A Pawn's Passage

Whether in terms of status or cultivation, Bai Yingqiong had no reason to fear Feng Bo.

Thus, she was not only unafraid, but her confidence was also unshakable. After all, this was her territory. Getting rid of Feng Bo would require little effort that did not even necessitate her personal involvement.

After all, her position as the Chief Deputy Jiangnan Daoist Mansion Master was not just for show, and she wielded substantial authority within the Cihang lineage.

Nominally, Zhang Yuelu was the second-in-command of the Cihang lineage. However, in reality, Bai Yingqiong’s deep roots and influence far surpassed Zhang Yuelu, who had only recently been designated as the Sage Cihang’s successor. With Sage Cihang currently in Jade Capital, Bai Yingqiong could mobilize nearly half the Cihang lineage’s forces.

Thus, to her, dealing with Feng Bo, even adding the formidable Wind and Thunder Marshals, was hardly a concern.

Yet here she was, forced to endure a conversation with a secret society member she held in disdain, solely because her hands were tied.

“You’ve broken the rules,” Bai Yingqiong warned, taking a deep breath to steady herself.

She had been careless because the infighting within the Daoist Order was always governed by certain unspoken agreements—conflicts would not escalate to outright destruction, and families were off-limits. It was these tacit understandings, combined with Bai Yingqiong’s strictly neutral stance, that made her believe her daughter, Bai Xiaojin, would be safe and did not require heightened protection.

As such, it became an oversight that these people had exploited.

Feng Bo spoke nonchalantly. “And what is the outcome of breaking the rules? At worst, you will side with Mage Zhang. But what happens if we follow the rules? You will still stand with Mage Zhang anyway. Since you will side with Mage Zhang no matter what we do, is there any point in adhering to these rules?”

Bai Yingqiong sneered, “The instigator deserves punishment, do they not?”

Feng Bo replied, veiled hostility laced in his words. “Sage Bai, you’re absolutely right. But we’re merely following orders, so we hope for your understanding. Besides, we’re not members of the Daoist Order, just Jianghu wanderers free of ties and burdens. Even if you don’t forgive us, we’re not too worried about the so-called punishments.”

Bai Yingqiong was silent for a moment before saying, “Go ahead, name your terms for releasing my daughter. I’ll agree with them if they’re reasonable, but if you go too far, then relay this to your master—at worst, it’s one life for another.”

“Sage Bai, you’re blowing things out of proportion.” Feng Bo chuckled. “As I said, we’ve only invited Miss Bai over as a guest for a few days. It’s not a matter of life or death.”

Bai Yingqiong did not believe him in the slightest and simply remained silent.

Feng Bo continued, “We understand your deep love for your daughter, but let’s be honest. You’re in your prime. Is it really time to settle down for a peaceful life with your family? Doesn’t that seem like a waste?”

Bai Yingqiong’s gaze sharpened. “What exactly are you trying to say?”

“Sage Bai, you’re a wise person. Surely, you understand what I mean.”

“Whether I understand or not is my concern. What I want now is for you to speak plainly,” Bai Yingqiong demanded.

Feng Bo paused briefly, then used his left hand to lift the lid of the gaiwan. He dipped the middle finger of his right hand into the tea and wrote the words, ”Omniscient Sage,” on the table.

Bai Yingqiong’s expression changed instantly.

Only then did Feng Bo speak. “While both Omniscient Sage and ordinary Sage are second-rank Taiyi Daoist masters, the distinction between them is worlds apart. The Holy Xuan decreed that there would only be 36 Omniscient Sages, not more nor less. If one rises, another must fall.

“Although the position of the Virtuous Great Sage has no fixed number, one must first become an Omniscient Sage to even reach that rank. While a Virtuous Great Sage’s status is undoubtedly prestigious, it lacks the qualification to contend for the position of Grand Master, ultimately falling short.

“Thus, an Omniscient Sage becomes a crucial role, with only about 12 such positions per sect, while each sect boasts nearly 100 ordinary Sages. That’s roughly one in ten. Don’t you desire such a position, Sage Bai?”

Bai Yingqiong sneered with contempt. “Do you think that you, of all people, have the right to discuss the position of Omniscient Sage with me? Even your master behind the scenes isn’t qualified. Perhaps it’ll only be worth discussing when Sage Qingwei becomes the Grand Master, but not now.”

Feng Bo remained unperturbed and continued, “I’m merely stating a fact. The Holy Xuan greatly opposed hereditary succession, even going so far as to change the Zhang family’s title of the Great Heavenly Preceptor to the Heavenly Preceptor so that he could promote a non-Zhang Heavenly Preceptor.

“But no matter how much the Holy Xuan promoted change, human nature is beyond his control. After his passing, things gradually reverted to the old ways. Within the Daoist Order today, there are still certain positions that remain hereditary, such as the Zhang family’s Heavenly Preceptor, the Li family’s Imperial Preceptor, as well as the titles of Sage Donghua, Sage Cihang, and Sage Qingwei.

“Sage Bai, as a disciple of Sage Cihang, you naturally have the qualifications to vie for the Omniscient Sage position. You don’t need anyone to appoint you or promise you such a role, and you are far beyond the level of any ordinary Sage.”

By now, Bai Yingqiong needed no further clarification. Her gaze had already shifted subtly.

Feng Bo observed her reaction and pressed on. “Zhang Yuelu isn’t even a direct descendant of the Zhang family. She comes from a minor, insignificant branch. She is also one of many disciples of Sage Cihang—not the first disciple nor the last before Sage Cihang retires. Her position is unremarkable and middling, so what led her to soar to such heights?

