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"This is my ceremonial breastplate, Master," Reinhardia explained with forced patience. "It has withstood the blows of eight demon lords and three chaos dragons."
"Well, it's uncomfortable against my delicate skin," Wu Lin pouted. "Lucoa, bring a cushion to place between me and the Sword Saint's pointy attire."
And so it was that Sect Leader Fang—one of the most feared cultivators in the empire, master of the Bloodthirsty Blade technique that had beheaded three rival sect leaders—was received by Zhao Wu Lin being princess-carried by Reinhardia, with a pink silk cushion tucked between them, while Vados walked ahead arranging flowers in vases they passed, and Lucoa trailed behind throwing rose petals on the floor "to make the journey prettier."
The reception hall fell silent as they entered. Sect Leader Fang—a burly man with a scar running from his forehead to his chin—stood amidst his disciples, his hand on the hilt of a massive crimson blade. His expression of stern anger gradually morphed into confusion as he beheld the procession.
"What... what is the meaning of this?" he demanded.
Wu Lin yawned. "You requested an audience. I have granted it. Though I must say, your timing is inconvenient. I was in the middle of a most excellent foot massage."
Sect Leader Fang's face reddened. "Zhao Wu Lin! You dare mock the Crimson Blade Sect? We have come for the Celestial Binding Stone! Our sect's records show it was stolen from our ancestral vault three hundred years ago. It is said to have the power to bind divine entities to mortal service!"
Wu Lin blinked. "Oh, you mean that jade thing? I threw it into a fire. It was very disappointing. Did nothing but crack the sky and summon these three." He gestured vaguely at his divine maids.
The sect leader's jaw dropped. "You... you THREW the Celestial Binding Stone—a treasure our sect has sought for three centuries—into a FIRE?"
"It was an ugly color," Wu Lin said with a shrug. "Didn't match my decor."
One of the disciples whispered urgently to Sect Leader Fang, who nodded grimly. "If you have indeed used the stone, then these divine servants rightfully belong to the Crimson Blade Sect. The stone was ours, therefore its power is ours."
"That seems like faulty logic," Wu Lin tilted his head, still comfortably nestled in Reinhardia's arms. "If I buy a sword from you and then stab someone with it, does the stabbing belong to you too?"
"Cosmic law is quite clear on this matter," Vados stepped forward, her voice cool and precise. "We are bound to the one who activated the artifact, regardless of its provenance."
"Silence!" Sect Leader Fang roared. "If you will not release these divine beings to their rightful masters, then we shall take them by force!" He drew his massive crimson blade, which immediately began to drip with what appeared to be actual blood.
Wu Lin yawned again. "How tedious. Reinhardia, please deal with this noisy person. But don't put me down. I'm comfortable now."
What happened next occurred so quickly that most of the disciples couldn't follow it with their eyes. Still cradling Wu Lin like a baby, Reinhardia drew her silver sword with her free hand. There was a flash of light, a sound like a thousand bells ringing at once, and then silence.
When everyone's vision cleared, Sect Leader Fang stood frozen in place. His massive blade had been cut into exactly one hundred pieces, each floating in the air around him. His disciples' weapons had suffered the same fate. No one was injured, but every single weapon in the room—including hidden daggers and concealed needles—had been instantaneously destroyed.
Reinhardia calmly sheathed her sword. "Please leave the Young Master's presence now. Consider this a warning."
Wu Lin clapped his hands delightedly. "That was actually entertaining! Reinhardia, you may receive an extra head pat today as a reward."
The Sword Saint's face remained impassive, though her cheeks colored slightly.
Sect Leader Fang, his fearsome reputation in tatters, could only stare in disbelief at the floating pieces of his ancestral weapon.
"Oh, and take your sword confetti with you," Wu Lin added as an afterthought. "It clashes with my floor tiles."
The Crimson Blade Sect members backed away slowly, their awe and fear palpable. As they retreated through the main gates, Wu Lin remained in Reinhardia's arms, looking smugly pleased with the entire situation.
"That was most diverting," he declared. "Now, where were we before that tedious interruption? Ah yes, Lucoa was massaging my feet. Let us return to that immediately."
As they made their way back through the palace corridors, Wu Lin glanced up at Reinhardia's stoic face. "You enjoyed that, didn't you? The chance to demonstrate your power?"
"I merely fulfilled my duty to protect you, Master," Reinhardia replied evenly, but there was a gleam in her eye that suggested Wu Lin's observation had been accurate.
"Hmm. Well, I suppose everyone needs to indulge their talents occasionally. Your talent happens to be terrifying cultivators while carrying spoiled young masters. How fortunate for you that you now have such opportunities."
The smallest smile tugged at Reinhardia's lips before she suppressed it. "Indeed, Master. Most fortunate."
The days that followed brought more visitors to Wu Lin's gates—some seeking to challenge him for possession of his divine maids, others hoping to curry favor with the young master who now commanded cosmic power. All were dealt with in similar fashion, with Reinhardia's sword, Vados's celestial authority, or Lucoa's chaotic charm sending them away in various states of awe, fear, or confusion.
Wu Lin found these interruptions mildly entertaining but ultimately tedious. His primary concern remained his own comfort and the perfection of his divine maids' service.
One particularly memorable morning began with Wu Lin's usual toilette—Lucoa's turn this time, to the chaos dragon's evident delight.
"Master, shall I warm the water with my breath?" she asked eagerly as Wu Lin settled onto his commode.
"If you must," he replied with feigned disinterest, though he secretly enjoyed Lucoa's enthusiastic approach to even the most intimate tasks.
Lucoa knelt before him, her expression unusually serious as she prepared to assist him. Despite her chaotic nature, she performed these duties with surprising gentleness and care. When it came time to clean him, she leaned forward with focused attention.
"You know," she said conversationally, as if they were discussing the weather rather than engaged in the most intimate of services, "in my divine realm, this was considered a sacred duty. The personal attendants to the celestial dragons were highly honored."
"How fortunate that you now have the sacred duty of wiping my royal backside," Wu Lin remarked dryly.
Lucoa giggled. "It is my honor, Master." She completed her task with gentle thoroughness, then helped him rise and adjust his robes. As she straightened his garments, she "accidentally" brushed against him in ways that seemed suspiciously deliberate.
"Lucoa," Wu Lin said, raising an eyebrow, "you're being particularly hands-on this morning."
"Am I?" she asked with exaggerated innocence, her hands still smoothing his robes in places that didn't strictly need smoothing. "I'm just being thorough in my duties."
Wu Lin allowed this to continue for perhaps longer than necessary before gently stepping away. "Your thoroughness is noted. Now, I believe it's time for my morning bath."
The bathing ritual that morning was interrupted by an unexpected visitor—not at the gates this time, but directly in Wu Lin's bathing chamber. As he reclined in steaming, herb-infused water, with Vados washing his hair and Reinhardia scrubbing his back (Lucoa had been temporarily banished for excessive enthusiasm), a flash of light erupted in the center of the room.
From the light emerged a woman of breathtaking beauty—her skin pale as moonlight, her hair flowing like liquid silver, her eyes the color of dawn. She wore robes of shimmering white and carried a staff crowned with a glowing crystal.
