No Freedom

Ah, you can buy nobility," Wuyi felt enlightened. "What about Chunfeng City? Have you been there?" he inquired further.

Chao pondered for a moment. "I visited once or twice when I was younger. The clamor and the sweltering heat are what I remember most. Inland regions tend to be arid and scorching. I was relieved to return to Lujingbao."

"Is there any other place you've visited that you prefer over Lujingbao Fort?" Wuyi probed.

Chao straightened up slowly, his pale hand filled with fine black seeds. "Why not get to the point?"

Wuyi then shared the details of Master Feng's offer and his newfound realization that maps were more than mere lines and colors—they were portals to new opportunities and destinies. He could leave this place and become someone else, perhaps a scribe, or...

"No," Chao interrupted softly but firmly. "No matter where you went, you would still be Yuanjing Clan's Xuan's illegitimate child. Feng is more insightful than I initially thought, but he still misses the bigger picture. He perceives that within these fortress walls, you're forever labeled as an illegitimate offspring, always somewhat ostracized. What escapes his understanding is that here, under Congming's tutelage, learning your lessons and remaining under his control, you pose no threat to anyone. Congming decided to train you because the Yuanjing Clan approves. He reports to the Yuanjing Clan, and you report to him. In essence, you are under the Yuanjing Clan's control. Certainly, you are under Boluo's protection here. Being of Yuanjing blood does afford you some safety. But if you were to leave this place, far from enjoying the freedom of a wandering scribe, you would become a danger to your own people and clan, and an even greater threat to the heirs of Yuanjing. Any other competitive clan would try to nab you, and you would not lead the simple life of freedom you imagine. Instead, you might wake up with your throat slit in some inn, or find an arrow through your heart on a remote road."

A shiver ran through Wuyi. "But why?" he asked softly.

Chao sighed heavily as he emptied the seeds into a dish, shaking his hands lightly to free them from the clinging particles. "Because you're a noble illegitimate child, and you're constrained by your own lineage. For now, as I mentioned, you're not a threat to your clan and its heirs. You're still too young and under surveillance. But they are planning for the future, and so should you. These are uncertain times. Demonics and beasts are growing bolder and more powerful. Demonic clans, sects, and pavilions are emerging everywhere. Smaller clans and communities are starting to grumble, demanding protection."

"Many provinces are reluctant to fund such endeavors, especially anything that could lead to a full-scale war with the demonics," Chao continued. "They accuse the noble houses of focusing solely on trade and neglecting agriculture. The mountain communities are becoming more restrictive with their passes, imposing higher trade fees each month. Merchants are discontented. To the south, in Huanghou and beyond, drought has made life difficult. They blame the rulers for everything. Whether it's rulers, sects, or clans, they all depend on the common folk in some way. In times like these, they won't welcome anything that could further destabilize the situation."

Wuyi looked confused. "Demonics are a problem here. Why would it be a problem in the north for Yuanjing?"

Wuyi had heard about demonics a few times but no one ever explained what exactly these demonics were. All he could deduce was that these were some warriors or cultivators who practiced demonic Qi.

Chao shook his head. "Demonics are a problem everywhere, young man. This war with the demonics is millions of years old, but in recent millennia, demonics have again become very active. There is always a gruesome battle between the demonics and the righteous every few thousand years. Sometimes the demonics win, sometimes the righteous. But recently, they have become more problematic for us. Wherever demonics grow, know that it signifies the decline of the country or empire."

Wuyi asked curiously, "What exactly are these demonics?"

Chao frowned. "Now is not the time for you to know. When you begin to cultivate or start any warrior training, I will let you read some old books. But right now, it's not the appropriate time for you to know."

Wuyi decided to let go of that question and returned to asking about Yuanjing.

"So, Yuanjing might dispose of me?" Wuyi asked, seeking clarification.

Chao studied Wuyi's expression carefully. "No, boy, not likely at all. Your lineage holds value, and your abilities are recognized. They won't eliminate you unless they have no other choice. They will find a way to utilize you, either as an asset to the clan or as something else."

"The clan's tool. I understand." A heavy weight settled on Wuyi. His fleeting vision of freedom and living life on his own terms was vanishing.

He truly loathed this. In his previous life, his bosses had tried to control him and strip away his freedom; he had taken his revenge. But he had also paid a steep price for it.

Now, the clan planned to control him by providing him with sustenance and education throughout his life.

Chao's voice softened. "It doesn't have to be all bad. Most of the cages we find ourselves in are self-constructed. One can also carve out their own freedom."

"I'll never get to live life as I wish, will I?" Despite his newfound understanding, the desire to be free and not serve anyone but become a master still burned within Wuyi. The allure of the forbidden seemed sweet, even if it wasn't. But he wasn't going to give up; he had an ace up his sleeve. He had a cheat within him as a blessing.

Chao looked for something to use as a lid for the dish of seeds, finally settling on placing a saucer on top.

"I wouldn't say that," Chao replied thoughtfully. "You will travel to many places. You're now learning the assassin trade and excelling at it. I'm sure Congming will send details about it to your clan. When that happens, they might ask you to come and serve. Then you can serve the clan and travel long distances, but discreetly, and only when the clan's interests necessitate it. That's not much different from any young master of noble lineage. Did your father, Xuan, have the liberty to choose his role within the Sacred Sword Sect? Do you think young clan masters relish being dispatched to inspect towns devastated by the demonic, listening to the complaints of nobles, and purging nearby villages of demonics? True clan members have limited autonomy when it comes to their movements and life choices. As I said before, unless you hold a position of power, you're merely a cog in the machine."