The cold autumn breeze created eddies, scattering the piles of leaves that dotted the courtyard. Three masters moved through the plaza, engrossed in their conversation, oblivious to the old caretaker they were nearing. Their movements were serene, and they seemed to glide over the cobblestones. The first rays of sunlight illuminated their backs, making them look like three ethereal black ghosts.
Conversely, the old man's movements were strained and deliberate, as if each swing of the worn-out thatch broom needed conscious effort. As the masters neared, the old man stopped his labors and bowed his hunched back with deep respect.
"Good morning, masters," the old man's feeble voice sounded barely above a whisper.
The men simply nodded in acknowledgment and continued their lively discourse.
As the conversation receded, the old man quickly straightened. The hunch in his back was gone, and the strain in his movements disappeared as if their departure was an anti-aging elixir.
"You two get out here," his voice solid and imposing. He held the broom with two fingers toward the young boys that popped out from the treeline—a look of disgust on his face.
"I want this place clean in fifteen minutes," the old man ordered as another disciple ran from the opposite side to the courtyard at full speed. The morning air's chill accentuated his breathing and made him look like a huffing dragon.
"Feng…" he gasped from lack of air.
"Get it out, Ears. What could be so important this fine morning?"
"Feng Wei was injured this morning during practice, Master Jin."
The old caretaker's face became grim. He thought for a few seconds.
"What's our exposure?"
"Five thousand taels!" Ears responded.
“Five thousand taels,” he repeated to himself, suppressing the flicker of irritation. It wasn't crippling, but he wouldn't part with his hard-earned silver easily.
"When's the tournament?"
"Three days," Ears answered with a hint of despair.
"Go tell Rabbit and Shadow that I want to see them in the grotto, and don't tell anyone about this," a calculating look in his eyes.
Ears quickly left, and Jin Wu started to walk in the opposite direction, then turned toward the two boys, "When you finish, don't forget to clean Healer Li's courtyard."
Jin Wu smirked at the barely audible groan the two made, "Ah, nothing like a few hours of manual labor to build character and obedience," he thought.
The almost imperceptible tap of a footstep disturbed the sereneness of the path and broke him out of his machinations as he walked toward the grotto. Years of training kicked in, and as if by magic, his back hunched, and his steps became labored just as the robust, stately figure of a man in a fine embroidered purple robe hurriedly rounded the bend.
Experience had taught him that vigor bred rigor, and the last thing he needed was for the masters to think up things for him to do.
"Greetings, Master Han," the feeble, raspy voice resurfaced.
The master nodded and was about to continue his journey when Jin Wu's eyes lit up.
"Master Han, have you made any Spring Jade dans?"
"Are your old injuries acting up again, Jin Wu?"
"These old bones," Jin Wu made an exaggerated gesture while rubbing his back. "I would appreciate it if you could spare a Spring Jade dan."
"I only make three of those a year, Jin Wu. One is for the Ancestor, the other is for the Gran Elder, and the last was bought by the crown prince for the dowager Empress."
"Naturally, such treasures are reserved for lofty personages," muttered Jin Wu, his shoulders slumped. Then he sighed and continued his trek.
Master Han thought briefly, then said, "Come to my lab tomorrow, and I'll make an extra one for you. Also, if you see my apprentice, tell him I'm looking for him."
"Thank you, Master Han. I'll look out for him," Jin Wu answered with a sincere smile. His eyes brightened, "every obstacle is an opportunity," he thought, moving toward the grotto. It would be hard to keep the news about Feng Wei quiet—the seeds of a plan germinated as he walked.
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The grand northern pavilion was abuzz with conversation. Hundreds of disciples sat around circular, richly crafted oak tables, partaking in the evening meal surrounded by murals depicting the Sect's glorious thousand-year history that decorated the walls.
Notwithstanding the secrecy with which a matter was handled, it was inevitable that it would leak, and a matter as crucial as a Senior disciple's injury before a tournament was too juicy to be bottled inside.
Thus, the topic dominated the conversation at every table.
"… I heard it was qi deviation."
"You cannot recover from that in a few days."
"What will happen to Senior Brother Feng?"
"Who will represent the Sect in the Azure Continent's Intersect Challenge?"
Many looked at the silk banners that hung from the ceiling—testaments to the Sect's past victories.
All the disciples of the Eternal Harmony Sect discussed with fervor except for five seated at a corner table in the back. Their faces were gloomy, and instead of sharing a meal, you might think they were at a wake.
"What did he say?" asked Ears.
"He said to keep it quiet," Shadow answered, "I already told you."
"He'll be furious," Rabbit stated the obvious.
The other four looked at him exasperated. The nickname Rabbit wasn't for his quick-wittedness.
"There's nothing we can do. It's not like we can take back the bets or all the resources the Boss gave him."
"Let's go. We have to meet him at the library in half an hour," the five young men left the table and filed out of the pavilion like a group of death-row inmates.
As they left, they passed the massive translucent crystal obelisk that, according to legend, held the founder's token.
