Lai Jiangli's First Training
Jin Weixing stood at the highest point of the summit, his robes fluttering gently in the wind as he gazed down at the circle of disciples gathered below. They were not ordinary cultivators-they were heirs, prodigies, and prideful successors of powerful sects across the empire. Among the crowd stood a figure noticeably alone: Lai Jiangli.
He wore black robes with a silver edge, simple yet elegant, without a sect emblem upon his sleeve. Unlike the others flanked by retainers, he stood in solitude. But his presence alone was enough to spark whispers among the elite.
Notable figures in attendance included Clan Leader Cao Jun of the Sha Mo Long Sect from Pengjun; Young Leader Zhou Xilun of the Shui Long Sect from Lianglian; and Young Leader Wang Zhaoting of the Black Wind Sect of Taiqing. Despite their martial prowess, they were here not for combat, but for cultivation-a path deeper and more spiritual than mere technique.
Each stood proud, bolstered by the presence and prestige of their clans. Only Jiangli stood without backing, without banners. And yet, his bearing remained calm.
Jin Weixing's voice echoed across the mountaintop. "The cultivation world is vast, filled with infinite mysteries. It gladdens me to see such esteemed heirs gathered here. May Heaven Sect's guidance bring you all clarity and strength."
Zhou Xilun smiled politely, fanning himself. "Clan Leader Jin, we are honored to be welcomed by you. I hope this summit fosters harmony among our sects."
Before Weixing could respond, Cao Jun raised his voice. "Clan Leader Jin, given the proximity of Guangzhen to the Golden Palace, is there a representative from any-from their Shadow Sect?"
Weixing chuckled. "After the fall of the Magic Sect during the incident within the Golden Palace, their numbers diminished and people began despising them. Still, yes, the Shadow Sect sent someone."
A murmur of surprise spread. All eyes turned curiously.
"Master Lai Jiangli," Weixing called, his tone formal.
Jiangli stepped forward silently. His stride was smooth, posture perfect, and eyes unshaken. He bowed and a ripple of gasps followed.
"This is him?" Zhaoting asked, astonished. He stepped forward and bowed. "Master Lai, it is an honor to finally meet you."
Others followed suit, giving him a respectful bow. Jiangli responded with a graceful return.
"Master Lai, I am Zhou Xilun of the Shui Long Sect," Xilun said, bowing with a smile. "Nice to see you."
Jiangli inclined his head. "I've heard about many great things from you, Young Leader Zhou. Your fame precedes you."
Xilun flushed slightly, hiding behind his fan. "You flatter me."
Cao Jun then stepped forward, his gaze piercing.
Jiangli bowed with equal politeness. "Clan Leader Cao. I heard you were once a close ally of my Young Lord."
Cao Jun scoffed. "Close? Did that traitor tell you that? Tell him that his ally despises him that he wants to see him getting his face smudged on the ground."
Jiangli remained bowed. "I apologize. I shouldn't have spoken out of turn."
Cao Jun turned around gazing from his shoulder. "Why isn't he here himself? Why did he send you?"
"He has personal matters that require his attention," Jiangli replied evenly. "He sends his regrets."
Cao Jun huffed and turned away. "How convenient."
"Dàgē," Zhou Xilun said quietly. "Don't be rude."
Cao Jun ignored him and returned to his place.
"Master Lai, forgive him. He-"
"Zhou Xilun," Cao Jun interrupted. "Come back here."
Xilun gave Jiangli a regretful look and jogged back.
"If you hate Zhao Lianyu, leave Master Lai out of it," Xilun muttered as he passed Cao Jun.
Cao Jun gave him a cold look and did not respond.
"Enough chatter," Weixing commanded. "Enter the Heaven Hall. Your class await. Lai Jiangli, stay behind."
"Stay behind?" Cao Jun asked. "Is he not joining the class?"
"Lai Jiangli will not be studying general cultivation. He seeks martial enlightenment. I will personally train him."
"Then who will instruct us?" Zhaoting asked, confusex.
"My son, Jin Song," Weixing answered. "He will guide you within Heaven Sect."
The group slowly made their way toward the palace, Xilun giving Jiangli a final apologetic look before disappearing into the great golden doors. Soon, the mountaintop was quiet once more.
Jin Weixing descended to the summit and stood beside Jiangli.
"Master-Clan Leader Jin, where shall we begin?"
"Call me Master if it makes things easier," Weixing said lightly. "Usually, one starts with meditation. But you are already practiced in martial arts."
Jiangli nodded. "Then what can Heaven Sect teach that Shadow Sect cannot?"
"Balance," Weixing replied. "Shadow Sect excels at precision, stealth, and speed. But Heaven Sect teaches clarity and resilience through spiritual martial cultivation. Now, hand me your sword."
Jiangli hesitated, then handed it over. "What will you do with it?"
Weixing examined the blade. "Shadow and Heaven. Yin and Yang. Opposing yet dependent. This sword is crafted for quick death. But to wield it with calm is a greater art."
"Our sect may embrace the shadows martial arts," Jiangli said, "but we do not pursue evil, we focus more on the righteousness side."
"And I never said you did," Weixing replied, returning the weapon. "Sit in the center. Hold your sword upright as you meditate. Let go only when your mind is completely focused. If the sword floats, you've succeeded. If not-begin again."
