*set fight_difficulty 0
*gosub_scene cslib_string find history "tourney_tigress_victory|"
*if cslib_ret = 0
	You wake up to find the Tigress standing over you. 

	"Haven't died?" — she asks — "Not bad. You might've lost, but at least you haven't instantly surrendered like most of these scaredy kittens."

	She gestured to a couple of nobles who lower their heads in shame when they meet her gaze. 

	"Well, although you won't become an Inner Disciple outright, from what I understand about the affinities, the sect won't repress someone like you. You don't have any hard feelings for the Tigress, do you?"

	*choice
		#"No, I don't.
			*gosub_scene subroutines change_personality 1 "arrogant" "-"
			"Great." — she pats you on the shoulder — "Maybe we'll fight again soon."

			She turns around and leaves, likely to prepare herself for the incoming fight. 
		#"I do. I'll challenge you again soon."
			*gosub_scene subroutines change_personality 1 "arrogant" "+"
			*gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 5 1 "+"
			She laughs.

			"Great! Great! The Tigress likes those with a vengeful, competitive streak." — she pats you on the shoulder — "The Tigress will be waiting for your challenge."

			She turns around and leaves, likely to prepare herself for the incoming fight. 
		#"Fuck off."
			*gosub_scene subroutines change_personality 1 "impulsive" "+"
			*gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 5 2 "-"
			The Tigress clicks her tongue.

			"You should learn to accept defeat — they are an inevitable part of the Jianghu. Unless you're someone like that guy." — she points to Tang Ruo — "Next time we fight, the Tigress hopes you'll learn your lesson."

			She turns around and leaves, likely to prepare herself for the incoming fight. 
	*goto in_case_of_defeat

*gosub_scene subroutines prestige_change 30 "+"

You've won the fight, but there is a pressing need to deal with its aftermath. There are your injuries, of course, and that last stab was particularly [i]nasty[/i]. However, the woman sleeping in your arms without care worries you even more than the bleeding wounds. 

You nudge her, but she does not seem to be responsive — her loud breathing is the only thing indicating her presence among the living. 

*choice
	#Throw her off.
		*gosub_scene subroutines change_personality 1 "impulsive" "+"
		*gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 5 1 "-"
		Just a minute ago, the Tigress went all out trying to [i]kill[/i] you — and now she's slumbering in peace. 
		
		You'd be damned if you let her do so. 
		
		You throw her off yourself, hurling the Tigress to the side. You stand up and prepare to finish this fight in a proper way, with her succumbing to the power of your fists and not to her own exhaustion, but He Jun stops you. His whole countenance shines with unseen excitement as he looks at the unconscious Tigress as if she was the most precious treasure.
		
		"Describe her last move to me." — he says, turning towards you — "Every little detail."
		
	#Embrace her.
		*gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 5 2 "+"
		You don't know why, but the slumbering in peace Tigress looks a little cute, lying exhausted on top of you. Perhaps it's the way her face has softened, its feral barbarity morphing into a savage, but at the same time benign smile — or perhaps it's the serene, yet stirring movements of her barely hidden chest, going up and down as the air enters and exits her lungs: you can't help but wrap your arms around her and pull the woman closer.
		
		Like a kitten, she nestles in your embrace, nuzzling your neck in an instinctual manner. 
		
		The atmosphere is broken by He Jun, who stands above the two of you. His whole countenance shines with unseen excitement as he looks at the Tigress as if she was the most precious treasure.
		
		"Describe her last move to me." — he says, turning towards you — "Every little detail."
		
	#Do nothing.
		You are a little lost on how to proceed further. On one hand, she [i]did[/i] try to kill you — on the other, you were both in battle and her outburst at the end was merely an instinctual for her reaction to inevitable defeat. 
	
		What should you do now though? You don't exactly want to pull her closer — just case she goes crazy again — but at the same time can't bring yourself to push her away. 
	
		Your indecisive musings stop as He Jun arrives next to the both of you. His whole countenance shines with unseen excitement as he looks at the unconscious Tigress as if she was the most precious treasure.
		
