Wandao 024
Morning sunlight cast a golden hue upon the training grounds west of the Wan estate. Dew had yet to dry, and the air carried the mingled scent of fresh grass and faint earth.
Atop the stone platform, Wan Xiaochuan stood with steady breath, sweat beading at his brow. He slowly withdrew from his stance, having completed the final motion of Windstep Eight Variations. As the wind stirred, the stone beneath his feet trembled slightly, and his robes lifted with the currents, flowing like water catching the breeze.
Leaning against a large boulder nearby, Lin Qixian held a small alchemical notebook in hand. He smiled, saying, "Your control over qi has grown increasingly refined. As expected of one who has bonded with a sword spirit."
Wan Xiaochuan sheathed his sword behind his back and took a deep breath.
"Renee once said, the spirit of wind requires harmony of mind and breath, while the killing force of thunder demands decisive severance of thought... I still have a long way to go."
His words were humble, yet a determined gleam shone in his eyes.
Before their conversation could continue, a clear and unhurried laugh echoed from the main hall.
"Heh, Xiaochuan, my young nephew—it's been a few years, and already you're brimming with heroic spirit."
The newcomer wore a robe of purple embroidered with golden trim, a jade pendant hanging from his waist. His frame was lean and tall, his features unremarkable, yet he exuded a composed bearing, and there was an intangible pressure behind his seemingly genial smile. His name was Sha Zhengxin, an outer sect steward of the Sword Division of Star Veil Sect. He claimed to be an old acquaintance of Wan Lizheng and had arrived at the Wan estate without prior notice, drawing no small amount of attention.
"Steward Sha?" Wan Xiaochuan raised an eyebrow. He had no recollection of the man, but from the subtle flow of qi around him, it was clear this man had at least mid-Foundation Establishment cultivation. His spiritual presence was tightly restrained, blending with the air itself.
Wan Lizheng had already entered the hall to welcome the guest, face wreathed in polite smiles and pleasantries.
"Haha, Xiaochuan, this is Brother Sha, whom I met during a discourse on the Azure Cliffs years ago. We once fought side by side against a serpent demon and broke the Scarlet Mist Formation... He's now a steward of Star Veil Sect, and came especially to visit an old friend."
Wan Xiaochuan's mind sharpened with quiet alertness. This Sha Zhengxin's sudden arrival, paired with an attempt to quickly close the distance through shared history, was clearly a calculated move. He glanced at Lin Qixian, who returned a faint nod, mirroring the same wariness.
"Junior Wan Xiaochuan greets Steward Sha," he said with a respectful bow, neither servile nor arrogant.
A glint flickered in Sha Zhengxin's eyes, his smile widening.
"Truly, Brother Wan's son is a youth of courage and spine. Xiaochuan, I came here today with a modest proposal. Might you be interested in joining our Yuhua Sword Sect?"
The words landed like a stone in still water, instantly shifting the air in the hall.
Wan Lizheng's brow furrowed. He did not object outright, but a flicker of hesitation surfaced in his gaze.
"Join your sect?" Wan Xiaochuan's expression remained composed, his tone calm.
"I appreciate Steward Sha's kind offer. However, I still bear responsibilities to my family, and duties to the village. I would not speak carelessly of such matters."
Sha Zhengxin's eyes narrowed ever so slightly as he sipped from a teacup, replying with tranquil ease,
"Quite reasonable… Still, the Wan clan has had no shortage of turmoil of late. Zeng Lihui and Yazhen—those two women seem far from simple. If ever you find yourself weary or beset by difficulties, our Star Veil Sect welcomes you to come cultivate in peace. I would personally see to your introduction to our inner elders."
Wan Xiaochuan felt a tremor in his heart. The man knew of the internal strife within the Wan family—down to names and details. This was no casual visit. Sha Zhengxin had clearly conducted thorough investigation beforehand.
Just then, a handmaid entered hastily and whispered something into Wan Lizheng's ear. His expression shifted subtly, but he quickly forced a smile and said,
"Brother Sha, your journey must have been tiring. Why not rest for a while? Xiaochuan, take Steward Sha on a stroll through the garden."
Wan Xiaochuan nodded slightly and turned to lead Sha Zhengxin toward the rear courtyard.
The stone path curved gently, flanked by flowering shrubs and shaded by trees. At a faux mountain rockery, Sha Zhengxin suddenly halted. In a low voice, he said,
"Xiaochuan, you possess rare talent and a resolute heart. If you can break through Foundation Establishment, your future will be remarkable. It's a pity... the Wan family may not be your true path."
Wan Xiaochuan's gaze flickered, but his voice remained steady.
"Thank you for your concern, Steward Sha. I intend to forge my own road."
The wind rose, and bamboo leaves trembled.
Sha Zhengxin turned and departed, his figure fading into the dawn's glow.
Wan Xiaochuan stood watching his retreating silhouette, a thought weighing in his mind:
This Sha Zhengxin... what is he truly after?
The wind and thunder had yet to subside—change was on the horizon.