"I am Lin Mei, First Priestess of the Celestial Moon Sect," she announced in a voice like windchimes. "And I have come to—"
Her declaration was cut short as she registered the scene before her. Wu Lin, naked in his bath, blinked at her in mild surprise. Vados and Reinhardia had instantly moved to defensive positions, celestial energy crackling around them.
"You have come to interrupt my bath, apparently," Wu Lin observed, making no attempt to cover himself. "How inconsiderate."
The priestess's pale cheeks flushed pink. "I... I didn't expect to find you... indisposed."
"Clearly," Wu Lin replied. "Vados, a towel please. It seems I must entertain unexpected guests in the middle of my bathing ritual."
Vados produced a towel of cloud-soft fabric, holding it ready as Wu Lin rose from the water with casual immodesty. The priestess quickly averted her eyes, her blush deepening.
"I apologize for the intrusion," she said stiffly, staring fixedly at a point on the wall. "But matters of cosmic importance cannot wait on mortal convenience."
"Cosmic importance," Wu Lin repeated as he stepped from the bath and allowed Vados to wrap the towel around his waist. "How fascinating. And yet, I find myself distinctly uninterested. Reinhardia, please escort our uninvited guest to the reception hall. I shall join her when I am properly attired. Or perhaps not. I haven't decided if this interruption merits my attention."
Reinhardia stepped forward, her hand on her sword hilt. "This way, priestess."
The woman drew herself up indignantly. "I am the First Priestess of the Celestial Moon Sect! I do not take orders from—"
"From a divine warrior who could erase your existence with a thought?" Wu Lin suggested pleasantly. "A poor decision. Reinhardia, if she refuses to move, you may carry her."
That threat was sufficient. The priestess allowed herself to be escorted from the bathing chamber, though her expression promised retribution for this indignity.
Once she had gone, Wu Lin chuckled softly. "How amusing. Vados, prepare my finest reception robes. If this priestess has gone to the trouble of teleporting directly into my bath, I should at least look my best when rejecting whatever proposal she's come to make."
Vados bowed. "Yes, Master. The twelve-layered celestial silk with phoenix embroidery, perhaps?"
"Perfect. And send Lucoa to entertain our guest while I prepare. Her particular brand of hospitality should be... illuminating."
When Wu Lin finally entered the reception hall an hour later—deliberately taking his time with his preparations—he found an interesting tableau. The priestess sat rigidly on a cushion, her face fixed in an expression of strained politeness, while Lucoa lounged beside her, apparently in the middle of explaining something with enthusiastic hand gestures that involved much bouncing of her ample chest.
"...and that's when I realized dragons actually prefer belly rubs to virgin sacrifices! The whole cosmic order had it wrong for millennia!" Lucoa was saying cheerfully.
"How... enlightening," the priestess replied through gritted teeth.
"Ah, our unexpected visitor," Wu Lin announced, gliding into the hall in his resplendent robes. Vados walked three steps behind him, while Reinhardia took up a guard position by the door. "I trust Lucoa has been keeping you entertained?"
The priestess rose immediately, relief evident on her face. "Young Master Zhao. Thank you for receiving me, despite the... unfortunate timing of my arrival."
"Yes, materializing in a man's bath is generally considered poor etiquette in the Jade Heaven Empire," Wu Lin observed as he settled onto his reception throne—an elaborate seat carved from thousand-year white jade. "However, I am feeling magnanimous today. State your business, priestess."
Lin Mei straightened, regaining some of her dignity. "I have come as an emissary of the Celestial Moon Sect. We have observed your binding of divine entities and believe it represents a dangerous disruption of the cosmic balance. Such power should not rest in the hands of a single mortal, particularly one with no cultivation base or spiritual training."
"How tedious," Wu Lin sighed. "Another lecture about cosmic balance and my unworthiness. Can no one in this empire come up with original complaints?"
The priestess's eyes narrowed. "This is no trivial matter, Young Master Zhao. The cosmos has rules—"
"Rules that apparently allowed me to bind three divine beings to my service," Wu Lin interrupted. "If your cosmic balance is so fragile that it can be disrupted by a bored young master throwing a jade trinket into a fire, perhaps it deserves disruption."
"Impertinent!" Lin Mei's staff glowed brighter with her anger. "The Celestial Moon Sect demands that you release at least one of these divine beings to our custody. We will ensure they are properly venerated and their powers channeled for the greater good."
Wu Lin yawned dramatically. "Denied. Is that all?"
The priestess appeared genuinely shocked by his casual dismissal. "You refuse the request of the Celestial Moon Sect? Do you understand the consequences of such defiance?"
"Enlighten me," Wu Lin invited, examining his perfect nails with apparent disinterest.
"The combined might of our sect's elders could level mountains and drain seas! We command celestial forces beyond mortal understanding!"
Wu Lin glanced at Reinhardia. "Sword Saint, could this woman and her sect 'level mountains and drain seas' as she claims?"
Reinhardia considered the priestess with analytical eyes. "They have moderate power by mortal standards. Against any one of us? They would be as ants attempting to fight the sun."
The priestess paled, but held her ground. "We are not without allies. Other sects share our concern about this cosmic imbalance."
"How fascinating," Wu Lin replied. "You're all welcome to be concerned together. Perhaps form a club. Make little badges. But my divine maids remain with me."
Lin Mei's expression hardened. "This is your final answer?"
"Unless you have something more interesting to propose than threats and demands, yes."
The priestess studied him for a long moment, then surprised everyone by smoothly kneeling and bowing her head. "Then I offer myself as an alternative."
Wu Lin raised an eyebrow. "I beg your pardon?"
"If you will release one of your divine servants—any one of your choosing—I will take her place as your personal attendant. I am the First Priestess of the Celestial Moon Sect, trained in thirty-six celestial arts and ninety-nine sacred techniques. My service would be more refined and cultivated than these... raw cosmic entities."
Wu Lin leaned forward, genuinely intrigued for perhaps the first time in the conversation. "You would abandon your sect to serve me as a maid?"
"To restore cosmic balance? Yes." Lin Mei kept her head bowed, her silver hair cascading around her face like a veil.
A soft sound drew Wu Lin's attention to his divine maids. Lucoa was pouting dramatically, arms crossed beneath her ample chest. Vados maintained her perfect composure, but a slight tension around her eyes betrayed her interest in his response. Most surprising was Reinhardia, whose hand had tightened on her sword hilt, a barely perceptible frown creasing her brow.
Wu Lin found their reactions unexpectedly... gratifying.
"An interesting proposal," he said thoughtfully. "Lucoa, what do you think? Should I replace you with this priestess?"
"Master!" Lucoa wailed, immediately throwing herself at his feet. "You wouldn't! I give the best massages! And morning cuddles! And I make that special tea you like that makes colors seem brighter! Can she turn into a dragon? I don't think so!"
"Valid points," Wu Lin acknowledged, patting her head absently. "Vados? Your thoughts?"
The celestial attendant's expression remained serene. "I serve at your pleasure, Master. If you believe this priestess would provide superior service, I would accept your decision with grace."
"How diplomatically phrased," Wu Lin noted. "And you, Sword Saint? Would you object to being replaced?"
Reinhardia met his gaze directly. "If you wish to exchange a divine warrior who has slain demon lords for a mortal priestess who knows some parlor tricks, that is your prerogative, Master."