		"Describe her last move to me." — he says — "Every little detail."

*choice
	#Explain what happened.
		*gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 7 2 "+"
		You scratch your head, that glowing steel of hers etched firmly in your memory. It was the first time you fought against a real martial skill, after all.
		
		"I could not react to it." — you reply — "Nor could my skin and muscles stop her claw. It pierced right through, without any resistance at all."
		
		"Incredible…" — He Jun murmurs — "Both speed and sharpness-enhancing Martial Skill self-developed by a mortal… Seems to have an emotional trigger… With her affinity, she will without a doubt become a Core Disciple."

		But then, his expression changes. He regards you with new-found vigilance and even… admiration? 

		"Yet, you not only defeated her, you have enough strength left to continue fighting. Despite having much less experience than her." — he sighs — "Come find me in the Sect Arena after you settle into the sect. I have a proposition for you. Will you do so?"
		
		*choice
			#Agree to hear him out in the sect.
				He gives you a quick nod, picks up the still out-cold Tigress, throwing her over his shoulder as if she weighed no more than a feather, and leaves to declare the start of the next fight.
				
				"Oh, and one more thing. Consider it advice of good faith." — adds He Jun — "Don't fight Tang Ruo. Forfeit the last match. You are not his opponent — believe me. Don't suffer a potentially crippling injury for nothing."
				*set history history&"hejun_proposition|"
				*set offer_hejun true
			#Refuse.
				He Jun snorts.
				
				"I hope you change your mind. Having He Clan as an enemy is not in your best interest."
				
				He picks up the still out-cold Tigress, throwing her over his shoulder as if she weighed no more than a feather, and leaves to declare the start of the next fight.

	#Refuse to speak to him.
		*gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 5 2 "-"
		"You do have eyes, do you not?" — you snark, not bothering to hide your ill will — "Then I'm sure you've seen everything you needed to see."

		He Jun sniggers.

		"Juniors are quite bold these days. Very well, I'll remember this."

		He picks up the still out-cold Tigress, throwing her over his shoulder as if she weighed no more than a feather, and leaves to declare the start of the next fight.

*gosub_scene cslib_string find history "tourney_healing_paste|"
*if cslib_ret > 0
	*set injuries_3 false
	You sit down on the ground, leaning against a huge boulder, and let the healing paste do its job. It's indeed a miraculous thing: in mere minutes, your cuts begin to show the signs of scabbing. While you wait, you decide you may as well watch Tang Ruo's next fight. 
	
	*gosub_scene cslib_string find history "hejun_proposition|"
	*if cslib_ret > 0
		*set history &"talked_with_meimei_after_tigresstourneyfight|"
		"Is this seat taken?" — you hear a familiar voice: gentle and soothing, singing a calming serenade to your very soul.

		You look up and see Mei Mei. She enjoys your pleasantly surprised expression. 

		"What?" — she giggles — "Eldest Cousin Jun allowed me to talk to you."
		
		"He did?" — you wonder, raising your brows in surprise.

		"Uh-huh." — she plops down, right beside you — "I think he was really impressed with your battle. He's crazy about fighting, you know?"

		"And what about you?"

		"Heavens, no." — Mei Mei shakes her head — "I don't… I don't like pain all that much."

		She glances at you, anxious about your reaction.

		*choice
			#"That's nothing to be ashamed about."
				*gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 6 2 "+"
				"Thank you! I'm not useless, you know? I'm really good at alchemy!" — the young woman smiles radiantly — "In fact, that healing paste has been made by me. That's why I'm not worrying about your injuries right now — my products never fail."

				You chuckle at her self-confidence. 

				*label meimei_dialogue

				"Then I'll come to you, whenever there is going to be a need for elixirs and other supplements."

				"Hm!" — she scoffs, before her gaze turns teasing — "I might help you if you bring me gifts…"

				"Oh? What kind of gifts?"

				"The most expensive ones!" — Mei Mei laughs and sticks out her tongue.

			#"Yeah, I just [i]love[/i] getting beaten up."
				*gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 6 2 "+"
				"I might not be into fighting, but I can always kick you a few times if that's what you want." — she responds. 

