Wudang Mountain rose into the clouds with seventy-two emerald peaks and twenty-four emerald streams singing through the valleys. Mist curled like silk across the ridges, and pine branches swayed in quiet reverence. Liam Ardent gazed upon it, hands clasped behind his back.
No wonder they call this the place where the True Martial Emperor ascended. It feels... sacred.
Throughout the journey from the Han River, Liam had treated Lucas Rowan once a day. The visible frost had faded, and the boy's complexion looked healthier. Yet what Lucas did not know was that half of the remaining cold poison had been diverted secretly—toward a single fragile place below the waist. For now, it caused no pain. But in a month or two, when it fully settled, Lucas Rowan would find himself forever ruined as a man.
Liam's eyes remained calm as he followed Master Elias Rowan up the steep stone path. Lucas staggered behind them, still weak. At the mountain gate, five disciples in snow-white robes stepped forward. They wore sword-hilts at their waists and carried the poise of men born into discipline.
They bowed together toward Elias Rowan. "Welcome home, Master."
Information flashed instantly through Liam's mind:
Ethan Longbridge – Peak First-RateJulian Yule – Early Super-First-Rate; highest perceptionStephen Rowan – First-Rate Late-StageAldric Rowan – First-Rate mid-stageMorris Glen – First-Rate early-stage
The famous Wudang Five Heroes. Each of them a powerful presence in the martial world. Liam had to admit — Wudang deserved its reputation as a true pillar of the Jianghu.
Elias Rowan raised a hand. "Spare us the ceremony."
Ethan Longbridge turned to Lucas, surprise breaking across his face. "Your complexion is much better than before! Master must have found a cure at Shaolin!"
Elias sighed deeply. "Shaolin refused to lend their Nine Yang Scripture. It was a wasted journey. The one who saved him is this young friend here."
The five disciples turned toward Liam with respectful nods.
"We thank you, sir," Julian Yule said with a polite clasp of his hands. "Might we know your name? Wudang will repay your favor in the future."
"Liam Ardent," he said with a faint nod.
At once the five men stiffened. A ripple of shock passed through them.
"You… you're the one they call the 'Killing God' of the western rivers?" Ethan Longbridge uttered.
"The one who slew Mother Clarisse Hale…" Morris Glen murmured, eyes wide.
A malicious light sparked in Lucas Rowan's eyes. "Master Longbridge, don't thank him so quickly. He only saved me on the condition that he be allowed to enter Wudang's Scripture Hall to read our books."
"What?!" the five disciples exclaimed, brimming with fury.
"That hall holds the greatest secrets of our sect!" Aldric Rowan snapped.
"We cannot simply let a stranger wander among our manuals," Stephen Rowan added sharply.
Liam only smiled. Arrogant hypocrites. All bark and no bite.
Before the five could argue further, Elias Rowan raised a hand with quiet authority. "Enough. I have already agreed to his condition. One day only. And in exchange, my grandson will be cured."
Murmurs of protest died immediately. Though they clearly disapproved, none dared defy the patriarch. They stepped back with clenched fists, glaring at Liam, who seemed completely unbothered.
Liam turned to Elias Rowan with a pleasant expression. "Time is short. Shall we proceed to the Scripture Hall?"
Elias Rowan gave a faint nod. "Julian, take Lucas to rest. The rest of you, disperse."
Julian Yule wrapped an arm around Lucas and led him toward the inner path. The others bowed stiffly and departed, throwing Liam a final cold look. Liam ignored them entirely.
Elias Rowan personally led Liam up a smaller stone path that wound through pine groves, finally arriving before a three-story octagonal building with golden tiles and carved scriptures on every beam.
"This is the Scripture Vault of Wudang," Elias Rowan said calmly. "Enter. You have one day. I shall be outside. When you emerge, you will fulfill your oath."
Liam's eyes glimmered with excitement. Wudang and Shaolin are the twin pillars. If I master what lies here… my power will rise by leaps and bounds.
"I understand," Liam said.
Elias Rowan ascended the branch of a pine tree nearby, sitting cross-legged to meditate and keep watch.
Liam stepped into the Scripture Hall. The scent of old paper and sandalwood greeted him. Rows and rows of jade shelves filled with scrolls, manuals, ancient diagrams. The internal arts of Wudang — Tai Chi theories, Cloud Steps, Jade Pure Scripture — all within reach.
His pulse quickened.
One day… is enough.
Glossary – Chapter 29
Wudang Five Heroes – The five senior disciples of Master Elias Rowan: Ethan Longbridge, Julian Yule, Stephen Rowan, Aldric Rowan, and Morris Glen. Formidable warriors, considered paragons of the younger generation.
Wudang Scripture Vault – The sacred library of Wudang Sect, holding sword arts, internal manuals, and cultivation scriptures. Rarely opened to outsiders.
This story is inspired from various Wuxia novels ,so if you find any similarities please dont mind . and if you think this is boring wait till the Dual cultivation starts ,Thank you .
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T/N :
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