The servant carried the shell with care as she entered the room. She had no desire to be rebuked by the lord. Quickly, she was allowed to enter the room with little fanfare. Keeping the shell close to her as she entered the room.
Jiao Zheng did not look up as she entered the room. Continuing to deal with the documents before him. His habitual smile was less pronounced now as he calculated the recent profits.
The servant placed the shell on his desk and stepped backward. Glancing at him, hoping that he might glance at her if only briefly. When he did not, she stepped out of the room. A slight feeling of disappointment at the inaction.
Jiao Zheng continued his work for a few more moments. Then he finished his current document. He released his power to isolate the room. Taking the shell in his hand, examining.
"Time to have some insight into our guests," he mused. What a useful ability those snails possessed, even more so in death. As he began to run his power into the shell, activating it.
The recorded sounds within began to play. He listened closely to the words, the conversation. All the better to give him understanding of this group.
Tang Yuan walked behind his mother with some tension. They had now become walking treasure bags. Worse, now people had some idea that they had treasure, even if they had no idea how much. It was a worry, especially given that they had freely stepped into hostile territory.
They moved closely behind their guide as they approached an estate. It was a large place that served as the abode of the lord of this city. The walls seemed sturdy, made of carved sandstone, looming before them.
Their group stopped at the gates for only a few moments. Quickly, those gates swung open at their group's presence. Allowing them to step onto the land properly. The gate quickly closed behind them, as if to prevent their escape.
So they moved forward with trepidation at what they might encounter here. Tang Yuan wondered how long this veneer of civility and hospitality would remain. Would they break it first, or their hosts?
There was a path of sandstone at their feet, the same as much of the city. But this path was much nicer than the others. At regular intervals, soul power lamps had been placed, currently inactive.
Beyond the path's sides was ever-rare greenery in this massive desert. A small manmade pond of water was present to sustain it. In this environment, it truly was a form of wealth.
As the path came to an end, they came to a handful of steps. They stepped onto a raised surface that let someone look over the garden. Their group simply moved forward on the wide platform as they approached the doors. Three guards stood on each side of the doors at the ready.
Their group stopped before the doors, waiting as the doors opened. Tang Yuan could feel the gaze of the guards. They weren't hostile, but definitely appraising them carefully. He doubted they had even been told to be wary of them.
Only a few moments later, the doors of the mansion opened for them. Not even a word was spoken at that. Yet their party stepped through the stone doors. Even knowing it was stepping deeper into their foe's place of power.
The doors were pushed closed behind them. None of them tried to focus on that fact, though. More concerned with the entrance hall that they had entered.
It was relatively sparse in decoration. Several plants were in the small room, a show of some wealth in themselves. The walls were of ornately carved stone akin to the outside. Yet it too held a materialistic quality to it.
They continued forward; Tang Yuan noted that there was only a single way door. Perhaps this hall was to serve as a choke point in an attack. That or merely a place to greet guests, yet the lord of the manor was not present here.
Tang Yuan took a moment to realize he was in a state of agitation. Everything, every act, every detail, and every person they met. He doubted them all, holding suspicion. He did not feel it was inherently wrong, but it was dangerous.
Being on guard was good, but jumping at every shadow was not. It was very likely what their foe desired in part. Tang Yuan frowned as he realized even understanding that? He lacked the weight of experience to discern the harmless from the dangerous.
Tang Yuan knew that meant he could only trust his elders. He would continue to doubt. Better to be wary of shadows than be stabbed in the back, he supposed.
He pulled himself from his thoughts; only a few moments had passed. He glanced at the halls as they moved along. They were not overly decorated besides slightly uniform carvings.
Tang Yuan found his examination suddenly put on hold as they stopped. It was another door that was opened only moments after their arrival. The air was filled with the scent of spices and a hint of wine.
As they stepped through the door finding themselves in a large room. The focus of which was a long table. The table was covered in various mouth-watering dishes. It was truly a veritable feast that had been assembled for them.
A man rose from a chair in the middle of the table. His clothing was finely made, a clear sign of his high standing. He had a tan complexion, with dark hair partly covered by a cloth. His eyes shone with noticeable intelligence as he observed them.
