The strategy chamber smelled of ink and old paper.

Xiaolong sat at the western edge of the long table, her horns catching lamplight and throwing prismatic patterns across scrolls spread before Elder Wei—three days until departure. The Azure Waters delegation would leave at dawn on the fourth day, traveling to Clouded Peak Pavilion for a conference that balanced genuine necessity against political theater.

Master Yuan occupied the head position, his posture erect despite lingering exhaustion from purification recovery. Elder Liu sat to his right, fingers tapping her fan against the table in thought. Li Feng stood near the doorway with Ming Lian, both present as the sect's promising disciples—representatives of Azure Waters' future strength.

"Twelve sects confirmed attendance." Elder Wei traced a finger across the map showing territories and alliance networks. "Golden Sun Sect hosts, which grants Master Jin Huoyan considerable political advantage. The conference location is his suggestion, the timing his preference, the agenda shaped by his concerns."

"Master Jin is honorable," Master Yuan said. "But honor doesn't negate ambition."

"Quite." Elder Wei moved his finger to mark different territories. "Verdant Grove Association will attend. They maintain friendly relations with us. White Cloud Temple remains neutral but receptive. Thunder Peak Cultivators lean toward Golden Sun's sphere of influence but harbor no hostility."

"And the others?" Elder Liu asked.

"The Ice River Clans might send observers—they've been expanding southward recently, seeking cultivation knowledge beyond their frozen domains." Elder Wei looked directly at Song Bai, who stood with practiced stillness near the eastern wall. "Their interests may align with certain sect techniques. Particularly ice cultivation variants."

"Stone Heart Monastery sends observers only. They're dealing with internal succession disputes and won't commit resources to external conflicts." Elder Wei's finger stopped on northern territories. "Black Iron Sect declined attendance. Their territorial disputes with us remain unresolved."

"Cowards." Ming Lian spoke quietly, but his voice carried disgust. "Black Dao threatens everyone, but Sect Master Kang would rather nurse grudges than coordinate defense."

"Politics makes strange calculations." Master Yuan's gaze shifted to Xiaolong. "Guardian Elder. The other sects remember your presence at Cloud Summit. They remember prismatic water constructs and techniques that shouldn't exist according to established elemental theory. They will have questions."

"Questions I may not wish to answer."

"Just so." Elder Wei's tone carried a quiet apology. "But Azure Waters requires a unified public front. The recent corruption incident has raised concerns about our stability. Your presence at this conference—as newly appointed Guardian Elder—demonstrates that our leadership retains support and capability."

"Besides," Elder Liu added, "your horns are visible now. People will see them regardless. Better to establish your position officially than leave rumors to spread like pond algae in summer."

They had discussed this already, but hearing it reiterated in a strategic context reinforced the implications. Xiaolong's appearance no longer represented personal discretion but political reality.

She caught Li Feng's eye across the chamber. He offered a small, reassuring smile—the sort of expression that conveyed solidarity without words. In the days since their conversation by the Azure Pool, this silent communication had become increasingly familiar and increasingly necessary as the entire sect treated them like a newly engaged couple planning wedding ceremonies.

"It is beginning to look like my nature as a dragon will become more widely acknowledged."

"That is inevitable," Elder Wei said. "The question is how you wish to navigate that. The conference offers opportunity to frame those revelations on your own terms."

Xiaolong considered this. She could hide behind the title of "Guardian Elder," deflecting questions behind formality and authority. She could embrace her draconic nature openly, establishing power through direct display. Or she could create something new—a position that acknowledged both human responsibility and cosmic power, combining them rather than choosing between.

"How we present you affects how the other sects perceive Azure Waters," Master Yuan said carefully. "Your unique position, immortal power allied with a human sect, carries implications beyond the Black Dao threat."

The words hung in the air. Some sects would see opportunity in alliance with dragon power. Others would fear Azure Waters' growing influence. The careful balance of cultivation politics teetered on precipices where dragon claws could create avalanches.

"You can always use your standard fallback," Ming Lian suggested. "'My cultivation techniques are a family tradition, passed down through generations, and not open to discussion.' It's vague, condescending, and shuts down follow-up questions."

"It works," Elder Liu admitted. "Though with those horns, that approach may stretch credulity."

"I can claim they're... ornaments." Xiaolong touched one curved horn thoughtfully. "Magical artifacts grafted to my skull through an obscure cultivation method."

The look on Elder Wei's face suggested he'd spent the last week considering variations of this exact explanation and found them all lacking.

"Or," Li Feng said from his position by the door, "you could tell them the truth. You are what you are. They can accept it or not."

"Water's simplicity," Xiaolong murmured. The comment earned a quick smile from Li Feng, which faded quickly as Elder Wei resumed strategy mode.

The diplomatic training began an hour later in Elder Liu's private study.