A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
While the disheartened group moved through the crowd toward the exit, at a nearby table, one particular Senior disciple was smiling—a jade marker with wǔqiān (5,000) written on it twirled in his hand.
He looked at the receding group and smirked.
"Are you sure the powder can't be traced back to us?" He asked his companion to the left.
"I got rid of the Alchemist after he delivered it, and it's not detectable after ingested."
"Have you found who is backing them?" He asked the young man to his right.
"Reporting to Senior Nian, we have not been able to discover it with certainty, but we have narrowed it down to three of the masters."
"Keep digging," Senior Nian ordered, "and the other matter?" He continued.
"Your uncle will lead the group to the Azure Continent's Intersect Challenge with you, and we will be recalled back to the clan for the Patriarch's celebration. No one will suspect."
From a hidden perch outside, Jin Wu observed the pavilion’s energy with quiet amusement. Seated comfortably on a tree branch that allowed him a view of everything inside, he bit into a slice of a mandarin, the juice dripping down his chin as he grinned at the unfolding drama. The mystery of the missing alchemist was resolved—but what to do with that information?
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“… the old man’s definitely gone batty!” Ears scoffed as they climbed to their usual seats at the top of the arena.
“What did he say?” Rabbit asked, glancing back nervously.
“Said we should meet him at the library after we collect our winnings. Only, how exactly are we supposed to collect when we’ve no contestant?”
The gang groaned as they took their seats in the highest row, their usual haunt, which they called Ferret’s Perch. They could see every match and avoid the crowds’ chaos, though Ears joked it was really to keep them “close to the heavens since fortune seemed to evade them on earth.”
“I’m resigning myself to sect food for the next year,” Rabbit moped, dropping onto the bench as if his last tael had been spent.
“Enough of that, Rabbit,” said Shadow, nudging him. “Boss has a plan, as usual.”
“Is he coming?” Ears asked, scanning the crowd.
“I’ve been here five years and never seen him at a tournament. Says he’s seen enough blood and glory for a lifetime.”
Just then, the Sect Master rose from his seat, and silence fell over the arena.
“Welcome, Masters and disciples of the Eternal Harmony Sect, to our annual Senior Class Champions Tournament!” His voice echoed through the arena, and cheers erupted. “This year’s tournament is special. The champion will represent our sect in the upcoming Azure Continent’s Intersect Challenge.”
At this announcement, a wave of excitement spread through the arena, and disciples began to shout their favorites.
“Senior Xian!”
“Senior Jian!”
“Senior Feng!”
“Senior Nian!”
Each of the twelve halls had its chosen representatives, and pride filled the arena as they called out the names of their best.
The Sect Master raised his hand, and the crowd quieted. “While every disciple has a responsibility to grow in cultivation and character, we honor the best among you today. To recognize this year’s top fighters, we have also compiled a set of unique prizes for the champions.”
The disciples exploded with renewed cheers, their anticipation growing.
“For the top five, each will receive a yellow-grade earth weapon of their choice from the armory!”
The arena roared at this announcement, the promise of power sparking every disciple’s ambition.
“For the third-place winner: a Top-Grade Vermillion Marrow Cleansing dan.”
Gasps rippled through the crowd, and even some masters looked impressed.
“For the second place winner: a Peak-Grade Jade Qi Returning dan.”
Jaws dropped in unison. Not even the most hopeful disciple had imagined a prize this rare.
“And lastly, for the first-place winner…” The Sect Master held a pause. “The Sect’s Golden Crow Heaven Grade Armor.”
The crowd’s cheers hit a fever pitch as the stakes of the tournament became clear.
Ears whistled low. “That’s enough to tempt the heavens themselves.”
“Yeah,” muttered Shadow, glancing at Rabbit, “and enough to pay off our debts if we can find a way to win.”
“This tournament will be single elimination,” the Sect Master continued, regaining the crowd’s attention. “Today, we will have twelve matches. Two days later, the six victors will face each other, and on the last day, the final matches will determine the rankings.”
As the Sect Master sat down, Rabbit leaned forward, brows furrowed. “Two matches for the final winner, huh?”
Ears, still doubtful, shrugged. “Seems like everyone’s in for a fight—except us. And we’ve got five thousand taels hanging on this.”
Shadow’s eyes glinted. “I wouldn’t count out the Boss just yet.”
"All twenty-four contestants should go to the center of the arena and draw lots," Hallmaster Hao announced after the Sect Master had returned to his seat of honor.
Twenty-three disciples walked onto the arena and drew lots.
With the final jade slip still in the bowl, Hallmaster Hao announced, "Feng Wei, you have thirty breaths of time to draw your slip, or you will be disqualified."
Everyone looked around.
On Ferret's Perch, each young man held their breath and implored their most trusted deity for a miracle.
Down below, a knowing smirk appeared on Nian Ru's face, confidence in his victory growing.
But just as the time was about to end, a voice sounded from the entrance to the arena.
