Chapter 18: The Tale of Lucas (Part 2)

Chapter 18: The Tale of Lucas (Part 2)

"Is this Elder Lucas well-known? What's his background?" Eli Mason asked, a hint of surprise in his voice.

"You don't know about Elder Lucas?"

"I've been in seclusion for several years."

"Right, right, I forgot about that. My memory is really bad, I can't imagine there being a disciple in the Mystic Gate who doesn't know about Elder Lucas. I forgot that you were in seclusion," Finn suddenly realized, hastily apologizing.

"Can you tell me about Elder Lucas?"

"Brother Mason, of course! Elder Lucas's deeds are well-known among us younger disciples." As Finn saw that the opposing party had not yet sent out someone to face Elder Lucas in the arena, he began to recount the legendary tales of this famous figure to Eli.

"Brother Mason, I'm not bragging, but not only do we younger disciples know about Elder Lucas, but even the older disciples are quite familiar with his stories. Initially…" He began energetically recounting the stories of Elder Lucas, his spirited and spittle-flying manner as though he himself were the protagonist of the tale.

Listening to Finn recounting the feats of Elder Lucas, Eli couldn't help but find a touch of legend in the stories.

Elder Lucas had also joined the sect four years ago, not in the same batch as Eli Mason. He hadn't passed the entrance examination immediately and became a named disciple. However, in a test six months later, not only did he rank first in all categories, but he was also the only disciple who withstood thirty moves against the seniors, breaking all previous records set by named disciples and attracting the attention of many higher-ups. Surprisingly, it was discovered that Elder Lucas's talent was average and his potential limited, a diagnosis that many found regrettable. As such, no high-ranking figure took him as a disciple. After two years of basic training under an ordinary protector, learning only a few common martial arts, the Wind-Thunder Blade Technique was one among those, a rather ordinary skill within the intermediate level of the Mystic Gate.

If his story had ended there, Elder Lucas might not have been considered legendary, merely a case of an unfulfilled promise. But not long afterward, using the unremarkable Wind-Thunder Blade Technique, he spectacularly broke into the top sixteen in the junior disciples' competition the following year, the only new disciple to rank so high, once again making him the focus of the sect.

In subsequent competitions, Elder Lucas consistently performed with extraordinary bravery and unmatched sharpness, earning high ranks and bringing great honor to the younger disciples. In last year's major competition, he achieved third place. It's worth noting that the first two ranks were held by disciples who had joined the sect many years earlier. Though they were technically junior disciples, they were in their late twenties, their internal strength far surpassing his. Many believed that had Elder Lucas's internal strength matched theirs, the first place would have been easily his.

Thus, once again, Elder Lucas drew the attention of the upper echelons and was selected for several critical external missions. While other new disciples were still diligently practicing their martial arts within the sect, he had already begun accumulating merits for the Mystic Gate in the martial world, earning the formidable nickname "Lucas the Fierce." It was said that he would soon be granted special permission to enter the Seven Absolutes Hall to cultivate more advanced martial arts.

Upon hearing this, Eli Mason couldn't help but be moved. If all these things were true, then Elder Lucas was indeed no ordinary figure. Starting as a named disciple and achieving such feats was admirable indeed.

On the opposing side, after much procrastination, a disciple finally stepped forward reluctantly.

This disciple seemed skilled too, drawing a gleaming, thin rapier from his waist, the sword only as thick as a thumb and limp, indicating it was not something an ordinary person could wield.

Elder Lucas, sensing someone approaching, slowly opened his eyes, which were full of vigor.

He suddenly shouted loudly, like a thunderclap in a clear sky, making everyone's ears buzz, and startling his opponent, who showed a hint of panic.

With his shout, the long blade moved, a streak of blade light flashing, executing several chained moves that instantly transformed into over a dozen blade shadows, trapping his opponent within a web of blades.

His opponent was quick-witted, although slightly flustered, the rapier moved unpredictably, tricky and venomous, defending watertight.

"Who is this person?" Eli couldn't help but ask.

