The Faces of This Chapter:
Yena: Heir of Fenixia; Divine | Intelligent, composed, and emotionally resilient.
Miao Miao: Yena's childhood friend | a flower spirit; divine being | Playful, warm-hearted, and loyal.
Jin Yue: Heir of Huliya; Disciple of Zhang Haoran | Charismatic, confident, and fiercely loyal.
Zhang Haoran: Headmaster of the Flying Dragon Sect | Wise, composed, observant.
Qing Yi: Youngest disciple of the sect | Arrogant, impulsive, and somewhat immature.
Shen Lei: Senior disciple | Dutiful, sharp, and discreet.
Yu Chen: Senior disciple | Principled, weary, responsible.
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Shen Lei led Jin Yue through the sect's winding corridors. They first passed a wide training ground flanked by disciples' quarters, then another courtyard nestled deeper within. Silent footsteps echoed between stone halls until they reached a door at the far end.
They hadn't spoken much on the way.
Pausing before the door, Shen Lei turned to him. "Wait here. I'll inform the Headmaster."
Jin Yue nodded.
After a moment, Shen Lei returned. "You may go in. The Headmaster is expecting you."
Jin Yue stepped inside.
The room was minimally adorned—bonsai plants, scrolls of ancient paintings, shelves stacked with weapons and weathered books. The air held the delicate aroma of freshly brewed tea. At the desk sat a man with a quiet yet commanding presence, pouring tea with steady hands.
"Master," Jin Yue said, a warm smile spreading across his face as he hurried toward him. "Where have you been until now?"
Zhang Haoran handed him a cup and gestured to the seat opposite. "Calm down, Jin Yue."
Jin Yue took the cup but frowned. "How can I be calm? You left without a word. I looked for you across all of Tianlok."
"You can't blame me," Zhang Haoran replied, his tone lightly amused. "My purpose there was fulfilled. You learned quickly, Yueye."
Jin Yue's voice turned more serious. "I was upset when you left without telling me. Couldn't you have at least said goodbye? Did you ever truly see me as your disciple?"
Zhang Haoran's expression softened. "How could I not... young master."
Jin Yue sighed and took a sip of the tea.
"I taught you out of a promise I made to your aunt," Zhang Haoran said. "You were one of my best students, Yueye. But things are changing in Tianlok—fast. I had to prepare for what's coming."
"What's coming, Master? Is it related to the Mystical Forest?"
Zhang Haoran rose and walked to his bookshelf. "It's far more complicated. But one thing is certain—a great calamity is about to descend on Tianlok." He tossed Jin Yue a book.
Jin Yue caught it and read aloud, "The Yuanian History: Chronicles of the Past."
"Have you ever read it?" Zhang Haoran asked.
"Not really. I know some parts, mostly stories from my aunt. What is it, Master? Why do you look so grim?"
Zhang Haoran stared out the window, lost in thought. "The akashvani... from the Second Great Settlement. I fear it's coming soon."
Jin Yue's eyes widened. "You know about it? But how?"
"I don't know for certain. It's just a feeling—but I trust it."
Jin Yue's hands tightened around the book. "Then why didn't you tell me earlier? Do you not trust me? Do you think I'm not capable?"
Zhang Haoran returned to him, voice quiet. "It's not that. I was in a rush to establish this sect. And more importantly... how could I ask the heir of Huliya to accompany me on a journey I couldn't even explain?"
"Master…"
A sudden knock interrupted them.
Zhang Haoran opened the door to find a disciple standing respectfully outside. "Headmaster, my apologies. But Qing Yi and an outsider have declared a duel."
Zhang Haoran looked to Jin Yue for an explanation.
Jin Yue stood abruptly. "Is it about my friends? When was this decided?"
"Yes," the disciple replied. "We tried to stop it, but they insist. Please, Headmaster, come with me."
Zhang Haoran gently placed a hand on the disciple's shoulder. "Go ahead. I'm coming."
Once the disciple left, he turned to Jin Yue with a raised brow. "You're not alone, it seems."
"No, Master. I came with friends. I was going to ask you to consider taking us into the sect. They haven't joined any others either, but they're strong, dedicated, and kind." He bowed slightly. "I'm sorry I didn't mention it earlier."
