Chapter 40: Gu Youyou Ascends to Left Protector

The next day, Meng Xiaoli arrived at the Flowing Clouds and Rippling Waters Pavilion on Zen Dao Mountain. Ascending to the second floor, she concealed herself behind a window and seated herself beside a tea table. A female disciple stepped forward to serve tea. Turning her head slightly, Meng Xiaoli looked down at all the female disciples practicing martial arts on the training grounds below. Military Strategist Ji Hongluan was leading the drill at the front of the formation. Deep in her heart, Meng Xiaoli silently asked herself, "What on earth is truly hidden in the minds of these women?"

Sipping her tea and sinking into deep thought, Meng Xiaoli watched for half the day. Suddenly, a commotion broke out among the training grounds. A group of female disciples began to clamor, shouting, "The martial arts are far too difficult to learn, and it is killing us with exhaustion!" Following that, another female disciple dropped straight down onto the ground, rubbing her arms in agreement as she wailed, "We have been practicing for so long, it must be time for a meal! We are worked half to death and starved half to death."

Nearby, Gu Youyou, dripping with sweat, wiped her brow and raised her voice, saying, "Are all of you exhausted? Then let us stop practicing altogether and go get something to eat!" A cluster of female disciples immediately nodded in unison. The moment one sat down, an entire crowd followed suit, dropping one by one onto the ground. Gu Youyou asked Military Strategist Ji in a gentle tone, "Sister Ji, in my view, we might as well take a rest. After we eat, we can take a little afternoon nap. It will not hurt to wait a moment longer. If every single one of us is worked to death, who will be held responsible?"

Military Strategist Ji Hongluan felt a trace of rising anger and adopted a firm attitude, declaring, "Absolutely not! Continue practicing. Who gave you permission to rest? Every single day you throw this exact same tantrum. You start wailing about exhaustion after a mere two hours, and you cry out from hunger a full hour before lunch. Do you actually intend to learn martial arts or not? Get up off the ground right now, all of you, and resume your training!" With that, she stepped forward, patted Gu Youyou on the shoulder, and coaxed her in a soothing voice, "Come along now, keep practicing, otherwise your martial arts skills will all go to waste."

Before Gu Youyou could reply, Li Yaorao, an actress positioned in the rear ranks, hastily waved her hand and called out, "Sister Ji, I will learn! I am not tired." A few disciples who were single-mindedly devoted to the pursuit of martial arts demanded to continue their practice, while other disciples who had joined the cult already possessing martial arts skills stood by with cold detachment, watching the spectacle unfold.

The moment she heard this, Gu Youyou’s face instantly darkened. Glaring fiercely at Li Yaorao, she strode over in a few rapid strides and, without uttering another word, delivered a sharp slap across Li Yaorao's face. Even Meng Xiaoli, observing the scene from the upper pavilion, had not anticipated this sudden action. They heard Gu Youyou scold, "You are not tired, but the rest of us are exhausted! You are the only one trying to be eager, making the rest of us look like we are slacking off!" Hearing this, the group of women from the same brothel background who followed Gu Youyou all stepped forward, pointing at Li Yaorao and hurling insults at her. Outnumbered and lacking support, Li Yaorao did not dare to talk back; she simply covered her face with her hands and retreated to the side.

Military Strategist Ji Hongluan hurried over, pulled Li Yaorao behind her, and questioned Gu Youyou, "You are all fellow disciples of the same sect, how could you resort to hitting someone?"

With an indifferent shrug of her brows, Gu Youyou replied unconcernedly, "I was simply consumed by anger and failed to keep my temper in check. Junior Sister, my apologies."

Just as her voice faded, Meng Xiaoli effortlessly glided out from the upper pavilion. Upon catching sight of her, every single disciple panicked and began to murmur under their breath, "The Cult Mistress has arrived... Why is the Cult Mistress here...?"

Seeing Meng Xiaoli approach, they instinctively parted to clear a path. Meng Xiaoli walked straight toward Gu Youyou, grabbed her firmly by the collar, and dragged her in the direction of the pavilion. Caught completely off guard by the sudden turn of events, Gu Youyou was terribly frightened; her left foot tripped over her right, and she was pulled off balance by Meng Xiaoli, falling to the ground where she was dragged forward directly until the gazes of the onlookers delivered them both inside the pavilion.

On the training grounds, Military Strategist Ji Hongluan half-closed her eyelids, gave a dismissive, mocking shake of her head, and turned back to resume organizing the disciples' training.

Inside the pavilion, Meng Xiaoli dragged Gu Youyou all the way in and flung her mercilessly onto the floor before turning to seat herself in a chair. Upon seeing Meng Xiaoli blazing with fury, Gu Youyou scrambled up in a hurry and dropped to her knees right before her. Just as she opened her mouth to offer an explanation, a resounding slap struck her across the face. Golden stars danced before Gu Youyou's eyes; clutching her left cheek, she collapsed flat onto the ground, only to be instantly hoisted back up by Meng Xiaoli, whose hand clamped around her throat like an iron claw, fingernails sinking deeply into the flesh of Gu Youyou's neck.