The man smiled at them as he greeted them warmly. "Greetings to you, my honored guests. I am the lord of the city; Jiao Zheng is my name." he bowed slightly in greeting to them.
Tang Nuan stepped forward from the group. "I am Tang Nuan, a member of Spirit Hall. Greetings to you as the lord of this city," she greeted him with nearly neutral formality. In opposition to their host's seeming warmth.
"This is Guan Yue, and Gui Mei." She introduced the two of them first. Both bowed slightly in greeting as well.
Guan Yue spoke up next, placing a hand on Bibi Dong's shoulder. "This is Bibi Dong, a student of our Spirit Hall," he introduced her vaguely to them. Whether they knew better or not was best left considered.
"This is my son Tang Yuan of the Clear Sky Clan, and a guest of our Spirit Hall." Tang Nuan introduced her son, keeping her voice level.
Tang Yuan bowed deeper than they had. Glad that it allowed him to avoid the man's eyes on him. Though he felt the man had already seen through him slightly.
"Then I suppose it's my turn then. I am Dugu Bo, and this is my son Dugu Xin." Dugu Bo said as he stepped forward slightly. His demeanor held a distinctive serpent-like coldness.
It was more like how he acted when they first met him. Tang Yuan realized as he went through his memories.
"A number of impressive guests in my home, it would seem. I noticed that the children accompanying you have some control issues. Is it wrong to give my congratulations for their advancement? He asked the adults what seemed like a question. Yet there was hidden knowing in his words.
Tang Nuan merely smiled, "Thank you for your words and congratulations. These children truly are quite talented."
Tang Yuan felt as if he had entered a battle. One fought with words and schemes rather than weapons. Even then, he had no place in this battle.
Jiao Zheng clapped his hands in what seemed to be realization. "Ah, what marvelous talent. But still let us not stand on ceremony any further, come sit. Let us talk with drink in hand, my new friends," he invited them to the table.
Tang Yuan glanced at his mother to see what she would do. Watching as she took a seat at the table. He chose a seat beside her own, putting her between him and their host.
Bibi Dong took a seat beside him, maintaining a more formal posture. Dugu Xin took a seat beside her even as he vibrated with nervousness. The other members of their party took seats in line as well.
A small silence began as they took their seats. Despite the great deal of food present on the table, they did not eat. Their group wondered if any of the food or wine had been poisoned or not.
Dugu Bo took the cup of wine first, taking a small drink of it. After only a few moments, he partook of a second drink. Then he began to try the food slowly.
With the poison master drinking, the other adults tried the wine as well. With some caution on their part. Yet quickly, they began to enjoy the feast, albeit slightly. They continued with some measure of wariness, of course.
As the feast had continued, Jiao Zheng would speak with members of the group. Tang Yuan could only assume he was fishing for information. It seemed he had already gained bits of knowledge. Though he rarely spoke to them, focusing on the adults.
"Oh, I'm curious what choice you made for your son's third ring? Please would either of you tell me, if possible to do so."Their host asked Tang Nuan. Seemingly trying to draw a hint out of her.
At least most of the time. "Apologies, Senior, I shall keep that to myself." Tang Yuan responded, keeping a careful balance. Keeping the secret, but remaining respectful to a stronger soul master.
Jiao Zheng merely let out a small disappointed sigh, before his disappointment vanished. "That's a shame, but I understand. One's secrets are best kept close." He said, waving the entire question away as if to be forgotten.
Tang Yuan had some idea of their host now. Cunning or maybe scheming was the way to describe him in a way. That last question was one addressed to both him and his mother. That way his own age might cause him to reveal more than necessary. Even then, it was also a probing move into their words and behavior.
"Oh, it looks they are ready to begin. This will be quite a chance for enjoyment I believe." Jiao Zheng spoke as he glanced at something. A smile of anticipation appeared on his face.
They glanced at what he was looking at. A group of women had entered the room at some point. Each one was beautiful with noticeably full figures. They were dressed in exotic flowing silk dresses.
Each of the girls had parts of their bodies exposed to view. Glimpses of their bare flesh in the form of backs, bellies, or sides. As were parts of their arms and shoulders. Their dresses were slightly risque, but not in any way obscene.
Tang Yuan immediately identified them as either dancers or courtesans. He would assume the second one, but perhaps not. If they were, then they might be another trick.