Xiaolong sat across from the elder, who had produced a scroll listing potential scenarios and recommended responses. The categories included: challenges to capability, inquiries about origin, requests for alliance, provocations designed to test temperament, and seventeen other classifications that made Xiaolong's head ache.

"Scenario one." Elder Liu consulted her scroll. "A sect leader approaches during the evening banquet and says: 'Guardian Elder, your horns are quite striking. I've studied draconic manifestations for decades and never witnessed such clear expression in humanoid form. Might you demonstrate your true nature for my research?'"

Xiaolong's response emerged immediately. "No."

"Insufficient."

"No, with a threat if they persist?"

"Worse." Elder Liu set down her scroll. "The request is rude, invasive, treating you like a curiosity rather than a peer. But responding with hostility creates diplomatic incident. Other sects will interpret it as Azure Waters being aggressive, unwilling to engage in scholarly exchange."

"They asked me to transform like a performing animal."

"They did. And you must decline gracefully while making clear further pressure is unwelcome." Elder Liu's fan opened. "Try again. Remember—firm but courteous, clear but not threatening."

Xiaolong took a breath. Centered herself. "This one values scholarly pursuit, but personal transformation falls outside appropriate exhibition contexts. Perhaps we might discuss draconic theory in general terms that benefit mutual understanding without requiring practical demonstration."

"Better. Still too formal, but the substance is correct." Elder Liu made a notation. "You acknowledge their interest, decline the specific request, and offer alternative engagement that maintains relationship. That's diplomacy."

"That's exhausting."

"Yes. Welcome to inter-sect politics."

They worked through scenarios.

Challenges to capability required demonstrating strength without appearing threatening—show enough power that people respect you, not so much that they fear what Azure Waters might do with you. Inquiries about origin demanded honesty balanced against privacy—acknowledge your nature without providing details that could be exploited. Requests for alliance needed careful navigation—neither accepting immediately nor declining rudely, leaving space for future negotiation.

"Scenario fifteen." Elder Liu's expression suggested she'd been saving a particularly amusing problem. "A sect leader says: 'Guardian Elder, your companion Li Feng shows considerable promise. Our sect would be honored to offer him advanced training opportunities that might exceed what Azure Waters provides.'"

Xiaolong's spiritual pressure spiked.

She extinguished it before the teacup on the table rattled. Barely.

"That," she said with careful control, "would be declined."

"How?"

"Firmly."

"Xiaolong." Elder Liu's voice carried a gentle correction. "They're not actually trying to recruit Li Feng. They're testing your response to provocation. They want to see if you react with possessive aggression—which would indicate emotional vulnerability they could exploit—or maintain composure." The elder's fan moved in slow, deliberate arcs. "Your response must acknowledge their offer without escalating conflict while also making clear that the proposition is unwelcome."

The tea in Xiaolong's cup had developed a prismatic sheen. She took a slow breath, allowing the energy to subside.

"Li Feng's cultivation path is his own decision," she said. "Azure Waters respects his autonomy while providing resources suited to his chosen philosophy. I'm certain he values the offer's spirit while remaining committed to his current trajectory."

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"Much better. You acknowledged the offer, affirmed Li Feng's agency, and expressed confidence without hostility." Elder Liu made another notation. "Though I recommend practicing that response until your spiritual pressure doesn't spike every time someone mentions him."

"I'm practicing."

"Practice more."

They continued until afternoon light slanted through windows at angles that marked evening's approach. Xiaolong's head throbbed with accumulated diplomatic scenarios and appropriate responses. She had faced corrupted sect leaders, cosmic serpents, and territorial disputes with less exhaustion than this training session.

"How do humans manage this constantly?" she asked when Elder Liu finally set aside her scroll.

"We learn as children. You're compressing decades of social training into three days." The elder's expression softened. "You're doing well, Xiaolong. Better than I expected. Your instinct is to meet challenges directly—speak truth, demonstrate capability, establish dominance. That works in many contexts. But diplomacy requires indirection."

"Dragons are not indirect."

"No. But Guardian Elders of Azure Waters Sect must be." Elder Liu rose, began organizing her study materials. "One final piece of advice. If you become genuinely uncomfortable—if someone pushes boundaries beyond acceptable limits—you may respond with force. But that force should be measured. A warning, not an annihilation."

"I understand the distinction."

"Do you? Because I've seen your protective responses. They're... comprehensive."

Xiaolong thought about the floor she'd shattered during Master Yuan's corruption crisis. The way her draconic nature rose when Li Feng was threatened. The comprehensive destruction she could unleash if truly provoked.

"I'll practice restraint."

"Good. Because the cultivation world watches us now. Guardian Elder Xiaolong is no longer a curiosity—you're a factor in political calculations. How you conduct yourself shapes how others treat Azure Waters for years to come."