With tears welling in her eyes, Gu Youyou gazed at Meng Xiaoli in sheer terror. She heard Meng Xiaoli rage, "Usually, you are the most adept at bewitching people's minds and inciting the emotions of the crowd, always shirking your duties and playing lazy. During the battle with the Maned Lion Gang, you led your troop and hid in the rear, refusing to exert any effort. Do you take me for a fool who knows nothing of this?"

Choked by the grip on her throat, Gu Youyou was unable to speak; she could only shake her head frantically, tears rolling down her cheeks one by one as blood from her neck stained the collar of her garment.

Meng Xiaoli continued coldly, "If you, this piece of rat dung, are weary of living, just say the word and I will finish you off this very instant. Or would you prefer me to dig a pit for you up on Bliss Mountain, let you jump inside of your own accord, and have people bury you alive?"

***

Gu Youyou shook her head frantically and managed to squeeze words past her constricted throat, pleading, "Spare my life, Cult Mistress! This disciple has been utterly loyal and harbors no treacherous intentions whatsoever. This disciple knows she was wrong and will shed all these terrible flaws from this day forward. I beg the Cult Mistress to show mercy and spare this lowly life."

Meng Xiaoli released her grip and shoved her backward onto the floor. Gu Youyou slumped into a sitting position, using one hand to wipe away her tears while the other felt the wounded flesh of her neck. She heard Meng Xiaoli ask, "When you entered the Crimson Robe Cult, did it destroy your life, or did it save you?"

Gu Youyou hurriedly scrambled back into a kneeling posture, reached out with both hands to clutch the knees of Meng Xiaoli who sat upright in her chair, and wailed in entreaty, "It was the Cult Mistress who rescued me from the abyss of misery. I beg the Cult Mistress never to cast this disciple out again! The Cult Mistress has allowed me to live like a human being and even bestowed silver and gold upon me. In the Crimson Robe Cult, this disciple has undergone a complete rebirth. For the very first time in my life, I have truly begun to feel what it means to be alive, and to live with dignity. This disciple swears from this moment on to follow your every command and never commit an act that runs counter to the Cult Mistress's will."

Leaning forward, Meng Xiaoli pinched Gu Youyou’s chin, locked her gaze onto Gu Youyou's tear-filled eyes, and demanded, "Do you know what my will actually is?"

Gu Youyou shook her head gently, then hastened to declare, "Whatever the Cult Mistress commands, this disciple will execute to the letter, not daring to show the slightest disobedience."

Thereupon, Meng Xiaoli stated, "Then I shall grant you a choice: either you die, or I bestow an official post upon you." As she spoke, she drew out a handkerchief to wipe the blood from her hand.

Uncomprehending, Gu Youyou wondered why, having committed a severe offense, she was not only escaping punishment but being rewarded with an official position instead. Clueless as to the hidden meaning behind Meng Xiaoli's words, she dared not reply for a moment.

The corners of Meng Xiaoli’s mouth curled upward in a half-smile, akin to a cat toying with a mouse, as she declared, "A capital crime may be averted, but the punishment for a living wrongdoer cannot be completely excused. I am well aware that you indeed possess certain accomplices and a degree of influence within the Crimson Robe Cult. Therefore, starting today, you shall assume the role of Left Protector. Alongside Ji Hongluan, you will supervise everyone's martial arts training. You shall manage them on my behalf. However, if it ever comes to my attention that any disciple is acting out of line or committing transgressions, I shall execute you and you alone. Do you understand?"

Believing her life was secured, and confident that the female disciples would not dare defy her authority, Gu Youyou answered with assurance, "Rest assured, Cult Mistress, this disciple will certainly not disappoint your trust."

Satisfied, Meng Xiaoli nodded and chuckled darkly, "Off with you, then."

Gu Youyou kowtowed, rose to her feet, and withdrew.

Upon returning to her chambers, Gu Youyou slumped over her dressing table and burst into heavy sobs. The several sisters who had accompanied her from the same brothel gathered around her in concern. One of them asked anxiously, "Why is your neck covered in blood? What on earth did the Cult Mistress do to you?"

Lifting her head, Gu Youyou wept and cried, "She has appointed me as the Left Protector!"

Upon hearing this, several of them rejoiced, saying, "This is wonderful news! With official authority in your hands, you will be second only to the Cult Mistress and Military Strategist Ji—you will be the supreme boss!"

Gu Youyou wailed all the louder, crying, "Wonderful, you say? I was frightened nearly to death! The Cult Mistress almost finished me off, and every single one of you almost never laid eyes on me again. Yet, at the risk of my own life, I refused to betray any of you."

The others looked at one another in bewilderment, wondering what protection Gu Youyou had possibly needed to afford them. Having no better option, they resumed comforting her, "We know you are a woman of honor, and we are grateful to you. But since the Cult Mistress ultimately hadn't the heart to harm you, and even appointed you Left Protector, it proves that you are formidable and that the Cult Mistress simply cannot do without you."

Hearing this, Gu Youyou reasoned that there was truth in their words. Her emotions calmed, and peering left and right at the injury on her neck in the mirror, she sighed sorrowfully, "I wonder how many jars of scar-fading ointment it will take to heal the wound on my neck."