The priestess's head snapped up at this insult, her eyes flashing with anger. "Parlor tricks? I am the youngest First Priestess in five centuries! My celestial arts have earned the respect of immortals!"
"And yet," Wu Lin mused, "none of them bound you to their service. How curious."
He leaned back in his throne, enjoying the tension in the room. After letting it build for a deliciously uncomfortable moment, he finally spoke.
"Priestess Lin Mei, your offer is both bold and amusing. However, I must decline. My divine maids suit me perfectly. Their service is..." he paused, searching for the right word, "irreplaceable."
A collective release of tension was almost palpable in the room. Even Vados, for all her celestial composure, seemed to relax slightly.
The priestess rose slowly, dignity reassembling itself around her like armor. "Then the Celestial Moon Sect will join forces with others who recognize the threat you pose. This is not the end, Young Master Zhao."
"It is for today," Wu Lin replied dismissively. "Reinhardia, please escort our guest out. Through the door this time, not my bathing chamber."
After the priestess had been shown out, Wu Lin turned to his divine maids with an enigmatic smile. "That was surprisingly entertaining. I particularly enjoyed your reactions to the possibility of being replaced."
"I never doubted you would keep me, Master," Lucoa declared, bouncing back to his side to cling to his arm affectionately. "We're practically soulmates already!"
"Your confidence is noted," Wu Lin replied, patting her head again. "Vados, prepare my midday refreshments. I find confrontations stimulate my appetite. Reinhardia, you seem tense. Perhaps you thought I might actually replace you with that priestess?"
The Sword Saint's expression remained carefully neutral. "As I said, Master, it would be your prerogative."
"But not a wise choice," Wu Lin pressed, watching her face closely.
"No," Reinhardia admitted after a moment. "Not wise at all."
Wu Lin smiled, more pleased by this reluctant acknowledgment than he cared to admit. "Then we are in agreement. Now, I believe I was in the middle of a bath before that tedious interruption. Let us resume where we left off."
As they returned to the bathing chamber, Wu Lin found himself strangely satisfied by the knowledge that his divine maids might actually prefer serving him to regaining their freedom. It was an unexpected development—and in a life as predictably perfect as his, unexpected developments were to be treasured.
Chapter 5: The Summer Palace Excursion
Three weeks after the binding of his divine maids, Wu Lin received a message from the Emperor himself—not a formal invitation or decree, but a personal note written in the Imperial hand. This unprecedented honor caused quite a stir among the palace servants, who whispered that not even the highest ministers received such direct communication from their sovereign.
"Master," Vados announced, presenting the scroll on a jade tray, "a message from His Imperial Majesty, delivered by his personal phoenix messenger."
Wu Lin, who was currently having his shoulders massaged by Lucoa while Reinhardia read aloud from a book of ancient poetry, received this news with his usual affected boredom. "How tedious. What does the Emperor want now? More poetry about his concubines?"
Vados presented the scroll with a deep bow. "The messenger indicated it was most urgent, Master."
With a dramatic sigh, Wu Lin unrolled the scroll, his expression shifting from disinterest to mild surprise as he read. "How unexpected. The Emperor requests my presence—along with my 'divine attendants'—at the Imperial Summer Palace for what he calls 'a private audience of significant cosmic import.'"
Reinhardia immediately frowned. "That sounds suspiciously like a trap, Master."
"Obviously," Wu Lin agreed, surprising his divine maids with his perception. "But an interesting one. The Emperor rarely bothers with subtlety."
"We could decline," Vados suggested, though her tone indicated she knew what Wu Lin's answer would be.
"And miss an opportunity to display my divine maids at the Summer Palace? Absolutely not!" Wu Lin declared. "Besides, I'm curious what this 'cosmic import' might be. Perhaps the Emperor wishes to borrow one of you for some tedious state function."
Lucoa giggled, her fingers still working Wu Lin's shoulders. "I don't think we can be borrowed, Master. The binding is quite specific—one hundred meters from you at all times!"
"A convenient limitation," Wu Lin mused. "Well, we shall accept this invitation. Vados, prepare suitable traveling attire. I shall require at least seventeen different outfits for the journey, even though the Summer Palace is only a day's travel from here."
"Yes, Master," Vados bowed. "And what of security preparations?"
Wu Lin waved a dismissive hand. "That's Reinhardia's concern. Sword Saint, ensure no one assassinates me on the road. It would be most inconvenient."
Reinhardia bowed stiffly. "I shall personally survey the route and establish a defensive perimeter around your palanquin, Master."
"Excellent. And Lucoa, you shall be in charge of my entertainment during the journey. I expect to be continuously amused."
"Yes, Master!" Lucoa clapped her hands excitedly. "I know all sorts of traveling games! And songs! And stories about cosmic serpents who—"
"Perhaps not the serpent stories," Vados interrupted gently. "Remember our discussion about appropriate topics?"
Lucoa pouted. "But the serpent only ate three galaxies, and they were very small ones..."
Wu Lin chuckled, genuinely amused by Lucoa's perpetual enthusiasm. "You may tell me one serpent story for every hour of the journey. But only the ones with minimal cosmic destruction."
The preparation for the journey took three days, largely because Wu Lin rejected the first fourteen palanquins presented to him as "insufficiently luxurious" or "aesthetically tedious." The fifteenth—a masterpiece of carved sandalwood inlaid with jade and pearl, its curtains woven from golden thread and phoenix down—finally met with his approval.
On the morning of departure, Wu Lin's compound resembled a small army preparing for war. In addition to his divine maids, he had insisted on bringing fifty servants, thirty imperial guards (on loan from the Emperor himself), twelve cooks, seven musicians, four masseurs, three fortune tellers, two court poets, and one highly specialized tea brewer who worked with nothing but white lotus petals picked during the full moon.
"Is this really necessary, Master?" Reinhardia asked as she surveyed the chaos of preparation. "The Summer Palace is less than a day's journey."
"Of course it's necessary," Wu Lin replied, adjusting the sleeves of his traveling robe—a seventeen-layered masterpiece in shades of imperial blue and silver. "I am Zhao Wu Lin, the most distinguished young master in the Central Province, now accompanied by three divine maids. My arrival should inspire awe, envy, and despair in all who witness it."
"I believe it will certainly inspire something," Reinhardia muttered.
The journey itself proved less tedious than Wu Lin had feared. His palanquin was carried by sixteen bearers who had been specifically trained to move in perfect unison, creating a ride so smooth that not even the most sensitive accelerometer could have detected a tremor. Inside, Wu Lin reclined on cushions stuffed with the down of celestial geese, while Lucoa entertained him with increasingly improbable stories of cosmic adventures.
"...and then the star empress said, 'That's not my constellation, that's my sister!'" Lucoa concluded, dissolving into giggles at her own joke.
Wu Lin blinked. "I don't understand. Why is that humorous?"
"Because her sister was actually a black hole in disguise! Don't you see? A black hole!"
"I'm afraid cosmic humor doesn't translate well to the mortal realm," Vados observed from her seated position near the palanquin's entrance.
Wu Lin sighed. "Clearly. Reinhardia, any signs of impending assassination attempts or cosmic disasters?"
The Sword Saint, who had been running alongside the palanquin for hours without showing a hint of fatigue, glanced in through the curtains. "Nothing significant, Master. Several cultivation sect disciples have been observing our procession from a distance, but they've made no hostile moves."
