Chapter 21: Elder Scribe
“The Sect owns this slice of the world,” Duan Xiaolong said after receiving them at the dock “From the clouds in the sky to the eels hiding in holes in the rice fields.” He pointed at each of the recruits. “Your bodies, your souls, your future accomplishments.”
They had gotten off the Drizzle, having been the first to arrive. Within an hour, the remaining six Drizzles also reached the village, and now all the recruits stood in the rain.
The pitter-patter didn’t drown out Duan Xiaolong’s voice. It only seemed to accentuate it, backdropped by the chants coming from the nearby river god temple.
As the rain fell, the fresh scent of mud and grass tickled Yu Han’s nose. He could also smell the burning incense and the soot from the oil lamps.
“In return, the Sect will nurture you. Give you words, riches, and strength of your own, from Cultivation Arts to Spirit Stones. And finally, a chance to own part of the Sect itself.” Duan Xiaolong crossed his arms. His monkey, Little Pillar, hopped from one foot to another, swinging the staff above his head like a helicopter. “So, first order of business, scribe your names. From mice, you become men.”
So now we’re merely employees of the corporation. Maybe soon we can be shareholders. Yu Han patted his shoulders. The rain chased away all the mosquitoes, but he itched. Perhaps there were other bugs that bit. How soon? How many shares?
Johan had an amazing portfolio. Much of it was because of undiscovered insider trading, and the rest came from manipulation. I have to verify this.
Duan Xiaolong took a step back, and another silhouette stepped forward. It was a wiry man with a thin moustache, and a long, silky beard that reached his torso. He had sunken eyes and large black irises.
Whereas Duan Xiaolong stood in the rain, letting the world wash him, this man had an invisible shield that bounced the raindrops off. Even in the downpour, he was pristine and dry.