Dragon's Descent [Xianxia, Reverse Cultivation]

Elder Wei's administrative pavilion had been designed by someone who understood that difficult conversations required good lighting and comfortable cushions. Xiaolong appreciated this consideration as she settled beside Li Feng, watching the elder arrange mission documents with the methodical care of a man preparing to deliver news nobody wanted to hear.

"The water corruption at Flowing Creek Village was not an isolated incident," Elder Wei said without preamble. His fingers traced a line across the territorial map spread before them. "We've received reports from three additional villages. Similar techniques, similar timing, similar effects on cultivation resources."

Li Feng leaned forward, his posture shifting from respectful attention to active concern. "Coordinated?"

"Almost certainly. The Black Dao operatives Ming Lian and Xiaolong captured provided limited intelligence under questioning, but what they revealed suggests organizational capacity far beyond simple banditry." Elder Wei tapped four points on the map, each marked with small red stones. "These incidents form a pattern. We need to understand what they're preparing for."

Xiaolong studied the marked locations with interest. The spacing wasn't random—each village sat at a tributary junction, places where water essence concentrated naturally. Corrupting them would disrupt cultivation for entire regions, creating cascading failures throughout the spiritual infrastructure. Whoever designed this strategy understood systems theory and possessed patience measured in seasons rather than days.

"You're assembling an investigation team," Li Feng said.

"I am. Your recent breakthrough makes you ideal for tactical leadership, and your familiarity with the corruption techniques will prove valuable." Elder Wei's gaze shifted to Xiaolong. "Xiaolong's... unique perspective was instrumental in resolving the Flowing Creek situation. I hope she'll consent to join this mission as well."

"Of course," Xiaolong replied, noting how the elder phrased her participation as request rather than assignment. Dragons technically weren't subject to sect authority, though she'd been increasingly integrated into their operations. The courtesy felt appropriate, if slightly unnecessary given her genuine interest in preventing whatever Black Dao was planning.

"The mission requires additional personnel with complementary skills." Elder Wei pulled two more scrolls from his stack. "I'm assigning Ming Lian for his analytical capabilities and recent field experience. His insights during the Flowing Creek investigation were exceptionally valuable."

Li Feng nodded approval. "He's changed since that mission. More confident, more willing to trust his own judgment."

"Precisely why I want him continuing field work rather than defaulting back to administrative support roles." Elder Wei unfurled another document. "The team also requires someone with advanced spiritual sensing and tactical versatility. Song Bai volunteered when she learned you were leading the investigation."

The slight shift in Li Feng's posture was barely perceptible—shoulders tightening fractionally, breath held half a moment too long before releasing. Xiaolong caught it because she'd spent months learning to read his micro-expressions, the small betrayals that preceded larger emotional currents.

"Song Bai's techniques would be valuable," Li Feng said, his tone carefully neutral. "Her ice cultivation creates excellent evidence preservation, and her tactical thinking is sound."

"I'm pleased you approve." Elder Wei's expression suggested he'd noticed the same hesitation Xiaolong had. "The four of you should complement each other well, assuming personal dynamics don't interfere with professional responsibilities."

"They won't," Li Feng said, the statement carrying more determination than conviction.

Elder Wei studied him for a moment, then gathered his documents with the air of a man who had said what needed saying and would trust his disciples to manage the complications. "Depart tomorrow morning. I've prepared intelligence packets for each team member. The mission should require five to seven days depending on what you discover."

They rose, offered formal bows, and departed into the morning courtyard where sunlight turned the Azure Pool's surface into scattered diamonds. Li Feng moved toward the training grounds with the purposeful stride of someone seeking physical activity to avoid thinking about emotional complications.

Xiaolong followed at a companionable distance, matching his pace without commentary. Sometimes the best support was simple presence rather than forced conversation.

"She volunteered the moment she heard I was leading the mission," Li Feng said finally, his voice carrying resigned understanding. "Of course she did."

"Her skills are genuinely valuable for this investigation," Xiaolong offered.

"They are. Which is why I can't object without seeming petty or unprofessional." Li Feng's hand moved unconsciously toward his sword, fingers brushing the hilt before falling away. "I've been avoiding this conversation for months. Now I'll be spending a week in close quarters with someone whose feelings I need to address honestly but haven't found the courage to."

Xiaolong considered the problem from her draconic perspective. Dragons simply stated preferences and moved on—the concept of sustained emotional ambiguity around pair-bonding seemed inefficient. But humans carried elaborate social frameworks around these matters, layers of courtesy and consideration that transformed simple clarity into complex negotiation.

"The mission provides opportunity for honest conversation in neutral context," she suggested. "Perhaps that's better than continued avoidance within sect walls."

"Perhaps." Li Feng didn't sound convinced. "Or perhaps it creates uncomfortable situations when we need to focus on genuine threats."

