Chapter 274: Beyond Reproach

~~~

When the day of his hearing arrives, Liu Jin waits in the Apothecary for his escort. Since Elder Xue will be accompanying him, there is really no need for the Eternal Flame Clan to provide any additional security. Nevertheless, certain formalities must be kept. Anything else would reflect poorly on the host.

Still, Liu Jin is surprised when Elder Chang arrives at their doorstep. There are two Core Disciples with him, but they are utterly superfluous next to the Elder.

“I greet the Emperor of the Storm Dragon Empire,” Elder Chang says, his hands folded behind his back. “It heartens me to see you in good health.”

Liu Jin would be reassured by those words had they been said with even a hint of warmth. Alas, Elder Chang’s face is an impenetrable wall, and his Qi is as transparent as a slab of granite.

“I am conflicted,” Liu Jin says. “I am pleased to see you, Elder Chang. But what does it say that the Warden of the Punishment House was chosen to escort me?”

Elder Chang stares at him. Unamused.

“It says that my adherence to the law is known by all,” Elder Chang says. “It also says that, as I cannot be bought or bribed and lack power on par with Elder Xun, my time is not particularly respected by my colleagues.”

Liu Jin blinks.

“Oh,” he says, suddenly feeling awkward. He had just made Elder Chang admit he got stuck with the job because he was weaker than the other Elders. “I apologize.”

“Let’s just go,” Elder Chang says, turning on his heels. Elder Xue chuckles softly as she and Liu Jin follow after him.

For people like them, it would not even take seconds to arrive at the hearing. There is no need to use a carriage to travel across the Eternal Flame Clan, yet they do.

“There is no need for you to feel awkward, Emperor Qing,” Elder Xue tells him once they are seated. The carriage begins moving at a sedate pace. “This man is simply impatient. He cannot wait to go to Pyre’s End.”

Liu Jin’s eyebrows rise in surprise. Pyre’s End is where the Renegades of the Eternal Flame Clan go to cultivate.

“Is that true, Elder Chang?” He asks.

Elder Chang nods stiffly. “It is as I told you once before. The issues surrounding the succession made it unwise for me to enter seclusion. That matter is now settled. Once this hearing is over, all remaining obstacles will have been removed.”

“Congratulations, Elder Chang,” Liu Jin says. “I wish you success in your endeavor.”

“Wishes are unneeded, but they are appreciated,” Elder Chang says, lightly inclining his head toward Liu Jin.

“Yes, we are all quite happy for you. Why don’t you regale us with your plans for after your ascension?” Elder Xue asks.

Elder Chang gives Elder Xue a long look, which she meets with impenetrable smugness. Liu Jin is nearly certain there is something he is missing between them but decides he’d rather not know.

Sometimes, ignorance is the best policy.

“I,” Elder Chang says, glaring at Elder Xue, “intend to hunt down the traitor Xun Huwen. His release is a stain on the Punishment House and the Eternal Flame Clan. It must be rectified.”

“Xun Huwen has gone to the other side of the Dead Plains. He is either dead or dying.” Elder Xue points out.

“We both know the world is nowhere near that kind,” Elder Chang says, and Liu Jin starts to get the sense that this is not the first time they have had this conversation. “He cannot be allowed to roam free.”

“If that is what Elder Chang wishes…” Liu Jin speaks up, surprising both Elders. “It might not be much, but the Storm Dragon Empire is willing to offer its support.”

Elder Xue shakes her head. “Of course you would.”

Elder Chang ignores her. His eyes focused on Liu Jin.

“Then it seems we have much to talk about later.”

~~~

Once again, the Sparring Hall has been modified so that the whole of the Eternal Flame Clan can gather. Thousands are seated, and even more are forced to stand. The building and its surroundings teem with activity. Nearly all have come to watch, from the lowliest Outer Disciples to the esteemed Elders.

The last time something like this happened was during the trial of Elder Cheung, who had performed abominable experiments on the disciples of the Medical Pavilion.

This time, it is Liu Jin’s actions that will be discussed.

As his carriage approaches, the crowd surrounding the Sparring Hall parts to make way for him. The whispers and murmurs of the disciples almost sound like rain as they enter the building. Elder Chang goes to the high seats with the other Elders, while Liu Jin and Elder Xue stand in the center of the room.

“It pleases me to welcome Emperor Qing Jin of the Storm Dragon Empire,” Lord Feng Gui says. As soon as he speaks, the entire hall quiets down. “I hope you have enjoyed your stay so far.”

Liu Jin looks at those assembled before him. Lord Feng Gui’s seat is placed perfectly in the middle, with an equal number of people to his right and left. Meanwhile, Lord Feng Shang has been seated to the far right.

“It has been most enjoyable, Lord Feng Gui. If anything, I should apologize,” Liu Jin says, looking at the large gathering, “I seem to have caused some controversy.”

“Nonsense, Emperor Qing Jin,” Lord Feng Gui replies. “Any opportunity to come together like this is a good one. The Eternal Flame Clan is built on the bonds between us all.”

Lord Feng Gui’s confidence is such that the nervous energy in the room has almost completely dissipated. He uses Liu Jin’s title openly and without suspicion, enforcing the image that there is nothing inappropriate happening here. Liu Jin is the Emperor of the Storm Dragon Empire, and that is okay.

