder Fa’s expense. However, the Elder refuses to react.

“One cannot help but notice where you are standing, Elder Xue,” Elder Fa says. “I suppose it should not be surprising, considering you have benefited most from his actions.”

“Oh? Since you are so keen on bringing up Emperor Qing’s actions as a disciple of the Eternal Flame Clan, let’s review them for the benefit of all who have gathered here, shall we?”

Elder Xue snaps her fingers, and butterflies of flame appear, fluttering above them. The disciples gasp in awe as the dozens of butterflies assemble into a shape that roughly resembles Liu Jin fighting against Spirit Beasts.

“Emperor Qing took the entrance exam and passed with an exceedingly impressive performance,” Elder Xue says. “Immediately after, he challenged other disciples for points and gained the rank of Inner Disciple. He joined the Apothecary and quickly distinguished himself enough to be chosen to accompany Young Master Feng Zhi on a diplomatic mission to Night Forest Nation.”

The flames change to depict Liu Jin and Feng Zhi standing side by side. How things change. Back then, it had been a punishment for getting into a fight. In Feng Zhi’s case, it was a consolation prize for not being chosen to represent the Eternal Flame Clan in the Crimson Cloud Tournament. Now, Elder Xue presents it as some great honor, and as far as the lower disciples are concerned, it is.

“When he returned, he discovered Elder Cheung’s great treachery. The madman was experimenting on his own disciples, and it was Emperor Qing who brought those deeds to light.”

The flames show Liu Jin coming to Elder Xue with the information, then Elder Xue and Liu Jin entering the Medical Pavilion and falling upon Elder Cheung.

“In the aftermath, I took charge of the Medical Pavilion, but it was Emperor Qing who handled the daily affairs, and he did so beyond all reproach.”

Except for the part where they denied supplies to those participating in the Crimson Cloud Tournament.

“Emperor Qing distinguished himself once more during the expedition to the Dead Plains. It is due to his quick thinking and leadership that many of our disciples returned alive, including Young Master Feng Hao. Emperor Qing saved his life from the traitors in our ranks. I am sure that if we allowed the disciples around us to come forward, many would be willing to speak in Emperor Qing Jin’s favor.”

Her words work as a signal for the crowd. At once, a chorus of voices speaks in Liu Jin’s favor.

“That’s right! Brother Jin has always helped us!”

“He has never been less than excellent.”

“He has been exemplary since the day he joined.”

“He’s an annoying guy, but he’s someone you can absolutely rely on.”

Some of the voices speaking in his favor, like Huang Shing’s, Lu Mei’s, Fan Bingbing’s, and Bei Hong’s, are expected. However, they are also joined by people like Senior Brother Khong Hu and Senior Brother Guo Xuesheng, the disciples who were in the Dead Plains with him, many from the Apothecary, and several others. The entire building vibrates with praises for Liu Jin, who is trying his best not to blush.

This is all a little too much.

“As you see,” Elder Xue says, silencing the entire building with a wave of her hand. “The person you seek to accuse is beyond reproach. Why would you try to cast doubt on him? Perhaps you feel foolish that you could not recognize his caliber from the start?”

“You have certainly proved his popularity,” Elder Fa says. The smile on his face is painfully fake, barely capable of disguising the anger that threatens to break through. “However, you and the Emperor have failed to mention his connection to the Divine Frozen Palace even once so far. I wonder why that is?”

“I mentioned nothing because there is nothing to mention, Elder Fa,” Liu Jin replies. “When I was young, I was betrothed to the daughter of the local Sect Master. It just so happened that she was scouted by the Divine Frozen Palace. That is all there is to it.”

“All there is to it?” Elder Fa shouts at him. “You were aided by the disciple of one of the Five Faeries due to that connection!” 

“Is that surprising?” Liu Jin asks him. “Lady Bai took it upon herself to save as many lives as she could in the Storm Dragon Empire. I happened to be one of them. Shall I bring in every peasant she saved so that Elder Fa may interrogate them for their connections to the Divine Frozen Palace?”

“You arrogant-”

“Isn’t this enough, Elder Fa?” Elder Ju asks, yawning and lazily leaning back into his seat. “A marriage was arranged for him as a child. We all know how such things go. Why are you trying to read so much into it?”

