CHAPTER 5 — Shadows Behind the Visitor
The clerk's frantic breathing echoed through the small hall as Xueyin and Jason Wu turned toward him. His face was pale, and sweat beaded around his temples—clearly, this was not the kind of messenger who delivered good news.
"Who is it?" Jason Wu asked.
The clerk swallowed hard. "A man claiming to be a disciple from the Windward Forge Sect. He insists he must speak with you, and he refused to wait outside."
Jason Wu frowned. "A disciple? Which one? They're not exactly fond of me right now."
"He… didn't give a name."
Longwu Sword hummed. "Suspicious. Anyone unwilling to give a name is either dangerous, guilty, or both. I vote both."
Xueyin placed a reassuring hand on Jason Wu's arm. "Be careful. I'll come with you."
Her touch startled him more than the urgent message. "No need to put yourself in danger—"
"I wasn't asking permission," she said calmly.
Longwu Sword chuckled. "A strong woman. Good taste, boy."
Jason Wu ignored the sword and followed Xueyin and the clerk toward the front hall. The atmosphere grew heavier with each step, as though the building itself sensed an approaching storm.
When they reached the entrance hall, Jason Wu spotted the visitor immediately.
A tall figure in a dark cloak stood in the center, hands tucked inside wide sleeves. His aura was muted, but sharp—like a blade hidden beneath cloth. Though his face was partially shadowed by the hood, Jason Wu caught a glimpse of stern eyes.
Those eyes locked onto him.
"You are Jason Wu," the cloaked man said. His voice was low, steady, and far too calm for someone claiming urgent danger.
"That depends," Jason Wu replied. "If you're here to sell something, I'm not buying. If you're here to collect something, I'm still not buying."
Xueyin gave him a sideways glare. "Focus."
The visitor continued. "Your presence is required at the Windward Forge Sect. Elder Wan has collapsed."
Jason Wu froze. "Collapsed? Why?"
"I cannot explain here." The man stepped closer. "It concerns the sword on your back."
Longwu Sword vibrated slightly. "Hmm. Interesting. I don't recognize this one. Either he's new, or he's hiding his true cultivation."
Jason Wu studied the stranger's stance—firm, balanced, but not overtly aggressive. Still, something in the way he spoke made Jin uneasy.
"Why should I trust you?" Jason Wu asked.
"You should not," the man answered bluntly. "But Elder Wan entrusted me with this."He produced a jade token, engraved with the Windward Forge Sect's emblem and Elder Wan's personal seal.
Xueyin inspected it carefully. "It's authentic."
Jason Wu hesitated. Elder Wan might have been strict—even grumpy—but he had treated Jin fairly during the morning's ordeal. And if someone was targeting the sect, he couldn't ignore it.
Still… something was wrong.
"Boy," the sword whispered, tone unusually serious. "This man's qi flow… it's irregular. Like he's restraining something. Be alert."
The visitor turned, preparing to leave. "We depart now. Time is short."
Xueyin grabbed Jason Wu's sleeve before he could follow. Her brows knitted with worry. "Wait. Don't go alone. I'll arrange an escort."
The man's tone sharpened. "There is no time for that."
"There is always time for not dying," Xueyin countered.
Jason Wu almost smiled. Even in danger, her logic was impeccable.
But then the Longwu Sword nudged his mind gently. "Boy, she's concerned. You should acknowledge it."
Jason Wu exhaled softly. "Xueyin… thank you. But I have to see what's happening. If Elder Wan is in danger because of me—or this sword—I can't turn my back."
Her expression wavered for a moment, then steadied. "Fine. But at least take this."
She handed him a small pouch. Jason Wu peeked inside to find healing pills, talismans, and a small protective amulet.
"That's a lot," Jason Wu muttered. "Am I going to war or visiting a sick elder?"
"Both, apparently," she said. "Now go. And come back in one piece."
Jason Wu hesitated. "Should I promise?"
"You should try."
Longwu Sword snickered. "Humans and their complicated flirtation rituals."
Not helping.
The cloaked visitor waited outside the pavilion, silent as a shadow. When Jason Wu approached, he inclined his head once.
"Follow me," he said, turning away.
But as they walked through the dimly lit streets, the Longwu Sword spoke again.
"Something is wrong."
What now?
"He's walking the wrong direction."
Jason Wu blinked. What?
"The Windward Forge Sect lies east. He's heading north."
Jason Wu's pulse quickened. Maybe a shortcut?
"No." The sword's voice softened, almost like a warning from an old guardian. "He is leading you away from the sect. Away from witnesses. Away from help."
Cold realization slid down Jason Wu's spine.
He slowed his steps. "Hey," he called out, "you're not going toward the sect."
The man stopped.
Wind rustled through the empty street.
Then, slowly, the visitor turned his head—just enough for Jason Wu to see the faintest smirk beneath the hood.
"Ah," the man said. "So the legendary Longwu Sword hasn't dulled after all."
Longwu Sword's tone shifted into a calm, dangerous whisper.
"Boy. Prepare yourself."
In the distance, Xueyin Pavilion's lanterns flickered like fading stars.