Sects were an organization of many disparate factions that joined forces under a common cause. Sometimes, it consisted of several families. Other times, it was a bunch of people who were totally unrelated. Whatever the case may be, there was no denying that sects were the most powerful underlying force on the Xaio Continent. Even the Xia Dynasty was ruled by a sect.

There were many reasons cultivators joined sects--the most obvious being cultivation. The primary focus of any disciple was to cultivate their inner strength, known as chi. This was done through various methods, including meditation, breath control, and specialized techniques unique to their sect. The ultimate goal was and always would be to increase their cultivation and advance through the various realms of power.

But of course, that was not the only goal. While some sects were just a mishmash of cultivators who came together, others had specializations. Supreme Ocean Palace was a great example. They specialized in healing, water techniques, and illusions. A cultivator who wanted to master the sword or fire techniques would never attempt to enter such a sect. Similarly, the Heavenly Sword Sect focused on sword techniques.

Known simply as the Dao of the Sword, it referred to the profound understanding and mastery of swordsmanship as a spiritual and martial art form. It represented the highest level of expertise in using a sword. Those who mastered the Dao of the Sword could make a sword become an extension of their own body. It was more than just learning how to swing a blade; it was a deep spiritual connection between the practitioner and the sword. That was the specialty of the Heavenly Sword Sect.

Wu Jian was not really a sword master, nor did he have any aspirations to become one, but he did use a sword. The greatsword was his weapon of choice.

He had always been strong for his age ever since he was little. It was the result of blood, sweat, and tears back when he was still a child. Wu Jian had broken his body over and over again to refine his body, the results of which were clear in his physique.

Wu Jian’s muscles were like hardened stone, chiseled and definite through years of backbreaking physical exercises. They flexed every time he moved. Even a tiny twitch caused his muscles to visibly strain. It was like they were in a constant state of flex, and yet, despite how defined they were, Wu Jian still retained an incredible degree of flexibility.

He had chosen the greatsword because of its weight. A normal sword was too light. It simply couldn’t withstand the force of his swings, and yet he didn’t want to use something unwieldy like a hammer or an axe. Out of all the potential weapons he could use, Wu Jian had decided this was the one that fit him best.

Only a few days had passed since Wu Jian had arrived at the Heavenly Sword Sect. He spent the first few days simply adjusting to his new surroundings, exploring his estate and the surrounding areas. Wu Meiying had joined him several times in secret. It seemed she was unable to stay with him for too long because of her status and because it would look suspicious, but she had spent the entire first day with him. She had even taken him out to lunch at Heavenly Sword City.

It had caused quite the stir.

Wu Jian had already finished his morning exercise and was walking through Heavenly Sword City. His destination was the Heavenly Sword Library. He had already realized that his lack of sword techniques made his sword a mostly useless hunk of metal now. He no longer needed it to launch attacks thanks to Wu Meiying’s guidance, and the only reason he still used it was because it made for good bait. People would think he needed to use his sword to launch spatial techniques. They would never suspect he could create attacks on a whim until it was too late.

“Hey hey. Isn’t that him?”

“It is. I saw him the other day.”

“It’s the man who was eating out with the Lady Oracle.”

“Just who is he?”

“They’re talking about you, Master,” Youmei said. The magical beast turned little girl had remained at his side all this time, no longer hiding in his shadow. He didn’t know if she simply preferred being outside or if there was another reason for her change in desire, but… well, it hardly mattered. Far be it for him to tell her what she could and couldn’t do. He also didn’t mind if she stayed outside now that she looked human.

“Ignore them,” Wu Jian said.

“Kay.”

It wasn’t surprising that Wu Jian was already the subject of rumors. He had won the tournament that took place in the Xia Dynasty, come back to become a Core Disciple of the world’s most powerful sect, and was close enough to the “Lady Oracle” that they had lunch together. It would have been stranger if there weren’t rumors about him.

Wu Meiying likely did that on purpose. She wants to paint an arrow on my back.

It was human nature to covet beauty. Humans were naturally drawn to physical beauty and attractiveness. This attraction had roots in humanity's drive to reproduce. Throughout human history, individuals who were considered physically attractive were often seen as healthier and more fertile, making them desirable mates. One could say humanity’s desire to covet beauty was instinctive as much as it was cultural.

By making it obvious that she favored him, Wu Meiying was making him a target toward those who coveted her.

Not that he minded.

This was exactly what he wanted.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

He soon reached the Heavenly Sword Library.

From the outside, the Heavenly Sword Library exuded an air of grandeur and majesty. It was characterized by soaring columns, intricate arches, and the entrance doors were intricately carved with sword patterns. Numerous sword-shaped sculptures or statues decorated the exterior.

Upon entering, Wu Jian found a long, wide hallway with towering bookshelves. Every shelf was lined with countless scrolls, books, and manuscripts containing the sect’s prized sword techniques and martial knowledge. Of course, the first floor only contained low-level techniques. This library had seven floors and each level contained more powerful techniques than the one before it.

Wu Jian went up to the third floor after showing his badge to the guards at the staircase.