They reached the training grounds to find Ming Lian already present, working through water manipulation forms with the sort of engaged confidence he'd lacked before his own breakthrough. His movements flowed without the careful hesitation that had previously characterized his technique—no longer performing competence but simply being competent.

He spotted them and concluded his sequence with a flourishing finish that sent water droplets spiraling into complex geometric patterns before collapsing back into the practice pool.

"Show off," Li Feng called, his mood lightening.

"Merely demonstrating principles I recently rediscovered." Ming Lian's grin carried genuine humor rather than defensive deflection. "Elder Wei briefed me on the mission this morning. Sounds like an excellent opportunity to continue fieldwork before I get dragged back into administrative support roles."

"He specifically mentioned preventing exactly that scenario."

"Good. I've discovered I prefer investigation work to equipment inventory management." Ming Lian's attention shifted to Xiaolong. "Assuming you're willing to serve as consulting support again? Your contribution to the Flowing Creek mission was invaluable."

"Elder Wei has requested my participation. I accepted."

"Excellent. The four of us should work well together, assuming—" Ming Lian paused, something flickering across his features. Recognition, perhaps, or concern about complications he'd suddenly remembered. "Assuming we maintain professional focus despite personal dynamics."

The phrasing echoed Elder Wei's earlier concern with uncomfortable accuracy. Li Feng's expression suggested he'd caught the implication as well.

"Song Bai volunteered for the mission," he said flatly.

"Ah." Ming Lian's single syllable carried weight beyond its phonetic simplicity. "That will be... interesting."

"That's one word for it."

"She's skilled, her techniques are valuable, and she deserves opportunities for field advancement." Ming Lian's tone balanced diplomacy with honest assessment. "Also, you're going to need to have that conversation eventually. Might as well be somewhere with clearly defined mission objectives to provide structural distraction from emotional complications."

Li Feng laughed despite himself. "That's remarkably similar to what Xiaolong just said."

"Great minds and all that." Ming Lian collected his practice equipment with efficient movements. "I should prepare for departure. Do we have assignment of specific roles and responsibilities?"

"Elder Wei's intelligence packets will include tactical frameworks. We can finalize operational details during travel."

They spent the remainder of the afternoon in individual preparation—gathering supplies, reviewing intelligence documents, ensuring equipment met mission requirements.

Xiaolong found herself studying the Black Dao correspondence Elder Wei had included in her packet, paying particular attention to the philosophical justifications scattered throughout their operational planning.

"Those who adapt themselves to others' expectations will never achieve true cultivation," one passage read. "Power demands authenticity, even at the cost of harmony."

The statement was wrong in its conclusions but interesting in its premises. Black Dao had taken legitimate observations about self-limitation and twisted them toward justifying cruelty and dominance. The corruption of valid insights into malevolent doctrine represented exactly the sort of philosophical perversion dragons found both fascinating and repulsive.

She was still contemplating these contradictions when morning arrived with the sort of clear light that promised excellent traveling weather.

The departure courtyard had gathered a small audience of disciples curious about the investigation team's composition. Xiaolong noted their interested glances, the whispered commentary that followed Song Bai's arrival precisely on time without crossing the line into early enthusiasm.

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Song Bai herself moved with the poised grace of someone well aware she was being assessed. She wore traveling robes in pale blue silk with silver threading that caught morning light like captured frost, and her hair was bound in a style that managed to be both practical and elegant.

She was, Xiaolong observed clinically, exceptionally beautiful by human aesthetic standards. The sort of beauty that came from disciplined cultivation combined with natural features that fit cultural ideals of feminine grace.

She was also positioning herself beside Li Feng with the casual deliberation of a woman comfortable staking claim to unoccupied territory. That subtle maneuver drew its own share of murmurs from the gathered crowd—a sound that was part recognition of social dynamics at play and part speculative assessment of potential outcomes.

"Good morning," Song Bai offered, her gaze sweeping across the assembled team without settling too long on any single member. "I've prepared supply manifests for review and cross-referenced our planned route against recent weather reports. The conditions should remain favorable for the next five days."

"Thorough as always," Li Feng replied. "Thank you."

Song Bai's expression brightened fractionally at the acknowledgment, her focus shifting fully to Li Feng as she handed over neatly organized documents. Her fingers brushed Li Feng's wrist in a gesture that could have been accidental except for the way her thumb lingered just half a heartbeat longer than necessary.

"I've included annotated intelligence summaries as well," she said, her voice pitched slightly lower. Intimate, rather than professionally conversational. "I hope you find them useful."

"Your diligence is appreciated," Li Feng answered. His tone remained perfectly polite, but something in his posture had shifted—a slight stiffening in his shoulders, tension creeping into muscles usually relaxed. Song Bai, apparently attuned to these minute signals, caught the non-verbal cues and adjusted her own position to suggest respectful patience.