"How disappointing," Wu Lin sighed again. "I was hoping for at least one attempted kidnapping to alleviate the tedium."
"We could stage one if you'd like!" Lucoa suggested brightly. "I could pretend to be a fearsome dragon bandit, and Reinhardia could heroically defeat me while you watched in manufactured terror!"
"An interesting proposal, but no," Wu Lin declined with a small smile. "Authentic assassination attempts have a certain flair that cannot be replicated through playacting."
The palanquin suddenly came to a halt, causing Wu Lin to sit up indignantly. "Why have we stopped? I did not authorize a rest break for at least another hour!"
Vados peeked through the curtains, then turned back with her usual composure. "It appears we have reached a checkpoint, Master. Imperial guards are requesting identification."
"Identification? For me? Preposterous!" Wu Lin flung aside the curtains, prepared to berate the guards for their impertinence.
What he saw instead made him pause. The road ahead was blocked by what appeared to be a small army—not Imperial soldiers, but cultivation sect disciples in the distinctive crimson robes of the Blood Moon Sect, one of the most powerful and secretive organizations in the entire empire.
At their center stood a woman of exceptional beauty, her black hair streaked with crimson, her eyes like polished garnets. She wore battle robes that somehow managed to be both practical and provocatively form-fitting, and carried a blood-red sword nearly as tall as herself.
"Zhao Wu Lin," she called out, her voice carrying effortlessly across the distance. "I am Mei Lian, Battle Mistress of the Blood Moon Sect. I challenge you and your so-called 'divine servants' to trial by combat!"
Wu Lin blinked, genuinely taken aback by this direct challenge. Before he could respond, Reinhardia had materialized before his palanquin, her silver sword drawn and glowing with celestial light.
"Any who threaten my Master face me first," the Sword Saint declared, her voice carrying the weight of divine authority. "Withdraw your challenge, mortal, or face consequences beyond your comprehension."
The Battle Mistress smiled, a predatory expression that revealed teeth filed to sharp points. "I challenge you specifically, 'divine servant.' If you are truly a cosmic entity bound to this worthless young master's service, prove your power against me!"
Wu Lin, recovering from his surprise, leaned forward with newfound interest. "This is unexpected. And significantly less tedious than the journey so far." He clapped his hands. "Very well! Reinhardia shall accept your challenge, Battle Mistress. If she wins, you and your sect disciples will escort us to the Summer Palace as additional guards—unpaid, of course. If you win..." he paused, considering. "Well, that won't happen, so there's no point discussing it."
Mei Lian's smile widened. "Your arrogance is legendary, Zhao Wu Lin. When I defeat your divine servant, you will come with me to the Blood Moon Sect's hidden sanctum, where our Elders will extract the secret of cosmic binding from your pampered hide!"
"How unpleasant," Wu Lin remarked. "Reinhardia, please conclude this tedious encounter quickly. I'm developing a headache from all this shouting."
The Sword Saint nodded once, then stepped forward to face the Battle Mistress. The disciples of the Blood Moon Sect formed a wide circle around them, creating an impromptu arena on the imperial road.
Reinhardia stood perfectly still, her silver sword held in a casual grip that nevertheless betrayed centuries of mastery. The Battle Mistress took a more elaborate stance, her crimson blade weaving complex patterns in the air as she circulated her cultivation energy.
"Begin whenever you're ready," Reinhardia offered calmly. "I will attempt to limit your injuries to non-fatal ones."
With a snarl of rage at this casual dismissal, Mei Lian attacked. Her movement was blindingly fast—the fastest any mortal in the Jade Heaven Empire had ever achieved through cultivation techniques. Her blade became a crimson blur as she executed the legendary Eighteen Crimson Petals technique, a sword form said to be undefeatable when performed correctly.
To most observers, it appeared that Reinhardia hadn't moved at all. One moment the Battle Mistress was attacking with supernatural speed, the next she was frozen in place, her blade stopped mere inches from Reinhardia's face by the Sword Saint's finger—a single finger, pressed lightly against the edge of the crimson sword.
"Impossible," Mei Lian whispered, her eyes wide with shock.
"No," Reinhardia corrected gently. "Divine."
With a movement too subtle for mortal eyes to track, Reinhardia tapped the crimson blade once. The sword shattered into dust, falling through Mei Lian's fingers like red sand.
"Do you yield?" the Sword Saint asked, her own blade still casually at her side, unused.
The Battle Mistress fell to her knees, the shock of defeat overwhelming her pride. "What... what are you?"
"I am the Sword Saint of the Divine Realm, now bound to serve Master Zhao Wu Lin," Reinhardia stated simply. "Your techniques are impressive for a mortal, but millennia separate our levels of mastery."
From his palanquin, Wu Lin slow-clapped. "Excellently done, Reinhardia! Most entertaining. Although I would have preferred a slightly longer display. That was over rather quickly."
Reinhardia bowed toward her master. "I apologize for the brevity, Master. Would you like me to allow the next challenger to last longer for your amusement?"
"Next challenger?" Wu Lin perked up. "Are there more?"
The Blood Moon disciples looked at each other nervously, then at their defeated Battle Mistress still kneeling in the dust. As one, they dropped to their knees.
"It seems not," Reinhardia observed dryly.
Wu Lin sighed dramatically. "How disappointing. Well, Battle Mistress Mei Lian, as agreed, you and your disciples will now escort us to the Summer Palace. Consider it an honor to serve as unpaid guards for the most distinguished young master in the empire."
Mei Lian raised her head, her expression a complex mixture of humiliation, awe, and...
...humiliation, awe, and something unexpected—fascination. She stared at Wu Lin with dawning realization.
"You truly command divine beings," she whispered. "The rumors weren't exaggerated."
Wu Lin preened slightly. "If anything, the rumors understate my magnificence. Now, do get up. Dust on your knees is most unbecoming for someone who will be escorting me."
Mei Lian rose with surprising grace for someone who had just suffered such a devastating defeat. She bowed formally. "The Blood Moon Sect acknowledges your... unique position, Young Master Zhao. We will escort you to the Summer Palace as agreed."
"Excellent! Reinhardia, you may return to your guard position. Vados, ensure our new escorts maintain proper formation. Lucoa..." Wu Lin glanced at the chaos dragon maid who was watching the entire scene with delighted interest, "continue entertaining me with your cosmic stories. Perhaps something with fewer incomprehensible punchlines."
The procession resumed with the addition of the Blood Moon disciples forming a crimson perimeter around Wu Lin's entourage. Most curious was Battle Mistress Mei Lian, who requested permission to ride beside Wu Lin's palanquin—a request he granted with casual magnanimity.
Throughout the remainder of the journey, Wu Lin noticed the Battle Mistress stealing glances at him through the palanquin's curtains. Her expression had transformed from hostility to something more complex—a mixture of curiosity, respect, and perhaps a hint of something else entirely.
"Your divine servant's skill is beyond mortal comprehension," she remarked during one such moment, her voice carefully controlled. "Yet she obeys your every command without question."
"Of course she does," Wu Lin replied as if this were the most natural thing in the world. "All three of them do. It's the cosmic binding."
"And what exactly did you do to achieve this binding?" Mei Lian inquired, her tone casual but her eyes sharp with interest.
