“Grisla Orlith, descendant of the Orlith’s and a member of the Grittus clan; is that right?” Jadestone said.

“As right as my pain now.” Grisla said.

Her finger went ahead and pressed on a rib, earning a jolt from the boy. “Oh, you weren’t lying. What happens if I press here?” Before a rebuttal, she had already jabbed a different rib, Grisla’s howled as if his soul was trying to escape him, but that didn’t stop her from hovering to a third.

What is wrong with this Elder!

“Eld—Elder Jadestone, please,” He murmured.

“So soon? Maybe, if you let me hear your scream a little bit more, I’d gift you a Soul Revolving Pill.”

“I’ve no idea what that is.”

“A pill that’s a more highly refined version of the Soul Cleansing Pills that most in our realm supplement our cultivation with.” Mu Yin said.

“You’re getting a kick out of this, aren’t you?”

“Oh, definitely. But alas, it seems you won’t take the offer anyways.”

“Not for a second, do I believe a pill is worth my agony at current.”

Jadestone blinked. “So, you’ll compete for much more then? Noted.”

“Moving on, as you’re aware, you’ve been victim to a,” Her eyes flicked to Mu Yin, “senseless attack which the juniors of my Jade Fate Sect are responsible. Two of our juniors, Ganli Xue and Sun Yangchen paid the price for their actions. While Ji Nan awaits punishment. On behalf of my sect, I will apologize for their vile conduct.” Jadestone bowed.

Grisla had to save this image. An Elder. Bowing. To him.

And Mu Yin?

She stood as if nothing of it involved her. Maybe that’s true. Grisla noticed the holsters on her back, peeking out just a tad.

“How long was I out?”

“About a week, we’re sending an envoy out to let the clan know.”

“Don’t,” he said, “It’s unnecessary.”

“Hmm? Why so?”

It didn’t take Grisla long to conjure something up, “Because I have a father who’s very worried, and I’m afraid that even with my explaining…”

“Yes, that is understandable. It’d be a regrettable outcome, even if you advocated.”

He noticed it. Naturally, a person of her years and experience is beyond visible stirring, however the level of supplication he’s been given wasn’t on account of him, or whatever kind of effect unknown to him that he personally delivered, it all lies in an entity beyond himself. Beyond one wounded child in a hospital bed. A threat unspoken from him. It drifted off him, crowding the air. Just by being born to the right clan has privileges he’d never find within the walls of his people. Is this what it feels like to be Xinrei?

Only but a taste of the entitled’s birthright.

Grisla couldn’t predict what might happen should the clan find out about him, some of the Elders might’ve forgotten his existence entirely by now and may question of who they’re referring to. A worse case scenario. He wouldn’t put it past them to request of a “favor,” both scenarios spell an end for him. There was no illusion at all about their perceived niceness. Everyone hid behind a veil, for themselves, for their family, and for their nation, clan, or sect. Some thicker than others.

I’m but a leaf, living only in part of the mercy of others.

Limbo and its mists came to mind. Where the strong live—the strong. If he possessed a fraction of their might… this wouldn’t…

“I think, it would be in both parties’ interest you listen to my proposal.”

The Elder lifted her head, “Go on.”

“I was on an expedition to train out in the wilds, and I was due to return before… that happened. But I must confess, this ignorant Grisla has never been acquainted with the vassals of my Grittus clan. And I see a prime opportunity here. Please allow me to stay as a guest within your Sect. We can say that I was injured because of overexertion,” He added, “if the clan asks,” as a reminder.

“Either Mu Yin was right, and you’re awfully forgiving, or…” she leaned close, “you’re hiding something.”

The boy was unmoved. Or pretended well.

Ignoring that, “Is my suggestion agreeable?” he said.

“Yup.”

“That was quick,” Grisla raised an eyebrow.

“Nuthin’ to discuss too deeply. Well, since that’s all done and through with—”

“Not exactly.”

Jadestone’s face twisted, “What now?”

If Grisla’s pain abated a step further, his smile would certainly show, “I did say I wanted to stay as a guest, but I feel like we haven’t finished the matter entirely. What’ll happen to Ji Nan?”

“Who knows? That sort of thing isn’t my responsibility, but I let the Elder in on the situation. If it pleases you, I’ll recommend some lashes for him.”

“I’m not the least bit interested in that. I’d like something else instead,”

Catching on, Jadestone’s sweet chuckle rang. “I’ve never met a hospitalized cultivator who, instead of swearing and begging for their enemy’s death, instead flips their hand and wants to see the coins fall. Truly a weird one,” she sighed, “alright, speak. What do you desire?”

If I say something as mundane as “Liferoot,” then it’ll be the most wasted opportunity of my lifetime.

“May I be allowed to explore your libraries and herbal gardens?”

“You needn’t ask, is that all?”

“The martial archives too,” he said.

“Done.”

Jadestone backed herself up two steps, her back just tipping to the open window. “If that’s all, I hope you can enjoy your stay here in our sect. I’ll be on my way then, also,” Her expression changed, “don’t stir up actual trouble here, I doubt they’ll be as merciful as you may believe.” Then, as if she gave up everything—her body tilted and disappeared from the window as she fell.

Leaving the two, truly, alone with one another.

“My business is done here as well,” Mu Yin bowed, “may you have a good stay in our Jade Fate Sect.”

Grisla couldn’t help but say, “Could you not assist me with a tour, I mean, when I finally feel strong enough.”

“I wouldn’t mind, but until you recover, I’ll be out on my own business. Goodbye, Grisla Orlith.” And unlike her eccentric Elder, she exited the same way as she came.

When Grisla finished a full minute’s worth of scanning his surroundings, especially his ceiling and the floor below him, he was able to let out a sigh.

That… went quite well. I’ll possibly be able to loot some of their treasury, and all it cost me was a week of training wasted and a shortened life expectancy for the worry I get saddled with on wakening.

The amulet in his palm blinked, and a voice he’d expect would be coming soon.