"Challenging a sect disciple takes courage," Zhang Haoran mused. "Let's go. I'd like to meet them myself."
Jin Yue nodded, heart pounding, and the two headed toward the front of the sect.
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In the training arena, Miao Miao and Qing Yi stood at opposite ends, facing each other. Yena and Yu Chen moved quickly to try and de-escalate the situation.
Yena stepped closer to Miao Miao and whispered, "Don't do this. It's not right to fight someone who's just a commoner."
Miao Miao smiled and took Yena's hand reassuringly. "Don't worry, Yena. I won't hurt her. Besides, I'm without my powers right now—I'm basically a magic commoner myself." Her voice held a playful lilt, but her eyes glinted with focus. "It's okay. I'll handle her with care."
At the same time, Yu Chen was firmly scolding Qing Yi. "Once this is over, I swear I'll discipline you properly. What if they're accepted into our sect? Would you still act this rude to your future comrades?"
Qing Yi scoffed. "Senior, do you seriously believe they're worth Headmaster's time? I'll show you they aren't."
Yu Chen, exasperated, muttered under his breath, "You might lose, you know. You act like a child, and this stunt—this is too far."
Qing Yi stayed silent, but her thoughts simmered. ["Senior, I'll show you they're not worthy of getting into our Sect."]
Soon, word of the duel spread through the sect, and disciples began gathering near the entrance to the training grounds. Curious whispers filled the air. Despite the growing crowd, Yena noticed the sect's modest numbers.
Yena's thoughts:["The sect doesn't have many disciples... but that's expected. It's still new and not widely known. If we can join, it might give us the perfect place to stay hidden—at least until the Great Sect Tournament."]
She began observing the arena layout, trying to assess what kind of magic Miao Miao might be able to use under these conditions.
Just then, Jin Yue and Zhang Haoran arrived. Jin Yue hurried to Yena's side, concern written all over his face.
Jin Yue, scanning her for injuries, asked in a hushed voice, "Are you okay?"
Yena nodded calmly. "I am. Did you meet your master?"
Jin Yue nodded back. "Yes, I did. But—what is this about a duel? Why?"
Yena, turning to point at the field, replied, "It's Miao Miao. She's the one fighting."
Jin Yue blinked. "Miao Miao?! Why? Didn't you try to stop her?"
Yena, her voice steady: "I did. But Miao Miao's not someone who picks fights without reason. She didn't start this. I don't want this duel either... but I can't stop her when it's about her dignity." She looked at Jin Yue. "Can your master stop it?"
Jin Yue thought for a moment, then said, "He might. Come, let's go talk to him."
They approached Zhang Haoran, who had just finished speaking with a disciple.
Jin Yue, gesturing toward Yena, said, "Master, this is Yena. She's my friend."
Yena bowed deeply. "Greetings, Headmaster."
Zhang Haoran looked her over with curiosity. "Jin Yue never told me he had such graceful friends." His gaze softened. "Yena, where do you hail from?"
Yena replied with quiet dignity, "From Fenixia."
Zhang Haoran's expression shifted slightly, as if noting something significant. "Fenixia… That's quite a distance to travel in search of a sect. Tell me, what do you make of your friend's actions? Are you truly okay with her fighting one of my disciples?"
Yena bowed once more. "We apologize for causing a disturbance. Miao Miao agreed to a friendly match only to protect her dignity as a practitioner. She never intended to create trouble. And even though I wish to stop the fight... I can't. This is her choice."
Zhang Haoran observed her carefully. "I'm impressed by your honesty and composure. Then tell me—what do you want me to do?"
Yena, meeting his eyes, said, "I trust Miao Miao's strength. But I ask you to stop this duel—not out of fear for her safety, but because there's a difference between a friendly match and a battle to defend pride."
A faint smile touched Zhang Haoran's lips. "Well said. But how do I determine whether this isn't just a friendly match? They're both young and eager, and they seem willing. If I stop them now, it might feel as if I'm denying them their chance to prove themselves. Unless... one of them withdraws on their own."
He turned as Shen Lei arrived.
"Where is he? Qing Yi won't ignore his words."
Shen Lei nodded. "I've already sent for him."
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