The weight of that settled across Xiaolong's shoulders. She had accepted the position understanding its responsibilities. But being told directly that her actions carried consequences for everyone she'd learned to care about made those responsibilities tangible in new ways.

She left Elder Liu's study and found Li Feng waiting in the corridor outside.

"Diplomatic training complete?" he asked.

"I've negotiated territorial disputes with cosmic serpents that required less delicate phrasing."

"Elder Liu is thorough."

"Elder Liu is terrifying." Xiaolong fell into step beside him, their shoulders nearly touching as they walked toward the courtyard. "How do you manage sect politics without losing your mind?"

"I learned as a disciple. Watched elders navigate conflicts, absorbed proper responses through observation and correction." Li Feng's hand found hers, fingers lacing together in the casual intimacy they'd developed since acknowledging their feelings. "Mostly, I remember the core principle—protect the sect through relationships as much as through strength. You're learning decades of training in days. That's overwhelming."

"Everything about human social structures is overwhelming."

"Most humans would say the same about dragon social structures."

"Dragons don't have social structures. We have territorial boundaries and occasional alliances. Very straightforward."

"Until you decide to become human and discover social structures are unavoidable." His thumb traced circles against her palm—the gesture he did when thinking, when seeking comfort, when simply enjoying contact. "Are you nervous? About the conference?"

Xiaolong considered the question honestly. "Not about capability. I can handle whatever physical challenges arise. But managing diplomatic expectations while being examined by sect leaders who want to understand what I am..." She paused. "That creates discomfort I'm still learning to navigate."

They walked together through the late afternoon compound, where disciples were finishing their daily training sessions. The practice courts buzzed with activity—the clash of practice swords, calls of sparring partners, the harmonious flow of water cultivation as juniors practiced formations.

Xiaolong observed a group of disciples huddled in a gossip cluster, their animated gestures suggesting they were discussing something of profound importance. Probably the color of her hair. Or Li Feng's flute. Or the meaning behind a shared meal.

They had reached the Azure Pool. Evening light painted water in shades of amber and gold, turning the sacred space into something that transcended ordinary beauty. They settled on their customary meditation stone, still holding hands, watching reflections ripple with spiritual energy that saturated the sect compound.

"You'll be extraordinary," Li Feng said. "You always are."

"I broke a floor during Master Yuan's crisis."

"You saved his life and purified corruption no one else could handle. The floor was acceptable collateral damage."

"Elder Liu wants me to project strength without seeming threatening. Demonstrate capability without creating fear. Navigate challenges with grace rather than overwhelming force." Xiaolong's free hand touched one horn, tracing the curve that had become familiar. "I don't know how to be powerful and non-threatening simultaneously."

"You do it every day." Li Feng shifted to face her more fully. "You teach Meihua without overwhelming her. You work with junior disciples without making them terrified. You've built relationships throughout the sect despite being an ancient dragon. That's powerful restraint. That's choosing connection over dominance."

The words settled something restless in Xiaolong's chest. She leaned against Li Feng's shoulder, felt his arm circle her waist, and allowed herself this moment of vulnerability before the political storm.

"Are you nervous?" she asked. "First time representing the sect at this level."

"Terrified." His admission carried no shame. "I'm River Current Realm presenting alongside sect leaders at Ocean Depth or higher. Whatever I demonstrate will be measured against cultivators who've trained for decades longer."

"You're extraordinary too."

"I'm competent. There's a difference."

"No." Xiaolong pulled back enough to meet his eyes. "You're extraordinary. Your techniques show innovation that comes from genuine understanding rather than rote memorization. Your philosophy about adaptation and harmony resonates with people because you live it, not just teach it. And your courage—choosing to face challenges rather than avoiding them—that's rarer than any cultivation realm."

Li Feng's expression shifted, vulnerability mixing with gratitude. "Thank you."

"It's observation, not flattery."

"It's both." He kissed her forehead, the gesture brief and warm. "We'll face the conference together. Whatever challenges arise, whatever political complications emerge—together."

"Together," Xiaolong repeated. The word still carried weight beyond its simple syllables. A year ago, together meant nothing to her. Now it meant everything.

They sat as stars emerged overhead, comfortable silence requiring no elaboration. Around them, the sect moved through evening routines—disciples finishing training, servants preparing evening meals, spiritual formations cycling energy that protected and sustained.

Home. This place had become home through accumulated moments like this one. Not grand gestures or dramatic declarations, but quiet evenings by sacred water with someone whose presence made existence better.

A messenger appeared at the courtyard's edge—young outer disciple whose nervous energy announced important delivery. He approached with appropriate bows, holding a sealed letter that bore Golden Sun Sect's phoenix insignia.

"Guardian Elder. Senior Brother. Message just arrived from Clouded Peak Pavilion."