				"Sounds absolutely [i]wonderful[/i]."

				Mei Mei laughs, and the lack of her self-confidence disappears into her beautiful laughter.

				"I'm not useless, you know? I'm really good at alchemy!" — the young woman smiles radiantly — "In fact, that healing paste has been made by me. That's why I'm not worrying about your injuries right now — my products never fail."
				*goto meimei_dialogue
			#"You'll never become a great Martial Artist if you can't withstand a bit of suffering."
				*gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 6 1 "-"
				"I-I know…" — she lowers her gaze, ashamed — "But I'm not useless, you know? I'm really good at alchemy. In fact, that healing paste has been made by me. That's why I'm not worrying about your injuries right now — my products never fail." 

				Although she tries to sound confident, you hear the distinct notes of awkwardness and regret in her tone.
		
		
		
		
		"Tang Ruo. Yuan Fang." — He Jun interrupts your conversation with his proclamation.
		*goto after_meimei 

*else
	*label in_case_of_defeat
	You sit down on the ground, leaning against a huge boulder. You already have applied the best medicine you have on your wounds, but it's mostly a symbolic effort: the quality of pastes your father has given you is subpar, to say the least. While you wait, you decide you may as well watch Tang Ruo's next fight.

*label after_losing_to_xiaochun
"Tang Ruo. Yuan Fang." — He Jun proclaims. 

*label after_meimei
[[b]Yuan Fang[/b] added to [b]Character Glossary[/b]]
*set characters_8_opinion 50

You watch as Prince Ruo steps into the circle, as elegant as ever. His opponent... not so much. 

Towering over seven feet tall and with an enormous, muscular frame Yuan Fang's stiff steps cause the earth to tremble. His deathly gray skin, white pupils, and white hair already earned this giant his title for the rest of his martial journey — Immortal Zombie. 

However, his rigid movements are the limit to the stereotype of a dumb brute brought upon by his appearance: instead of promising Tang Ruo brutal death, he bows respectfully — as low as his inflexible body allows him to — and speaks with the same courteousness as Jing Guo.

"This humble one greets the young hero of the glorious Dynasty of Tang."

Tang Ruo ignores his greeting, observing the man with unhealthy fascination. 

"A Physique?"

"Prince is correct." — Yuan Fang replies, bobbing his head.

"But such things usually happen when humans intermix with Spirits. Descendants of intelligent, high-level beasts are plenty in the world, but I've never heard about a child of a corpse."

Yuan Fang remains unfazed, despite Tang Ruo's public insult: although you're not sure whether the Prince meant it as such or simply didn't care to consider the implications of his words.

"My origin baffles us both, Prince Ruo." — says Yuan Fang.

"Let me test the prowess of your mutation then." — Tang Ruo shrinks his flying sword, until it's normal sized, and grabs it with a hand. He swings it a few times, cutting the air with a swish.

However, Yuan Fang just laughs in self-deprecation.

"I am afraid I'll have to disappoint the Prince."

"Oh?"

"This humble one does not think himself worthy to test the Celestial Heir in battle. My flesh does not deserve to bleed by your sword. I would like to concede this fight if you'd accept my surrender."

Tang Ruo pierces the giant zombie with his violet eyes, seeing right through his intentions with a glance. However, he just waves, indicating Yuan Fang to withdraw with a gesture. The Prince plants his sword into the ground, inclining on its hilt. Fighting against him is an opportunity — and if this fool wishes to forsake it, it's his loss. 

"Who's next?" — Tang Ruo asks the crowd, leisured and nonchalant. This whole tournament, for him, is but a formality.

*page_break Fight Against Tang Ruo
*goto_scene fight_tourney_3

*label lost_against_xiaochun
*page_break Tourney Goes On
The tourney passes, with brutal matches, effortless victories and crushing defeats. You don't take part: out after  your first battle, you just watch from the sidelines as the martial artists better than you fight it out between each other. One such fighter, without a doubt, is Tang Ruo.

*goto after_losing_to_xiaochun