am-books Book 2 Favoritism
Book 2 Favoritism
Vol 2 Chapter 2: Favoritism@@@@
Senior Sister Zhang’s influence was immediately apparent.
As soon as she arrived, the expression of the Disciplinary Hall elder became apprehensive.
“Ah, Junior Niece Zhang? Why are you here?” His gaze flickered toward Zheng Fa.
“Uncle Wang.”
Senior Sister Zhang saluted him with impeccable form, then turned to look at Senior Brother Li. She revisited the earlier issue:
“May I ask what this junior brother said about me?”
“...”
Senior Brother Li lowered his head, evidently guilty.
The elder laughed awkwardly and interjected, “It’s merely a matter of words, Junior Niece Zhang. Why take it to heart?”
“I do care.”
“...”
The elder froze, his expression souring. “Granted, Junior Nephew Li’s words may have been careless, but don’t you think, Junior Niece Zhang, that your favoritism toward Zheng Fa has gone too far? Such rumors don’t arise without cause!”
Zheng Fa glanced at Senior Sister Zhang, who remained expressionless. She simply looked at the elder as though she didn’t understand him. She spoke slowly:
“How have I gone too far?”
“This Junior Nephew Zheng has just entered the sect, yet you’ve allocated resources to him comparable to those given to a Mysterious-Grade Talisman Master. In these times of scarce spiritual materials, don’t you think you’re being biased?”
“They’re mine to allocate.”
“But, Junior Niece, you are representing Elder Huang in managing the Administrative Hall. Acting with such favoritism invites suspicion,” the elder said with a mocking smile.
Zheng Fa realized that he had somehow become a target for those aiming at Senior Sister Zhang. The real issue wasn’t the spiritual materials but her unique status.
Senior Sister Zhang remained silent, while the elder pressed on:
“The Administrative Hall oversees all resource distribution within the Jiushan Sect. As its head, you should act impartially. Your bias toward one person naturally invites criticism.”
“What is Uncle Wang suggesting?”
“To ensure fairness, Junior Nephew Zheng’s resource allotment should match that of others. If he is as talented as rumored, becoming a Mysterious-Grade Talisman Master should be effortless. When he reaches that level, his allocation can be adjusted accordingly, and the rumors will naturally die down.”
“But...” The elder had barely finished speaking when a hesitant voice interrupted from behind him:
“Zheng Senior Brother is already a Mysterious-Grade Talisman Master.”
“?”
All eyes turned toward the speaker—Zhou Qianyuan, someone Zheng Fa barely recognized.
“He’s a Mysterious-Grade Talisman Master?” The Disciplinary Hall elder looked stunned, his gaze shifting to Senior Sister Zhang.
Surprisingly, Senior Sister Zhang seemed equally puzzled, as though she were hearing this for the first time.
“Yes!” Zhou Qianyuan said firmly. “I’ve been observing Zheng Senior Brother, and the Water Prison Talisman earlier was his work.”
Zheng Fa: ...Why were you watching me? I was hiding quietly!
Senior Brother Li looked down, glancing at his soaked clothes before slowly raising his head to glare at Zheng Fa.
“Senior Brother Li, you’re the one who experienced the Water Prison Talisman firsthand. Wouldn’t you agree?” Zhou Qianyuan asked.
“...”
Senior Brother Li appeared reluctant to admit it.
“Earlier, you even identified it as a Mysterious-Grade Water Prison Talisman.” Zhou Qianyuan pressed further.
Senior Brother Li hesitated, his eyes flicking toward Elder Wang, whose expression had darkened. Still, he remained silent.
“Senior Brother Li, as a Foundation Establishment cultivator, you couldn’t possibly be restrained by a Yellow-Grade Talisman, could you? That would be too humiliating,” Zhou Qianyuan said earnestly, full of trust in Senior Brother Li’s abilities.
“True!” Senior Brother Li gritted his teeth.
“Junior Brother, someone like you, who’s been singled out for talent from the start, probably doesn’t understand the struggles of those at the bottom.”
“...” Zheng Fa didn’t argue, simply listening.
“I’ve read mundane history books. In every declining dynasty, it’s the people at the bottom who suffer most.” Senior Brother Zhuang continued, seemingly not expecting a response. “The Immortal Sect is no different, only worse—if these downtrodden disciples grow resentful, they may not disrupt the sect but imagine the damage they could do in the mortal world.”
He looked at Zheng Fa meaningfully.
“The mortals are powerless to resist.”
“...”
“I simply think that if those at the top used one less talisman, those at the bottom could have one more. Perhaps there’d be a little less resentment. Honestly, I know I can’t stop these things—I know it’s futile.” Senior Brother Zhuang smiled and handed three talisman papers to Zheng Fa.
“Since you’re a Mysterious-Grade Talisman Master, you should receive your due share. My suspicion of you was misplaced.”
Zheng Fa didn’t move, but Senior Brother Zhuang placed the papers in his hand. He bowed deeply again before turning and walking away.
His clothes were wrinkled and dusty, but his posture remained upright.
Back at the Talisman Hall, Han Qi watched Zheng Fa with a conflicted expression.
“Senior Brother? What are you thinking?”
“What do you think Zheng Fa likes?”
“?”
The tall, thin disciple blinked in surprise. “Didn’t you say you wouldn’t curry favor with him?”
“How was I supposed to know he could craft Mysterious-Grade Talismans right after joining?” Han Qi’s expression was tinged with regret.
“Senior Brother, that’s no easy feat,” the tall disciple said hesitantly.
“Why not? Zheng Fa seems easygoing and not hard to please... though we did offend him earlier, which isn’t great.”
“I’m not talking about him—I’m talking about him.” The tall disciple pointed toward Zhou Qianyuan, who stood in the distance, also watching Zheng Fa’s retreating figure.
“What about him?”
“Senior Brother, don’t you think the way he looks at Zheng Fa is exactly the same as how you looked at him earlier?”
“...”
Han Qi stared at Zhou Qianyuan, utterly baffled.
Who are you?
The favorite disciple of Elder Pang.
Single Spiritual Root, Metal-Path Physique, a peerless talent!
And you’re trying to outdo me for a sycophant position?
We fight each other every day, and now you want to betray your master?
No wonder you defended Zheng Fa earlier...
“You’re so scheming!”
“Senior Brother, should we give up? We can’t compete with him,” the tall disciple suggested.
“No!” Han Qi gritted his teeth. “Senior Sister Zhang is one thing, but Zhou Qianyuan is Elder Pang’s prized disciple. I heard he’s incredibly favored. If both of them value Zheng Fa this much, wouldn’t we be fools not to follow suit?”
The tall disciple hesitated before nodding. “You might have a point, but we still can’t beat him.”
“...”
Zheng Fa arrived at Senior Sister Zhang’s courtyard, located at the base of the Ninth Mountain. It was vast, rivaling the Zhao family estate in size.
However, the two were worlds apart in terms of location—the Ninth Mountain was the most spiritually abundant area in the Jiushan Sect.
As Zheng Fa stepped through the gate, Senior Sister Zhang’s voice reached his ears:
“Walk straight ahead, past three doors, and meet me in the rear courtyard.”