Richard raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk on his lips. “Yeah, yeah, I know. Keith sent me the letter explaining that. But you know, it’s quite the long wait. You guys sure love to take your time, huh? Are you sure it’s not because you’re hiding something?” He chuckled, a hint of mischief in his eyes.
Lu Shun gulped, trying to mask his nervous laughter. Of course he was nervous. The whole reason Grandfather Liang Feng had instructed him to personally escort this man was to delay his departure. Richard would have to wait for Lu Shun to finish competing in the tournament, giving Liang Feng time to sort things out back at the sect and hide Edina’s bullying from Richard.
It was pretty clear that Richard was not just a Leonese teacher but a spy that the Leon Empire wanted in the Blazing Dawn Sect to protect Edina after the reports they had received.
The grand hall buzzed with activity around them, but for Lu Shun, the conversation with Richard felt like navigating a minefield. He had to tread carefully.
Richard leaned back in his chair, looking around the hall with an air of curiosity. “This place is quite impressive. The architecture, the atmosphere... it’s very different from what we have back home.”
Lu Shun seized the opportunity to shift the conversation away from the delicate topic. “Yes, Mount Hua Peak is renowned for its beauty and the strength of its sect. The grand hall is a testament to our traditions and our commitment to martial excellence.”
Richard nodded appreciatively. “It’s truly a sight to behold. I’m looking forward to seeing more of your culture and traditions. And, of course, to finally meeting her highness Edina and starting her lessons.”
Lu Shun managed a genuine smile. “She’s a remarkable girl. I’m sure she’ll benefit greatly from your teachings.”
As they continued their conversation, the tension slowly eased. Lu Shun still felt the weight of his responsibilities, but he also sensed that Richard, despite being a spy, was genuinely interested in his role as a teacher.
Just as Lu Shun began to relax, he sensed something unusual in Richard's energy. It wasn’t the familiar qi that martial artists used; it was mana. Richard was a mage, and not just any mage, but a sequence 4 mage. Mages were a rare sight in the eastern continent, primarily because mana techniques were written in Western languages. Among high-ranking martial artists, it was common knowledge that mages were many times more powerful than martial artists of the same level. The fact that Richard was a sequence 4 mage meant he was powerful enough to best most martial artists he encountered in the eastern continent with ease.
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Lu Shun felt a mix of emotions. He was happy that the Leon Empire cared so much about Edina that they sent such a powerful master for her protection. Yet, he was also disappointed that his sect had allowed the situation to deteriorate to the point where the Leon Empire felt compelled to hire such a formidable protector.
Richard smiled and said, “Oh, well then, young master, I will be going. I just wanted to make an acquaintance with you since we will be traveling together after you finish participating in the tournament. I still have some tasks to do here as a member of the Western Merchants Group. I will meet up with you again later.”
Lu Shun nodded and gave a martial artist’s bow to him. Richard, awkwardly trying to do the same, then added, “And young master, if you don’t want to make political statements, I advise you to try to hang out with the participants from regional merchants' households. Most of them have a neutral stance or no significant political influence.” With that, he left.
Taking Richard’s advice to heart, Lu Shun decided to approach the group sitting in the corner of the hall. He noticed that they wore a variety of martial uniforms from different merchant groups, none of which he recognized. The group appeared to be a collection of random strangers, each from diverse backgrounds, which made it an ideal setting for someone looking to avoid political entanglements.
The group of merchants’ representatives noticed Lu Shun’s approach and fell silent for a moment. A young woman with braided hair and a uniform adorned with the emblem of the Yao Trading Company was the first to speak. “Good morning, young master. Please, join us.”
Lu Shun smiled and took a seat. “Thank you. I am Lu Shun Cha Ling of the Blazing Dawn Sect.”
Introductions followed, with each member of the group sharing their name and affiliation. There was Li Wei from the Southern Spice Guild, known for its exotic herbs and spices; Han Feng, a representative of the Northern Silk Traders, whose family had a reputation for the finest silks; and Mei Lin from the Jade Emporium, a merchant group renowned for their precious stones and jewelry.
As they settled into conversation, Lu Shun found the atmosphere to be refreshingly different from the political tension that usually surrounded him. The merchants’ representatives spoke of their trade experiences, the challenges of transporting goods across vast distances, and the excitement of the Dragon and Phoenix Tournament.
Lu Shun quickly befriended them, and the group spent the entire day exploring the Upper Mount Hua Sect together. They visited various training halls, observing and sometimes participating in martial arts practices, each offering their own tips and insights. Lu Shun marveled at the diversity of skills and techniques displayed by his new friends, finding their perspectives both enlightening and invigorating.
Han Feng, silk trader's son, demonstrated a silk-wrapping technique that could be used in combat to entangle opponents, while Li Wei shared a few defensive maneuvers inspired by the agile movements required in her spice trade. Mei Lin, with her background in the Jade Emporium, introduced the group to a series of precision strikes designed to hit pressure points, mimicking the careful chiseling required to shape jade.
As dusk approached, the group decided to return to the grand hall for a well-deserved rest. They enjoyed a hearty dinner, filled with laughter and stories of their respective journeys. The camaraderie was a welcome change for Lu Shun, who felt more connected to these merchants than he ever had with the politically inclined members of his own sect.
After dinner, the group gathered at one of the terraces of the grand hall, looking out over the breathtaking view from Mount Hua. The sky was a canvas of vibrant colors, with the setting sun casting a golden glow over the peaks and valleys below. They stood in awe, appreciating the natural beauty that surrounded them.
Just as Lu Shun was about to make a comment about the serene scenery, a sudden, eerie silence fell over the group. The air grew cold, and an unsettling presence made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. He sensed danger, a different kind of energy—a dark, malevolent qi that sent shivers down his spine.
“Watch out!” Mei Lin shouted, her keen senses picking up the threat.