I woke up the next morning to the sound of something crashing outside my door.

[ALERT: HOSTILE INTENT DETECTED]

[MULTIPLE SOURCES]

[DISTANCE: APPROXIMATELY 20 METERS]

[THEY'RE NOT EVEN TRYING TO BE SUBTLE]

I rolled out of bed and grabbed my sword, pressing my spiritual sense outward. Three cultivators, all Stage 6 or 7, were positioned around the residential area. Not attacking directly, but clearly watching my quarters.

"What now?" I muttered.

[CHECKING IDENTITIES...]

[ALL THREE: MEI FAMILY AFFILIATED]

[THEY'RE MONITORING YOU]

[INTIMIDATION TACTIC]

I dressed quickly and opened my door. The three cultivators made no attempt to hide, they stood openly in the courtyard, arms crossed, staring at my entrance.

The leader, a man with a scarred face and Stage 7 cultivation, smiled coldly. "Lin Tian. The Mei Family sends their regards."

"How thoughtful," I replied. "Are you here to deliver a message or just practice your intimidating stare? Because I'll be honest, it needs work."

[BOSS, MAYBE DON'T ANTAGONIZE THEM]

'They're already antagonized. Might as well have fun with it.'

Scarface's smile vanished. "You humiliated Mei Ling. Cost her status, resources, reputation. The Mei Family doesn't forget insults."

"Then the Mei Family should teach their members not to attack people unprovoked during sect crises," I said. "The Disciplinary Hall made their judgment. If you have complaints, take them up with Elder Qin."

"The Disciplinary Hall can be... overruled," Scarface said. "With sufficient pressure. Sufficient evidence of... ongoing problems."

[THEY'RE THREATENING TO FABRICATE CHARGES]

[CLASSIC POLITICAL INTIMIDATION]

"So you're here to what? Follow me around until I do something you can twist into a rule violation?" I kept my voice calm. "That seems like a waste of everyone's time."

"Consider us... concerned observers. Making sure provisional disciples understand their place." He leaned forward slightly. "Accidents happen in the sect. Training injuries. Cultivation mishaps. People disappearing during missions. It would be unfortunate if anything happened to you or your... friends."

The threat to Yun Xia made my blood run cold.

[DIRECT THREAT DETECTED]

[RECOMMENDATION: REPORT TO ELDERS]

[BUT PROVING INTENT WILL BE DIFFICULT]

"I'll keep that in mind," I said evenly. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have training."

"Of course. We wouldn't want to interrupt your... training." Scarface smiled again. "We'll be around. Watching."

They didn't move as I walked past them toward the training grounds. I could feel their eyes boring into my back the entire way.

[THIS IS A PROBLEM]

[THEY'RE GOING TO HARASS YOU UNTIL YOU MAKE A MISTAKE]

[OR UNTIL THEY FABRICATE ONE]

'Can we do anything about it?'

[LEGALLY? NOT MUCH]

[THEY'RE NOT TECHNICALLY BREAKING ANY RULES]

[JUST BEING THREATENING ASSHOLES]

The training grounds were busy with morning practitioners when I arrived. I found an empty section and began running through the Infinite Tide Scripture's forms, trying to clear my head and focus on cultivation rather than threats.

[AUTO-CULTIVATION DURING PHYSICAL TRAINING: ACTIVE]

[EFFICIENCY: 87%]

[PROGRESS TO STAGE 6: 43% → 47%]

I'd barely started when Zhou Ming appeared, bowing enthusiastically. "Senior Brother Lin! I was hoping to find you!"

"Zhou Ming. Morning training?"

"Yes! I've been practicing what you taught me about adapting Qi circulation." His eyes shone with excitement. "It's working incredibly well! My cultivation speed increased by almost thirty percent!"

[HE'S NOT EXAGGERATING]

[YOUR TEACHING ACTUALLY HELPED HIM SIGNIFICANTLY]

[GOOD DEED: PAYING OFF]

"That's great," I said, genuinely pleased. "Keep it up. Just remember to maintain balance, speed isn't everything if your foundation becomes unstable."

"I will! Oh, and Senior Brother?" He lowered his voice. "I heard about the Mei Family watchers. Some of the junior disciples are talking about it. They're... impressed you're not hiding."

"Hiding wouldn't help," I said. "They'd just use it as evidence that I'm guilty of something."

"Still brave." He hesitated. "If you need anything, even just someone to watch your back during training, I'm happy to help."