Being an inner court disciple granted Wu Jian several benefits, one of which was access to higher floors. Inner Disciples were granted access to the third floor and fourth, while core disciples could go up to the fifth and sixth floors. The last floor above was meant exclusively for elders. It was a bit disappointing, but the third and fourth floors contained a vast collection of tomes, so Wu Jian remained hopeful that he would find a technique worth his while.

He had found several techniques for greatswords, but none of them were very good. Most of them were mid-level and high-level earth rank techniques. Perhaps Wu Jian was spoiled? He did sometimes wonder if that might be the case. During his travels, he had come across many powerful artifacts and techniques, though he was unable to use them because of his cultivation method.

Since he couldn’t find anything on the third floor, he headed toward the fourth--and that was when he ran into his first problem.

“Hold it.”

Several people suddenly surrounded him. They were all emitting varying degrees of bloodlust, though none more so than the man who stood before him.

He was well-built and tall, with a perfectly groomed appearance. He looked roughly five or six years older than Wu Jian. His black hair complimented his emerald-green eyes, which exuded arrogance like a volcano spewing lava. His robes were the same kind as Wu Jian, meaning he was an inner court disciple. The key difference between his clothing and Wu jian’s was the gold embroidery on the back. It was an intricate depiction of the single-edged dao--a prominent weapon known for its curved blade.

“Can I help you?” asked Wu Jian.

“You must be the kid I keep hearing about, the one who was seen with the Lady Oracle. You don’t look like much,” said the man.

“Is that so…”

Wu Jian quickly took a measure of this man’s cultivation. It was more or less the same as his. He soon lost interest.

“That’s nice. Anyway, get out of my way. I have no desire to deal with simpletons.”

“What was that?!” one of the men screamed.

“How dare you insult the young master! Do you not know who he is?!”

Wu Jian stared at the men who shouted through his mask. “I don’t know. And I don’t care. Move.”

“Arrogant child. You act like a big fish, but you’re just a frog in a well. Listen closely, fool. The man standing before you is Zhang Fengtian! He is the heir to the influential Zhang Clan who have been part of the Heavenly Sword Sect since its founding! Several members of the clan are elders! Show some respect!”

Wu Jian deadpanned even though no one could see beyond his mask. Zhang Fengtian was the sort of arrogant young master Wu Jian was sadly used to dealing with by now. He had met a number of them during his travels, and while some had changed, most had stayed the same.

“I only give respect to those who deserve it. You want my respect? Earn it.”

“Does your audacity know no bounds?!” one of the men shouted.

“Does your stupidity know no bounds? We’re in a library. Why are you shouting? Do you not know the rules?” asked Wu Jian mockingly.

“You…!!!”

Zhang Fengtian held out a hand to block the man who’d been about to shout some more, though he did not look that man’s way, busy as he was glaring at Wu Jian like he had committed a personal sin. He likely wasn’t used to people looking down on him like this.

“You talk big, but let’s be honest, the only reason the Lady Oracle even pays any attention to you is because you won that tournament.”

Oh boy. He really doesn’t know anything.

Wu Jian was not going to tell this man how mistaken he was since it didn’t really matter, but this was annoying. He had been hoping to find someone strong who would challenge him. Well, beggars couldn’t be choosers. Perhaps if he beat the snot out of this loser, someone stronger would come along and challenge him.

“For a man who relies so heavily on his family’s name, you talk an awful lot. Aren’t you ashamed about using your family as a crutch? Why not try standing on your own two feet for a change?”

Zhang Fengtian’s face turned red. “You… how dare you! I was trying to be polite and warn you to stay away from the Lady Oracle for your own good, but since you want to spurn my kindness, I have no choice but to put you in your place by force!”

Yup. Here it comes.

“I challenge you to a duel!”

Called it.

Fighting was prohibited by the sect, but duels were allowed. Emotions and conflicts were a way of life among cultivators, who, in their constant pursuit of power and status, would gladly trample upon another’s dignity. The Heavenly Sword Sect understood and supported this. However, it was still important to maintain order and prevent disputes from escalating into destructive fights. All disciples were taught the importance of discipline and self-control.

“When do you want it?” Wu Jian asked.

“Right now,” said Zhang Fengtian.

“No.”

“Excuse me.”

“I said no. Not right now,” Wu Jian repeated. “I came to the library for a reason, and it wasn’t to get into a dispute with some random cultivator I’ve never met before. You also need to go through the proper channels to have a duel hosted, which will take you several hours anyway. We’ll have the duel tomorrow.”

Zhang Fengtian looked like he might explode as he took a step forward. “Listen here you--”

“Jian Wu… is that you?” a somewhat familiar voice said.

Two of the people surrounding Wu Jian parted to allow someone to walk through. His long hair was tired into a ponytail and he had sharp eyes, dark eyes, and softer facial features that gave him a feminine appearance. His skin was pale. Almost pure white. It only served to make him look more womanly. He wore the robes of an inner court disciple just like them. Wu Jian blinked several times in surprise.

I knew he had joined the Heavenly Sword Sect, but I did not expect to run into him any time soon.

The person standing there, looking at him in surprise, was Húndàn Wang--the son of the Saintly Sword Sect’s sect master.