Jiao Zheng smiled as the group took the stage. "I hope my guest and new friends that you enjoy this small show. I am quite proud of the dancers of my city. Ah, the sight of their dancing always fills my heart with life," he said, his voice brimming with cheer.
Tang Yuan wondered if all encounters happened like this. An auction, food and wine, and now a show from skilled dancers. Was he trying to earn their group's favor, or lure them into contentment? Tang Yuan could not understand; still he turned his gaze to the stage.
The girls began to dance as soft music filled the room. They started slow at first, swaying to the music. As the music's tempo increased, so too did the speed of their dancing.
Their hands moved back and forth in a sway as they twirled. Their dresses became like kaleidoscopes for a few moments. Their hands traced lines in the air as if they were cupping and moving water.
Tang Yuan truly did find himself entranced by the sight. The dancing did not fall into the realm of sensual or lust-inducing. Instead, the sight was meant to be entrancing. An act to be admired like the moon or a painting out of admiration.
Tang Yuan watched the dance with wonder. The dancers themselves seemed to be entranced as well. Completely focused on their own art, oblivious to all else. He wondered if he had ever entered a state like that in his own art.
The dance lasted only a few short minutes more than seven, less than fifteen. The performance came to a close as the dancers came to a crescendo. The dancers twirled around as their hands swayed faster and faster. Before the movements began to slow as they reached the final act.
With the dancers done, they applauded as they should. Tang Yuan could truly appreciate the appearance of such fine art. Perhaps he should try to find some dance houses or theaters. Or maybe see them established at the sect city?
Tang Yuan clapped for a few moments. Then he quit, as the others too ended their applause. The dancers had smiles on their faces at the applause.
Most of the dancers gazed at their host, Jiao Zheng. Tang Yuan felt that their eyes were gazing at his reaction. As if his attention was what they sought above all. Perhaps they were what was the term; lovestruck was it?
There were nine dancers in total; six looked at their host alone. The other three were different; they looked elsewhere. Those drew his attention more than the others.
The first was at the outermost left of the group. She had perhaps the dullest expression of them. With not even a glance at her Lord, interesting. In fact, she seemed to glance more at the other woman.
The second was on the right near the center of the formation. She was also the youngest, Tang Yuan noted with interest. Her gaze towards Jiao Zheng was subtly different from the others. Tang Yuan couldn't place it exactly, though.
Finally, there was the lead dancer in the middle. She didn't even look at her Lord, deliberately avoiding his gaze. Her face was more composed than the others. She was the eldest of the dancers who mostly seemed to be teenagers.
Glancing at the lead dancer and the youngest. Tang Yuan noticed similar traits between them, mother and daughter perhaps. They shared the same soft green eyes, he noticed. As well as a few other noticeable traits shared between them.
The youngest approached the table slowly with a calm gait. The lead dancer glanced at her attentively for a moment. As the girl approached the table she moved towards the lord.
Tang Yuan noticed the gaze of the dancing girl on the lord. Again, he noted it was not that was not like the six others. He glanced at the lead dancer, a suspicion forming.
The girl bowed to their host, though not in supplication. "Father, how was my dancing?" she asked Jiao Zheng with a demure smile.
Jiao Zheng nodded at his now revealed daughter. As he turned away from her, "This is my daughter, Jiao Feng. Xiao Feng, these are my guests." he introduced her to them warmly.
Tang Yuan narrowed his eyes slightly. That guy sidestepped her question almost completely. He supposed that anything except being a soul master would be looked down on. A loss of time best used for cultivation or improvement.
"As Father introduced, I am Jiao Feng it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." She bowed slightly in greetings to them all. Her every behavior was highly elegant and demure. Possessing a natural grace and poise from long training.
Tang Nuan glanced at the girl. Her poise was truly remarkable for a girl her age. At least compared to the normal or slightly precocious. "Hello, child. This is my own child, my son."
Taking that as his cue, "My name is Tang Yuan. It's nice to meet you. I enjoyed watching you and the others dancing, it was a nice show. You must have worked hard to be that skilled," he could appreciate the time she had put into becoming so good.
Jiao Feng's smile became slightly brighter at that compliment. Her demeanor grew just slightly more open in that moment. "Yes, it took me several years, yet I still have so much to learn." she said, proud yet humble.