Wu Lin waved his hand dismissively. "Oh, I simply threw a priceless jade relic into a sacred fire during a solar eclipse while complaining about lukewarm tea. Hardly worth discussing."
The Battle Mistress blinked, clearly unsure if he was mocking her. "You jest."
"I never jest about tea temperatures," Wu Lin assured her solemnly. "Ask Vados if you don't believe me. She's the one who makes sure my tea is precisely seventy-two degrees now, to avoid further cosmic disruption."
From her position at the palanquin's entrance, Vados nodded once. "The Young Master speaks the truth. Though I would clarify that the jade relic was the Celestial Binding Stone, a cosmic artifact of immense power."
"Which was an ugly shade of green," Wu Lin added. "Clashed horribly with my decor."
Mei Lian fell silent, processing this information with a thoughtful expression that Wu Lin found surprisingly intriguing on her fierce features.
The Imperial Summer Palace appeared on the horizon as the sun began its descent—a sprawling complex of jade-roofed pavilions nestled against the backdrop of the Five Immortal Mountains. Lotus ponds and peach orchards surrounded elegant structures designed to capture the perfect aesthetic balance of natural beauty and imperial grandeur.
Wu Lin's arrival caused quite the stir, particularly given his unusual escort of Blood Moon disciples led by their Battle Mistress. Imperial guards rushed to report to their superiors, while court officials emerged to gawk at the spectacle.
"Young Master Zhao Wu Lin arrives!" announced the Imperial Herald as Wu Lin's palanquin was lowered at the main entrance. "Accompanied by his... divine attendants and the Battle Mistress of the Blood Moon Sect?"
The last part was added with evident confusion, causing Wu Lin to smile smugly as he emerged from his palanquin with practiced elegance.
"His Imperial Majesty is expecting me," he announced to no one in particular, straightening the sleeves of his elaborate traveling robes. "Reinhardia, you shall walk ahead to clear my path. Vados, three steps behind me on the right. Lucoa, three steps behind on the left. Battle Mistress, you may follow at a respectful distance if you wish to witness imperial magnificence firsthand."
Mei Lian bowed, her expression carefully neutral though her eyes continued to study Wu Lin with that same intriguing intensity. "I would be honored, Young Master Zhao."
The procession moved through the Summer Palace's exquisite gardens and corridors, drawing stares and whispers from courtiers and servants alike. Wu Lin basked in the attention, occasionally pausing to admire particularly beautiful views or artwork, making loud observations about their "acceptable aesthetic qualities" or "passable craftsmanship."
Finally, they reached the Emperor's private audience chamber—a serene pavilion overlooking the largest lotus pond, where koi fish with scales like living jewels swam in perfect formation.
The Emperor himself waited on a raised dais, seated not on his formal throne but on an elegant chair carved from thousand-year white jade. He was a man in his fifth decade, with shrewd eyes and a neatly trimmed beard streaked with silver. His robes were surprisingly simple for an imperial audience, suggesting this was indeed the private meeting promised in his message.
"Young Master Zhao," the Emperor greeted with a slight nod—a remarkable honor from the supreme ruler of the Jade Heaven Empire. "I see you've brought not only your divine attendants but also the Battle Mistress of the Blood Moon Sect. How... unexpected."
Wu Lin performed the minimal bow required by protocol—three degrees of inclination, no more. "Your Imperial Majesty. The Battle Mistress and her disciples challenged us on the road. After my divine servant demonstrated their inadequacy, they now serve as additional escorts. Unpaid, of course."
A flicker of amusement crossed the Emperor's face. "Of course. Please, be seated. This conversation requires comfort."
Servants immediately brought forward cushions of the finest silk. Wu Lin arranged himself with casual elegance while his divine maids took positions around him—Reinhardia standing guard, Vados kneeling in perfect seiza position, and Lucoa sitting cross-legged with cheerful disregard for formal protocol.
The Battle Mistress hesitated until the Emperor gestured for her to remain. "Your presence is unexpected, Battle Mistress Mei Lian, but potentially valuable to our discussion."
Wu Lin raised an eyebrow. "And what discussion might that be, Imperial Uncle?" He once again used the overly familiar form of address that made court officials wince but seemed to amuse the Emperor.
"I have received... concerning reports," the Emperor began, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "Reports of growing unrest among the major cultivation sects and noble houses. Your binding of divine entities has created quite the stir in my empire, Young Master Zhao."
"Jealousy is so tedious," Wu Lin sighed dramatically. "Is that why you summoned me? To inform me that lesser beings envy my good fortune?"
"Not merely to inform you," the Emperor replied. "To warn you. And to make you an offer."
This caught Wu Lin's attention. "An offer? How intriguing."
The Emperor leaned forward slightly. "The Celestial Peach Banquet approaches—the most sacred gathering in the empire, held only once every thirty years when the immortal peach trees bear fruit. Traditionally, it is a time of truce and celebration, when even bitter rivals set aside their differences to honor cosmic harmony."
"Yes, yes," Wu Lin waved his hand impatiently. "I'm familiar with the tradition. Tedious ceremonial nonsense, divine blessings, blah blah blah. What's your point?"
Rather than taking offense at Wu Lin's irreverence, the Emperor smiled thinly. "My point, Young Master Zhao, is that I have received intelligence suggesting several powerful factions plan to use the Banquet as an opportunity to... resolve the divine servant situation."
"Resolve?" Reinhardia's hand moved to her sword hilt. "You mean attempt to break the binding."
"Or worse," the Emperor confirmed gravely. "Some believe the only way to restore cosmic balance is to eliminate the one who disrupted it."
Wu Lin blinked, genuinely surprised. "They want to kill me? How extraordinarily rude."
"Indeed," the Emperor agreed dryly. "Hence my warning. And my offer."
"Which is?"
"Imperial protection. I propose you and your divine attendants remain here at the Summer Palace until the Banquet. As my honored guests, you would be under the full protection of the Imperial Guard and the court's most powerful cultivators. During the Banquet itself, you would be seated at my own table, making any move against you tantamount to treason against the throne."
Wu Lin tilted his head, considering the offer with uncharacteristic seriousness. "And what do you want in exchange? No one offers something for nothing, especially not emperors."
The Emperor's eyes crinkled with appreciation for Wu Lin's perception. "Clever boy. Yes, I require something in return. I want your divine attendants to perform three services for the empire—nothing that would endanger you or violate their binding, simply tasks that would benefit from divine intervention."
"What kind of tasks?" Vados inquired, her celestial composure unruffled.
"The Western Province suffers from a drought that threatens to become a famine. The Phoenix Mountain Pass is blocked by an ancient demon seal that prevents trade with our allies. And my youngest daughter is afflicted with a spiritual ailment that our court physicians cannot cure." The Emperor enumerated these problems with the calm efficiency of one accustomed to solving imperial-scale difficulties.
Wu Lin yawned theatrically. "How tedious. Natural disasters, demon seals, and illnesses are so plebeian." He glanced at his divine maids. "Thoughts?"
"Such tasks would be simple for us," Vados confirmed. "The binding allows us to use our powers in service to you, Master. If you command us to assist the Emperor, we can do so within the one-hundred-meter proximity limitation."