Li Feng accepted the letter, broke the seal, and read quickly. His posture tightened fractionally. Not alarm, but increased alertness.

"From Master Jin?" Xiaolong asked.

"Yes. Additional sects have confirmed attendance." Li Feng's gaze moved down the page. "Storm Ridge Academy. Jade Mountain Conservatory. Northern delegation with scholarly interests in ancient techniques..."

The last phrase hung in evening air like blade suspended overhead.

Northern delegation. Scholarly interests. Ancient techniques.

Xiaolong's spiritual pressure flickered. Li Feng's hand found hers again, grounding.

"Master Zhao," she said quietly.

"The letter doesn't name specific individuals. Just mentions northern scholars joining Master Jin's initial invitation." Li Feng refolded the message. "Could be different people."

"It's him." Certainty settled cold and absolute. "He watched me at Cloud Summit. Took notes during demonstrations. His questions were too specific, his knowledge too accurate. He's returning because I'm no longer hiding what I am."

Li Feng's jaw tightened. "We tell the elders."

"They most likely already know. His presence changes the conference balance. Other sects will see a scholar from a remote academy. We'll see Tianmin's proxy observing us."

They returned to the strategy chamber. Master Yuan, Elder Wei, and Elder Liu remained, their conversation stopping when Xiaolong and Li Feng entered.

"You read Master Jin's message," Elder Wei said. Not a question.

"Northern delegation with scholarly interests." Li Feng handed over the letter. "We believe it's Master Zhao Xieren returning."

"As do I." Master Yuan's fingers tapped the table in a rhythmic pattern. "Master Jin's phrasing is deliberately vague, but the timing is too convenient. A conference on Black Dao defense provides perfect cover for investigating a unique Guardian Elder."

"What do we know about Zhao?" Elder Liu's fan moved faster, betraying the concern her expression concealed.

"Very little." Elder Wei pulled out a different scroll—intelligence reports gathered from various sources. "Claims affiliation with Northern Ancestral Mountains. Research focuses on cultivation methods predating the Heaven-Earth Separation. Observes rather than participates. His methods are... probing. Intensely curious about things others dismiss as mythology."

"He carries dragon essence." Xiaolong's statement dropped like winter frost. "Hidden, but perceptible to my senses."

"A proxy vessel?" Ming Lian had entered quietly, taking a position near the door. "Humans who allow powerful beings to inhabit their bodies temporarily?"

Xiaolong nodded. "The essence belongs to Tianmin. He is... to put it in perspective, what I am to Azure Waters, he is to dragons—though his nature is observation rather than guardianship."

"Tianmin," Elder Wei murmured, recognition sparking in his eyes. "The Ancient Observer. Myth, as far as most records were concerned."

"His name is accurate." Xiaolong traced her horn cuff. "He watches. Catalogs. Understands everything without interfering unless something interests him profoundly."

"And you interest him." Li Feng's statement carried no question.

"I defy classification. I exist outside established draconic frameworks. To an ancient being who has cataloged all possible variations, I'm... novelty." She considered how much to share, how much the human sect leaders needed to know about inter-draconic politics. "Yinlong warned me he was watching. That my 'experiment' would draw attention beyond what I anticipated."

"I'm assuming Yinlong is... another dragon. Your contact?" Elder Liu asked.

"My ally. She represents my interests at the Dragon Conclave, protecting my core territories during my absence. And providing warnings like this one."

Master Yuan straightened, the weariness of recovery momentarily replaced by alert leadership. "We proceed with caution. Xiaolong attends as planned. She's our Guardian Elder—hiding her or changing our delegation now would signal weakness. But we prepare for uncomfortable questions and ensure she's never alone with Zhao or his associates."

"I can handle myself," Xiaolong said.

"Against physical threats, undoubtedly. Against political maneuvering backed by ancient wisdom..." Elder Wei paused. "It's not about capability. It's about numbers and territory. Sect leaders hunt in packs. A lone dragon, however powerful, can be overwhelmed through attrition if they don't play the game well."

"I have Elder Liu's scenarios."

"And you have us." Li Feng's hand found hers. "If Zhao tries to corner you alone, Ming Lian and I create diplomatic emergencies that require your attention. If he probes your techniques during demonstrations, Master Yuan redirects with questions about Golden Sun Sect security arrangements. You're not navigating this as an individual—you're there as part of our delegation."

The strategy shifted, morphing to include Tianmin's proxy as an active variable rather than a potential complication. They repositioned on the map of conference interactions, drawing alliance lines, planning contingencies, and allocating responsibilities among delegates.

By the time they finished, moonlight flooded through the chamber's open windows, silvering the scrolls and diagrams scattered across the table.

"Get some rest," Master Yuan told them, addressing everyone but most importantly Xiaolong. "Diplomacy requires sharp minds. Sharp minds require sleep."

Next chapter will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.