The delegation arrived on the twenty-third day of summer, when the heat pressed down on Redstone City like a physical weight.
Wang Ben watched from the upper gallery of the City Lord's manor as the procession entered through the main gates. Twelve cultivators in formal robes bearing the crimson and black of the domain capital, their cultivation signatures carefully suppressed but their bearing unmistakable. These were not merchants or minor officials. These were people accustomed to power.
[THREAT ASSESSMENT: Crimson Bastion delegation]
[Detected signatures: 12 individuals, cultivation suppressed]
[Behavioral analysis indicates: 2 core formation (movement efficiency suggests mid to late-stage range), 1 possible mortal shedding (physical control exceeds core formation parameters), 9 foundation establishment or lower]
[Note: Estimates based on observable behavior, not spiritual pressure detection]
One mortal shedding cultivator. Wang Ben kept his expression neutral, but the implications settled into his thoughts like stones dropping into still water. Domain Lord Tie Wushan had sent someone with real authority, not just investigators and functionaries.
"They've arrived," Wang Tian said quietly from beside him. His father's foundation establishment cultivation had sharpened over the past weeks, the breakthrough settling into stable strength. "The mortal shedding one is concerning."
"They want us to know they're serious."
"Or they want to intimidate us into something stupid."
Wang Ben didn't respond. Both interpretations were probably true.
Below, City Lord Huo Zhenyang emerged to greet his guests. The core formation cultivator moved with the careful diplomacy of a man walking between falling blades. His position made this his responsibility, but the situation that had created this delegation had occurred largely outside his control.
The leader of the Bastion delegation stepped forward. The woman appeared middle-aged, though her true years likely numbered in the centuries. The embroidery on her robes marked her as someone of significant rank.
[VISUAL ANALYSIS: Lead delegate identification]
[Physical markers: Skin quality suggests 400+ years of cultivation, movement patterns indicate martial background, posture demonstrates administrative authority]
[Probable position: Senior official, investigative or judicial function]
[Assessment: This individual has authority to make decisions, not merely report findings]
"Senior Investigator Qin Hualing," Patriarch Wang Tiexin murmured from Wang Ben's other side. The old formation master's seven hundred years showed in the steadiness of his observation, the patience of someone who had seen delegations come and go across centuries. "I know of her. She handles sensitive matters for the Domain Lord's court."
"Sensitive matters?"
"Situations where someone important died and someone else needs to answer for it."
Wang Ben absorbed this. Five Bastion delegates had died on the road to the capital, killed by demonic cultivators according to official reports. The domain capital had apparently decided this required their most capable investigator.
The formal greetings continued below, the City Lord's words too distant to hear clearly but the cadence familiar. Diplomatic formulas, expressions of welcome, acknowledgment of the honor the Bastion's attention represented. All of it necessary, and all of it delaying the real conversation that would come later.
"The one behind her," Wang Tian said. "Military bearing."
Wang Ben had noticed him as well. A man with the build of a warrior, his suppressed cultivation signature suggesting mid-stage core formation. He moved with the economy of motion that came from years of combat training, and his eyes swept the crowd with professional assessment.
"Military Attaché Wei Zhennan," Wang Tiexin supplied. "He commands the Domain Lord's personal guard when he's not on special assignment. His presence suggests they're prepared for the possibility of violence."
"Against us?"
"Against whoever they decide is responsible for their dead people."
The delegation finished their initial greetings and began moving toward the reception hall. Wang Ben watched them go, cataloging details, building patterns.
"We should join the formal reception," Wang Tiexin said. "It would be noted if we delayed."
The reception hall of the City Lord's manor had been transformed for the occasion.
Banners bearing both Redstone City's colors and the Crimson Bastion's sigil hung from the rafters. Tables laden with refreshments lined the walls, and cultivators from every significant faction in the city had gathered to witness the delegation's arrival. Politics in action, with alliances and rivalries on display for anyone who knew how to read them.
Wang Ben entered with his grandfather and father, their three-generation presence making a statement of its own. The Wang Clan was taking this seriously. The Wang Clan was united.
[SOCIAL ANALYSIS: Reception dynamics]
[Observed factions: City Lord's household (12), Crimson Bastion delegation (12), Wang Clan (3 present, 2 additional detected nearby), minor cultivation families (7), independent cultivators (8), Dao Clan (2)]
[Pattern: Other factions maintaining distance from Wang Clan, avoiding association]
The observation stung, even though Wang Ben had expected it. The other factions were hedging their bets, unwilling to be seen as Wang allies until they knew how this delegation's investigation would conclude. Only the Dao Clan had sent representatives to stand anywhere near the Wang contingent, and even they kept a careful distance.