[LOYALTY GAINED: ZHOU MING]

[HE'S A GOOD KID]

"Thanks. I appreciate that."

He bowed again and headed to his own practice area. I returned to my forms, but couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. The Mei Family observers hadn't followed me directly, but I could sense their presence at the training ground's edges.

[THEY'RE PERSISTENT]

[ALSO OBVIOUS]

[SUBTLE THEY ARE NOT]

"Lin Tian!"

I turned to see Su Mei jogging over, her expression concerned. "I heard about your new fan club."

"News travels fast."

"The Mei Family isn't exactly subtle." She glanced toward where the watchers lurked. "This is serious. They're going to make your life miserable until their family's honor is 'restored.'"

"What does that even mean? Mei Ling got punished for attacking me. How is that my fault?"

"In their minds, you're an uppity provisional disciple who dared to challenge their family member and won. Face culture is toxic like that." Su Mei crossed her arms. "You need allies. Visible allies. Make it clear that harassing you means dealing with more than just one provisional disciple."

[SMART ADVICE]

[STRENGTH IN NUMBERS]

[TIME TO LEVERAGE YOUR CONNECTIONS]

"The factions?" I guessed.

"Exactly. This is actually a perfect time to choose. Phoenix Faction won't help, they're allied with the Mei Family through marriage ties. But Azure Dragon Alliance or Blue Moon Association would both provide protection."

"Joining a faction to escape harassment feels like the wrong reason."

"It's a practical reason," Su Mei corrected. "Look, I'm Blue Moon, so I'm biased. But we'd have your back. No political games, no complicated obligations. Just mutual support." She grinned. "Plus, our social gatherings have way better food than Phoenix Faction's stuffy banquets."

[SHE'S MAKING A COMPELLING CASE]

[ALSO, SHE'S RIGHT ABOUT THE PROTECTION BENEFIT]

Before I could respond, someone else approached, Yang Chen, leader of the Azure Dragon Alliance. His timing was either coincidental or he'd been waiting for an opportunity.

"Lin Tian," he said with a respectful nod. "I heard about your situation. The Mei Family's tactics are... distasteful."

"That's one word for it," I said.

"The Azure Dragon Alliance stands for honor and proper conduct. What they're doing, intimidation without formal charges, violates the spirit of sect law." His expression was serious. "If you join us, we will make it clear that harassment of our members will not be tolerated. The Mei Family may have influence, but so do we."

[FORMAL PROTECTION OFFER]

[YANG CHEN IS POWERFUL ENOUGH TO ACTUALLY BACK IT UP]

[BUT JOINING MEANS OBLIGATIONS]

"I appreciate the offer," I said carefully. "But I need to understand what joining would require of me."

"Honesty. I respect that." Yang Chen gestured toward a quieter section of the training ground. "Walk with me?"

Su Mei nodded encouragingly, so I followed Yang Chen away from the main crowd.

"The Azure Dragon Alliance values three principles," he began. "Honor, loyalty, and strength through unity. Members support each other in cultivation and combat. We vote collectively on sect matters, favoring traditional values over radical change."

"What about obligations? What would you expect from me?"

"Attendance at weekly meetings. Participation in alliance activities, training sessions, sect missions, social events. Support for our positions in sect votes." He paused. "We also expect members to uphold our reputation. No reckless behavior that reflects poorly on the alliance."

[REASONABLE BUT RESTRICTIVE]

[THEY'D PROTECT YOU]

[BUT ALSO LIMIT YOUR INDEPENDENCE]

"And what about my cultivation speed? My... unconventional methods?"

Yang Chen's expression didn't change. "Your methods concern some members. Rapid advancement often indicates unstable foundations or forbidden techniques. However, I've observed you personally. Your foundation is solid. Your techniques, while unusual, are not demonic or forbidden." He met my eyes. "I would defend your right to cultivate as you see fit, so long as it doesn't harm others or violate sect law."

That was... surprisingly reasonable.

[HE'S BEING GENUINE]

[YANG CHEN IS HONORABLE]

[IF YOU JOIN, HE'D ACTUALLY PROTECT YOU]

[BUT THE ALLIANCE'S CONSERVATIVE NATURE MIGHT SLOW YOUR PROGRESS]

"Can I have time to decide?" I asked.

"Of course. This is an important choice." He smiled slightly. "Though I would advise not waiting too long. The Mei Family's patience is limited, and unaffiliated disciples are vulnerable."

