The Banquet

Tobias was having an awful day. Even the time someone threw a tray of food at him was better. At least then, it was only one incident; with the conflict only weeks earlier, and the dim lights in the hall, it was completely understandable that he’d been mistaken for a demon. An Nabi had apologized profusely and even gave him a nice gift. But this time, he couldn’t blame the lighting or the atmosphere. No, the only answer was that the gods were bored and wanted to see an innocent person lose his mind.

It had started at the healing wing, when Master Hyeok had limped in and collapsed on a bed. Between managing the bleeding and fighting off his annoying dog, he failed to realize the patients were quietly sneaking out. By the time he looked up, there was blood everywhere and not a soul to be seen.

The temporary healing master had some choice words on the matter. Tobias didn’t even know who he was, but he had strutted in like he owned the place rather than having a two-week position. It ended with Tobias confined to the healing wing and sorting herbs while everyone else had fun.

Tobias made a certain gesture the moment the door locked, and looked quickly to make sure Master Hyeok hadn’t seen. The man was still peacefully unconscious, courtesy of a natural sedative. It wasn’t that he couldn’t handle the pain, but that Tobias couldn’t. Seeing someone squirm around as he jabbed a needle in them was just too much to bear.

He was rinsing off his hands when something tugged on his pants. He stared at his reflection in the bloodied washbasin, resisting the urge to sigh. But what was he supposed to do, not sigh? He was being forced to miss the party of the century. They were even bringing alcohol onto the premises; the best from all eight nations, and he’d heard they'd even brought some from the Dawn Winery. It was an excellent time to socialize, especially with the alcohol blurring everyone's vision. Tobias could probably make any number of connections before they noticed something was off. But instead he was stuck here, with an unconscious man and a dog that didn't understand beauty standards.

The washbasin had to be cleaned, and new water brought in from the nearby courtyard. He balanced the basin against him, wiping the blood that had spattered around him with his other hand. The tug came again, much sharper this time.

“Don’t tear my pants, you annoying dog.”

“Hide me before Wu Jing comes.”

Tobias was not expecting a human voice. As well as that, a cold hand was suddenly gripping his leg. His nerves could no longer take it. He screamed and lost grip on the basin, allowing it to fall to the floor with a massive splash.

He spun around quickly, only to see a little girl, her expression far too judgemental for a child. Her hair was in two pigtails, and she clutched a round, rabbit-like stuffy in her arms.

He frowned and asked, “What are you doing wandering around like that? You know you aren’t supposed to be here.”

“I’ll say if you unlock the cabinet.”

“Are kids supposed to be this demanding? You made me spill that on the floor, and now you’re asking for a favour?”

Klee gave him an innocent look.

“You think that’s going to work on me? Try it on anyone else, little girl.”

“Please? I’ll help you clean it later. I don’t have anywhere else to hide, and they want to do tests on me. A crazy lady ran up and stole my blood.”

“Ugh...”

With Nan Seok’s revelation about the ‘ghost-reviving blood’ or talismans or whatever, there was no way they would burn the corpse right away. It would probably come back as some vengeful ghost or demon, and Tobias would be first on the kill list for upsetting the pig-tailed brat.

“Fine, get in already.”

They had to seal the cabinet in case a loopy patient got into the drugs or bandages. This one had been used to hold things like saws or scalpels, but Mr. Perfect had had them shifted over once Klee started showing up at the infirmary.

“Haven’t you been found here a dozen times already? There’s no point in hide and seek if you use the same spot every time.”

Steps echoed in the hallway, and Klee tried frantically to yank the door shut.

“Hurry up and close it!” she hissed, punching his hand angrily.

Even if Tobias closed the door, the interloper would see him hovering suspiciously in front of a cabinet. He had resigned himself to another round of ‘discipline’, but when he turned around, there was no angry master to be seen. Instead, there was a tall man with broad shoulders and an easy smile.

“There’s been a spill,” said Wu Jing, casting a glance at the floor.

What was with people and stating the obvious? With great effort, Tobias refrained from rolling his eyes. “I had to hide this troublemaker before cleaning up.”

Wu Jing gave the cabinet a friendly smile. “You can come out of there now.”

Klee scowled, avoiding eye contact as she darted out and skirted around Wu Jing. Instead of saying anything, she picked up the dog and hugged it to her chest. It squirmed restlessly as she sat down on the foot of Seol Hyeok’s bed.