Many people in the audience nod along with Elder Ju’s words. They have either been part of an arranged marriage or know someone who is. Since they are hearing Elder Ju saying it, it becomes easy for them to normalize Liu Jin’s situation. That was the goal from the start, not to prove Elder Fa wrong, but to make the entire Eternal Flame Clan believe that they are right.

“One has to wonder why you are trying so hard to paint Emperor Qing in a negative light,” Elder Xue muses. “Isn’t it hypocritical when it was one of your disciples who proved himself a traitor?” 

Elder Xue’s flames shift to show Yuan Tao’s face to everyone. Unlike the earlier images, every detail is perfectly defined. 

“The expedition to the Storm Dragon Empire was a complete success, but not all wished for that outcome,” Elder Xue says. “Those on the other side of the Dead Plains tried to sabotage us, and this disciple, Yuan Tao, was secretly working for them.”

Elder Xue pauses and looks at Elder Fa right in the eyes.

“Yuan Tao was added to the expedition exclusively at your insistence.”

A ripple of nervousness spreads across the crowd. Even Liu Jin is not immune to this. He had not expected Elder Xue to bring up the Death Fashioning Scripture. More importantly, if she has done it, it means Lord Feng Gui already agreed to it beforehand.

“I am not sure I like what you are implying, Elder Xue,” Elder Fa says. He has not raised his Qi, yet some of the weaker disciples in the crowd suddenly feel light-headed.

“Implying?” Elder Chang echoes. “Elder Xue could not have been clearer. You’re either treacherous or incompetent. Decide.”

“You dare!”

This time, Elder Fa’s Qi does flare up, and all of it is focused on the weaker Elder. Elder Chang bears the sudden onslaught without faltering, but the same cannot be said for many of the disciples around them. The weaker ones start fainting one after another.

“That’s too much,” Elder Dang says, elevating his Qi to counter Elder Fa’s influence. “You will hurt our disciples if you keep doing that.”

Elder Fa glares at him. “Even you will stand with them?”

“That’s quite an interesting way of phrasing it.” 

Lord Feng Gui speaks, and the Elders immediately silence themselves. There is not a trace of their Qi left in the air.

“Elder Fa, you speak in a way that implies there are sides to stand with,” Lord Feng says with a warm, understanding smile. “That could not be further from the truth. We are all members of the Eternal Flame Clan. We are all family, and you, my brethren, were asked a question. Incompetent or treacherous? Which one are you?”

The silence is deafening. Elder Fa’s eyes burn with suppressed rage, yet he cannot possibly stand up to Lord Feng Gui. He tries to seek Lord Feng Shang’s eyes, but there is nothing for him here. The seconds pass. The pressure mounts.

Something has to give.

“...incompetent,” Elder Fa whispers.

“What was that?” Lord Feng Gui asks him, leaning closer. “I don’t think I quite heard you.”

“I said I was incompetent!” Elder Fa shouts, his face red and his chest heaving. Three more seconds pass before he adds, “My lord.”

“I see,” Lord Feng Gui says. “That would explain quite a bit of it. Does everyone agree?”

“No, my lord,” Elder Chang says. “I don’t think I agree. I don’t think Elder Fa is merely incompetent. I think he is incompetent and treacherous.”

Liu Jin’s eyes widen. Elder Chang would have never made that accusation in public without Lord Feng Gui’s permission. Liu Jin’s eyes sweep over the assembled Elders. None other than Elder Fa looks surprised. They had all agreed to this. Patriarch Feng Zhang’s policy had been to allow Elder Fa to exist as a traitor as it is easier to deal with one visible traitor than to invite the Death Fashioning Scripture to grow subtle.

Lord Feng Gui seems to want to do things differently.

“That’s quite a serious accusation,” Lord Feng Gui says. “Can you prove it?”

“I would not have made the accusation if I couldn’t,” Elder Chang says. “In fact, it is due to the subject at hand that I deem it prudent to speak of this. Elder Fa tried to cast doubt on Emperor Qing’s actions, but that’s simply because the Emperor has been hindering him from the start. When Elder Cheung’s wickedness was uncovered, we assumed he acted independently, but the truth was otherwise.”

“Oh?” Elder Ju leans forward, suddenly interested. “Care to elaborate?”

“Elder Xue approached me with her suspicions after Elder Cheung’s trial,” Elder Chang says. “She believed it was unlikely that Elder Cheung could have gone unnoticed for as long as he did had he been acting on his own. We confirmed this after interrogating Elder Cheung. However, there is no need for you to take my word for it. You can hear it from Elder Cheung.”

