Crown of the Starry Sky: Book 11 of Painting the Mists

by Patrick Laplante

  The elevator was located in a shaft of glass. They rose. The building, once again a fusion of old and new, was one of the tallest in the prefecture. It wasn’t as tall as the prefectural tower, but it wasn’t much shorter. Height was a mark of status in this city.

  “I can’t say I know much about the Li Clan,” Cha Ming said as they ascended. “I only know things I’ve read. I haven’t been fortunate enough to receive an education like Mi Fei and Dao God Killjoy.”

  “You’re an ascendant,” Li Yang said, brushing it off. “That’s only natural.”

  “You’ve heard of me?” Cha Ming said.

  Li Yang gasped. “Sir. You’re considered important news. I doubt anyone in the higher circles hasn’t heard of you. Who could ignore anything about a man who killed a prefectural lord’s son and lived to tell the tale? A man who would face down two lords to protect his dear friend. The prefecture is buzzing about it, even though they don’t dare say it to the lord’s face. Though, I regret to inform you that there are betting pools on how long you and this Dao Lord Black Fish will live.”

  “I wasn’t aware of any significant gambling industry,” Cha Ming said.

  “It exists, if you know where to find it,” Li Yang said. “Regardless, we tend to receive tidbits of information about you in our daily reports. Mass transmitted to those who would pay. And it pays to keep oneself informed, of course.”

  So much like Earth, this world was. There were celebrities here. There was news. There was fast dissemination of information. What happened on one continent might be known to others, and though he hadn’t looked into it much, he was sure it was easy to find thousands of news feeds and even live reporting.

  This came with risks, of course. Bias. Misinformation. All of it a predictable consequence of access to cheap communication and custodians. But it was there. Affecting every single decision people made.

  “You look so shocked,” Li Yang said. “It’s refreshing to see you being more human than people imagine. I suppose I could give you a bit of an overview. If the three ladies don’t mind hearing a boring lecture.”

  “As long as I have food, I’m happy,” Xiao Bai said. She was eating a snack. A crisp apple she’d taken from heavens knew where.

  Li Yang coughed. “Yes. My secretary will surely be bringing in more snacks and beverages. In the meantime, we’ll make do with something quick. Where was I? Ah. The Li Clan. As you might know, the Li Clan is big on trading metals. Simple metals, of course, but valuable metals as well. Most of them come locally from the Gold Spine Mountain Range.

  “The mountains north of the demon lands owned by the Iridescent Phoenix Clan and the Star-Eye Monkey Clan?” Cha Ming asked.

  “I see you’ve studied up on the local geography,” Li Yang said. “Yes, that’s the place. We’ve always dealt in metal, and some nearby deposits were one of the reasons the city was built here in the first place. But we expanded, slowly but surely, eventually winning over the mountains. The dragons are still upset about that part, but that’s business, isn’t it?”

  “Survival of the fittest, just like in demon lands,” Cha Ming said.

  “Eventually we branched out,” Li Yang continued. “We don’t bother much with smithing. That’s labor-intensive work. But refining? A natural extension. We also make alchemical bases, much to the delight of the local workforce. We run smelting operations. Runic smelting, not normal smelting, mind you. We go through a huge amount of premium imported fuel, which has unfortunately been low in supply of late.

  “So we’ve heard,” Cha Ming said. “But let’s not dig into that quite yet. I’m curious about what else your clan does.”

  “We run a commodity exchange,” Li Yang said. “For all types of commodities. Metals, mostly, but also grain, fuel, bulk alchemical goods. We sell mining equipment, of course, but our own equipment is custom made. Our miners are well trained. We might not be the most powerful of families—the Cao Clan takes that honor, followed by the Wei Clan—but we are the richest.”

  There was a knock on the door of the small meeting room. It was a nice room with a large table made of a single smooth piece of stone. Every inch of it was covered in thin engravings that gave it a rough texture. The table was a piece of runic technology. It lit up with a map projection as attendants came in with snacks and tea. Proper snacks and proper tea—the Li Clan was not a clan of wine-drinking heathens like the Wei Clan.

  “Thank you for the rundown,” Cha Ming said. “Once again, pardon my ignorance.”