"I can understand that, one pushes one's art forward. Yet always so much to learn and advance in." Tang Yuan responded in equal measure.
With the ice broken, the two began to talk. Both of them kept themselves slightly reserved. Neither was willing to commit to the conversation with full honesty or openness. Even wariness of the other in the current circumstances.
Jiao Zheng glanced at the exchange with slight uncertainty. He hadn't expected them to converse so quickly, nor about art? That subject brought some annoyance to him.
Dancing was well and good for entertainment. But for a soul master to waste time on such a thing. Especially since she was his child. If she had inherited his martial soul he would have never allowed such waste. But now it actually came to use in a way.
He sensed it for only a moment a glance filled with something. He did not need to turn to her to know. That woman, he would need to remind her of her place.
Guan Yue noticed the crack in their host's mask. It had been what he had been looking for after all. Anything that might be useful to them. Still, he mused inwardly, "So little Yuan is one of his primary targets in this plot." Considering the introduction of his daughter in such a way.
He added that thought as another detail to share later. Tang Nuan likely hadn't noticed the full extent of it. Not as she drew their host's attention. Still, that it was so easy was also revealing; the target he sought with this act.
Guan Yue turned his glance subtly to another one of their own. Musing inwardly to himself, "It looks like little Dongdong is a bit upset. Oh, that slight pout is just so cute. I wonder how long it will take her to even realize she's upset."
He watched the young girl, like a flower yet to bud. Still so unknowing and ignorant, even of her own heart. It brought a smile onto his face at the thought of this innocent girlish love.
Then he reminded himself where he was and refocused. He could only afford to focus on that later. This was not the time or place; he sighed at the thought. He returned to his task, looking for the secrets they tried to hide.
The banquet lasted what seemed to be hours, yet eventually came to an end. Tang Nuan looked to their host, "It would seem it is time for us to turn in." She left the statement open-ended. Would he offer a place here, or let them walk out?
Jiao Zheng stood up. "Of course, I offer your group to stay in my home for the night. I insist, your company has been most enjoyable. Extending our time would be most prosperous." he explained allowing a hint to seep through in his voice.
Tang Nuan saw that easily. "Then we will take this offered room," she chose to play along. Noting it seemed he would continue this charade a tad longer.
Tang Yuan stepped into the room with slight relief. They had taken only a few minutes to reach it. Yet fatigue truly had built up from the long day. He suddenly felt drained.
Tang Nuan stepped through the door last, closing it behind her. As she examined the room closely. "Dugu Bu, please sweep the room for poison, or how they might administer poison. Gui Mei, you are on guard against anyone trying to get in. Though I doubt either will occur."
"So you have that feeling as well, Nuan. I felt like that schemer has something planned for us." Guan Yue asked. As he kept himself slightly on guard as well for possible intrusion.
Tang Nuan scowled at that her own feeling being confirmed by another. "He let it slip at the end, if only to make us stay. That man wants something from us, or he plans on using us for something." She had considered simply walking, but that would break this false peace.
"Yes, he seemed quite fixed on yourself. And considering the introduction of his daughter." Dugu Bo stated bluntly as he continued moving around the room. Examining the candles, vents, and other avenues for poison.
Tang Nuan's scowl only grew more severe at that statement. It was obvious the man wanted to pursue her. Even knowing she was a married woman. Once more that plot extended to her son as well, through his own daughter. He was after their blood, which revealed something as well.
"His martial soul is likely a lizard, serpent, or perhaps even a crocodile. Likely one suited to the desert environment around us." She assessed what crossed through all their minds. Not addressing the statement lest she allow her temper to rise.
Guan Yue, knowing her well spoke up "his confidence is high though. Plotting against all of us like that is no small feat. Even if he is stronger than us, it seems." he drew the conversation further away from the topic.
"Yes, he is without a doubt level 89. Strong enough to take one of us and win at least." Tang Nuan confirmed with her own assessment of his strength. Yet, that was far from enough by itself.
"A spirit bone, or spirit bones." Tang Yuan said aloud, suddenly joining the conversation. It was the first thought that came to his mind. They had always been things that could alter a battle's course.