Dao Zhen caught Wang Ben's eye across the room. The Dao Clan heir inclined his head slightly, acknowledging the connection between their families. His expression was unreadable, but his presence spoke for itself.
"Young Master Wang Ben."
The voice came from his left. Wang Ben turned to find a foundation establishment cultivator in Bastion robes approaching, a polished smile on his face that didn't reach his eyes.
"I don't believe we've been introduced," Wang Ben said carefully.
"Delegate Huang Ying, junior attaché to Senior Investigator Qin." The man's smile widened. "I've heard a great deal about you. The Wang Clan's formation expertise is well known, and I understand you've taken an interest in continuing that tradition."
"My grandfather is the true expert. I'm still learning."
"Modesty becomes the young." Huang Ying's eyes sharpened. "Still, your clan's defensive work during the recent... unpleasantness... was quite impressive. The arrays held against considerable pressure. Some have wondered whether fresh perspectives contributed to their effectiveness."
Wang Ben felt his grandfather's cultivation signature shift slightly, a subtle warming that suggested the old man was prepared to intervene if necessary.
"I had good teachers," Wang Ben said. "And access to our clan's formation archive."
"Of course, of course." Huang Ying's tone suggested he believed none of it. "Still, the Domain Lord's court is always interested in exceptional talent. Perhaps we might arrange a more detailed conversation about your methods during the delegation's stay."
"I would be honored to discuss formation theory with anyone who shares the interest."
The response was neutral, giving nothing away. Huang Ying nodded as if satisfied with the exchange and moved on, but Wang Ben had no illusions about what had just happened. They were already probing, already looking for weaknesses.
[PATTERN RECOGNITION: Delegation approach strategy]
[Junior delegate used for initial contact - maintains plausible deniability for senior officials]
[Questions designed to provoke defensive response or overconfident claims]
[Recommended response: Maintain neutral posture, avoid both excessive modesty and boastful claims]
Wang Tiexin's hand settled on Wang Ben's shoulder, a gesture that appeared grandfatherly but carried the weight of instruction.
"Well handled," the patriarch said quietly. "They'll try again with someone more senior. Be ready."
The formal proceedings began an hour after the delegation's arrival.
City Lord Huo Zhenyang presided from his position at the head of the main hall, his core formation cultivation providing the appropriate gravitas for the occasion. Senior Investigator Qin Hualing sat at his right hand, her mortal shedding presence filling the room with subtle pressure that even Wang Ben could feel.
"The Domain Lord extends his greetings to Redstone City," Qin Hualing began, her voice carrying without apparent effort. "He is pleased that the recent difficulties have been resolved, and that peace has returned to this corner of his domain."
Diplomatic opening. Wang Ben listened for the turn that would inevitably come.
"However," she continued, and there it was, "certain matters remain unaddressed. Three servants of the domain lost their lives after departing this city. Investments made by the domain capital were disrupted. And reports suggest that powers beyond the usual scope of frontier politics may have been involved."
The room went very still. Everyone understood what "powers beyond the usual scope" meant.
"The Domain Lord has sent this delegation to understand what occurred, and to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future." Qin Hualing's gaze swept the assembled cultivators, lingering for just a moment on the Wang Clan contingent. "We expect full cooperation from all relevant parties."
City Lord Huo Zhenyang inclined his head. "The city will of course provide whatever assistance the Domain Lord's representatives require. All records are available for review, and any cultivator may be summoned for questioning at the delegation's convenience."
"That is appreciated." Qin Hualing's expression suggested she had expected nothing less. "We will begin with interviews of those directly involved in the events of the past two years. The clan leaders of the major factions. The merchants who attended the auction. The survivors of the conflict."
Wang Ben felt the weight of implication settle around him. The survivors. That meant him, specifically.
"Additionally," Qin Hualing said, "we understand that certain... external parties... may have involved themselves in the city's affairs. While we cannot compel the cooperation of those beyond the domain's authority, we hope they might choose to assist our investigation."
The reference to Phantom Gate was unmistakable. And everyone in the room knew that Shen Wuyan would cooperate exactly as much as he chose to, and not a breath more.