“She was running around all night. It’s a good thing I found her when I did… she’d made bombs from gods know what, and was about to break into the armoury.”

Tobias felt chills run down his spine. The bombs made of scraps could already wreak havoc, so the thought of her getting hands on the actual weapons… he could only wonder what her ‘big brother’ had been thinking, letting the explosives freely rattle around in her bag. It was a blessing from the heavens above that the city hadn’t turned to rubble.

“Someone ought to be in charge of her.”

Wu Jing smiled helplessly. “She’s trouble, and she’s slippery. I think the responsibility has been handed off a half dozen times by now.” He had a suddenly speculative expression. “Of course, I do have duties…"

Tobias resisted the urge to scream again. “I have a lot on my plate… and the infirmary is no place for children, especially with Master Hyeok recovering…”

“I have no complaints on the matter.”

Of course this was the moment he regained consciousness. The gods were rolling around in laughter! Tobias gave him a dirty look, but even without the blindfold, he had already turned away from them. He spoke to Klee quietly, handing her a piece of dried meat for the dog.

“If she stays here, there’s no way I can keep track of her… I’m a day behind in work, and this infirmary has all kinds of dangerous things! Besides, even if Master Hyeok takes care of her…”

Seol Hyeok frowned. “The senses of a former master are not so dull that a child could outwit them.”

That absolutely wasn’t the point! Tobias was on the verge of bursting into nervous tears. His objections were valid, and he was already on the edge from the pitiful mess his life had become. This was the last straw… he would really lose his mind, and Ximseong would have another ‘killing spree’ incident… but who was he kidding, the only victim of a weakling like him could be that annoying dog… or the dog might take him out, and claim his bones as a chew toy… haha, Tobias the chew toy… Tobias the chew toy…

Immortal winds of Mondstadt, saviour god of Eunmyeong…

Seeing sun of Natlan, tianquan of Liyue

Tsaritsa of Snezhnaya, little god of wisdom

Hydro dragon’s justice, shogun’s sleeping god…

Rule our nations, rule our nations, rule our nations so fair ~

Rule our nations, rule our nations, keep the demons… at… bear…!

“I think you got some words wrong, Tobias.”

“Haha… haha… ha ha ha…”

“I’ll find someone else to take care of her, so don’t worry about it. It seems like you’ve got a lot on your plate.”

With the quickness of Tobias’s recovery, someone might suspect he’d faked the whole thing. However, his expression was one of great suffering and despair. One would be hard-pressed to fake it, nevermind the tremor in his voice.

“…How long… was I out?”

“You weren’t. You were just staring at nothing while singing that song.” Wu Jing smiled sympathetically. “You’re too kind-hearted. You should get a night of fun, instead of working yourself to the bone like this.”

No matter how nice Wu Jing was, he couldn’t escape the old saying; ‘the bigger the muscles, the bigger the idiot.’  This was just like the time he’d scammed half of the vendors in Ximseong. ‘How nice of them’, he’d say, holding another free sample. ‘The vendors are so nice here.’

Anyone but Wu Jing would see it in seconds. The hulking build, the hand thoughtlessly placed at a sword’s hilt… no one in their right mind would ask for payment! The vendors weren’t being nice, they were being robbed! For all Tobias knew, he was still at it. And now, he was assuming Tobias wanted to work.

Stupid disciples… stupid sect… stupid… stupid… ha ha ha….

Perhaps his thoughts showed on his face, because Wu Jing remedied his words. “I know Daiyu can be demanding, but surely she doesn’t expect this much of you. I doubt she knows enough about healing to scold you anyways.”

Tobias’s position was tenuous enough. Who’d heard of an archer with a healer as a disciple? But if the second-in-command could flip out, surely anything was possible. Tobias just wished Liu Daiyu wasn’t the one who took him on.

“You know you shouldn’t call her that… and I can’t say anything bad about her, after she did me this favour. She was too generous, especially with her reputation… and my reputation… and the reputation of the sect…”

“I understand. Disciples shouldn’t badmouth their masters, even if they’re the same age.” Wu Jing smiled obliviously. “You’re a really strong person. Most people would be humiliated, having someone from their own generation be their master. And for her to be a girl, too… you’re a real forwards thinker to give her all this respect. Most people would find your duties humiliating, so it’s impressive that you do them with a smile on your face.”