"He's Zane Sterling, a disciple of the Fifth Elder, skilled in the Willow Flute Sword Technique, quite difficult to deal with."

"How does he compare to Elder Lucas?"

"Certainly no match," Finn proudly stated.

"Then why didn't they send someone more capable?"

"Ha! Zane Sterling is the best they have. Besides, which of us new disciples could defeat Elder Lucas? It would be futile no matter who they sent," he laughed somewhat schadenfreude.

Indeed, though Zane Sterling's swordplay was not yet disordered, his momentum was completely suppressed by Elder Lucas's long blade, clearly outclassed, with defeat only a matter of time.

Eli watched for a while, then voiced a nagging doubt.

"I find something very odd. Why are there no older disciples around? Even if they are not allowed to compete, shouldn't they at least come to watch? But there are none, either inside or outside the arena, only us teenagers. What's going on?" Eli unceremoniously raised his question.

Hearing Eli's question, Finn's expression changed, looking at him with a strange gaze that left Eli puzzled. Could it be that he had touched on a taboo?

"Brother Mason, you really don't know?" Finn asked, lowering his voice. "The older disciples, they've all been sent on missions. There's been an ongoing conflict with the Wild Wolf Gang. The sect elders decided that real-world experience is more valuable than sparring matches here. So, they've sent all the older disciples to fight."

Eli's eyes widened. "The Wild Wolf Gang? I've heard of them. They're notorious for their ruthlessness."

Finn nodded. "Exactly. The sect lost many good men in the initial clashes. It's why the elders decided to send out the more experienced disciples. Only the younger ones like us remain."

The arena erupted with cheers as Elder Lucas's blade finally disarmed Zane Sterling, his rapier flying from his hand. Zane clutched his wrist, his face pale and trembling. The crowd roared with approval, praising Elder Lucas's prowess.

"Elder Lucas, that was incredible!" someone shouted from the stands.

"Teach us, Elder Lucas!" another voice echoed.

Lucas sheathed his sword, acknowledging the applause with a modest nod. However, Eli noticed the way Lucas's eyes darted towards the edge of the arena, a flicker of unease crossing his face. Before anyone could ask, Lucas excused himself, his form swiftly disappearing into the forest.

"Elder Lucas, always so mysterious," Finn remarked, shaking his head.

Eli, however, was deep in thought. There was more to Lucas than met the eye, and Eli was determined to uncover it. The way Lucas had disappeared, the sudden urgency—it all suggested that there were secrets, perhaps dangerous ones, lurking behind that calm exterior.

Later that evening, as the moon cast a silvery glow over the Mystic Gate, Eli decided to follow Lucas. Moving silently through the trees, he saw Lucas by a secluded stream, staring at his reflection in the water.

"Who's there?" Lucas's voice cut through the silence, his eyes sharp as he turned.

"It's me, Eli," Eli stepped out from the shadows, raising his hands to show he meant no harm.

"Eli Mason," Lucas sighed, relaxing his stance. "What are you doing here?"

"I was curious," Eli admitted. "You seem burdened, Elder Lucas. I wanted to make sure you're alright."

Lucas chuckled, but there was no humor in it. "You're perceptive, Eli. There are things... things you don't understand."

"Then help me understand," Eli pressed. "You've achieved so much, but you always seem so distant, so... troubled."

Lucas looked away, his expression hardening. "Some burdens are too heavy to share, Eli. You must focus on your own path."

"But we're all part of the same sect," Eli argued. "We should help each other."

For a moment, Lucas was silent, the tension palpable. Then, he turned to Eli, his eyes softening slightly. "You remind me of myself when I first joined. So eager, so determined. But there are some battles one must face alone."

Eli didn't know what to say. He felt a mix of admiration and frustration. Lucas's words resonated with him, but they also left him with more questions than answers.

As Lucas walked away, Eli made a silent vow. He would uncover the truth about Elder Lucas, not out of mere curiosity, but because he felt a deep connection to the man who had achieved so much yet seemed so burdened. Eli knew that their paths were intertwined, and he was determined to find out how and why.