The unspoken language being exchanged was almost fascinatingly complex from Xiaolong's perspective.

Almost. Enough to warrant observation and consideration. Not enough to warrant intruding into an interaction already laden with emotional currents that would require careful navigation throughout the mission.

Ming Lian arrived carrying significantly less organized supplies, his approach more hurried and less ceremonial. He caught Xiaolong's eye across the courtyard and offered a slight grimace of acknowledgment before turning to Li Feng.

"Ready for adventure?" he asked cheerfully, settling his pack with casual efficiency that contrasted sharply with Song Bai's methodical preparation.

"Ready to investigate threats against regional cultivation resources," Song Bai corrected gently. "This is professional assignment, not recreational excursion."

"Professional assignments can still involve adventure. Especially when Black Dao cultists are involved." Ming Lian's tone remained light, but Xiaolong detected subtle testing in his words—probing to see how Song Bai would respond to gentle deflection of her serious framing.

Song Bai's expression tightened fractionally before smoothing back into polite serenity. "Of course. I simply want to ensure we maintain appropriate focus."

"Naturally." Ming Lian left the single word hanging without further elaboration, his gaze flickering between Song Bai and Li Feng with barely suppressed amusement.

Xiaolong stepped forward, offering a graceful bow that struck precisely the right balance between courtesy and detachment. "My thanks for volunteering your expertise," she said to Song Bai. "Your contribution should prove exceptionally valuable."

"Your support of the sect's efforts is noted," Song Bai replied, the formulaic politeness of her response masking any personal sentiment toward the dragon cultivator. Her smile held genuine warmth, though Xiaolong sensed caution beneath its surface. Song Bai had witnessed Xiaolong's combat prowess firsthand; that knowledge likely influenced her approach now.

With pleasantries concluded, the team departed amidst a final ripple of murmurs from the assembled disciples. Xiaolong moved to walk beside Li Feng, adjusting her stride to match his longer steps. Song Bai walked along the other side, not quite encroaching, but maintaining proximity.

The path leading away from the Azure Waters Sect wound through terrain that shifted from cultivated terraces to wilder country with each li traveled. The landscape grew increasingly rugged, and conversation flowed in fits and starts over morning's journey—snatches of small talk punctuated by comfortable silences as attention drifted toward the changing scenery or the weight of supplies borne by all except Xiaolong.

Song Bai had positioned herself so her profile remained visible to Li Feng at optimal angles, a feat requiring constant micro-adjustments as the path curved and twisted. She maintained conversation about mission parameters with the focused attention of someone conducting important negotiations, though her questions often seemed designed to display knowledge rather than acquire it.

"The Black Dao's choice of tributary junctions suggests sophisticated understanding of regional spiritual infrastructure," she observed, her voice carrying professional analysis that happened to also showcase her own tactical insight. "They're targeting sites that would create cascading failures throughout multiple cultivation networks simultaneously."

"Elder Wei's briefing reached the same conclusion," Li Feng replied.

"Of course. I simply wanted to confirm we were approaching the investigation from a shared framework of assumptions." Song Bai's smile suggested she'd expected Li Feng to appreciate her thoroughness rather than find it redundant.

Ming Lian, walking slightly behind with Xiaolong, made a sound that might have been a cough or might have been suppressed commentary.

They traveled in this formation for several hours, Song Bai maintaining her proximity while gradually introducing topics beyond pure mission logistics. She mentioned a recent advancement in her ice cultivation that Elder Liu had praised. Described a particularly elegant solution she'd discovered for a technique problem Li Feng had mentioned struggling with months earlier. Recalled a shared training session from their junior disciple days with the sort of selective memory that emphasized camaraderie while omitting the mundane.

Li Feng responded to each topic with courteous attention, but Xiaolong noticed he never built upon her conversational foundations. His replies remained complete without invitation for expansion, grammatically polite but emotionally closed.

"Fascinating performance," Ming Lian murmured quietly, his voice pitched for Xiaolong's ears alone. "She's demonstrating compatibility through systematic coverage of shared interests and complementary capabilities."

"You find this remarkable?" Xiaolong asked.

"I find it familiar. I used to support Li Feng's cultivation goals with the same methodical dedication she's applying to this courtship display." Ming Lian's tone carried self-deprecating recognition. "The difference is I was supporting his advancement. She's campaigning for his affection."

"Are these not similar pursuits?"

"Completely different motivations wearing similar behaviors." Ming Lian adjusted his pack's weight distribution while maintaining the quiet conversation. "I wanted Li Feng to succeed because his success reflected well on our friendship. Song Bai wants Li Feng to notice her worthiness as a partner. Her techniques are impressive, but they're also advertisements."