“All she did was gamble her life on the Jiangnan case, which paved her way to success. She unseated a second-rank Taiyi Daoist master and gave Sage Donghua the leverage he needed to launch a case against the others during the Golden Tower Council discussions. Only then did she catch the Earthly Preceptor’s eye and was fast-tracked to Deputy Hall Master, even bestowing her a semi-immortal object.

“With the Earthly Preceptor’s favor, the Zhang family finally took notice of her, and Sage Cihang had no choice but to ride the tide and designate her as her successor.”

Bai Yingqiong leaned back slowly into her chair, tilting her head to gaze at the eight-sided palace lantern hanging above, lost in thought.

“In terms of seniority, ability, or cultivation, you surpass Zhang Yuelu in every regard. Sage Bai, you were Sage Cihang’s first disciple before Zhang Yuelu was even born. In terms of age and experience, you’re practically a generation apart. Are you truly content to be beneath her?” Feng Bo’s words dripped with insidious temptation.

After a long silence, Bai Yingqiong suddenly spoke. “This argument could just as easily be applied to some of the older members of the Li family, don’t you think?”

“It’s different,” Feng Bo replied, dropping all pretense. “Young Master Li is from the main branch of the Li family—a true descendant of the Great Sword Immortal.”

The Great Sword Immortal was Li Daoxu, the father of the Holy Xuan and Donghuang. In the Holy Xuan Cards, Li Daoxu was a Heaven card, among the ranks of figures like True Lord Tantai Yun, Emperor Gaozu of the Great Xuan Dynasty, and the Holy Xuan’s teacher Xu Wugui.

Although adopted sons and in-laws of the Li family could wield power and even become head of the family, for nearly a century, only the direct descendants of Li Daoxu truly held the reins of authority.

The Imperial Preceptor, Li Changge, Sage Qingwei, Li Tianzhen, and even the Empress herself all came from this direct bloodline. This gave rise to the notion of bloodline legitimacy within the Li family, regardless of which branch of the family an individual was from.

Ironically, the Zhang family, which placed great emphasis on family branches, found itself lacking a direct line of authority, allowing secondary branches to rise to prominence.

Bai Yingqiong responded indifferently, “Do you think I’ll fall for you trying to sow discord?”

“Sage Bai, you misunderstand my intentions,” Feng Bo replied, adopting a humbler tone. “Consider this a reminder. Due to the Jiangnan case, Zhang Yuelu was promoted to fourth-rank Jijiu Daoist master and later to Deputy Hall Master. Some people are now comparing her to the Taiping Sect’s Li Changge and the Quanzhen Sect’s Yao Pei, claiming that while the competition for the seventh-generation Grand Master is among Sage Cihang, Sage Donghua, and Sage Qingwei, the eighth must arise from one of these three prodigies.

“Just imagine this: if Zhang Yuelu achieves further success, she’ll be promoted to the third rank. I’m sure there’s no need for me to elaborate on what it means to be a third-rank Youyi Daoist master before 30 years of age.”

Bai Yingqiong poured herself a cup of tea but did not drink it.

Watching Bai Yingqiong’s expression closely, Feng Bo continued to stir the pot. “But if Zhang Yuelu falters in this investigation, her promotion to the third rank will be significantly delayed. The time lost could become a critical age barrier.”

Bai Yingqiong looked at Feng Bo and said, “Hurting others won’t benefit me.”

“Of course not,” Feng Bo replied seriously. “If Zhang Yuelu fails to become an Omniscient Sage, then you will be the only candidate left. In this matter, my master not only supports the idea but is also willing to lend an extra hand.”

Many things could be weighed and balanced internally as long as external forces did not intervene, maintaining a delicate equilibrium. However, once outside interference pierced the veil, that fragile balance would shatter instantly, tipping the scales in one direction.

But being a shrewd and experienced individual, Bai Yingqiong would not easily reveal her stance. If her true thoughts could be discerned in just a few words, she would have wasted her years as a Chief Deputy.

Bai Yingqiong changed the topic. “Let’s set aside unrelated matters for now and continue discussing my daughter’s release.”

Feng Bo assured her. “Your daughter will return safely to your side with not a single hair out of place as soon as the investigation team leaves Jinling.”

Bai Yingqiong closed her eyes. “I hope you keep your word.”

Feng Bo stood up with a smile and bid farewell. “In that case, I’ll take my leave.”

When Bai Yingqiong was left alone, she opened her eyes, staring at the eight-sided palace lamp above her and muttering to herself, “Omniscient Sage...”

After Feng Bo left the courtyard, he went to a secluded location and used a mother talisman, creating a shimmering screen before him.

“Patriarch,” Feng Bo said respectfully. “Bai Yingqiong didn’t state her position outright, nor did she refuse outrightly. But she seems to be tempted.”

From the other side of the screen, a voice responded with just two words, “Very good.”

Feng Bo continued, “Before I arrived, Zhang Yuelu had just left. Should we—”

The voice on the other side of the screen warned. “One must consider the timing and location before killing. If Zhang Yuelu dies during her time off on the way home, it’s considered a personal accident. At that time, she was merely Zhang Yuelu. But if she dies in Jinling, it’s a different story, as she’s now a member of the Golden Tower Council’s investigation team. Acting rashly will only provide others with leverage and hinder our overall plan.”

“Noted.” Feng Bo responded respectfully.