Returning to his quarters at Mystic Star Pavilion, Bai Changming found chaos.
The cramped cubicle lay ransacked - robes spilled from cabinets, bedding overturned, daily necessities missing. A single glance revealed the truth.
"Who does this Bai think he is? A floor-scrubber attending Moonview banquets!"
"Silent arrogance deserves lessons!"
"Trash dwelling in hovels putting on airs..."
The whispers crescendoed as three servants approached, freezing upon discovering Bai. Disdainful sneers and averted eyes filled the stagnant air thick with sweat and pickled vegetable odors.
Bai's gaze swept across their micro-expressions - flickering pupils, sleeve-picking fingers, hunched postures. Two scans confirmed the culprits.
*Shame-induced rage* - Ming Xuan remembered observing this human phenomenon in Sahar City. When confronted with truths contradicting their delusions, mortals attacked others rather than face themselves. The Witch-Priest's betrayal had carried the same bitter stench.
As the ringleader's "What're you staring at?" brewed, Bai turned away wordlessly. His glacial glance petrified them mid-snarl.
Behind his retreating back, hissed accusations bloomed: "Dares glare at us!" "See? Exactly the freak we said!"
Leaving the mess untouched, Bai submitted his resignation to Steward Zheng.
---
**Day 2**
Zheng's inspection revealed sloppy work - dusty artifacts, haphazard books, floors littered with paper scraps and melon seeds. The guilty trio endured blistering reprimands.
**Day 5**
Repeated negligence provoked Zheng's ultimatum. Servants knelt trembling.
**Day 8**
The "Jade Hall" ceremonial ornament vanished from Mu'an Bureau. Discovered effortlessly beneath the five servants' bedding.
"Vermin!" Zheng roared at the prostrate figures. "First shoddy work, now thieving? Eighty lashes! Jail them all!"
Perched on a rooftop opposite the prison, Bai watched through twirling willow leaves. Screams of innocence mingled with the wet crack of bamboo on flesh. Bloodied thighs glistened. He observed dispassionately, as one might sip tea.
First: Plant negligence impressions.
Second: Attack their core competence.
Third: Frame grand theft.
Like parents judging children by exam scores or officials measuring worth by rank, Zheng's priorities proved predictable. The fools' inability to connect events sealed their fate.
As willow twigs snapped in his palm, Bai acknowledged the vengeful satisfaction beneath his calm.
*Shuiqian, we differ. I don't save people.*