btth: crafting even heaven

🌘 Xiao Clan – Nightfall

The moonlight draped the Xiao estate in pale silk. A stillness clung to the air, broken only by the distant rustle of leaves and the low hum of cultivation fields in resonance.

Inside his courtyard, Tianzun stood alone.

Not meditating. Not training.

Observing.

His gaze lingered on the corner of the guest wing, where just hours ago Xun'er had turned toward the window, murmuring words only the wind carried away.

> "Then maybe it's time our plans included him."

Tianzun's eyes narrowed. Not from suspicion, but calculation.

> "She's noticed. Already. That makes things... interesting."

With a slow, deliberate movement, he raised his hand. A system panel bloomed silently into view.

---

📋 [System Scan Initiated: Target – 'Xun'er']

> 🔹 System Grade Detected: SSS (Golden Flame Hue – Concealed) 🔹 Threat Level (Latent): Unknown – High Fate Density 🔹 Known Bloodline: Gu Clan (Hidden) 🔹 Plot Divergence Catalyst Potential: 89%

Tianzun exhaled slowly, watching the shimmering symbols rearrange themselves in his field of vision.

> "It's just like I remember… no, stronger. This is no ordinary flame heiress. This is destiny molded in blood."

---

🧠 Crafting Realm – Dim Reflection Space

A flicker of light, and he vanished.

Now within the echoing soul-forged chambers of his crafting realm, Tianzun summoned the delicate shape of a small wooden object—no larger than a finger's breadth.

It shimmered slightly, pulsing with faint warmth.

> 🔸 Object: Fire-Inscribed Bookmark 🔹 Material: Spiritual Cypress from Fallen Flame Ruins 🔹 Inscription: "Those who tame fire must first know silence." 🔹 Enchantment: Auto-stabilizes mental Qi during flame meditation (+1% control)

A humble gift. A subtle message.

And most importantly: untraceable.

He placed it within a folded scroll of clan etiquette, tucked silently beneath a pile of daily reading meant for Xun'er's first lessons.

> "She'll find it within the week. And wonder. Curiosity is a chain stronger than affection."

His lips curled faintly.

---

🌄 Next Morning – Courtyard Garden

Xiao Yan greeted the day with his usual bright grin. "Xun'er! I'll show you the sparring fields today. You've got to see what I'm working on."

She smiled politely, walking beside him.

A few steps behind, Tianzun walked in silence, arms folded, his eyes watching the path—not for danger, but for threads.

> "He doesn't see it yet. The web. He walks toward the flame smiling… not knowing it will burn."

They reached the garden.

"Brother Tianzun, don't you ever train outside?" Xun'er asked, voice casual.

He looked at her briefly. "I train where I don't need to prove it."

She blinked. "I… didn't mean—"

"But you asked," he said. Then, more softly, "Curiosity. A good trait. Dangerous in the wrong place."

Xiao Yan chuckled. "He talks like a sixty-year-old man!"

Tianzun turned to him. "And still manages to outrun you in every spar."

Xiao Yan flushed slightly.

> "You're not ready, brother. You think kindness will win the world. But the world is made of teeth."

---

🌒 That Night – Yoru's Observation Post

Perched in the upper eaves, Yoru crouched quietly, twin daggers at her side. She watched Xun'er move through the courtyard, now robed in moonlight, her aura still oddly concealed.

Yoru's brows drew together.

> "He's watching her. But not like prey. Like… strategy."

She didn't dislike Xun'er. But she felt it. The shift. The weight.

She descended silently and approached Tianzun's room.

"Master," she said quietly.

He didn't look up from his scrolls. "Yes?"

"She's too clean. Too silent. Too… trained."

"I know."

"Should I do anything?"

"No," he said, voice even. "Observe. Learn. If the Gu Clan planted her, then their plans are already moving. Ours must simply move... better."

Yoru nodded.

> "I hate when he talks like that. Like he's seen the ending and is just watching it happen."

---

📜 [Mission Log Update – Hidden Project: 'Ember Mirror']

> 🔹 Stage 1 Objective: Gain Favor of Xun'er (✓ Initiated) 🔹 Method: Anonymous Gift Placement (Completed) 🔹 Destiny Alteration: Possible Future Triggered – System Preparation Ongoing 🔸 Estimated Timeframe for First Ripple: 7–11 days

Tianzun read the log and smiled.

> "It begins. Slowly. As all strong flames do."

He turned toward the window.

The moon was full.

And somewhere, beneath the same silver sky, Xun'er turned a page and found a strange bookmark pressed inside.

She paused. Her fingers brushed the fire-carved grain.

> "Who left this...?"

She turned toward the window, but found only stars.

---

End of Chapter 17