  “Not at all,” Li Yang said. “Now that we have our snacks and your curiosity has been sated, I understand you are all here on official business. Please go ahead and ask what you will.”

  “I confess my knowledge of your clan is shallow,” Cha Ming said. “I wouldn’t want to intrude too much. I understand your clan and the Mi Clan have a good working relationship.”

  “Indeed we do,” Li Yang said.

  “Thank you for taking the time to meet us,” Mi Fei said. “It’s been a while since the last clan exchange. I’m a bit young, so I’m not terribly familiar with anyone of your generation.”

  “And I regret not having met many members of the Mi Clan in yours,” Li Yang said. He turned to Cha Ming. “It is only natural that our clans work together, you see. Some mining is best done with tamed beasts the Mi family supplies. In turn, we provide ores for beast consumption and fertilizer. There is also a market for the elemental wood the Mi Clan manages.”

  “My father has definitely emphasized our good relationship,” Mi Fei said. “When I heard of the trouble with the caravans, I was immediately concerned. That is why I asked to be included in this meeting.” It was a lie, of course. But that was expected in polite company.

  Li Yang flushed with pride. “It’s happy to speak to a friendly face,” Li Yang said. “I was afraid some blunt tongues of the Xia Clan would be out for blood.”

  “Rot in hell,” Killjoy said. “We’re hurting too.” They glared at each other.

  “We’re here on Guard business, not personal business,” Cha Ming said. “Let’s not get carried away, Killjoy.”

  “Please excuse our rude companion,” Mi Fei said, kicking Killjoy under the table. “Honestly, she’s just worried about recent developments. The raids on caravans have been dreadful and unexpected, and the Xia Clan has suffered immensely. As has the Li Clan, I understand.”

  “I can sympathize,” Li Yang said. His expression turned grim only briefly. “But business waits for no one. Our engineers hope the supply of elemental wood from Stargazer City won’t be interrupted for too long. It is vital to our smelting processes.”

  “I’ve heard substantial amounts of cargo were stolen from your caravans,” Mi Fei said.

  “Yes, we ship expensive goods sometimes,” Li Yang said. “We would normally take the long trade route around demon territory, but it’s much slower. Since guarding expensive cargo is a key factor in transportation expenses, we typically reroute through Stargazer City. Or more recently, we’ve been taking a slightly longer route through Shimmerwing City.”

  “Have you always shipped out of both cities?” Mi Fei asked. Killjoy took notes like a detective.

  “It’s been the same for decades,” Li Yang said. “Our clan is appalled at recent developments. We’ve lost thirty-six shipments. Most of them expensive goods, but recently, to everyone’s horror, prized artisans from the Iridescent Phoenix Clan.”

  “Do you normally transport people?” Mi Fei asked.

  “Sometimes, if we don’t have a full load,” Li Yang answered. “In this case, we were trying to load as much value as possible into a well-guarded caravan. They asked to come along. I’m afraid no one knows what became of them, but we can only assume the worst.”

  “Do you know who’s involved in these raids?” Mi Fei asked. “Anything you could give us, anything at all, would be helpful.”

  “Who could tell for sure?” Li Yang said. “It’s anyone’s guess.”

  “A more specific answer w
ould be helpful,” Mi Fei said. “It is an important mission for the Guard.”

  “Ah,” Li Yang said. “I’ve heard some say that demons might be involved. Many people have mentioned sightings of the Star-Eye Monkey Clan, as well as the presence of demons in the raids.”

  “I have strong reason to believe humans are involved, actually,” Cha Ming interjected.

  Mi Fei scowled at him.

  Cha Ming continued. “I realize most humans wouldn’t want to start a conflict, but what about the Li Clan?” It was rude, and it threw the man off. He recovered quickly, however.

  “We naturally wouldn’t want to start any conflict,” Li Yang said.

  “Forgive my companion,” Mi Fei said. “He’s rude. And uncultured.”

  “I take no offense,” Li Yang said. “He is from a lower realm. He isn’t aware of the complex relationships transcendents must navigate for what can be thousands of years for the lucky few.”

  “So you have no idea who these men are?” Mi Fei asked. “Were any of your men able to send messages before getting ambushed?”