“Now then,” Lord Feng Gui says, bringing his hands together, “Since we are all here, would you like to begin, your Majesty? The people here are eager to hear your story.”

“Naturally,” Liu Jin says, feeling every single eye and more than a few long-range spying devices focused on him. He takes a deep breath and allows his Qi to reach every corner of the room and beyond. “Lord Feng Gui, Elders, fellow disciples, I am grateful that you have gathered for me to speak.”

There is a balance he has to keep. Respectful, but not submissive. Though he has been preparing his words and practicing with Lu Mei, he cannot help but feel some nervousness.

“I was born a member of the Qing bloodline, but my father had no wish for the throne. He wished to live away from it all, and for a time, his wish was granted. He took the surname Liu and lived in Eastern Port City. That was where I spent the first years of my life,” Liu Jin says. He had already decided to keep his father’s identity vague. Let them assume his father was a royal bastard if they want. It matters not. “However, that relative peace was broken when General Murong Bang, an Emperor Realm cultivator, attacked my hometown. The attack was swift and brutal. We received no warning and were given no mercy.”

It is almost funny how the whole room seems to shiver, as if Murong Bang’s name had power from beyond the grave. Most of the people here have never even heard of him, yet there is no person alive who wants to contemplate the thought of an Emperor attacking their hometown. Few fates are more unfortunate.

“I survived. My father did not,” Liu Jin says. “I knew then that Murong Bang could not be allowed to live. However, I was young, powerless, and without allies.”

Liu Jin has a pretty good idea of what the rest of the room is assuming about him. Revenge is such a common motivation that it is easy for everyone to sympathize and fill in the blanks in his story with theirs.

Liu Jin lets them.

“I sought the aid of the Eternal Flame Clan, as they have always been stalwart allies of the Storm Dragon Empire, and Lord Feng Gui freely gave it to me. The events that follow are known by all. Of the three Heavenly Generals, two were slain, including Murong Bang,” Liu Jin says. “Since there was no suitable successor to the crown, the responsibility fell to me. This may have caused concern among some of you, but I am here to reassure you that the Eternal Flame Clan and the Storm Dragon Empire are allies, and that will not change.”

“Well spoken,” Elder Fa says before anyone else can speak. “In fact, too well spoken. Your Highness, the way you phrased it implies Lord Feng Gui knew of your identity beforehand. However, the truth is no one had any idea. You joined the Eternal Flame Clan under false pretenses and have been sowing chaos ever since.”

It is not surprising that Elder Fa chooses to speak against him. At this juncture, it is all he can do. They all knew it would come to do this.

Nevertheless, they have to handle the situation carefully.

“Joined under false pretenses, you say?” Elder Xue echoes, a single delicate finger on her cheek. Her dark eyes glimmer with amusement. “How can one join under false pretenses? We do not require the disciples to give us their life stories. That would be dreadfully boring. It is up to each Elder to evaluate the disciples taking the exam and discern their aptitude. Perhaps the Head of External Relations is lamenting his lack of skill?”

Elder Xue’s words cause some disciples to chuckle at Elder Fa’s expense. However, the Elder refuses to react.

If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

“One cannot help but notice where you are standing, Elder Xue,” Elder Fa says. “I suppose it should not be surprising, considering you have benefited most from his actions.”

“Oh? Since you are so keen on bringing up Emperor Qing’s actions as a disciple of the Eternal Flame Clan, let’s review them for the benefit of all who have gathered here, shall we?”

Elder Xue snaps her fingers, and butterflies of flame appear, fluttering above them. The disciples gasp in awe as the dozens of butterflies assemble into a shape that roughly resembles Liu Jin fighting against Spirit Beasts.

“Emperor Qing took the entrance exam and passed with an exceedingly impressive performance,” Elder Xue says. “Immediately after, he challenged other disciples for points and gained the rank of Inner Disciple. He joined the Apothecary and quickly distinguished himself enough to be chosen to accompany Young Master Feng Zhi on a diplomatic mission to Night Forest Nation.”

The flames change to depict Liu Jin and Feng Zhi standing side by side. How things change. Back then, it had been a punishment for getting into a fight. In Feng Zhi’s case, it was a consolation prize for not being chosen to represent the Eternal Flame Clan in the Crimson Cloud Tournament. Now, Elder Xue presents it as some great honor, and as far as the lower disciples are concerned, it is.

“When he returned, he discovered Elder Cheung’s great treachery. The madman was experimenting on his own disciples, and it was Emperor Qing who brought those deeds to light.”

The flames show Liu Jin coming to Elder Xue with the information, then Elder Xue and Liu Jin entering the Medical Pavilion and falling upon Elder Cheung.

“In the aftermath, I took charge of the Medical Pavilion, but it was Emperor Qing who handled the daily affairs, and he did so beyond all reproach.”

Except for the part where they denied supplies to those participating in the Crimson Cloud Tournament.

“Emperor Qing distinguished himself once more during the expedition to the Dead Plains. It is due to his quick thinking and leadership that many of our disciples returned alive, including Young Master Feng Hao. Emperor Qing saved his life from the traitors in our ranks. I am sure that if we allowed the disciples around us to come forward, many would be willing to speak in Emperor Qing Jin’s favor.”

Her words work as a signal for the crowd. At once, a chorus of voices speaks in Liu Jin’s favor.

“That’s right! Brother Jin has always helped us!”