"I could fix the drought with just a tiny bit of chaos manipulation!" Lucoa volunteered enthusiastically. "Maybe a small localized reality distortion? Nothing that would cause more than one or two harmless temporal anomalies!"
"The demon seal would take approximately three seconds to dispel," Reinhardia stated matter-of-factly. "As for the spiritual ailment, it would depend on its nature, but it is likely within our capabilities to address."
The Emperor watched this exchange with poorly concealed fascination. "Then you agree to my terms?"
Wu Lin made a show of considering the offer, tapping one perfectly manicured finger against his chin. "I will require suitable accommodations, of course. No less than seventeen rooms for my personal use, with appropriate luxury befitting my status. Daily deliveries of fresh lotus petals for my bath. Celestial-grade wine with every meal. And..." he paused for dramatic effect, "the services of your imperial tailors. I find my current wardrobe inadequate for an extended stay in such grand surroundings."
The Battle Mistress, who had remained silent throughout this negotiation, made a small sound that might have been either a suppressed laugh or a scoff of disbelief.
The Emperor, however, merely nodded. "Agreed. All this and more shall be provided. Do we have an arrangement, Young Master Zhao?"
Wu Lin extended his hand with imperial presumption. "We do, Imperial Uncle. My divine maids shall solve your tedious problems, and you shall keep tedious assassins from interrupting my comfort."
As they clasped hands to seal the agreement, no one noticed the small smile that passed between Vados and Reinhardia—a rare moment of shared understanding between the celestial attendant and the divine warrior.
Wu Lin's accommodations in the Summer Palace exceeded even his exacting standards. He was given the Phoenix Pavilion—a luxurious complex typically reserved for visiting foreign dignitaries of the highest rank. It featured seventeen rooms as requested, each more exquisite than the last, with views of the lotus ponds, peach orchards, and distant mountains.
The first night of their stay, Wu Lin requested a special bath ritual to "cleanse the travel dust from my imperial-adjacent personage."
The bathing chamber of the Phoenix Pavilion was a marvel of imperial craftsmanship—a sunken pool of white jade large enough for ten people, with golden dragon-head faucets that dispensed water from sacred mountain springs. Steam rose from the surface, perfumed with rare herbs and flower essences.
"Ah, finally some proper luxury," Wu Lin sighed as he entered the chamber, his three divine maids following close behind. "The accommodations on the journey were positively primitive by comparison."
"You were carried in a palanquin lined with phoenix down and celestial silk," Reinhardia observed dryly.
"Exactly. Primitive." Wu Lin extended his arms, waiting to be disrobed. "Vados, you may remove my traveling garments. Lucoa, prepare the washing cloths with those special oils you brought. Reinhardia, test the water temperature. I require precisely forty-two degrees, no more, no less."
Each divine maid moved to fulfill her assigned task with practiced efficiency. Vados approached Wu Lin, her movements graceful and precise as she began undoing the complex fastenings of his elaborate robes.
"You negotiated well with the Emperor, Master," she remarked as her fingers worked the intricate knots and clasps. "He clearly holds you in higher regard than he reveals publicly."
Wu Lin preened slightly at the praise. "Of course he does. My poetic talents alone are worth imperial favor. Not to mention my unprecedented divine entourage." He glanced over his shoulder at Reinhardia, who was testing the water with a celestial thermometer. "Temperature, Sword Saint?"
"Forty-one point eight degrees, Master. I've adjusted the flow to reach your preferred temperature within sixty seconds."
"Acceptable." Wu Lin returned his attention to Vados, who was carefully removing the outer layers of his robes. "The Emperor's request to solve his tedious problems is beneath your divine abilities, but I suppose we must maintain cordial relations with the imperial throne. For now."
Vados's lips curved in the smallest of smiles. "As you say, Master."
As she removed the final layer of silk, leaving Wu Lin in only his undergarments, the door to the bathing chamber suddenly burst open. Battle Mistress Mei Lian stood in the doorway, her hand on her sword hilt, her eyes scanning the room for threats.
"Young Master Zhao! I detected an unusual energy signature approaching your—" She stopped abruptly, her eyes widening as she registered the scene before her—Wu Lin in a state of undress, surrounded by his divine maids in the steamy bathing chamber.
For perhaps the first time since his divine maids had been bound to him, Wu Lin appeared genuinely startled. He didn't immediately cover himself or demand privacy. Instead, he simply blinked at the unexpected intrusion.
Reinhardia was the first to react, moving with divine speed to place herself between Wu Lin and the Battle Mistress, her silver sword halfway drawn. "State your purpose or leave immediately," she commanded, her voice carrying the weight of celestial authority.
Mei Lian's cheeks flushed crimson, though whether from embarrassment or the chamber's heat was unclear. "I... My apologies for the intrusion. I sensed an approach of unusual energy and thought it might be a threat. I see now it was merely..." her eyes flicked to the steaming bath, "preparation for your evening rituals."
Wu Lin, recovering his composure with admirable speed, straightened to his full height. "Your concern for my safety is noted, Battle Mistress. However, as you can see, I have three divine beings monitoring my security. Additional oversight is unnecessary."
Rather than retreating in embarrassment, Mei Lian's expression shifted to one of professional assessment. "With respect, Young Master Zhao, even divine beings can be... distracted. The Summer Palace contains many ancient wards and hidden passages. Local knowledge might complement their cosmic awareness."
"An interesting point," Wu Lin mused, still making no move to cover himself. In fact, he seemed to be enjoying the Battle Mistress's evident discomfort. "Perhaps you have some value beyond decorative intimidation."
"Master," Vados interjected smoothly, "your bath will reach optimal temperature in approximately thirty seconds. Shall I complete your disrobing?"
This reminder of the interrupted bathing ritual brought the awkward situation into sharp focus. Mei Lian bowed stiffly. "I shall leave you to your... ablutions. But I request permission to discuss additional security measures when you are... available."
Wu Lin waved his hand dismissively. "Yes, yes. Return in two hours. I shall grant you a brief audience after my evening toilette is complete."
The Battle Mistress backed out of the chamber, closing the door with perhaps more force than strictly necessary. Once she was gone, Lucoa burst into giggles.
"Did you see her face, Master? She turned redder than her sword!" The chaos dragon maid bounced with amusement, causing certain aspects of her anatomy to bounce in sympathetic resonance.
Wu Lin allowed himself a small smile. "Indeed. Most entertaining. The mighty Battle Mistress of the Blood Moon Sect, flustered by the sight of my partial nudity. How delightfully mortal of her."
"She made a valid point about the palace's security," Reinhardia noted, resheathing her sword. "The ancient wards here are complex and layered over centuries. Local knowledge could be valuable."
"Always so practical, Sword Saint," Wu Lin sighed. "Very well. We shall hear her security proposals later. For now, my bath awaits, and my skin grows dry from exposure to unperfumed air."
Vados resumed the disrobing process, carefully removing Wu Lin's final layers until he stood completely unclothed. With practiced grace, she helped him into the steaming bath, where he sighed contentedly as the hot water enveloped him.
"Perfect temperature," he acknowledged, leaning back against the jade edge. "Lucoa, you may wash my chest and arms. Reinhardia, my back. Vados, prepare the special oils for after the bath."
