Chapter 11 — Storm Over the Outer Peaks
The Outer Peaks of the Starry Sword Sect were unusually quiet that morning. Mist curled around the cliffs like pale serpents, and distant spirit beasts cried from the ravines. Jason Wu stood at the edge of a stone platform, his eyes closed, feeling the rhythm of the mountain breathe. Ever since the incident with the senior disciples, whispers about him had spread everywhere. Some mocked him. Some stayed cautious. A few wanted revenge.
But Jason Wu's focus was elsewhere. Today, he would begin his first official Outer Peaks mission.
"Oi, Brother Wu! You really came early!" A familiar voice called out. Fan Duyi jogged toward him, waving energetically. His robe was half-tied, hair wildly pointing in several directions despite his attempts to smooth it down.
Jason Wu chuckled. "You look like you've been wrestling with a chicken."
Fan Duyi groaned dramatically. "Don't remind me. My roommate snores like a dying demon bull. I barely slept."
"You'll survive," Jason Wu said, patting his friend's shoulder.
"And you'll survive the mission, right?" Fan Duyi wiggled his brows. "I heard Senior Sister Xueyin personally approved your assignment. Are you two… closer now?"
Jason Wu stiffened. "…No."
"Oh? That pause sounded suspicious."
Before he could answer, a cold, elegant voice drifted from behind them. "If you two are done gossiping like market aunties, we should begin."
Both boys turned.
Xueyin stood under the morning light, wearing her sky-blue sect robe, sleeves fluttering gently with the breeze. Her expression was calm, but her eyes sparkled faintly as she looked at Jason Wu—something soft, something curious.
Fan Duyi elbowed Jason Wu from behind. "Careful. The beauty has arrived. Try not to embarrass yourself."
Jason Wu pretended not to hear.
"Today's mission," Xueyin said, handing each of them a jade tablet, "is to locate the Wind-Soaring Serpent that has been attacking traveling merchants. The sect suspects it has consumed a rare spirit herb and mutated."
Fan Duyi paled. "A mutated serpent? Why does this feel less like a beginner mission and more like suicide?"
Xueyin's lips curved ever so slightly. "If you wish, you may withdraw."
Fan Duyi immediately straightened his back. "N-No need! I was merely expressing enthusiasm!"
Jason Wu exhaled slowly. A Wind-Soaring Serpent could be dangerous, but it was exactly the type of challenge he needed to grow. Ever since awakening Longwu Sword, he felt that every battle carved his path more clearly.
Xueyin began walking. The two boys followed.
As they traveled through the rugged forest, Jason Wu finally asked, "Senior Sister Xueyin… about yesterday. Thank you for speaking on my behalf during the punishment review."
Her steps faltered slightly—barely noticeable, but enough for Jason Wu to catch.
"You displayed potential, and I dislike unfair treatment," she said softly. "Besides… someone who dares to stand alone against a whole senior group is either foolish or admirable."
"Which one do you think I am?"
She glanced at him sideways. "Ask me again in a few years."
Fan Duyi coughed violently. "Can you two flirt later? I'm dying from the second-hand sweetness."
"Shut up," both Jason Wu and Xueyin said at the same time.
They continued deeper into the mountain. The trees grew denser, winds stronger, and faint traces of scattered scales appeared on the rocks.
"Careful," Xueyin whispered. "It's close."
Just as she spoke, the air trembled violently. A piercing shriek echoed through the valley. A massive green serpent broke through the canopy, wings spread like jagged blades of wind. Its eyes gleamed with madness.
Fan Duyi screamed. "IT'S HUGE! WHY IS IT LOOKING AT ME!?"
"It's not looking at you," Jason Wu corrected calmly. "It's looking at all of us."
The serpent lunged downward.
Jason Wu's hand moved instantly. The Longwu Sword flashed out, its dull iron gleam surprisingly sharp under sunlight.
"Oh wonderful," the sword spirit muttered in his mind, voice filled with sarcasm. "My first mission and it's a flying oversized lizard. Truly, fate is kind."
"Less complaining, more cutting," Jason Wu replied internally.
Xueyin formed hand seals, summoning spinning ice petals that shot toward the serpent. Fan Duyi, despite trembling, activated his talisman, forming a shaky defensive barrier.
Jason Wu dashed forward, spiritual energy surging. The serpent opened its jaws, releasing a tornado-like blast. Jason Wu spun mid-air, slicing through the pressure.
For the first time, Xueyin's eyes widened. "His sword control… improved this fast?"
Jason Wu landed on the serpent's wing, gripping Longwu Sword tightly.
"Ready?" he whispered.
"Oh, absolutely," Longwu Sword replied. "Try not to fall. I'd rather not spend the rest of my life buried in serpent drool."
Jason Wu slashed downward. Longwu Sword released a faint hum—almost approving. The serpent shrieked in pain, spiraling wildly as Jason Wu leapt off its back.
Xueyin finished her technique, sending a chain of frost that wrapped around the serpent's neck. "Jason Wu—finish it!"
Jason Wu dashed forward again, spiritual power bursting from his limbs. With a clean arc of his blade, the mutated serpent finally collapsed.
Fan Duyi flopped onto the ground, gasping dramatically. "I swear… I lost ten years of my life just now…"
Jason Wu sheathed his sword, breathing hard. Xueyin stepped closer, her gaze warm.
"Well done."
For a brief moment, the wind grew gentler around them, and Jason Wu felt something shift—a new bond forming. Not just romance, but respect, trust, and an unspoken promise of shared battles ahead.
The three stood together, gazing at the fallen serpent.
This mission… was only the beginning.