  “They’re bandits,” Li Yang said. “Or at least, that’s what everyone says.”

  “I’m sorry for pressing,” Mi Fei said. “It’s all a formality, really. We’ll be asking all the major players that ship goods, of course.”

  “Follow the money,” Li Yang agreed. “It’s not a bad strategy. You have a good head on your shoulders.”

  Mi Fei blushed. “You flatter me. I’m just doing what I can. It’s an unfortunate situation. The losses. These ships.”

  “Every ship is a loss to our family,” Li Yang said. “Your family is relatively luckier. You deal with adventurers and you cultivate crops. These events might even be to your gain.”

  “Everyone needs supplies,” Mi Fei said. “We’re paying a premium as well.” She looked to Cha Ming. “Did you want to ask anything else?”

  “No,” Cha Ming said. “My apologies for cutting in earlier. I just want to resolve this mission as soon as possible.”

  “Guard business is important,” Li Yang said. “Now, if we’re done, I do have an important meeting with Young Master Cao. I’m late, but I’m sure he’ll understand. Come, let me see you out.”

  They walked out of the meeting room. There were another three meeting rooms on this top floor. They passed a central area filled with sofas. A man stood up as they walked past it.

  “Li Yang. Just the man I wanted to see,” the man said.

  “Oh, they brought you up here already?” Li Yang said. He was nervous, Cha Ming noticed. Afraid.

  “I was properly entertained,” the man said. His eyes swept past Cha Ming as he eyed the three ladies with him. “And whom might these lovely flowers be?” He was broad-shouldered and tall. His eyes were a deep black that drew you in. He was a man of battle. He wore a military coat and had a weapon at his waist. An officer’s sword. Rune-gathering grade.

  “Young Master Cao Wenluan, this group is with the Kingfisher Guard,” Li Yang said. “We have Miss Mi and her bonded companion Lady White, the young Miss Xia, as well as Daoist Clear Sky.”

  “Ah. Daoist Clear Sky,” Cao Wenluan said. He held out a hand in a familiar but uncommon gesture in these parts. “I’m happy to finally meet you. I hear you’ve caused a lot of trouble.”

  “Pleased to meet you,” Cha Ming said. He took the hand and encountered a crushing grip. The man was powerful. That was beyond a doubt. He was clearly at least a peak-rune-carving cultivator, though he definitely cultivated his body. Yes, now that he focused, Cha Ming saw that he was a Dao God. He’d reached the peak of blood awakening. That aside, his Dao was odd. It was strong. Violent. It reminded him of the devouring power of a Taotie, but he realized it was something less tangible.

  The moment passed, and the man released his grip. “You can tell a lot about a man from a single handshake,” Cao Wenluan said. His eyes flickered to the three ladies, including Xiao Bai. He inclined his head. “It’s always a pleasure to meet such beautiful ladies. I’d be happy to speak more at length when we’ve more time at our leisure.” He didn’t quite leer at them, but Cha Ming couldn’t help but shudder watching his eyes wash over them like dirty oil.

  “We’d best be going,” Cha Ming said, interrupting the unusually long look he was taking.

  “I’ll see you out,” Li Yang said uncomfortably.

  “No need. We know our way out,” Cha Ming said. One of Li Yang’s attendants came with them. It was a private elevator, and they needed an access key.

  I hate every bone in that man’s body, he said to his companions as they made their way down.

  If I could castrate him, I would, Mi Fei said.

  He smells dangerous, Xiao Bai agreed.

  I’m used to looks like those, Killjoy said. You see them often when you work with guards and mercenaries. If he wasn’t so damn strong, I’d push him into a trapped pit.

  Indeed, Cha Ming said. Then we’re agreed. But let’s plot his demise later. That Li Yang—he lied about some interesting things.

  Oh? Killjoy asked. He spoke very evasively.

  With questions, and with things other people said, Cha Ming agreed. First thing: We wouldn’t want to start any conflicts. False.

  That’s… ominous, Mi Fei said.

  The second sentence, “They’re bandits,” Cha Ming said. It was a half truth. Some of them are bandits. Which is interesting. Perhaps another non-bandit group is organizing many bandits?

