Chapter 18: Five Chickens and a Wolf in Robes
The envoy had left with solemn formality and dramatic words about honor and alliances. Shen Liang, meanwhile, stood at the peak of the steps outside the Patriarch Hall, arms folded, expression flat.
“So…” he muttered, “we’ve been invited to a regional sect gathering. A gathering for which, I assume, we’re supposed to bring our ‘best disciples.’”
Elder Zhang coughed discreetly beside him. “Yes, Patriarch. It is customary.”
Shen Liang turned slowly. “Elder Zhang, kindly remind me. Do we have any ‘best’ disciples?”
There was a long silence. Then: “…we have disciples.”
“…That’s not encouraging.”
Aunt Mei approached with a list in hand. “If you’d like, we’ve gathered a few of the more notable names for you to evaluate.”
“Notable? As in they haven’t exploded in the last month?”
“They have… potential.”
He sighed. “Wonderful. Let’s go window shopping.”
The Courtyard of Trials (Or Mild Disappointment)
By noon, five figures stood in a line under the sun. Shen Liang stepped into the courtyard, arms behind his back like a war general inspecting soggy recruits.
He squinted. “Right. Let’s see which of these teenagers is the least likely to cause an inter-sect diplomatic disaster.”
1. Shen Yue – The Ice Blade in Human Form
She stood straight, long black hair tied in a high ribbon, face pale and expression unreadable. Her sword was clean enough to perform surgery. She radiated focus.
“She’s our top talent,” whispered Aunt Mei. “Late-stage Qi Condensation.”
Shen Liang nodded thoughtfully. “Cold. Deadly. Likely to say five words per month. Ideal. She’ll make us look like we have standards.”
He stepped closer. “Shen Yue, how do you feel about public events?”
She stared at him. “I don’t.”
“Perfect. You’re in.”
2. Zhao Fen – The Sleeping Genius
Next was a girl sitting on the ground, picking at her nails. Her robes were slightly rumpled, and her hair looked like it had been negotiated into a bun by sheer accident.
“Late-stage Qi Condensation,” muttered Elder Zhang. “Exceptional talent. Extremely lazy.”
“Zhao Fen,” Shen Liang said. “Are you prepared to represent the clan at a prestigious regional event?”
She yawned. “Do I have to walk?”
“Only from the gate to the platform.”
“Fine. But I’m not bowing to anyone.”
“You’re the embodiment of our clan spirit. You’re in.”
She gave a noncommittal grunt and stayed seated.
3. Shen Qing – Mr. Military Discipline
Shen Qing stepped forward, posture stiff as an iron beam, jaw clenched like he practiced glaring in the mirror.
“Initial Core Foundation,” Aunt Mei whispered. “Excellent performance in internal duels. A bit… intense.”
“Shen Qing,” Shen Liang said. “What would you do if we were insulted at this gathering?”
“Challenge the offender to a formal duel.”
“…Even if it’s a sect elder?”
He hesitated. “Request permission, then challenge.”
“…Excellent. He’s got a filter installed.”
“You’re in. Try not to kill anyone unless I wink.”
Shen Qing blinked. “Wink?”
“It’ll make sense when it happens.”
4. Shen Rong – The Smiling Disaster
Next was a girl with twin buns, wide eyes, and a smile so bright it should’ve been regulated. She bounced in place as if the concept of standing still offended her soul.
“She’s… Early Qi Condensation,” said Elder Zhang, looking worried. “But she’s fast. Energetic. Erratic.”
Shen Liang sighed. “So we’re bringing the clan mascot.”
“I punch very well!” she said proudly.
“Do you block?”
“…Sometimes!”
He sighed again. “Fine. You’re in. Don’t eat anything handed to you by strangers, or friends, or… anyone.”
“Got it!”
She gave a salute and nearly tripped over her own feet.
5. Shen Mei – The Shadow Bonus
Finally, standing awkwardly at the edge of the courtyard, was Shen Mei. She wore no uniform, no weapon, and absolutely no intention of stepping forward.
Shen Liang beckoned.
“I’m not a disciple,” she said.
“Exactly,” he said. “Which means you’re unlisted. No one expects you. You can walk around like a noble lady or spy on the competition.”
“I have no realm.”
“You have presence.”
“I’m not going.”
“You’re already on the list.”
“I’m not.”
“You are now.”
Elder Zhang looked like he wanted to protest, then remembered who Shen Mei was — and who her grandfather had been.
He wisely shut up.
Final Lineup:
- Shen Yue – The Ice Blade
- Zhao Fen – The Nap Warrior
- Shen Qing – The Rigid Shield
- Shen Rong – The Bouncing Hazard
- Shen Mei – The Hidden Trump Card (or tagalong)
As they were dismissed to prepare, Aunt Mei approached Shen Liang with a knowing smile.
“You realize they’ll think you’re mad for choosing that lineup?”
Shen Liang leaned against a pillar, arms crossed.
“They’re not wrong. But madness is hard to predict.”
He glanced toward the horizon, where the mountain winds stirred faintly.
“We’ll go to this assembly… and we’ll make sure the Shen Clan is remembered. For better or worse.”
“…Likely worse,” muttered Elder Zhang.
Shen Liang grinned. “That’s the fun part.”
End of Chapter 18
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