Master of The Azure Palace Chapter 10: The Beggar, The Monk and The Courtesan (9)

Read chapter 10 of Master of The Azure Palace by AzulConVerde on NovelPedia.

Língfēng circled nervously around his office, his move against the Lúse family three weeks ago backfired spectacularly, they had handled the situation so well that now, even more people were going to their clinic. Worse still, is that his trick of angering the townsfolk failed and now their anger was being redirected towards the West Wind Taoist Sect, putting the branch on Húchéng at serious risk of closing to contain the damage to the sect's reputation. What made Língfēng even more nervous was that a few days ago he had spotted the beggar boy that follows Lúse Lán around talking with some of the junior disciples, he managed to chase him off, but not a day later, he had received a letter from his master, Xībiāo Dàorén, that he was coming to visit the branch on official business. The nervousness was just about done eating Língfēng’s mind when a junior disciple came into his office to tell him of his master's arrival. Língfēng rushed towards the entrance to greet his master, once he arrived, his jaw hit the floor. His master, a man in his late 50’s was speaking amicably with the bane of his existence. Lán cleared his throat politely once he spotted Língfēng. Xībiāo Dàorén turned around and stared angrily at his disciple. “Língfēng, we have some matters to discuss” his master said. “Master I…” Língfēng said sheepishly before being stopped by his master’s raised hand. The group moved towards the main meeting hall. A small, well decorated room with a long wooden table in the middle. Xībiāo Dàorén sat down at the head of the table and invited Lán and Língfēng to sit next to him. “This young man sent me a letter two weeks ago, claiming he had means to help your sect brother Xu Qingfeng with his injury” Xībiāo Dàorén said. Língfēng was shocked by this statement. Xu Qingfeng was the sect’s vice leader and was treated by his master as if he were his own son. He was a rising star in the martial arts world and had received a terrible injury while fighting in the north against the Jurchens. “Imposible! How did he know?” Língfēng thought “This is not public information, and the rumor has only spread among the junior disciples that look up to Xu Qingfeng’s martial exploits” A wave of unease spread all over him as he finished his thought. “Master! You must not listen to this man!” Língfēng replied “He surely lies, the clinic is no more than a sham!” “Silence! I've already read your reports on the matter” Xībiāo Dàorén said “The Young Master of the Lúse family met me as soon as I entered the city and offered me a tour of the clinic. It’s an excellent clinic and has already begun your sect brother’s treatment.” Língfēng was punched in the gut by disbelief. He looked angrily at Lán, expecting to receive a look of superiority or contempt, but was instead met by a cold, calculating gaze. “Whats more, there is still the matter of your behaviour these past months” Xībiāo Dàorén continued “I have received reports from several ministers and physicians from the Imperial Palace that your presence in Húchéng has put the lives of the clinic’s patients at risk. I should have you exiled from our sect!” “This is a bad scenario, but it's not the worst” Língfēng thought. If he were exiled one of his trusted priests could replace him, then he could spend time repenting and doing deeds of charity to earn his place back in the sect. “Very well master, I shall accept my punishment” Língfēng grinned as he bowed, this was but a minor setback, he could spend the time in exile to gather his strength and get rid of the Lúse brat. “Please, there is no need to be rash” Lán replied “The West Wind Taoist Sect has loyally defended China from all sorts of enemies. I'm sure Língfēng was acting in the best interest of the nation, perhaps he and his disciples just need time to meditate and reflect on their actions.” Língfēng looked up in alarm. If the branch was ordered to leave for even a few months to meditate and repent, by the time they got back, any foothold they had secur