Chapter 124: Stalled Machinations
Using my vastly superior speed and my stealth capabilities gained from using my scan as a perception tracker, I integrated myself into the main group completely unnoticed.
Around this area, seems to primarily be a group of higher wealth status, in political power. This is where the young masters and young ladies have primarily been congregating to associate with each other.
The only reason I am likely fitting in with this group is because I have adjusted myself to the appearance and demeanor that an assistant would have. Obviously, this is because of the stealth capabilities and style that Ive been using with my scan.
The natural biases of this class of people also played heavily in my favor, as well.
For those that look a little closer, my darker skin color draws some attention, but then is quickly dismissed by whatever conclusion they bring themselves to.
Which brings me to the only person here that I can somewhat reliably assume would step up, if the young master tried something.
The cultivator escort.
The escort in question is sitting on the top of the carriage, facing the main part of the group.
He looks extremely bored and inattentive, but something about the air around him gives me the feeling that he knows and is far more watchful than he appears. Taking what I know of cultivators into account, which is still not much, for a righteous sect like this, they still have to maintain appearances.
The only question is, what will this Young Master Shui do to bring this merchant girl away?
The young master in question walks confidently towards the group. His previous show of shame, frustration, and anger is almost non-existent on his face at his approach.
A shockingly benevolent smile across his face, as he gets close enough to greet the cultivator.
He splays his arms out in a welcoming stance, facing directly towards the cultivated, before bowing to him.
Good evening, Esteemed Senior! Thank you for taking your valuable time, to escort us to our testing area. My family and I are always grateful to those, such as yourself in the sect, who help keep our areas safe and these lands peaceful.
The escort stays silent and his eyes closing slowly, before nodding his head. He seems to be more of the silent and stoic type.
Young Master Shui freezes in place awkwardly. His face belies the confusion and apprehension that his heart must be feeling right now. It appears that he was not expecting such a response.
My guess is that he normally gets a much better and welcoming response, even from sect members. At least, this bodes well for entering this sect.
Unfortunately, he immediately switches tactics.
Reaching into his sleeve, he pulls out a bag which seems to be slightly larger than the sleeve it came out of. My scan reveals that there are 10 clear orbs in there, likely to be spirit stones.
I can feel the barest tinge of something wash over the area, as the escorts eyes center on the bag.
Here is but a small gift. A show of appreciation for all that youve done and do. I hope you will be willing to accept this humble gift of mine.
This gift that he just gave is equal to $10,000 or a fifth of the cost of a piece of land.
This is quite the gift.
From my knowledge, getting a spirit stone like this takes a bit of effort to get, especially for cultivators in the outer court.
I can briefly see the cultivators eyes drift over to the merchant girl. Her eyes meet the cultivators, before his eyes return calmly back to Young Master Shui.
Hes been aware of everything thats going on, that much is clear. Just as I suspected.
The cultivator nods in clear appreciation as he accepts the gift, but still looks away. Recognizing the gift, but paying no more mind than that.
From the little I know of this sect; it would sadly be a 50/50 chance of someone trying to get into a clans good graces.
Luckily, this guy is not so easily enticed.
Young Master Shuis eyes flash angrily before calming down and hiding it away.
I can see him gulp before he turns to Mei Lin. Clearly gathering his confidence, he pauses and then walks over to her.
She seems frozen in fear, glancing between the cultivator and him as he approaches. The cultivator doesnt move or appear to be assisting in any way. While he will not help him with whatever he is trying, he will not assist her now, as long as everything stays quiet.
Other people also seem to turn away from her, and in some cases, moving away.
No one is coming close to her. No one will be helping her out of this.
Tears of frustration and a look of despair begin to fill her eyes.
Moving directly next to her, Young Master Shui looms over her to maliciously whisper in her ear.
With my scan, I can hear his words.
You, Mei Lin. Come over with me to this alleyway. Id like to give you some private lessons, that you would be sure to enjoy. Ive paid quite a price to get ahold of you. Youll be coming with me, now.
As he says this, He grabs her arm locking it with his and begins pulling on her slightly. A small bottle also discreetly pops out of his sleeve, to the point that I wouldnt have seen it without my scan.
It releases a small vapor that begins slowly traveling upward towards her face. After releasing the small amount of its existing stores, it goes back into his sleeve. Her eyes travel down to his sleeve, even though there shouldnt have been a way for her to tell that it came out.
Nonetheless, my scan almost immediately tells me what it is, though I could have guessed even without it.
Its an instant aphrodisiac. One that not only drives a woman mad with lust, but has many long-term effects. It has an immediate effect that only grows with time.
Even more disturbingly, it seems to have an ingredient that is related to the iridescent worms. Borrowing some of the effects.
At this moment, in my mind, a memory resurfaces.
One of when that trash tier cultivator smashed the head of the fox child and almost killed her entire family. Where I had stood by, looking for a better opportunity.
No. More accurately, where I was too scared to do anything.
Its easy to see the parallels in myself in this situation.
I was originally planning that if he tried to forcefully drag her out, to cause some issues where he would be separated away from her and further embarrassed.
All in a way that could keep me from being directly attributed to the effects.
However, this is the line.
This is where I can make the decision to stop something horrible, even if it will be massively inconvenient to me. But in its own way, it is essential for me to do.
I couldnt my live with myself if I let it happen again. Especially, where I can still somewhat manage the situation.
Again I am forced to play the role of a white knight. For there is no one else to do so.
I react in this moment, speeding towards the two of them, with my scan still active.
Luckily, since the earlier operation took less than 5 minutes, Im able to use it at its previous levels and a bit more. This will definitely cause a bit of damage to myself, though, since I have to keep the combat aspect activated.
Just in case.
This act of moving fast, dissipates the vapor before it can reach her, while also bringing me very close to them.
I make my presence known by inserting myself between the two with my arm.
I call out with an obnoxiously loud voice, Hey I cant believe its you, Sister Lei! Im glad you made it here, to take the exam to become part of the Honorable Revolving Heavenly Light sect!
The two of them freeze and stare at me with both shock and confusion. Luckily, Mei Lin jumps on the opportunity.
Brother uhhh, Brother! Yes, thank goodness youve come!
And wrenches her arm out of Young Master Shuis, before moving to the other side of me.
A look of hope crosses her face, as a look of anger crosses Young Master Shui.
Its time to face off against a Young Master.
God help me.
For I know not the wrath I have unleashed.
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