  What’s the third one? Xiao Bai asked. There’s always a third one.

  Yes, indeed, Cha Ming said. The third one was: Every ship that gets taken is a loss to our family. It wasn’t a lie but a half truth as well. Something a truth watcher wouldn’t be able to tell unless he was particularly strong. There’s a veil on his words that I had trouble piercing. That man is not a normal man.

  So they’re not taking a loss on every ship that’s taken? Mi Fei asked.

  They must have a way of mitigating losses, Killjoy said. Could be insurance. Could be many things.

  They could even be gaining from this, Mi Fei said. The gain could even be intangible instead of monetary,

  Cha Ming agreed with that assessment. But at least we know they know more than they’re letting on. They are also not complete victims. We need to keep an eye on them.

  So what next? Killjoy asked. We didn’t interrogate them using legal means.

  We obtained some unofficial information, Cha Ming agreed. The elevator stopped, and the attendant asked if they wanted anything else. They refused and left the building. Once outside, Cha Ming looked to his messaging device. They’d received quite a few during their talk. He smiled as he inspected their contents. Killjoy, are you feeling bored?

  I saw Special Night’s message, Killjoy said. She’s got a lock on your Dao Lord.

  Apparently, he’s resistant to tracking, thus the trouble, Cha Ming said. I’ll need you to take Special Night, Shneraz, Silver Fish, and Crying Toad to intercept them. Defend caravans, and don’t kill the Dao Lord we’re tracking. Also, don’t kill everyone in the raiding group. Let them escape if you can.

  Does this have anything to do with Crying Toad’s project? Killjoy asked.

  You know it, Cha Ming said.

  I’d feel safer with one or two of the demons with us, Killjoy said.

  No can do, Cha Ming replied. They were attacked.

  What? Mi Fei said. When?

  During our meeting, Cha Ming said somberly. The tailor shop was attacked by some supposed criminal group. The city watch is there cleaning things up. No one was seriously hurt, and nothing much was destroyed. Apparently, whoever it was that attacked forgot that famous, high-profile people like to shop there. In this case, some lady from the Mi Clan who likes dressing up.

  Mi Fei blushed. Probably my great-aunt.

  Good thing she was there, Cha Ming said. This “criminal group” was led by peak cultivators. Therefore, I can only keep Huxian and his friends there in case of attack.

  Troubleso
me, Killjoy said. There’s no way that attack was a coincidence.

  I was thinking the same, Cha Ming said. We need legs in the city, but we also need to guard those monkeys. So your group of five will have to suffice.

  Fine, Killjoy said. What about the other bandit groups? The actual bandits?

  For now, focus on the main group, Cha Ming said. This is reconnaissance, not extermination. That would come later.

  “And us?” Mi Fei asked.

  I need you to stay in the city on standby, Cha Ming said.

  She gave him a look.

  There are things we must look into, and I can’t do it alone, he explained. First, Shneraz has given me information on our mysterious Pale Lady. I would very much like some covert backup in case she or anyone else decides to either stab me or wrongfully throw me in jail. That aside, we need to set up a meeting with the Iridescent Phoenix Clan, which is probably fuming from the recent attack.

  These words mollified Mi Fei somewhat. Fine. I’ll help. She looked to Xiao Bai. What would you say is the best way to get a quick meeting with those stuck-up birds?

  Walk in innocently and let them come to get their faces slapped, I guess, Xiao Bai said. I can do it if you don’t mind me breaking bones.

  That doesn’t sound very diplomatic, Cha Ming said.

  It’s actually very diplomatic, Xiao Bai said. Bite me. You know nothing about demon etiquette.

  Cha Ming could only sigh. Fine. As for me and Mi Fei, we’ll need to prepare a bit before paying this Pale Lady a visit. Specifically, he needed to retrieve an information jade that Special Night was having couriered over. A collaboration between her and Silver Fish. Any objections?

  There were none.

  Great. Let’s get started.

  Unbeknownst to the others, a man was sitting in a large office that took up a full quarter of a floor in the Kingfisher Guard Station. Large windows looked out at progressively smaller skyscrapers that tapered off into the outer reaches of the city.