Her fingers traced the delicate patterns on the teacup, a subtle gesture that belied the steel in her voice.
"Back to Holy Envoy, the ancient philosopher Lao Tzu once said; The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step! Perhaps it is time for you to consider the path you tread, lest you find yourself lost in the wilderness of your own desires... I heard it's hard to return once you are lost beyond save,"
Bai Lung's brow arched, a hint of admiration flickering in his eyes, she was holding quite well perhaps because it wasn't that one dimensional mind games unlike compared to a story.
"I have to admit it you are correct, but you see, Saintess, I have already taken that first step - towards a future where the strong are no longer shackled by the mediocrity of the masses,"
He leaned forward once again looking straight at her soul through her pupils, his voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper to overwhelm her.
"Tell me, have you not felt the whispers of ambition stirring within you? The desire to rise above the limitations that have been thrust upon you by tradition and duty?"
Xiao Ling'r remained silent for a moment, her fingers tightening around the delicate teacup. "You speak as if ambition and power are the only measures of worth, Young Master Bai. But what of compassion? Of understanding the needs of the people we have sworn to protect, the Dao brothers and sisters?"
She met his gaze, her eyes reflecting a quiet determination.
"As the renowned philosopher Confucius once said; The superior man is above all concerned with the roots! Once the roots are established, the Way will grow,"
Bai Lung's lips curled into a sardonic smile.
"Ah, but you forget, Saintess - it is the strong who shape the roots, who carve the path for the masses to follow. Compassion is a noble sentiment, but it is power that truly moves the world... Not to mention, the one who spoke the words himself left life long ago... If one wants to achieve Dao, This Bai believes in never listening to losers,"
He picked up his cup, his gaze never wavering from hers.
"Tell me honestly, have you not wondered what it would be like to wield that power? To shape the future of the Heaven Fall Sect, and perhaps, the very world itself?"
...
Dhup! Dup!
Xiao Ling'r felt a flutter of unease at Bai Lung's words, but she refused to let it show, her heart beating faster and faster.
'Ambition and power... Is that truly all that matters in this world?' She mused silently, her gaze fixed on the gently swirling liquid in her teacup.
"You speak as if the path to greatness is paved with the subjugation of the weak," she replied, her voice measured and calm, hiding the vortex in her heart.
"But have you not considered that true strength lies in uplifting the masses, in guiding them towards a brighter future?"
Her eyes met his, a subtle challenge reflected in their depths.
'I will not be swayed by your eloquent words, Young Master Bai. There is more to life than the endless pursuit of power,' she clenched the hem of her dress.
"As the wise sage once said; The people are the most important element in a nation; the spirits of the land and grain are next; the sovereign is the lightest,"
she continued, her fingers tracing the circular patterns on the teacup.
"Perhaps it is time you reconsidered your priorities, Young Master Bai,"
Bai Lung's brow raised high, a glimmer of amusement dancing in his eyes.
" it seems you have mistaken my intent, dear Saintess... Not to mention, the wise sage you mentioned is 6 feet beneath my foot,"
He looked at her with cold eyes, his voice lowering to a conspiratorial low voice to show domination.
"Tell me, have you not felt the call of destiny? The whispers of a greater purpose that lie beyond the confines of your duties to the sect?... With my two words, I have made you a public celebrity, elders and your own father treat you good, and deep down you know very well why they treat you nice, all of a sudden..." Saying that, he drank a gulp of tea, to assert raw domination over mind games.
"My presence alone can greatly benefit you but keep in mind, if not you then someone else..." Saying that he looked at her.
"The conversation ends here, I wish to cultivate alone, in peace and silence," Bai Lung said as he poured the remaining tea, in a plant nearby.
Seeing his action, Saintess trembled knowing she had offended him, not to mention, he gets easily offended.
She even knew the meaning behind his words if not her then someone else.
She clenched her fist unable to do anything, all because he held more power.
'Are my life motives really weak?' She thought.
Actions speak louder than words, and she was defeated badly.
She talked about how having power is nothing yet she couldn't do anything at the moment in front of power.
Him pouring her heart-made tea into the plants, was a brutal slap to her face, yet, all she could do was lower her head and accept it with a smile.
All because she was in any other to speak up... She was so weak that he could disrespect her... Her face had no worth.
She wanted to ask a few questions yet she couldn't, he said the conversation ended which meant it really ended, and now she was in no position to talk.
Her eyes went wide, as she glanced at his relaxed figure, closed eyes.
She quietly picked up the teapot and tea cups and left, without producing any noise or greetings.
Meanwhile,
Bai Lung watched her leave with a sinister smirk, he believed she must have learned her lesson well, if not, then she was truly not worth the investment.
Bai Lung wasn't lying when he said if not her then someone else... He had heard, the sect master also has an elder daughter.