Back in the weatherworn courtyard of the Taoist Sect grounds, Sheung stood before Elder Hua, his fists clenched at his sides.
"They laughed," he said. "Laughed like I didn't belong. Like this entire place is just a joke to them."
Elder Hua raised an eyebrow but let him speak.
"I could've said something. I almost did. But then this girl—Jingfei, from Crystal Bell Hall—stood up for me. I don't even know her. Why would she do that?"
Hua gently closed the book she'd been reading. "Because the Crystal Bell Hall and our Taoist sect have stood side by side since the academy's founding. There are old bonds… forged long before any of those jeering students were born."
Sheung blinked. "I thought we were forgotten."
"Forgotten by the arrogant? Perhaps," Hua said, rising to her feet. "But not by those who understand the value of what we preserve. Our sect is one of the Nine Original Schools that form the foundation of this academy. Ancient bloodlines, sacred arts, and divine alliances all run through our roots."
She looked toward the moss-covered walls of the reception hall. "Of course, over time, some houses have become rivals… or enemies. There are factions that look upon us with disdain—because we don't chase fame, or because they fear what the Tao awakens in those who truly follow it."
She turned to Fei, who stood quietly at the side.
"Fei, you will instruct Sheung in the layout of the Grand Academy. The factions, the noble houses, the political undercurrents. He needs to understand who stands with us… and who would see us fall."
Fei gave a curt nod. "Understood."
Sheung hesitated. "Elder Hua… what happened to my father?"
The question came out quietly, but it landed like a thunderclap in the silence that followed.
Elder Hua's eyes softened, but her expression turned guarded. She stepped closer and placed a hand on Sheung's shoulder.
"That is a story for another time," she said gently. "Just know this—your father made a brave choice. A necessary sacrifice. One that ensured this sect would survive long enough to see your return."
Sheung's jaw tightened. "But I need to know—"
"You will know. In time. But for now, your task is clear: build your strength, earn your place, and restore the name of the Dragonblood Sect."
He looked away, but nodded. "Yes, Elder."
As the sun dipped behind the mountain ridge, casting long shadows over the ancient grounds, Fei motioned to him. "Come on. I'll show you who's who."
And with that, the lessons of rivalries, alliances, and forgotten debts began.