The Serpent and the Lotus Blooms

Insidious Plots Bide Their Time

Bai Yusheng had just finished preparing Xiu Ying for the trial and sent her off when Yi Tengfei appeared at their door. They had not called for him, and they had explicitly told Serinity and Lada to keep the investigation low key until they had more details, so they suspected this wasn't a confrontation. They schooled their expression before meeting his eyes.

"Yi Shixiong, What brings you here? Shouldn't you be leading the morning classes?" Bai Yusheng stepped aside, letting the man step past them into the small room. He looked irritable. More so than his usual scowl made him appear.

"I heard about last night and thought I should come check on your wellbeing, Sect Leader Bai," Yi Tengfei's voice was as measured and even as usual, but Bai Yusheng found themself more guarded around him. They brought their fan up, fluttering it in their usual relaxed manner. It was a barrier that would hopefully help hide their suspicion. Yi Tengfei didn't seem to notice anything amiss as he went around examining the books, an arm behind his back.

"I appreciate Shixiong's concern. Young Master Saalah is safe, as am I, and that is all I can truly hope for. Lucifer's trial will begin soon to determine his punishment for this attack," they chose their words carefully, staying where they were as their eyes followed Yi Tengfei around the room. He stopped his leisurely pacing, turning to look over his shoulder at them with a raised brow.

"Does Sect Leader not find it strange that they have been under attack since the council began? Surely they are not going to dismiss these events?" Bai Yusheng gave a gentle smile behind their fan, approaching Yi Tengfei to stand by his side.

"Those events have not been properly investigated. I am afraid the council has kept us too busy to truly look into it, but perhaps we shall garner more answers once this trial is in motion." They kept their tone non-committal, seeing the twitch in the man's usually icy demeanor.

"I believe you are being too lax in this investigation, Bai Yusheng. These events should hold priority to you, as they involve your own safety." He sounded terse, turning to face them fully, looking down into the face that was half blocked by their fan. Yi Tengfei was taller than them, but Bai Yusheng refused to be intimidated as his eyes seemed to flicker at them. Why was he so interested in this investigation all of a sudden? These attacks had been going on for a month now without much mention from him. They wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. They wanted to still their suspicious thoughts. Yi Tengfei had served dutifully at Jingshui, giving off no sign of malintent until recently. They quieted their mind for now.

"Ah, it is because it involves me that I must step away from this case. The other Sect Leaders have already been summoned and are due to arrive soon to assist in this matter. With their assistance, I believe we will find our answers. There is no need to worry, Yi Shixiong." They glanced over, catching a glimpse of what looked like apprehension in his eyes, though they couldn't be sure.

"The other Sect Leaders will be here soon? Sect Leader Bai did not inform me of their arrival," his shoulders seemed stiff, and they decided to step away, giving themself some space from his presence.

"I did not summon them, so I was just as surprised. It was Sect Leader Mei who called the meeting and informed me only after plans were underway."

"I see," Yi Tengfei replied, stepping away and making his way back to the door. "I should return to class. I shall make the necessary arrangements for the Sect Leaders to be housed. It will be a tight fit with the two courts here, but I suppose we shall have to make due. I will see you this afternoon, Sect Leader." As they were stepping out, Serinity turned down the hall, catching sight of him just as he was leaving. She gave him a quiet greeting before joining Bai Yusheng in the small office.

"What was he here for?" She asked, taking one more look back to make sure he was out of earshot.

"I believe his intent was to press me to deal with the incidents of the past month," Bai Yusheng sighed, finally lowering their fan. "He seemed worried about the other Sect Leaders imminent arrival. I don't wish to push all my suspicion onto him just yet. He deserves a fair chance. He has been a teacher here for half a millenia now. I owe him that much, even if he is behind it." Bai Yusheng began pacing the floor, seeming more agitated than usual.