Chapter 2: The First Pawn
The next morning, the Mistfall Clan awoke to an unusual stillness. Birds circled the courtyard, sensing tension; even the wind seemed to hesitate. Xian Li's plan had begun.
He had spent weeks studying the clan's internal rivalries, noting every whisper, every slight, every envy that festered like poison among the disciples. Today, he would exploit them.
In the training grounds, two young disciples were sparring. One, Wei Rong, was ambitious but reckless; the other, Luo Fen, was cautious but quick-witted. Xian Li approached, calm as ever, and dropped a small, unassuming jade token near Luo Fen.
Luo Fen picked it up, and his eyes widened. Carved on it was a symbol of the Elder Council, a mark that implied a secret mission. "What is this?" he whispered.
"Only a test," Xian Li said smoothly, his voice like silk over steel. "I thought you'd want to know the truth of your strength… and your loyalty."
By the afternoon, whispers had spread. Luo Fen, eager to prove himself, acted rashly, attempting to sabotage Wei Rong during the mid-day drills. The elders, observing secretly through hidden charms, scolded both disciples but only Luo Fen bore the brunt of punishment.
Xian Li watched from the shadows, noting each reaction, each emotion like pieces on his mental chessboard. He smiled inwardly. One small token, one subtle suggestion, and the seeds of discord had been sown.
That evening, he returned to his chamber. The Mirror of Infinite Schemes glowed faintly, showing him dozens of potential outcomes. Some would crush Luo Fen entirely; others would force Wei Rong into mistakes that Xian Li could exploit later.
"This is only the beginning," he murmured. "Every pawn, every enemy, every ally I will shape them like clay. The clan believes it nurtures me. In truth… it is already kneeling to my strategy."
He paused, eyes narrowing. A new thread appeared in the Mirror, one dangerous, yet promising unparalleled gains: a secret technique hidden deep within the clan's forbidden archives. It was risky breaking clan laws, facing death if caught but the reward could elevate him beyond all others.
Xian Li's lips curved into a faint, chilling smile. "To rise, one must sometimes step where even the gods fear to tread. Let the game begin in earnest."