Tobias couldn’t hold it against him… he couldn’t get angry, he couldn’t wrap his hands around that thick neck… it wouldn’t be polite, it would get him expelled, and most of all… with one move from Wu Jing, he would just be a splat on the floor…

“Did I offend you? Sorry, I didn’t mean to… you know I hate seeing my buddies down.” He gave Tobias a hearty pat on the back, causing a faint crack somewhere in his body. “You shouldn’t be stuck here all alone with that gloomy look on your face. All the nations are celebrating! The conflict’s over, the traitor's been dealt with, and all that’s left is a night of fun. You deserve it for all your efforts.”

“You know I can’t… Liu Daiyu would have me executed…”

“You attach a lot of importance to her words. I find it hard to believe that a master could hold one night against you, but considering Daiyu’s temperament…” He gave Tobias another pat of consolation. “About why I’m here… she sent me with another task.”

Tobias could feel the ‘ha ha’s' coming on. He steeled himself, smiling bleakly as Wu Jing pulled a vial from his sleeve.

“Kaeya-ssi wasn’t looking so good at the trial. She wants you to take a look at his circulation, as well as treat him with the qi extract. You’re meant to keep using it while he’s at the sect.”

Tobias frowned, taking the vial and turning it in the light. “Is it safe to use this?”

“It would be a waste to throw it out, no matter who made it. They checked it over thoroughly. It should be fine, as long as the transfer isn’t too sudden.”

Tobias should have asked Wu Jing to hold onto it. The longer he thought about the situation, the sweatier his hands became. “I guess his wounds should be properly treated. I only managed to bandage them at the trial.”

“Just don’t overdo it.”

“When have I been known to overdo things?” Tobias sighed out loud. "You should get Klee settled before the banquet. Amira's grandmother is coming, and she’s always taking in strays. I’m sure they'd be glad to meet again.”

Wu Jing smiled brightly. “You think of the smartest things. She’ll take full advantage of the situation… whenever Guiying comes back, she’s in for a surprise.”

Tobias laughed shortly. Despite her eclectic tastes, everyone in Ximseong knew of the infamous ‘grandma magnet’. Not a day went by that phrases like ‘such a charming girl…’ or ‘she really should get married…’ or ‘she would be perfect for my ‘so-and-so…’ floated through the streets. Not even the ‘darling of the heavens’ was good enough for her – as the rumours spread of their relationships, so too did the grannies’ complaints.

If she came back, she should do so quickly. They would have her engaged and married before she stepped foot in the city.

“Keep in touch, alright? Don’t let ‘Master Daiyu get you down.”

Thankfully, Wu Jing didn’t pat his back again, instead smiling sympathetically. “Let’s get a drink sometime, while the ban is still off. You can complain all you want out of earshot.”

Tobias might have survived in a village, or perhaps in some lightless cave. But in the world of cultivation, ‘peerless beauty’ was practically an entry-level requirement. Of course, the kind of beauty could range from ‘Amira’ to ‘Tani Haru’. Amira was soft and gentle, with the press of her lips so sweet she could melt a frozen lake. Tani Haru was colder, and cut from something strong and unbendable. His smiles were rare, so to receive one would make one’s heart flutter.

Even that loathsome Liu Daiyu had a good appearance. Given her foul temper, her status and features were the only thing saving her from a scolding. Not to mention the servants. Even as kimchi and boiling tea slid down Tobias’s skin, people were crowding around An Nabi. He couldn’t blame them; it hurt the heart to see such an expression on her face. She was like the innocent heroine of a light novel, impossible to ignore in her distress.

The buildings of Ximseong were old and proud; stepping inside, one would be transported to another world. Each tile carved by hand, each wall painted with the smallest of strokes. Such beauty was privy to nobles and royals, or perhaps even the heavens themselves; with the unearthly beauties floating around, one might truly believe they’d ascended.

Of course, that made it all the more jarring to look over and see an ugly toad like Tobias. A toad had no business being around birds, and their exceptional beauty made it exceptionally plain in contrast. Forget ugly; you might as well forget Tobias had a face. Talking to him like a person was out of question. So with all that in mind, Tobias was truly grateful that Wu Jing was an exception. Even if he was painfully oblivious.

