Section Two: The Invitation (Part One)

The new governor of Golden Light City was also from a prominent local clan, and he both feared and hated the Sunset Sect. Moreover, the political struggles in the imperial court had already spread throughout the entire Chen Kingdom, dividing the realm into several factions. The Sunset Sect aligned itself with the Strong Martial faction, being an important member advocating for governance through force. Now, the governor of Golden Light City was leaning toward the faction that promoted a balance of civil and military virtues. The conflict of interests was evident.

Yet, on the surface, the governor dared not offend the Sunset Sect. The civil-military faction was currently maneuvering for growth and influence, supporting both the conservative and strong martial factions while secretly maintaining ties with the radical reformists. Besides, the Sunset Sect held considerable sway in Golden Light City, and the governor would not act rashly.

After staying for a while, Bu Jingxian had learned much about the Sunset Sect’s situation in Golden Light City and gained some understanding of the Chen Kingdom as a whole. The kingdom had long advocated governance through ritual and propriety; the conservatives were not weak, but the strong martial faction, made up mostly of groups like the Sunset Sect, possessed great wealth, influence, and formidable martial power, wielding significant sway in the Chen court. The balance between the conservatives and the strong martial faction was evenly matched, with neither side gaining the upper hand. Apart from these two, the civil-military faction was composed mainly of regional minor martial sects, border soldiers, and merchants who had risen after the end of the war. They played a crucial role in the kingdom’s economy, and their power could not be ignored.

The reformist faction was extremely radical, politically opposing all the other factions, and advocated the rule of law. Its leader was the current Prime Minister, who was highly favored by the young King of Chen. Although the reformists were weakest in wealth and influence, their political impact was the greatest. Their platform had offended many, and they now stood at the center of controversy, beset by the combined opposition of the other three factions.

Yet the reformist leader was bold and resolute, showing no fear; instead, he continued to place his confidants throughout Chen’s major cities, aiming to counter the local powers and ultimately dismantle them entirely.

Today, Golden Light City was to welcome a new reformist marshal.

Worshiping the Moon deeply despised the reformists, insisting that they were secretly allied with the Black Wolf Army and intended to drag Chen into war with Zheng.

"A marshal, hmm! Who knows if this marshal will actually arrive on time? Why worry so much, Lord Governor?"

The governor, hearing these words, immediately smiled and took his leave.

He had understood the hidden meaning: Worshiping the Moon had no intention of letting the marshal take office as scheduled.

For several days, Worshiping the Stars led Bu Jingxian around the city, teaching him the Sunset Sect’s lightness skills. Each morning, she would ask the maids if he was awake, and only after dinner and rest would she part ways with him. That day, after visiting the Sunset Sect’s armory, they saw the governor emerge from the reception hall. He greeted them cheerfully from afar, "Ah! Miss Star and Young Master Zuo..." Suddenly, he stopped, his expression quickly changing, then he smiled again and hurriedly exchanged a few words before leaving.

Worshiping the Stars saw Bu Jingxian lost in thought and called, "What are you thinking? Come with me to see my sister."

Bu Jingxian stood motionless, looking at Worshiping the Stars and asked, "How did the governor know my surname is Zuo?"

When he arrived, Bu Jingxian had suggested using an alias to avoid bringing trouble to the Sunset Sect, but Worshiping the Stars was unconcerned, believing there was nothing to fear on Chen territory from Zheng. Worshiping the Moon, being more cautious, agreed to the plan. Now, hearing Bu Jingxian’s question, Worshiping the Stars found it strange but paid little mind. "Who cares how he knows? What’s there to be afraid of? Zheng wouldn’t dare come to Golden Light City to arrest you! You’re wanted in Zheng, not in Chen, and you’re a distinguished guest of our sect—let’s see who dares touch you!"

She took Bu Jingxian by the hand, rushing straight to Worshiping the Moon’s reception hall. He felt uneasy but, seeing Worshiping the Stars so natural, he wondered if he was overthinking and let her lead him.