Jiangli obeyed. He took position in the center, closed his eyes, and focused his breathing. The wind was cold. The mountaintop was still. When he let go, the blade fell with a metallic clang.
Again. Clang.
Again. Clang.
Weixing watched from a distance, unmoving.
Hours passed and still the blade made a noise on the ground.
---
Pingyong
Elsewhere, within the halls of the Qi Clan, Zifen sat at a his table, swirling his wine.
"With the fall of the Magic Sect, the Golden Palace is fractured," he sneered.
A guard entered and bowed. "Clan Leader, Heaven Sect is holding a class in Guanzheng. Prominent heirs attended the class."
"And We are not invited?" Zifen chuckled.
"No, my lord."
Zifen laughed. "So they've forgotten the Qi Clan. Typical. What of Zhao Lianyu? Did he attend the class?"
"Unfortunately, he didn't. But he sent his top assassin. Lai Jiangli."
Zifen raised a brow. "Even better. Their blade is alone. In three months, we seize the Jade Crystal. With Zhao Lianyu distracted and his hound isolated, the Golden Palace will crumble into pieces in our arrival."
---
Back at the summit, Jiangli still sat at the center, sword clanging again and again.
From the hall, Cao Jun emerged, followed by Zhou Xilun and Wang Zhaoting. Xilun spotted Jiangli and frowned.
"He's still at it. That's determination."
Cao Jun smirked. Without a warning, he drew a hidden dagger from his robe and flicked it toward the center of the summit.
Jiangli's eyes snapped open. He raised his sword immediately and deflected the blade with sharp precision.
"Apologies," Cao Jun said mockingly. "I mistook you for an intruder."
Jiangli said nothing. He bowed again and resumed his practice.
"Dàgē!" Xilun snapped. "What is wrong with you?!"
"The mountain has no barriers. Anyone could sneak in," Cao Jun replied indifferently.
"And since when did that happen?" Xilun raised an eyebrow.
Cao Jun rolled his eyes and walked away, followed by his sect diciples.
Xilun sighed, drawing his flute. He played a gentle melody. The soft sound of water flowed through the air. Even the breeze grew still.
Jiangli's focus returned. He tried again, he closed his eyes and let go of his blade again
This time, Jiangli didn't hear clang. The sword hovered right in front of him.
Weixing, hidden in the shadows, smiled faintly.
Jiangli kept his eyes shut, still concentrating. Xilun stopped the play and watched as Jiangli gain full concentration.
Zhaoting ran up to Xilun. "What song was that?"
"It was the Water Dragon's Melody. A Shui Long Sect calming technique. When the person playing the flute played it for a specific person, that person's mind will calm just like ztill water." Xilun explained.
Zhaoting grinned. "He's doing it. He's really doing it."
Cao Jun stopped from his tracks, his eyes piercing as he watched Jiangli. Without another warning, Cao Jun stepped forward again, his hand resting on his blade.
"Dàgē-!"
"Let him be," Weixing said, stepping out.
Cao Jun slashed. Jiangli, still seated, blocked the strike without opening his eyes. The clash of metal echoed around the summit.
Gasps rang out from the bystanders on the side of the mountain.
"His sword, it moved on it's own." Xilun said, in disbelief.
Cao Jun pressed again, but the sword kept blocking his path.
Jiangli's brows furrowed around the noise and the disturbance outside his mind. He opened his eyes and blocked another attack from Cao Jun.
"Clan Leader Cao," he said quietly, "Wh-what are you doing?"
Cao Jun didn't reply. He pushed forawrd, sending Jiangli sliding away. He sheathed his sword and turned away with a pissed look.
Xilun and Zhaoting rushed to Jiangli's side.
"Master Lai, are you alright?" Zhaoting asked as he held him with support.
"Just sore arms. I'm fine." Jiangli replied, catching his breath.
"Why does Clan Leader Cao despises you so much?" Zhaoting asked.
"It's Dàge," Xilun explained, voice strained. "Young Lord Zhao, Dàgē, and Èrge Cao Jin, the three of them were once close friend. The Shadow Sect of the Golden Palace and the Sha Mo Long Sect of the Dragon's Land once made an alliance. And then due to some kind of betrayal, Zhao Lianyu accidentally killed Érgē, and Dàgē hated Zhao Lianyu since then." Xilun explained. "But he doesn't have to vent out on you too."
Jiangli's face clouded as he glanced on the ground, puzzled. His balance swayed. And then-he collapsed to the floor.
"Master Lai!" Zhaoting shouted. "Tong Liu!" Zhaoting called.
A guard appeared and slowly lifted Jiangli carefully.
"Bring him to his room and care for him." Zhaoting instructed.
As Tong Liu carried him off, Xilun whispered, "Why would Zhao Lianyu send him alone into Heaven Sect without any assistance? Plus he'ssupposed to be the one attending the class, not Master Lai."
Zhaoting looked out at the summit. "Maybe he didn't have a choice."
Xilun nodded and sighed. "We have an exorcism in Graveyard Town in three days. There's been some strange disappearances lately when people cross the town."
Zhaoting groaned. "We just started the lesson, Heaven Sect is no sanctuary after having that class. It's a battlefield of ghosts."