Tobias left the infirmary in too much of a hurry to fix the lights, although he doubted Seol Hyeok would mind. It almost seemed like he put them out on purpose, just sitting in darkness with that little rat of dog. Tobias only had to deliver the vial, and it would all work out. If only for one night, he wouldn’t have to worry about masters fainting or little girls blowing up buildings.

‘If anyone’s listening, please… just give me a break…’

Tobias seemed like he was about to have a nervous breakdown. Wu Jing had known him for a while, but he had always been cheerful, if a bit chatty. He had changed a lot in the past year. Hopefully Wu Jing could calm him down, if only by stopping Klee from causing more explosions.

She stopped in the middle of the hallway, her hands balled in tiny fists. Wu Jing stopped to look down at her.

“I don’t want to stay here."

“Alright.”

She narrowed her eyes. She had been asking to leave for a week, so it was suspicious that he agreed so quickly. He was still smiling, so she decided to test her luck.

“I want fish for dinner.”

“Alright.”

“I want shaved ice for dessert. The really sweet kind, with honey and lemon squeezed on top."

“Alright.”

This was the third time he’d said ‘alright’ in a row. Wu Jing’s expression and tone were bland beyond words. It seemed his head was empty of thoughts, or he had never had them all. Klee decided to push a bit further.

“I want my bombs back.”

Wu Jing continued to smile. “I already told the guards not to let you in. You can see him later, once you aren’t trying to blow up half the sect.”

Stupid adults! Guiying had told her not to trust them. She faked a smile, making it so wide her mouth hurt. “Haha. Klee was making a joke. Don’t listen to Klee.”

“Alright,” said Wu Jing pleasantly. “I know Master Azzi’s grandmother likes to take people in. You went to her restaurant with Guiying, didn’t you? I’m sure you’ll love it there.”

He started walking, expecting her to follow along. Klee stuck her tongue out and ran the other way.

Wu Jing had nearly reached his destination when he noticed something alarming. He had passed Liu Daiyu a few hallways down. But in front of him, there was another Liu Daiyu. They looked the same, with similar hairstyles and outfits. But while the other was frowning, this one smiled playfully.

For anyone watching, Wu Jing seemed deep in thought. Surely this second Liu Daiyu was out of character. If anyone could bear to be around her, they would have seen the differences at once. Liu Daiyu, smiling? The first to say that would be driven out for lying.

The clear move was to report her at once. If it wasn’t some shapeshifting demon, Wu Jing needed his head checked at the infirmary.

Wu Jing must think his head was just fine. With a big smile on his face, he walked up to the strange Liu Daiyu.

She nearly jumped as he tapped her shoulder. She was walking at a fast pace, but Wu Jing had appeared behind her like a ghost. Her expression went from smiling to scowling before settling on indifference.

“You’re in a good mood, Daiyu. I don’t remember the last time I saw you smile. You’ve been so busy nowadays, I don’t blame you. I hope I could help you at least a little bit.” He gestured in the direction of Guiying’s room. “I gave it to Tobias, so Master Kaeya should be feeling better in no time.”

“It…?”

“You know, the qi extract. It has white flowers in the inside, and the sect’s symbol on the glass. I had to twist Master Sucrose’s arm to get her to agree! Don’t tell me you forgot about it already.”

Liu Daiyu laughed shortly. “Of course I didn’t. I’m just surprised you would give it to a healer of all things.”

“Well.. he wasn’t always a healer. I’m sure he can defend himself, if he has to.”

“You aren’t in the position to request something like that. Someone must have sent you, although I can’t see what fool would hand it out so freely.”

Wu Jing gave her a puzzled look. “That fool was you. You said Master Kaeya was an honoured guest, and that he might qi deviate otherwise. Are you feeling well? You’re not acting like yourself.”

Liu Daiyu scowled, and he laughed in relief. “You look more like yourself when you’re frowning. Don’t work so much, alright? I think it’s starting to affect your memory.”

Wu Jing looked at the hallway behind him and sighed out loud. “I thought Klee might want to talk to you, but it looks like she’s gone missing. I’ll have to see you later.”

He had taken several long strides before Liu Daiyu spoke again.

“The qi extract.”

Wu Jing smiled, taking the vague statement for all it was worth. “Tobias should be at Guiying’s room by now. But if you’re looking for Master Kaeya, you should go to the laboratory. You'd better go quickly. He won't be there long."