Elder Chang makes a fist, and black chains of Qi appear in the center of the room. Energy cracks the air and breaks through dimensions as the bound form of Elder Cheung is transported from his cell. 

Such is the power bestowed to the Warden of the Punishment House.

Elder Cheung is bound from head to toe. Talismans of all types hang from his body, limiting him in various ways. If he stands, it is simply because the black chains pull his body in all directions. Looking at his wretched state, it is hard to believe this person was ever an Elder of the Eternal Flame Clan.

Elder Chang opens his fist, and the restraints around Elder Cheung’s face come loose, allowing him to speak.

“It was Elder Fa!” The old Elder yells. “Elder Fa approached me with the idea of using disciples as test subjects! Once the transformation was complete, all I had to do was send a few of them over to the Division of External Relations! He helped disguise the disappearances by falsifying their transfer to other branches! Please, you have to belie-”

“That is more than enough,” Elder Chang says, silencing Elder Cheung with a wave. The black chains tighten around him and drag him back into the ground. 

Only the echoes of his screams are left as he’s taken back to the Punishment House.

“What am I meant to say to this?” Elder Fa says. To his credit, the Elder does not look worried. “You had Elder Cheung in chains for more than a year. He could have come out claiming he is the Wandering Wind if you wished him to.”

“You require more proof?” Elder Xue asks with a smile that is sharper than any blade. “Shall we talk about the actions of the Internal Force, then?”

“That was not my doing,” Elder Fa replies immediately.

“No, but it was you who suggested it to me,” Elder Dang says. “At the time, I thought it prudent. Rule-breaking in the Eternal Flame Clan had increased. A way to keep order among disciples was necessary.”

“However, that was not all your Internal Force did, was it?” Elder Xue asks. “When a disciple joins, they are given a bracelet that allows us to keep track of their points as well as any rule-breaking on their part as long as they are inside the barrier that surrounds the Eternal Flame Clan. However, as soon as the Internal Force came into action, cases where the bracelets failed to act increased.”

Elder Dang sighs deeply.

“Like I said, Elder Fa came to me with the idea. He offered me a way to temporarily disable the bracelets, and I distributed it among the members of the Internal Force.”

“Quite dangerous. However, we can all understand why you thought you were acting prudently. Sometimes, those tasked with enforcing the law need the freedom to act,” Elder Xue says, smoothing over Elder Dang’s wrongdoing, likely the price for his testimony. “Unfortunately, you failed to understand the magnitude of what Elder Fa was doing. You were not just temporarily disabling the bracelets. You were temporarily disabling the barrier’s ability to recognize those inside it. The more you used it, the easier it became to disguise things such as, for example, an intruder entering the Eternal Flame Clan.”

“Enough!” Elder Fa’s power up. His eyes and flames burn gold as he brings his arm forward in a display of pure fulminating fury that-

Never materializes.

“I believe I should be the one saying that,” Lord Feng Gui says, his hand on Elder Fa’s shoulder. “Elder Fa, we gave you the opportunity to willingly confess your treachery. You are the one that forced us to shame you. Now, you seek to fight us? Don’t make me laugh at you. I hate having to laugh at my elders.”

Elder Fa tries to stand, but Lord Feng Gui holds him with more than mere strength.

“You can try to fight, lose pathetically, and die,” Lord Feng Gui says. “Or, you can confess and be sentenced to the Punishment House. Who knows? Perhaps I’ll reevaluate your sentence in a thousand years. Does that not sound better than death?”

“I… I wish to confess.”

Lord Feng Gui smiles.

“I knew you would.”

~~~

Mini-Character List

Liu Jin: Our Protagonist. Technically did not lie.

Elder Chang: An Elder and Warden of the Punishment House. Plans to become an Emperor.

Elder Xue: Elder in charge of the Apothecary. “Your chosen protégé has yet to take over a country? Well, not everyone develops at the same pace.”

Lord Feng Gui: Youngest son of Patriarch Feng. Next in line to be Patriarch. Wants you to know they’re all a happy family. That is a filthy lie. 

Elder Fa: Elder in charge of External Relations. Traitor. Caught.

Elder Ju: Elder in charge of the Division of Exploration. Amused.

Elder Dang: Elder in charge of Internal Dispute. Would have sold out Elder Fa for free.