A companion nearby flattered her, "You are so young, it is bound to recover completely and leave no trace."

Ever since Meng Xiaoli appointed Gu Youyou as Left Protector, Gu Youyou, driven by the desire to avoid meeting a second execution, exerted herself to the utmost. The very person who had once set a bad example had unexpectedly transformed into a stellar role model; naturally, the results doubled with half the effort, and the vast majority of disciples fell into proper alignment.

Meng Xiaoli divided the disciples into several squads, each led by a designated individual to carry out tasks on her behalf. However, only a few days later, a female disciple came to the Fantasy Dream Tower where Meng Xiaoli resided to report, "Cult Mistress, Protector Gu requests an audience."

Meng Xiaoli instructed, "Send her in."

***

Gu Youyou stepped into the room and found Meng Xiaoli reclining languidly on a soft couch while a male slave carefully massaged her legs. Bowing respectfully, Gu Youyou said with indignation, "Cult Mistress, that Wuyu is killing innocents indiscriminately and dragging your good name through the mud. How do you intend to deal with her?"

Meng Xiaoli asked calmly, "What has she done?"

Gu Youyou replied, "Before she joined the Crimson Robe Cult, Wuyu was considered a top courtesan at our brothel. She had made a secret vow of lifelong devotion to a schoolteacher, and after you rescued her and promised her freedom, that same teacher stubbornly refused to have anything to do with her. Only then did Wuyu realize that the man had merely been toying with her affections. Abandoned by the object of her affection, she has harbored a bitter grudge and heavy grief ever since. Recently, when you assigned a troop to her command, she began using her position to settle personal scores. Whenever she encounters a scholar or schoolteacher, whether old or young, she slaughters them all without exception, babbling about how she despises all hypocritical, faithless men. She vows that anyone she catches indulging in romance will be mercilessly wiped out. With her slaughtering innocents in this lawless manner, all the people of the world will inevitably lay the blame squarely at the Cult Mistress's door."

Unbothered, Meng Xiaoli remarked indifferently, "If she wishes to slaughter all the faithless men under heaven, then let her slaughter them. Are faithless men not deserving of death?" As she spoke, Meng Xiaoli cast a sidelong glance at the male slave dutifully attending her. Daring not meet her gaze, the slave hastily lowered his head.

Meng Xiaoli continued, "When I welcomed you all into the cult, aside from granting you freedom, my greater purpose was to help you fulfill your personal aspirations."

Standing to one side, Military Strategist Ji expressed her anxiety, "If we allow this to go unchecked, this disciple fears that chaos will erupt within our ranks. I have also heard word of this matter. For Wuyu to act with such lawlessness causes people everywhere to conclude that Meng Xiaoli, the Demonic Yama Ghost Princess, was once wounded in romance and now seeks to exterminate every romantic soul on earth. I fear this will prove detrimental to you."

Meng Xiaoli retorted, "When has my reputation ever been pristine? Rest assured, if she truly acts without regard for bounds and slaughters the innocent, I shall deal with her myself."

Hearing this, Gu Youyou had no choice but to close her mouth and withdraw from the great hall on her own accord.

Yet things unfolded precisely as Military Strategist Ji Hongluan had predicted. Equipped with power and manpower, certain disciples began to bully the populace and slaughter people at will. Consequently, Meng Xiaoli was forced to make an example of a few to warn the rest, stripping them of their official posts; the most egregious offenders were put to death, while the lesser ones were thrown into confinement.

Having quelled those who slaughtered without restraint, Meng Xiaoli and Military Strategist Ji descended the mountain, intending to inspect the progress of the island-defending wall. Along the way, while passing through a mountain recess, they heard a chorus of scuffling and shouting. Following the sound, Meng Xiaoli gazed into the distance and spotted Gu Youyou leading a faction of individuals who were actively beating up another female disciple. Turning her head, she asked Ji Hongluan, "Who is the one being beaten? She is rolling on the ground so I cannot make her out clearly."

Ji Hongluan answered, "Cult Mistress, that is Wuyu."

Puzzled, Meng Xiaoli asked, "Why is Gu Youyou beating her?"

Ji Hongluan explained, "Gu Youyou has always been arrogant and domineering. Since becoming Left Protector, she wields even greater authority, and landing blows or kicks upon disobedient disciples is a regular occurrence. Furthermore, she and Wuyu harbored mutual animosity dating back to their days in the pleasure houses and continuing into the Crimson Robe Cult. Such a scene is something this disciple has witnessed on numerous occasions."

"Then why did you never intervene?" Meng Xiaoli turned her head to challenge Ji Hongluan.

Lowering her head in a bow, Ji Hongluan replied, "Cult Mistress, Gu Youyou is merely disciplining disobedient disciples; this disciple truly had no standing to insert herself into the matter."

Hearing this, Meng Xiaoli fell silent for a moment before softly sighing, "Whenever matters cannot be managed through one's own personal efforts, delegating authority downward may indeed make things easier for those in power. Yet this method of large fish eating small fish, and small fish eating shrimp, is bound to give rise to a brand-new set of problems—namely, oppression and bullying."