The infirmary was pitch dark. Everyone had left in a hurry, even those with critical injuries eager for a night of festivity. Mo Minji opened the door further to allow light to fall in and illuminate the space.

“Is someone there?”

Mo Minji bowed deeply. “Seol Hyeok-nim.”

“Please come in.”

“…Is there a light, by any chance?”

There was an embarrassed cough, and in the next moment, a brazier lit up with fire. A small dog uncurled itself from a pad of blankets and stared boldly at her. He began to bristle as she approached, a growl emitting from his tiny throat.

“Be good, Woong.” Seol Hyeok ran a cloth over his sword, listening to the slight sheen before sliding it into its scabbard. “Mo Minji, if I'm not mistaken. You must be here to prepare me for the banquet."

Hearing it was one thing, but Mo Minji couldn’t be so presumptuous in front of him. She nodded, scrambling for something to say. “I’m a huge fan of yours.”

Since Mo Minji was a little girl, she’d heard stories of people so strong they fought demons for a living. Even without a sponsor, the Seol Clan was on par with any of the others. Famed for strength and upright character, the long lineage culminated in Seol Hyeok. He’d formed his spiritual core at nineteen, and risen to the top soon afterwards. Even when he left his sect, he was said to fight just as well as an allogene. It was shocking to think he would turn away a vision so easily, declining both the Council and Binding God as if they were nothing.

He smiled politely. “There is no need for flattery. I’m sure they’d like to avoid another ‘parasite incident’. It’s hardly the rarest thing to happen, but I suppose it must look worse for me. I’m afraid the concern has been misplaced either way, as I will not be attending the banquet tonight.”

For someone who had lost his sight, Seol Hyeok took care of himself as well as anyone else. But among masters who came from nobles and scholars, there was a higher standard to every way of living. Even with one hair out of place, rumours would start behind Seol Hyeok’s back. Mo Minji had been inspired by Seol Hyeok to start working at the sect. She’d wanted to learn more about the world, and support the brave people who protected commoners like her. She wanted to spend time with him. And above all else, she couldn’t stand to have people look down on her idol.

“Master Hyeok, I have been assigned to prepare you for the banquet. If only to avoid troubling the masters, this servant humbly requests the privilege of doing so.”

He nodded, accepting her excuse. “It will be nice to speak with someone. I’ll ask you to avoid any scented products.”

He found a chair in front of a mirror, sweeping his hand over the seat before sitting with his hands neatly in his lap. He made no protest as she began to take down his hair.

The cloth could be mistaken as a manggeon, a hairpiece that held together topknots like his own. But instead of holding together a hairstyle, it was tied over his eyes, woven from soft cotton rather than horsehair. Most would try to conceal their blindness and get by anyways. Wearing a blindfold must mean there were scars, or there was no vision at all.

Something brushed against Mo Minji’s leg. She looked down and saw the dog from before. His eyes were bright, and his fur shone a soft white. He snuffled at her robes, a growl beginning in his throat before Seol Hyeok handed her a piece of dried meat. She held it out and he snatched it from her hand, trotting briskly to sit by Seol Hyeok’s feet.

Mo Minji had been doing more thinking than working. It would be difficult to find anyone better than her at the job, but her reserved demeanour often discouraged clients, who expected to be entertained at the same time that she prepared them. She felt that talking was a waste of time, when it could be spent in hard work instead. However, for once, she actually wanted to talk. There were some things she had long wished to speak about, and Seol Hyeok was the best person with whom to do so.

“Master Hyeok… once this night is over, most of the masters will leave.”

“They have no reason to stay. They call Ximseong the centre of the cultivation world, but in truth, there are very few masters permanently stationed here. Of all the sects… perhaps this one, as well as a few minor clans stay year-long."

“I have heard rumors that you will not accept the position here.”

“You are a very direct woman.”

“…”

Was there a way to be less? Mo Minji had been putting her utmost effort, but apparently that wasn’t enough.

Seol Hyeok laughed softly before answering her question.

“When so much is spent on pleasantries, the knowledge itself is diluted. It may be good to speak plainly from time to time. Only some were invited, but I’m sure there were ways to listen in to the trial. Please tell me your thoughts on the matter.”

First he encouraged directness, and now he dodged her question like it might bite him. Mo Minji sighed inwardly.