The bathing ritual proceeded with well-established choreography—Lucoa enthusiastically washing Wu Lin's upper body with perhaps more contact than strictly necessary, Reinhardia methodically attending to his back with warrior precision, and Vados preparing various oils and unguents at the bath's edge.
"Master," Vados said as she arranged crystal vials of precious oils, "I've been analyzing the Emperor's requests. The drought in the Western Province can indeed be addressed through limited weather manipulation. The demon seal at Phoenix Mountain Pass would require Reinhardia's expertise. The Princess's spiritual ailment is more complex and would likely benefit from Lucoa's chaos energy manipulation."
Wu Lin made a noncommittal sound, his eyes closed in contentment as Lucoa's fingers worked fragrant soap across his chest in circular motions. "Handle the tedious details as you see fit. I care only for results that satisfy our agreement with minimal disruption to my comfort schedule."
"Of course, Master," Vados bowed slightly. "We shall ensure your routine remains unaltered while fulfilling these obligations."
As the bathing ritual concluded and Wu Lin was being dried with cloud-soft towels, he found his thoughts returning to the Battle Mistress's unexpected interruption. Her reaction had been... interesting. Not the usual fear or awe his divine maids typically inspired, but something more complex—professional assessment mixed with personal fascination.
"Reinhardia," he said as the Sword Saint helped him into his evening robe, "what is your assessment of the Battle Mistress?"
Reinhardia considered the question with characteristic thoroughness. "She is exceptionally skilled for a mortal. Her cultivation has reached the ninth realm, possibly the edge of the tenth. Her sword technique shows influences from at least three major sects, suggesting she has sought out diverse training. And..." she paused briefly, "she watches you with unusual intensity when she believes no one is observing her."
"Indeed?" Wu Lin's interest sharpened. "Elaborate."
"Her gaze contains assessment, curiosity, and something more... personal. I believe she is trying to understand how a young master with no apparent cultivation or combat skills commands divine beings of our caliber."
Wu Lin smiled, pleased by this analysis. "How fascinating. Perhaps our stay at the Summer Palace will be less tedious than anticipated."
Two hours later, as promised, Battle Mistress Mei Lian returned to the Phoenix Pavilion. Wu Lin received her in his private reception room, reclining on a divan of cloudsilk while Lucoa fanned him with a fan made from phoenix feathers. Vados stood nearby, ready to serve tea, while Reinhardia maintained her guard position by the door.
Mei Lian entered with military precision, bowing formally. Her composure had been fully restored, though a faint color rose in her cheeks when her eyes met Wu Lin's.
"Young Master Zhao," she greeted, her voice carefully controlled. "Thank you for granting me this audience."
"Yes, yes, you're welcome," Wu Lin waved dismissively. "Present your security concerns so we may address them and I can return to my evening relaxation."
The Battle Mistress straightened, shifting into a professional report mode. "The Summer Palace contains seventy-three known secret passages, eighteen hidden chambers, and nine ancient teleportation arrays. Most date back to the founding of the empire and are partially defunct, but some remain operational. The imperial guards monitor the main ones, but at least twelve minor passages are unwatched."
Wu Lin raised an eyebrow, genuinely impressed despite himself. "And you know of all these?"
"The Blood Moon Sect has... historical connections to the imperial architectural archives," Mei Lian replied carefully. "We maintain certain knowledge as part of our service to the throne."
"You mean your sect built the secret passages for assassination purposes and now keeps track of them to prevent others from using them for the same reason," Wu Lin translated bluntly.
The Battle Mistress's lips twitched in what might have been reluctant amusement. "A simplified but not entirely inaccurate assessment."
"How refreshingly direct," Wu Lin observed. "Very well. What do you propose?"
"With your permission, I would station my disciples at key junction points in the secret network. Additionally..." she hesitated briefly, "I would request permission to remain in closer proximity to you personally. The Phoenix Pavilion has three concealed entrances that even your divine servants might not detect without prior knowledge."
Wu Lin studied her face with unusual intensity. "You wish to join my personal guard detail? How amusing. And what would your duties entail, precisely?"
"I would remain within sight of you at all times when you are in public areas of the palace," Mei Lian stated formally. "During private moments, I would guard the approaches to your chambers."
"All private moments?" Wu Lin pressed, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Even bathing rituals and evening toilette?"
The color in the Battle Mistress's cheeks deepened, but she maintained her professional demeanor. "I would maintain appropriate distance during personal rituals while ensuring the security of all approaches."
"How diplomatic," Wu Lin remarked, clearly enjoying her discomfort. He glanced at Reinhardia. "Sword Saint, your assessment?"
Reinhardia considered for a moment. "Her knowledge of the palace's secret architecture would complement our powers. And an additional layer of security is never unwelcome when protecting you, Master."
"Very well," Wu Lin decided. "Battle Mistress Mei Lian, you may join my personal security detail under the following conditions: First, you will defer to Reinhardia in all security matters. Second, you will maintain whatever distance I specify at any given time. And third," he added with a small smile, "you will wear the uniform I designate for my personal guards."
Mei Lian bowed, relief evident in her posture. "Thank you, Young Master Zhao. I accept these conditions."
"Excellent. Vados will provide you with the uniform tomorrow. You may begin your duties immediately thereafter."
After the Battle Mistress had departed to organize her disciples, Lucoa leaned close to Wu Lin, her eyes dancing with mischief. "Master, what uniform will you have her wear? Something properly formal and dignified, I assume?"
Wu Lin's smile widened. "Oh, absolutely. Something befitting a Battle Mistress of her stature and the serious nature of her duties."
Vados, who knew her master all too well, raised a delicate eyebrow. "And what might that be, Master?"
"Something similar to your own attire, of course," Wu Lin replied innocently. "After all, if she's to be part of my personal staff, she should dress accordingly."
Reinhardia made a sound that might have been a suppressed cough or a carefully disguised laugh. "I look forward to seeing how the Battle Mistress responds to that directive."
"As do I, Sword Saint," Wu Lin agreed, settling back against his cushions with a satisfied expression. "As do I."
The following morning brought exactly the entertainment Wu Lin had anticipated. Vados had delivered the "uniform" to Mei Lian's quarters at dawn—a maid outfit similar to those worn by his divine servants, though in the crimson colors of the Blood Moon Sect rather than the individualized colors his divine maids wore.
Wu Lin was taking his morning tea in the pavilion's garden when the Battle Mistress appeared. She wore the crimson maid outfit with military stiffness, her expression a fascinating study in conflicted emotions—professional duty warring with wounded pride.
"Young Master Zhao," she greeted, her voice carefully neutral. "I am reporting for security duty as agreed."
Wu Lin made a show of inspecting her appearance, tapping one finger against his chin. "Hmm. The hemline seems a bit long. Wouldn't you agree, Lucoa?"
The chaos dragon maid, who was serving Wu Lin's tea with her usual bouncy enthusiasm, nodded vigorously. "Oh yes, Master! At least three inches too long. And the neckline is practically prudish!"
Mei Lian's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. "This is the uniform provided by Lady Vados."
"Vados is ever so considerate of mortal sensibilities," Wu Lin sighed dramatically. "But functionality must take precedence over modesty, Battle Mistress. How can you properly guard me if your movement is restricted by excess fabric?"
"I assure you, Young Master Zhao, my combat effectiveness is not diminished by three inches of hemline," Mei Lian replied with admirable restraint.