By midday, I'd received no fewer than seven more messages, four from Phoenix Faction members trying to "warn" me about the other factions, two from Blue Moon Association members offering casual support, and one anonymous note that simply read: "Choose wisely. Your life depends on it."

[EVERYONE WANTS YOU TO PICK THEIR SIDE]

[PRESSURE: MOUNTING]

[DECISION REQUIRED SOON]

I was heading back to my quarters when I found Yun Xia waiting outside, her expression troubled.

"Lin Tian, we need to talk."

My stomach dropped. "What's wrong?"

"The Mei Family watchers approached me this morning. They asked... questions. About our relationship. About whether I was 'helping' you somehow." She looked worried. "They're trying to find leverage against you. If they can't attack you directly, they'll go after people close to you."

[PREDICTED THIS]

[THEY'RE TARGETING YOUR CONNECTIONS]

[CLASSIC POLITICAL WARFARE]

"I'm sorry," I said. "This is my problem. You shouldn't be dragged into it."

"Don't be stupid," she said firmly. "We're in this together, remember? I just wanted to warn you, they're escalating. This won't stop until either you give them what they want or someone makes them stop."

"What do they want? Public apology? Groveling?"

"Probably for you to leave the sect entirely. Or fail spectacularly enough that Mei Ling's punishment looks justified by comparison." She took my hand. "Lin Tian, I know you value independence, but maybe it's time to pick a faction. For safety, if nothing else."

[EVERYONE IS TELLING YOU THE SAME THING]

[CHOOSE A SIDE]

[NEUTRALITY IS BECOMING UNTENABLE]

I looked at Yun Xia's concerned face, thought about Zhou Ming's genuine loyalty, Su Mei's practical advice, Yang Chen's honorable offer, the Mei Family's threatening presence.

Everything pointed to the same conclusion: I needed allies. Powerful allies. Now.

"Okay," I said. "I'll choose. Tonight."

"Which one?"

I thought about it. Phoenix Faction, too political, too connected to my enemies. Azure Dragon Alliance, honorable but restrictive. Blue Moon Association, supportive but less powerful.

[EACH FACTION HAS PROS AND CONS]

[PHOENIX: HIGH POWER, HIGH DRAMA, BAD FIT]

[AZURE DRAGON: HONOR AND PROTECTION, BUT CONSERVATIVE]

[BLUE MOON: LOW DRAMA, MODERATE PROTECTION, BEST FIT FOR YOUR PERSONALITY]

[YOUR CHOICE, BOSS]

"Blue Moon Association," I said finally. "They're practical, supportive, and won't try to control how I cultivate. Plus, Su Mei is there. I trust her."

Yun Xia smiled with relief. "Good choice. They're genuinely good people."

[DECISION MADE]

[BLUE MOON ASSOCIATION]

[NOTIFYING SU MEI...]

[WAIT, I CAN'T ACTUALLY DO THAT]

[YOU NEED TO TELL HER YOURSELF]

'Right. I'll find her after dinner.'

"Want to grab food?" I asked Yun Xia. "Somewhere the Mei Family watchers can't eavesdrop?"

"Always." She squeezed my hand. "And Lin Tian? Thank you for taking this seriously. I know you hate political games."

"I do. But I hate the idea of you getting hurt because of me even more."

[SMOOTH]

[RELATIONSHIP POINTS +1]

As we walked toward the dining area, I noticed the Mei Family watchers following at a distance. Still obvious. Still threatening.

But after tonight, I wouldn't be alone anymore.

I'd have a faction. Allies. Protection.

The game was changing.

And for once, I was making moves instead of just reacting.

[CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT]

[BOSS IS LEARNING POLITICS]

[GROWTH]

[DAILY SUMMARY:]

[NEW THREAT: MEI FAMILY HARASSMENT]

[FACTION DECISION: MADE (BLUE MOON ASSOCIATION)]

[ALLIES: MOBILIZING]

[ENEMIES: STILL NUMEROUS]

[CULTIVATION PROGRESS: 47% TO STAGE 6]

[SURVIVAL PROBABILITY: 58%]

[STATUS: COMPLICATED BUT IMPROVING]

[NEXT STEP: FORMAL FACTION JOINING]

[THEN: DEAL WITH THE MEI FAMILY]

[ONE PROBLEM AT A TIME]

That night, I'd join Blue Moon Association.

And then we'd see how the Mei Family liked dealing with an organized group instead of one isolated disciple.

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