“Everyone in the city is talking about it. With so many rumours, it’s better not to have an opinion at all. But most agree that Master Kaeya was… unwell. When they went after him like that, he can’t really be blamed. And the trial itself wasn’t even about him. It’s clear that the king –”

Mo Minji decided to shut up before she was hauled away to prison.

Seol Hyeok noted her abrupt silence. “I suppose you’ve heard of the edict.”

Who hadn’t? After years of silence on the matter, the king had up and rewritten the law. Forget being shamed for taking another man to bed. After the year of grace, any rulebreakers would just be executed on the spot.

“As a humble disciple, I have no thoughts on politics or the royal family. However… it makes sense from a tactical view. The nation is in turmoil. To have that traitor brought to justice, and to make a new ‘crime’ at the same time… those on that path could hardly come forward in protest. It’s a junction of intent and opportunity, and the way it so easily came together…”

While this was interesting enough, it had nothing to do with Mo Minji’s questions. It was impossible to stop a man from talking about politics, and she had resigned herself to an hour-long lecture when he cleared his throat.

“Putting the king aside, I thought Nan Seok might be more relevant to the subject. He was rather outspoken at the trial.”

Mo Minji was unsure of what to say. An expression of pity lingered on her face, but Seol Hyeok was oblivious to anything unsaid. The times when he and Nan Seok could be found in one room were far in the past. A letter left in the sun would fade until its words would not be seen at all. In the same way did their memories fade, as well as the bonds of the fate which held them together. The letter could not be restored, and never again would Nan Seok call him ‘seonsaeng-nim’.

“I suppose you won’t want to speak ill of him. He may be returning to his position, after all… and even a former teacher must show restraint in his criticisms. But even the kindest person would admit he crossed a line. The Demon Conqueror’s sole disciple, turning a trial into a market.”

“Seol Hyeok-nim, with no disrespect… it was well within his rights. If they are the one to take it down, they can sell the demon’s horns or the kumiho’s pelt. Even if ‘he’ wasn’t corrupted, he still wasn’t human. The Council agrees that he can do what he wants with the documents.”

“That research should not fall into any hands, no matter how well they pay.” Seol Hyeok sighed faintly. “I doubt he warned the sect of his plans. While the Council has refrained from a formal reprimand, he has given a bad name to Eunmyeong in the minds of all nations.”

“Is that why you’ve turned down the position? Because the sect has a bad reputation?”

The public sentiment had not gone downhill – it had jumped right off a cliff. With everything hinging on possibilities, no one could be faulted for fleeing a burning house.

Seol Hyeok smiled lightly. “I would hope that those who follow the gods would not be so easily swayed.”

Mo Minji said hesitantly, “Mondstadt has their God of Freedom, and Liyue, their Jade Lady. But the Binding God is meant to be ours. This city is hers, as is this nation. Yet out of five masters, none are from Eunmyeong.”

“When Ximseong recovers from the conflict, more foreigners than otherwise may fill its streets. There are eight nations, and only five positions to fill. There aren’t many ways it could go.”

Mo Minji couldn’t agree when the solution seemed so obvious. She said bluntly, “There aren’t enough masters to get things done. Adding positions would make things easier, both for them and the poor people they complain to.”

Seol Hyeok smiled again, but the practiced politeness was nowhere to be seen. Instead, it was soft and serene, and its sincerity made her heart stop in her chest. Hidden in that smile was a bittersweet feeling. Maybe Seol Hyeok didn’t trust his own words, and felt sorry for lying to Mo Minji. Or maybe he trusted them too much, and felt sorry anyways.

“Loyalty to one’s nation is an admirable quality. But within your lifetime, masters will come and go like birds.”

Seol Hyeok knew what loss was. He had lost so much in his time; his home, his dignity, his right to live as a human. Mo Minji was young, and her life stretched out in front of her. Maybe he wished to tell her to cherish it. To take each step with patience, and to hold dear the things taken for granted.

If he thought more deeply, he wanted to tell her to leave. What did it matter if Ximseong turned foreign? Nan Seok was a foolish child, but at least he lived and breathed. If Mo Minji stayed at the sect, she would surely meet a fate like Seol Hyeok’s former students.

But he did not know her, and the divine leader heard far more than she should. He knew to pick his battles. He would leave the sect, and pray no innocents were so foolish as to stay.

“Be brave, Mo Minji. Don’t cling to what you know when the future lies ahead.”