Wu Lin waved his hand dismissively. "We shall see. For now, take your position. I believe there's a particularly suspicious-looking butterfly near that peach tree. Perhaps you should investigate."
To her credit, Mei Lian moved to the indicated position without further comment, though the rigid set of her shoulders spoke volumes about her feelings regarding her new duties and attire.
Throughout the day, Wu Lin found endless amusement in assigning the Battle Mistress increasingly trivial security "concerns" to investigate, all while making observations about how her uniform might be "optimized" for better movement or visibility. To her credit, she performed each task with military precision, her professionalism never wavering despite the obvious teasing.
By evening, Wu Lin had developed a new appreciation for the Battle Mistress's composure. As she escorted him back to his chambers after an imperial dinner, he finally addressed her directly.
"You've shown remarkable restraint today, Battle Mistress," he observed. "Lesser warriors would have threatened to dismember me at least three times by now."
Mei Lian's lips twitched in what might have been a suppressed smile. "I doubt your divine guardian would permit such threats, Young Master Zhao."
"True," Wu Lin agreed, glancing at Reinhardia who walked three steps behind them. "But you haven't even tried. How admirably disciplined of you."
"The Blood Moon Sect values self-control above all else," Mei Lian replied. "Even when facing... unconventional challenges."
"Is that what I am? An 'unconventional challenge'?" Wu Lin seemed delighted by this description.
"You are..." the Battle Mistress paused, choosing her words carefully, "unlike anyone I have encountered in my duties."
"A diplomatic way of saying I'm the most insufferable young master you've ever been assigned to protect," Wu Lin translated cheerfully.
To his surprise, Mei Lian actually smiled—a small, reluctant expression, but genuine nonetheless. "I would never describe the Emperor's honored guest in such terms."
"But you would think it," Wu Lin pressed, finding her restrained reactions increasingly intriguing.
"My thoughts are my own, Young Master Zhao," she replied, the smile lingering in her eyes if not on her lips. "One small freedom I retain while wearing this... uniform."
Wu Lin laughed—a surprisingly genuine sound from someone who typically affected boredom or disdain. "Well said, Battle Mistress. Perhaps there's more to you than sword forms and scowls after all."
As they reached his chambers, Wu Lin turned to her with an enigmatic expression. "You'll be guarding the outer doors tonight, I presume?"
"As you directed, yes," Mei Lian confirmed, resuming her professional demeanor. "My disciples are stationed at all secret entrances within a hundred-meter radius."
"Excellent. Then I bid you goodnight, Battle Mistress. Try not to be too distracted by thoughts of uniform modifications."
Before she could respond, Wu Lin swept into his chambers, followed by his divine maids. As the doors closed behind them, Lucoa immediately bounced over to Wu Lin, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Master! You were teasing the Battle Mistress all day!" she observed with evident delight. "It was so entertaining to watch!"
"Indeed," Vados agreed, her tone carefully neutral though a hint of amusement showed in her eyes. "The Battle Mistress demonstrated remarkable patience."
"She's more interesting than I initially thought," Wu Lin admitted, allowing Vados to help him out of his formal robes. "Most mortals would have either broken down in tears or attempted violence by now. Her self-control is... unexpectedly entertaining."
"You find her worthy of your attention," Reinhardia observed, not quite a question.
Wu Lin glanced at the Sword Saint, noting a subtle tension in her posture. "Does that concern you, Reinhardia?"
"My only concern is your safety and comfort, Master," she replied formally, though something in her tone suggested otherwise.
"Hmm." Wu Lin studied her for a moment, then smiled. "How fascinating. I believe you're experiencing jealousy, Sword Saint. How delightfully mortal of you."
Reinhardia's cheeks colored slightly. "I merely question the wisdom of allowing a mortal warrior such close access to you when her true motives remain unclear."
"Her motives seem rather obvious to me," Lucoa interjected cheerfully. "She's completely fascinated by Master! Did you see how she kept stealing glances at him during dinner? Classic attraction signals!"
"Regardless of her personal feelings, her presence provides tactical advantages," Vados pointed out pragmatically. "Her knowledge of the palace's secret architecture complements our abilities."
Wu Lin watched this exchange with evident enjoyment. "My divine maids, discussing a mortal woman's potential feelings for me. How unexpectedly entertaining my life has become."
"Remember that we are bound to protect you, Master," Reinhardia said, her voice carrying a hint of warning. "Any threat will be eliminated, regardless of its nature."
"Even threats to my emotional well-being?" Wu Lin asked with exaggerated innocence. "How thoughtful of you, Sword Saint."
Before Reinhardia could respond, Wu Lin clapped his hands together. "Enough of this fascinating discussion. I require my evening bath, followed by the usual toilette. Lucoa, it's your turn for bath duty. Vados, prepare my sleeping draught. Reinhardia, conduct a final security sweep of the chambers."
As his divine maids moved to fulfill their assigned tasks, Wu Lin found himself contemplating the unexpected dynamics emerging in his entourage. The Battle Mistress's addition had created an interesting new element—not just for the security she provided, but for the effect her presence seemed to have on his divine maids, particularly Reinhardia.
The Sword Saint's subtle jealousy was an unexpected development, suggesting her feelings about serving him might be evolving beyond mere cosmic obligation. This realization pleased Wu Lin in ways he hadn't anticipated.
Perhaps his stay at the Imperial Summer Palace would prove even more entertaining than he had hoped.
Chapter 6: Divine Tasks and Mortal Complications
The following days established a new routine at the Summer Palace. Each morning began with Wu Lin's elaborate waking ritual—Vados opening the curtains at precisely the optimal angle for morning light, Lucoa bringing breakfast with her usual bouncy enthusiasm, and Reinhardia reporting on security matters with military precision. Now added to this tableau was Battle Mistress Mei Lian, stationed at the chamber doors in her crimson maid uniform, providing updates on her disciples' surveillance of the secret passages.
Wu Lin found this expanded morning court entirely to his liking. "Four beautiful women attending me from the moment I open my eyes," he remarked one morning while Vados brushed his hair with exactly one hundred strokes. "Perhaps I should bind more divine beings to my service. A collection of seven would have pleasing symbolic resonance."
"The cosmic disruption might tear a hole in reality," Vados observed calmly, continuing her precise brushing.
"Worth considering, though," Wu Lin mused, making eye contact with Mei Lian in the mirror and enjoying her barely concealed expression of alarm.
After five days of luxuriating in the Summer Palace's amenities, the Emperor finally summoned Wu Lin to fulfill the first of their agreed-upon tasks—addressing the drought in the Western Province.
"Must I personally attend?" Wu Lin complained when the imperial messenger delivered the summons. "Surely Lucoa can handle a simple weather manipulation without my supervision."
"His Imperial Majesty requests your presence at the Celestial Observatory," the messenger replied, bowing deeply. "The drought-breaking ritual requires imperial witnessing."
Wu Lin sighed dramatically. "Very well. Inform His Imperial Majesty that I shall grace the observatory with my presence at the appointed hour. Assuming suitable palanquin transportation is provided."
Once the messenger had departed, Wu Lin turned to Lucoa. "This drought business—can you actually fix it?"
The chaos dragon bounced excitedly. "Oh yes, Master! Weather patterns are just chaos systems in physical