Xiaolong considered this interpretation while watching Song Bai gesture toward a particularly scenic waterfall, her motions perfectly coordinated with their steps so Li Feng wouldn't miss the natural beauty unfolding alongside his path. The action seemed genuine, not purely performative, yet carried undertones of showing him something worth noticing, demonstrating her aesthetic sensitivity.

"She offers connection to beauty as an incentive," Xiaolong said, the observation prompting surprise followed by thoughtful agreement from Ming Lian. "Does this approach commonly succeed among humans seeking pair-bonds?"

"Depends on the target's susceptibility to subtle flattery."

"Is Li Feng susceptible?"

Ming Lian chuckled. "Not intentionally, but he's been deliberately avoiding these situations for so long that even he might not recognize flirtation masquerading as camaraderie."

"Unlikely," Xiaolong assessed after consideration. "He recognizes emotional complexity even if he chooses to deflect it." A pause. "I suspect he also appreciates aesthetic beauty in context, not through directed attention."

Ming Lian glanced at her, his gaze sharpening behind casual observation. "What about you? How do you feel about Song Bai's advances?"

The question landed with unexpected weight, like a stone dropped into still water. Xiaolong found herself pausing mid-step, attention fragmenting between the path ahead and the discomfort spreading through her chest—a sensation she'd learned to recognize as emotional response rather than spiritual disturbance, though the distinction sometimes blurred.

"I find the situation..." She searched for accurate terminology. "Uncomfortable. Though I'm uncertain whether that discomfort stems from concern for Li Feng's peace of mind or from—" She stopped, the next words refusing to arrange themselves properly.

"Or from territorial response?" Ming Lian supplied, his tone gentle rather than teasing.

"Dragons don't experience jealousy the way humans describe it." The correction emerged automatically, defensive in a way that undermined its own assertion. "We recognize territorial boundaries and respond to incursions, but the emotional component you're implying—"

"Xiaolong." Ming Lian's hand briefly touched her elbow, halting her forward momentum and her verbal retreat simultaneously. "I watched you break through three floors of a pavilion because a fox spirit annoyed you into losing control. Your draconic nature and your emotional responses aren't separate categories anymore."

The observation struck true enough to sting. Her fifth scale—Self-Sovereignty—had fallen months ago, leaving her vulnerable to exactly these sorts of unintended manifestations when strong feelings overwhelmed careful control.

"I don't wish her harm," Xiaolong said finally, working through the tangle of reactions with deliberate care. "Song Bai is skilled, dedicated, genuinely accomplished. Objectively, she possesses qualities any cultivator would value in a partner."

"But?"

"But watching her demonstrate those qualities for Li Feng's benefit creates a response I can't adequately categorize." Her hands moved unconsciously, fingers tracing patterns in the air that would have formed defensive arrays if she'd been channeling spiritual energy. "It feels like... like watching someone else stand in a space I didn't realize I'd claimed. Except I have no formal claim. We've made no promises beyond choosing to remain in proximity."

"Proximity." Ming Lian's repetition carried amusement rather than mockery. "Is that what you're calling it?"

Ahead, Li Feng had paused to examine something Song Bai was pointing out—some detail of the landscape worth noting for tactical purposes, delivered with her characteristic blend of insight and implicit demonstration that she noticed things worth noticing.

Xiaolong watched the interaction and felt her chest constrict in ways that had nothing to do with breathing mechanics. "I undertook this journey to understand connection without biological imperative. To discover what humans experience when they choose vulnerability and shared existence." The admission emerged quieter than intended. "But I didn't anticipate how that understanding would complicate situations where my preferences conflict with someone else's intentions."

"You mean you didn't expect to care this much."

"I expected intellectual investment in outcome. This feels significantly more... disruptive."

"Welcome to human emotional experience." Ming Lian resumed walking, his pace measured to allow continued conversation. "Where feelings don't arrive in neat categories and wanting someone's happiness sometimes conflicts with wanting them close."

They caught up to Li Feng and Song Bai at a scenic overlook where the path widened enough for four to walk abreast. Song Bai had positioned herself beside Li Feng, explaining something about the valley's spiritual geography with animated gestures that drew attention to both the landscape and herself.

Xiaolong found herself moving to Li Feng's other side without conscious decision, close enough that their shoulders nearly touched. Not competing for space—simply occupying it.

Li Feng glanced at her, his expression warming in ways she'd learned to recognize as genuine pleasure in her company. The look lasted perhaps two heartbeats before he returned attention to Song Bai's analysis, but those two heartbeats created an inexplicable sense of reassurance that settled the worst of her chest-tightening discomfort.

Song Bai's explanation concluded. Her gaze flickered between Li Feng and Xiaolong with something that might have been calculation or might have been recognition of shifted dynamics.

"We should continue," Li Feng said. "We want to reach the first investigation site before nightfall."