As the voice cut through the hum of the crowd, Wuji turned, his gaze falling upon an imposing figure. A young man, around eighteen, stood a full foot taller than Wuji, his presence commanding attention even in the opulent surroundings of the Jade Cloud Pavilion. Dressed in a lush green robe adorned with embroidered phoenix feathers in vivid and dark blue hues that shimmered with each subtle movement, he exuded an aura of raw power. His features were chiseled, flawless as if he had been sculpted from jade by a master’s hand. Yet, it was the haughty smirk and his air of effortless superiority that caught Wuji's attention, along with the two women flanking him, each radiating elegance as they clung to his sides, accentuating his powerful frame.
But as the young man noticed Wuji, the arrogant smirk faded, his gaze hardening into a simmering fury that Wuji hadn’t anticipated. The intensity of the hostility caught him off guard, though he maintained a neutral expression, unsure of what he could have done to provoke such a reaction.
“Well, well,” sneered the young man, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “If it isn’t Elder Bai’s new little disciple. I almost mistook you for one of the attendants. Dressed a bit too grandly for someone like you, don’t you think?”
Wuji met his gaze evenly, his calm demeanor unwavering. He sensed the disdain lacing the man's words but refused to be rattled. Instead, he replied smoothly, “Forgive me, I didn’t realize I had offended someone I don’t even know. Perhaps you could enlighten me—who exactly are you?”
The young man’s jaw tightened, his nostrils flaring at Wuji’s response, clearly viewing it as a slight. “You don’t know who I am?” he scoffed, looking Wuji up and down as if the very notion were absurd. “Clearly, your master hasn’t bothered to teach you proper respect. I am Wu Lin, son of the Wu family patriarch, and disciple of Elder Di of the Azure Cloud Sect.” His voice carried a note of superiority, as if his name alone should inspire awe.
At the mention of the name “Elder Di,” Wuji raised an eyebrow. “Elder… Di?” he repeated, deliberately maintaining a tone of mild curiosity.
Wu Lin’s face reddened, his frustration mounting. “Are you living under a rock, you country bumpkin?” he spat, his tone dripping with disdain.
Wuji was about to respond when he noticed Han Bao making his way toward them, his brow furrowed. One of his servants must have informed him of the confrontation. Upon arrival, Han Bao flashed Wuji an apologetic glance before stepping in to diffuse the tension.
“Ah, Young Master Wu Lin,” Han Bao began smoothly, “my apologies if there’s been a misunderstanding. I’m sure there was no intent to offend.” He spoke with a polite deference, though it was clear he knew Wu Lin had instigated the exchange. Wu Lin’s anger lingered for a moment longer, but after a few calming words from Han Bao, he reluctantly relented, letting out a frustrated huff. Han Bao gestured to a servant nearby. “Please, guide Young Master Wu Lin to the banquet hall,” he instructed gently.
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As Wu Lin departed, he shot Wuji one last glare, his eyes simmering with barely concealed animosity.
Once Wu Lin was out of earshot, Han Bao turned to Wuji with a sigh. “My apologies for that unfortunate encounter. Wu Lin… well, he tends to carry a certain attitude, especially toward those associated with Elder Bai.”
Wuji shrugged off the apology with a dismissive wave. “No harm done,” he replied, his curiosity piqued. “But it makes me wonder… who is this Wu Lin, and why is he so hostile toward me?”
Han Bao glanced around to ensure they weren’t overheard before he spoke in a lower tone. “It’s a bit of a story, actually,” he began. “Over a century ago, Elder Di—Wu Lin’s master—achieved a major breakthrough into the Nascent Soul Realm. To test his newfound strength, and perhaps to show off, he issued a public challenge to Bai Xuanfeng, who was gaining quite a reputation at the time for… an incident I won’t delve into here.”
Wuji’s interest was piqued, “And did Elder Bai accept?”
“Not at first,” Han Bao continued, “Initially, Elder Bai declined the challenge. However, Elder Di wouldn’t let it go, and he resorted to making pointed remarks that questioned Elder Bai’s courage. Eventually, Bai Xuanfeng agreed, though I’m sure it wasn’t out of pride so much as a desire to end the incessant prodding. When they finally faced off, Elder Bai… well, he humiliated Elder Di. Elder Bai didn’t just defeat him; he suppressed Elder Di completely, not even giving him a chance to mount a real attack. It became a notorious defeat, one that the Azure Cloud Sect has never quite lived down.”
Wuji couldn’t suppress a hint of a smile, admiration for his master growing. He had chosen his master well, indeed.
Han Bao sighed, shaking his head slightly. “The Azure Cloud Sect tried to downplay it, but the incident left its mark. Elder Di took decades to recover fully, and that disgrace has since cast a shadow over his disciples. Wu Lin, being one of his direct disciples, bears the brunt of it. I suspect seeing you only reminded him of that humiliation.”
Understanding dawned on Wuji. Wu Lin’s hostility wasn’t about him personally; it was the lingering bitterness of a grudge born long before he’d even arrived in this world.
Wuji couldn’t help the spark of pride that filled him. It seemed his choice to accept his master rather than join another sect was proving to be wise in more ways than one.
“I see. Well, he’ll have to get used to seeing me around,” he said with a small, confident smile.
With the tension settled, Han Bao led Wuji to the grand banquet hall, where familiar faces filled the room, each one chatting animatedly with others. As Wuji entered, several guests gravitated toward him, eager to meet the new disciple of Bai Xuanfeng. Wuji held his own, exchanging pleasantries and navigating the small talk gracefully.
After a while, the chatter in the hall quieted as two figures entered: Zhao Shan and Qin Yulan, walking side by side. They looked like a celestial couple, their elegance and poise drawing every gaze. Although they had chosen different sects, the bond between them was palpable, and they seemed almost luminous together, each a reflection of the other’s strength and beauty.
All eyes remained fixed on them as they made their way through the hall. Wuji observed quietly, noting how others whispered in admiration, and perhaps envy. Zhao Shan and Qin Yulan, despite the path their sects would lead them on, still carried an air of unity that seemed unbreakable.
With the banquet in full swing, Wuji knew this was only the beginning. The gathering of so many promising young talents would inevitably lead to alliances, rivalries, and perhaps something more.