"The delegation will be housed in the manor's guest wing," City Lord Huo Zhenyang said, steering the conversation toward logistics. "Rooms have been prepared for your entire party. Meals will be served according to your preferences, and cultivation resources are available if needed."
"Your hospitality is appreciated." Qin Hualing rose, signaling that the formal portion of the reception was ending. "We will begin our work tomorrow. Those who wish to provide statements voluntarily may do so at their convenience. Those who are summoned will attend at the appointed time."
It was a dismissal, politely phrased but unmistakable. The assembled cultivators began filtering out of the hall, conversations buzzing with speculation and concern.
Wang Ben moved toward the exit with his family, but a voice stopped him before he could reach the door.
"Young Master Wang Ben."
He turned. Senior Investigator Qin Hualing herself had approached, her mortal shedding cultivation close enough now that he could feel its pressure against his senses like a physical weight.
"Senior Investigator."
"Walk with me for a moment."
It wasn't a request. Wang Ben glanced at his grandfather, who nodded almost imperceptibly. Trust, but also acknowledgment that refusing would be worse than whatever conversation awaited.
They walked together through a side corridor, away from the crowds. Qin Hualing moved with the unhurried grace of someone who had centuries to accomplish her goals and knew it.
"Your clan has been through a great deal this past year," she said finally. "The conflict with the Xue Clan. The demonic incursion. The death of Xue Feng himself, burned out by the very power he had bargained for."
"It has been a difficult time."
"Indeed." She stopped at a window overlooking the manor's gardens, her gaze distant. "The Domain Lord is not unsympathetic to the challenges frontier clans face. Demonic cultivators, spirit beast incursions, the various threats that make this region so perilous. He understands that difficult situations sometimes require difficult solutions."
Wang Ben waited, knowing there was more.
"But his delegates were killed." Qin Hualing's voice hardened slightly. "Three cultivators who came to this city on official business, investigating potential threats to the domain's stability. They were murdered, and their bodies were never recovered."
"I wasn't present when that happened."
"No. You weren't." She turned to face him directly, and the full weight of her mortal shedding attention settled on him like a mountain. "But you were connected to everyone involved. The Xue Clan conflict. The auction. The alliance that formed afterward. And the mysterious benefactors who seem to have taken an interest in your family's welfare."
[STRESS RESPONSE: Elevated pressure detected]
[Subject attempting intimidation through cultivation presence]
[Recommendation: Maintain composure. Physical response will be interpreted as weakness or guilt]
Wang Ben kept his breathing steady. "Many cultivators have taken an interest in many families over the years. That's how the cultivation world works."
"True." Qin Hualing's pressure eased slightly, and something flickered across her expression. Skepticism, perhaps. Or the dismissiveness of someone who had heard too many exaggerated reports. "But not many cultivators are nascent soul. And not many nascent soul cultivators are connected to organizations that even the Domain Lord treats with caution."
She knew about Shen Wuyan. Of course she did. The Bastion's investigation had been thorough. But her tone suggested she didn't believe the reports—or at least, didn't believe the nascent soul rumors were as serious as the Domain Lord's preliminary warnings had indicated. Wang Ben had seen that expression before on the faces of people who dismissed frontier stories as provincial exaggeration.
The delegation had come prepared for a mortal shedding threat. They hadn't been told to prepare for anything more.
"I can't speak to anyone else's choices or connections," Wang Ben said carefully. "I can only speak to my own actions, which have always been in service of my family and my city."
"A measured response." Qin Hualing's expression gave nothing away. "We will have a more detailed conversation later, Young Master Wang. For now, consider this a courtesy. The Domain Lord prefers to resolve situations through cooperation rather than confrontation. But he will have answers about what happened to his people."
She walked away without waiting for a response, leaving Wang Ben alone in the corridor with the weight of her words pressing against his thoughts.
The evening meal was a tense affair.
Wang Ben sat with his family in their assigned position, several tables removed from the delegation but close enough to observe. Senior Investigator Qin made pleasant conversation with the City Lord and other prominent guests, her earlier intensity replaced by diplomatic charm. Military Attaché Wei sat silently, eating with mechanical precision and watching everything.
"She's testing us," Wang Tian said quietly. "Seeing how we react to pressure."
"She's testing everyone." Wang Ben had been watching the room, noting how the other factions responded to the delegation's presence. One merchant patriarch had barely touched his food. A minor family's representative kept glancing toward the door as if planning escape routes. "We're not her only targets."