Seeing them arrive, Worshiping the Moon happily rose to greet them, saying, "You’ve come at just the right time. I have a troublesome matter in urgent need of assistance. After much consideration, I must trouble Young Master Zuo."

In private, Worshiping the Stars never treated Worshiping the Moon as the sect leader; her public decorum was mere formality. She quickly interjected, "Sister, before anything else, Ghostbane asked us to request the Twin Blades of the Western Heavens from the armory. Will you grant them or not?"

"If he wants them, he may take them. Why bother asking me about such trivial matters?"

"You’re the sect leader!"

"Enough, your matter is settled. May I speak of mine now?"

Worshiping the Stars, in mock solemnity, cupped her hands and said, "I obey the sect leader’s command!"

Bu Jingxian couldn’t help but smile. Worshiping the Stars was the opposite of Worshiping the Moon—an optimistic soul without much scheming. Although she wished to help the Sunset Sect, Worshiping the Moon always took care of everything, and she felt her efforts were often unnecessary. She would always volunteer for any task she could do, but Worshiping the Moon, out of concern, never gave her the dangerous ones.

Hearing Worshiping the Moon mention the marshal’s appointment, Worshiping the Stars immediately volunteered, "Sister, let me handle it! A mere marshal is no trouble at all!"

"You cannot go. It’s not that I doubt you, but this marshal was originally a wandering hero from Chu, who once led many champions and is famous there. He accepted the post in Chen only after repeated invitations from the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister’s purpose in sending him to Golden Light City is complex. If he secures control of the city’s military, we will be at his mercy, and the supply of arms may no longer be under our control. As the balance shifts, the Sunset Sect’s power in Golden Light City will be uprooted sooner or later. Therefore, this task must not fail. Besides, many people know you—if you act, even if successful, you may be recognized. The court would then accuse us of plotting against the marshal, making it a political scandal and incurring the wrath of the King of Chen, risking the destruction of our sect."

Worshiping the Stars quickly asked, "Sister, is it true that the King of Chen intends to eradicate the conservative and strong martial factions?"

"It’s difficult to say... Since his ascension, the king has felt constrained at every turn, which is why he recalled the Prime Minister. Though he treats the elders of the court with respect, he always brushes off memorials opposing the Prime Minister. It’s clear he is biding his time, waiting for the right moment..."

Bu Jingxian could not help but interrupt, "Does the King of Chen truly intend to uproot both conservatives and the strong martial faction?"

Worshiping the Moon nodded, "There are such rumors at court, though no one knows their origin. Perhaps they are false, perhaps true, or maybe they were started to sow discord among the military."

"When I arrived, the governor called me Young Master Zuo..."

Worshiping the Moon’s expression grew grave. "Our sect never revealed this. Those who know would never betray us."

"Therefore, I believe this may be a trap set by the governor..."

"A trap?" Worshiping the Stars was especially attentive to his words and urged him to continue.

Bu Jingxian had thought it through and spoke calmly. "The civil-military faction—or rather, the governor—may wish to see the Sunset Sect destroyed. They pretend to cooperate against the marshal’s appointment but secretly leak information. When the sect leader goes, she will find a trap laid. The reformists will not miss such an opportunity and will use it to accuse us of treason, making a huge political issue of it..."

Worshiping the Moon pondered for a long time, pacing with one hand behind her back. After a while, she shook her head. "The Sunset Sect and the governor are mutually dependent. If the Sunset Sect falls, he won’t last long either. He knows well the reformist faction’s wolfish ambitions. Though he may wish to see us destroyed, he would never be foolish enough to invite disaster by aiding the reformists. I believe you are overthinking this, Young Master Zuo."

"But what if the civil-military faction has already secretly sided with the reformists?"

Worshiping the Moon considered it at length, but still shook her head. "There is no evidence."

"Very well. In that case, I will handle preventing the marshal’s appointment alone. No need for any contacts. If I succeed, I will release a red flare—if I fail, a white one."