"Hallmaster, I'm here. Sorry to make everyone wait."
The arena broke into cheers.
Rabbit's stomach growled, and Ferret's Perch filled with joyful laughter as Feng Wei hurried and picked up his slip.
Just outside the entrance to the arena, an old man shuffled toward the library with a knowing smile.
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Down in the arena, Feng Wei stood facing his opponent, Bai Shan, a disciple known for his formidable Thundercloud Fist technique. Both fighters adjusted their stances, eyes locked, as the referee called the start of the match.
Up in Ferret’s Perch, the gang leaned forward, elbows on knees.
Ears whispered, “Think he’ll open with Eagle Claw Descent?”
“Nah,” Shadow replied, squinting, “he’ll save that for the end. My bet’s on Flickering Wave Strike.”
Rabbit shook his head. “Does it even matter? Bai Shan’s gonna tear him apart. Our taels… gone.”
The match began with a burst of qi as both fighters clashed in a blur of movement. Feng Wei’s hands moved in quick, precise motions, his stance light as he shifted with fluid ease.
“Azure Wind Steps!” Ears hissed, excitement sparking in his eyes. “See that? Smooth as jade.”
Bai Shan responded by stomping the ground with his Thundercloud Fist technique, summoning arcs of lightning that crackled through the air. “He’s starting strong,” Shadow muttered. “Feng Wei better watch his steps.”
Down below, Feng Wei darted forward, his fingers curling into a sharp claw as he executed his Eagle Claw Descent. His fingers crackled with blue qi, sweeping toward Bai Shan with deadly precision.
The crowd gasped as Bai Shan dodged at the last second, barely escaping with his shoulder grazed. He retaliated with a powerful sweep of his arm, summoning Whirling Thunder Wave, a vortex of energy that radiated outward.
“By the heavens!” Rabbit yelped, shrinking back instinctively. “Doesn’t Feng Wei know how much we’re betting on him?”
“Quiet, Rabbit,” Ears muttered, eyes fixated. “Feng Wei’s got it under control… I think.”
Feng Wei planted his feet, drawing his qi inward. The familiar shimmer of his Iron Spirit Guard formed around him, a glowing barrier that deflected Bai Shan’s attack. With a grunt, he released his defense and lunged forward, this time using Blazing Lotus Palm, a move that left streaks of fiery qi in its wake.
“Oh-ho!” Shadow chuckled, admiration in his voice. “Feng Wei’s not playing nice today.”
Bai Shan staggered, a scorch mark on his shoulder as he reeled back from the unexpected power. He narrowed his eyes, bringing his hands together to gather energy, chanting softly. Lightning crackled between his fingers as he prepared to unleash his Storm Serpent Strike, a move renowned for its deadly precision.
Ears winced. “Uh oh. He’s going for Storm Serpent. Feng Wei better dodge, or he’s gonna need a Spring Jade dan.”
Feng Wei took a deep breath, his body glowing with pale light as he prepared to counter. As Bai Shan’s lightning serpent hurtled toward him, Feng Wei executed Serpent-Swallowing Wave, drawing in his qi and redirecting the attack around him, dissipating it into harmless sparks.
Shadow’s eyes widened. “That’s some slick qi manipulation.”
The crowd erupted in cheers, some disciples shouting Feng Wei’s name.
“Come on, Feng Wei! Finish him off!” Ears shouted, his voice drowned out by the noise.
Down below, Bai Shan staggered, his qi visibly depleted from the effort of his attack. Sensing his opponent’s weakness, Feng Wei moved in, this time summoning Heaven’s Divide Blade, a technique that condensed his qi into a blade-like edge along his arm.
“Here it comes,” Shadow murmured with a glint in his eye. “The finishing move.”
Feng Wei’s blade of qi arced down, crackling with focused energy as it cut toward Bai Shan’s defense. Bai Shan tried to block, raising his arms defensively, but Feng Wei’s technique was too powerful. The blade struck true, shattering Bai Shan’s barrier and sending him sprawling to the ground.
The referee raised his hand. “Feng Wei is victorious!”
The gang erupted in cheers, Rabbit pumping his fists in the air. “Ha! I'm going to eat glazed duck every day!”
“Boss really does have a plan,” Ears said, shaking his head with a grin. “Didn’t even break a sweat, did he?”
Shadow glanced down at Feng Wei, who was leaving the arena. “He’d better keep it up. Five thousand’s only good if he keeps winning.”
"Let's go see him," said Ears.
They watched as Feng Wei exited and hurried down.
Playful banter accompanied them as they walked toward Feng Wei's dwelling.
"Things are finally looking up," Ears commented.
But as they reached Feng Wei's courtyard, an oppressive gloom settled on them, and the coppery tang of blood invaded their nostrils.
Rabbit stumbled back, his usual grin gone, replaced by a look of sheer alarm.
Shadow scanned the empty courtyard, fists clenched, his voice barely a whisper.
"We better get Boss. Now."