"No. But we're her primary ones." Wang Tiexin's voice was barely audible. "The dead delegates were in Redstone because of the Xue Clan situation. The Xue Clan was our enemy. When investigators ask who benefited from their deaths..."
He didn't need to finish. The logic was obvious, even if it was wrong. Wang Ben and his family had gained the most from the Xue Clan's fall, which made them the natural suspects for any violence connected to that conflict.
The fact that Shen Wuyan had killed those delegates for his own reasons wouldn't matter if the Bastion couldn't reach him.
"We need to be careful about what we say tomorrow," Wang Ben said. "And what we don't say."
"We tell the truth where we can, and we redirect where we can't." Wang Tiexin's eyes were steady. "It's an old game, Ben'er. I've played it before."
"Have you played it against a mortal shedding investigator?"
The patriarch's silence was answer enough.
Later that night, Wang Ben found a quiet courtyard in the manor's guest section and allowed himself a moment to breathe.
[STATUS UPDATE: Current threat assessment]
[Crimson Bastion delegation confirmed hostile intent toward Wang Clan]
[Senior Investigator Qin Hualing: Primary threat, mortal shedding cultivation, investigative expertise, direct Domain Lord authority]
[Military Attaché Wei Zhennan: Secondary threat, core formation combat specialist, prepared for violence]
[Political position: Vulnerable. Other clans distancing themselves. City Lord cannot openly support without domain approval]
[Recommendation: Prepare contingency responses. Identify potential allies. Avoid direct confrontation]
The System's analysis matched his own assessment. They were in trouble, and the delegation had only been here for a day.
"Difficult situation."
Wang Ben turned. Prince Huo Zhanlong stood at the courtyard entrance, his core formation cultivation relaxed but present. The prince had arrived a week before the delegation, ostensibly to continue his recruitment efforts for the war. His presence during these proceedings felt less coincidental now.
"Your Highness."
"No need for formality." The prince moved to sit on a stone bench, gesturing for Wang Ben to join him. "We've met before. I prefer directness."
Wang Ben remained standing. "You're here for the war recruitment."
"Partially." Huo Zhanlong's expression was unreadable in the dim light. "But I'm also here because interesting things happen in Redstone City, and I find interesting things... useful."
"The delegation seems more interested in past events than future ones."
"The delegation wants someone to blame for dead delegates and lost investments." The prince's voice carried a hint of disdain. "Standard bureaucratic response. But what they want and what they'll get are different things."
Wang Ben felt the conversation shifting toward something he couldn't quite see. "You seem very certain of that."
"I've dealt with Bastion politics my entire life. Senior Investigator Qin is good at her job, but her job is to find answers that satisfy the Domain Lord. If we give her the right answers, she'll accept them." Huo Zhanlong paused. "If we give her the wrong ones, things become more complicated."
"We?"
The prince smiled slightly. "My kingdom needs formation masters for the war effort. Your family has produced remarkable work in that field. It would be unfortunate if a political investigation disrupted what could be a mutually beneficial relationship."
Wang Ben finally understood. The prince wasn't just observing. He was positioning himself as an ally, someone who could influence the outcome of the investigation in exchange for future consideration.
"What are you suggesting?"
"Nothing yet." Huo Zhanlong rose. "But tomorrow, when the delegation begins its formal interviews, pay attention to which questions they ask and which ones they avoid. That will tell you what they actually want." He moved toward the courtyard exit. "And when you're ready to discuss arrangements, find me."
He left Wang Ben alone with the stars and the weight of new calculations.
[ANALYSIS UPDATE: Prince Huo Zhanlong]
[Apparent motivation: Secure Wang Clan formation services for war effort]
[Probable method: Offer political protection in exchange for commitment]
[Risk assessment: Allying with royal faction may antagonize Bastion faction]
[Opportunity assessment: Royal backing could neutralize Bastion pressure]
[Note: Insufficient data to recommend optimal course of action]
Wang Ben looked up at the sky, where stars burned cold and distant. The delegation would begin their real work tomorrow. Questions would be asked that had no good answers. Pressure would be applied that might break relationships or reveal secrets.
And somewhere in the distance, two favors still waited to be called.
"Tomorrow," Wang Ben murmured to himself. "Let's see what they really want."
END OF CHAPTER 87