"That is one possibility, yes. Though it is far from the only one either." Tang Nuan replied to her son. Not attempting to dismiss his participation in this. He had ability in other areas, once more this could be a teaching moment. She eyed the children.
Dugu Bu considered the thought "I doubt a single bone could alter things so much." he pointed out. Having one himself he had an idea of high-quality spirit bones.
"What if it had an incredible ability. Perhaps he has more than one such bone, or even a 100,000-year bone." Tang Yuan listed off possibilities, including the most dangerous.
Everyone stilled at the thought, even given how ludicrous it seemed. Yet this situation was also quite ludicrous for them. It was a possibility, a very unlikely one at that.
Tang Nuan wanted to dismiss the thought at first. Then she remembered her own, yes it was not totally impossible. "It's unlikely but let us assume he has one just to be safe. It would make his confidence more understandable." she mused as she rubbed her right arm unconsciously.
"It sounds crazy, that's the height of bloody treasures. You know the sheer weight even one has." Guan Yue pointed out. As the only one without a single Spirit Bone, he was particularly focused on it.
"More than likely, his confidence lies elsewhere." Tang Nuan believed. At least spirit bones alone would not be enough for that man. She turned to Bibi Dong and Dugu Xin. "What do you two think." she wanted to see if this would push them.
Dugu Xin surprised by the question, spoke unsurly. "I would try to poison them if possible. But father is here, so that would not work of course." he said, completely sure of his father. "Well, except maybe?" he said before stopping that thought.
Tang Nuan glanced at him "no idea should be dismissed." she assured him as she glanced at Dugu Bo.
Dugu Xin looked at his father who nodded. "Than maybe if it was that book from earlier in the auction. Father wouldn't have time to learn it completely, or another obscure poison," he admitted.
"True I would not have thought to learn them so soon. It is a good point to make." Dugu Bu praised his son lightly.
As everyone's gaze turned to Bibi Dong. She couldn't really think of anything well except. "If it were me, I would tell teacher if possible." she admitted to them with some embarrassment.
"A Titled Douluo, one with spatial abilities." Tang Yuan was the one to point it out. It guaranteed a perfect escape method after all. At least that was what he would think.
Dugu Bo and his son had no knowledge of that; everyone else had some. Thus they could understand the trouble that might pose. If he had enough of a connection to the Evil Soul Masters. It made cornering him more difficult if so.
"A good point to make, and another dangerous possibility. Still, it's a good thought, Dong'er good job." Tang Nuan praised her as she imagined the chances.
Bibi Dong smiled at the praise. Glad she managed to not embarrass herself. She considered other choices as well for more praise.
The group continued back and forth for two hours. More and more considerations had to be brought forth. But there were just too many unknowns in this situation. They had no understanding of how far Jiao Zheng's connections or depths ran.
Finally, the group had turned in for the night with reluctance. The three children at least as the adults stood watch over them.
In that same manor, an altogether different scene took place. Jiao Zheng sat behind his desk his hands crossed in front of his face. A slight smile on his face as he looked at those before him.
The entire dancing troop stood before him, waiting for his command. Jiao Feng stood in front, bowing to her father. "I understand, Father. I shall do my best tomorrow."
"See that you do so Xiao Feng; your success would be most welcome. Though not imperative for our objective," he mused as if he did not have much hope for the matter.
Jiao Feng rose from her bow. "Rest assured, I shall do my best to attract his attention," she said, her voice level. Keeping her slight discomfort hidden deep.
"Good, see that you do. You may leave." He spoke almost conversationally. His gaze turned to the lead dancer. His small smile was ever present, yet his eyes held something particular. "You will stay here, Xiangling. We will have another conversation, it seems."
Jiao Feng bowed once more to him. Turning around, she kept her eyes on the door. As she left the room and kept walking forward. She was not yet away from prying eyes she knew. Few in this place were her allies, and fewer still friends.
Jiao Feng hoped her mother would not push father. She knew her mother chafed under father's control, and he grew annoyed with her. Her worries continued as she stepped into their shared quarters. Slipping into her mother's bed to wait for her return, afraid of the worst.
She drifted to sleep as hours passed. Then she awoke with little awareness as arms wrapped around her. She fell further asleep in the embrace of her beloved mother. Her worst fear would not come this day.