The entire way to the sect was filled with various history lessons from Wei, who carefully explained every small detail about his father's legacy.
The thing that intrigued me the most was the sect's wealth. Despite being around for a mere 70 years, which compared to the major sects is a number not worth mentioning, their finances are doing far better than an average small city.
Due to the sect's hands-on approach and proactive disciple engagement with the world, each task brings the sect a considerable amount of material rewards. Whether it's money, spirit stones, or rare materials, the sect has plenty to spare.
Herbs and organic matter such as hides or beast cores are in abundance as well, but for a different reason altogether. In this world, in order to process these rare resources, the sect needs an alchemist.
''And as I was saying, these alchemists...''
Ptew!
''Arrogant bastards. Even with generous compensation, they refuse to work with a smaller sect. All because of their damn pride.''
Wei becomes rather emotional as he speaks of his experiences with alchemists, to the point where he begins spitting with sheer annoyance.
''Oh, that reminds me, why did you buy the m-''
Caw! Caw!
A flock of startled crows bursts from the forest, black feathers falling off of the skies as they frantically attempt to fly away.
Suddenly, he stops in his tracks and turns around, his hands placed on his daggers, ready to draw them at any moment.
''Xu Cheng, behind me, now!''
He orders, voice firm and commanding.
I do as he wants and position myself directly behind him. As I focus on my senses, I can't help but feel like he's playing a joke. I can't hear anything. Nothing besides the crows and crickets.
''Sect Master Tan, what's wrong?''
With his eyes glued to the forest, he gives me a side glance to make sure I'm safe.
Then I saw it, a shadow. Just for a flicker of a second, something moved deep within the forest, leaving behind a trail of leaves.
''It's the Cloud Valley bastards. The reason why they have 'Cloud' in the name is not because they are on the mountain, it's because of their movement technique.''
A shudder runs down my spine as I realize what those words mean. A movement technique that my senses are unable to detect or react to...
''Well, now I know that you're not a golden core like myself. When you reach golden core, you will be able to send out your Qi to scout your surroundings.''
'...'
I can do it. I've done it before. But had I done it now, you would be scared of me, not them.
A few moments later, his posture relaxes and his hands slowly ease up their grip on the weapons.
''There were two elders. They've likely been trying to figure out who I've been spending so much time with... since, well... it's unusual for me.''
Slightly embarrassed, he gives me yet another pat on my back, pushing me forward.
''We should hurry. I don't want any accidents to happen on such a joyous night.''
He picks up the pace, going as far as to use his cultivation in an attempt to get to the safety of the sect ever so slightly sooner.
'This is pathetic. Running away because of two elders... Even if it's to protect me, it's just too much...'
Not liking the situation one bit, I decide to say nothing and simply follow suit.
.
Less than twenty minutes later, an expansive gate appears in our field of vision. With a smirk, Tan Wei glances at me over his shoulder.
''We're here. Your new home, Xu Cheng. Or should I call you Elder Xu? Hahaha!''
Laughing at his own joke, he slows down his pace and fixes his appearance. With a flick of his wrist, all the dust and dirt separates from his robe, making him look mighty and dignified.
'...'
I, on the other hand, reach into my inner pocket and pull out a black mask. There are no fancy decorations, nor is it made by a well-known artisan. Just a cheap mask I bought on my way here.
Placing it on my face, I make my way towards the Sect Leader. He looks at me, dumbfounded by my actions.
''I know you bought it earlier, but why?''
I bow my head slightly, letting the mask tilt just enough to catch the dim light.
''Because I'm young, Sect Master Tan. With disciples like yours, a boy like me will command no respect. To them, I'm no authority, just another peer.''
Tap Tap Tap...
I tap on my mask rhythmically. Each time my finger comes into contact with the mask, a sliver of my cultivation releases.
''But if I stand in front of them as something faceless, something unknown that cannot be read or understood, their own imagination will be my greatest asset.''
Sect Master Tan's brows frown for a second, but then his lips curl into an approving smile.
''Hah, clever. You speak of fear as a teacher. My father used to say something similar. The unsheathed blade kills the body, but the sheathed one haunts the mind. I'm beginning to understand what he meant.''
I don't answer. The rhythm of my finger against the mask fills the silence instead.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
A few steps later, the mountain path widens, and the great gates of Tiger Peak rise ahead. Disciples patrol the entrance, or at least they should.
Everywhere I look, only disappointment follows. The fat disciple over there is stuffing his face with dumplings, the other one that is leaning against the gate is most certainly drunk. Hell, these two are gambling.
Sect Master Tan lets out a long sigh.
''We're here. Make yourself... at home.''
Looking at the scene in front of me, I cannot help but frown myself.
'This won't do. They are useless to me like this.'
I turn to the Sect Master, my expression hidden, but a cold glint can be seen in my blue eyes.
''Sect Master Tan, I would like to start the reform now. Would that be alright?''
The real work begins now.
.
.
.
[STATUS]
[Name: Han Ye]
[Age: 18]
[Cultivation: Terror Manifestation Realm - Late Stage ▸ Qi Condensation - Early Stage]
[Fear Points: 4 238]
[Trauma: +523/day]
[Infamy: +24/day]
[Fear Points needed for the next stage: 6 000]
[Techniques: Shadowless Step, Thousand Faces Arts (incomplete), Silent Pulse Breathing, Crow Shroud Technique]