The Sword Saint [Pt 1]

The path that led to the Master of the Sect was both simple and arduous. The Sect Leader resided at the peak of the highest mountain that covered the entire Sword Saint Sect. For those who sought his presence, the journey was difficult and not meant for the faint of heart.

Liu couldn't help but feel embarrassed as he clung to Cu Ren's back. The older, bulkier fellow was doing all the walking while he enjoyed the lift. After thirty minutes of ascending, it seemed like they weren't going to stop anytime soon.

"Just so you know, I can go faster. I'm just being considerate of your young body," Cu Ren said, never missing an opportunity to remind Liu of his age.

Liu wondered why Cu Ren felt the need to prove himself to a mere kid, but he decided to ignore it and focus on his thoughts instead. "Who is this Sect Leader?" he wondered.

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Finally, after over an hour of trekking, they reached the peak of Pei Min Mount. As they ascended, Liu had the chance to gather his thoughts and admire the breathtaking landscape surrounding him. From the elevated height, he was able to view the entire sect, and it was a truly awe-inspiring experience.

At the top of the mountain sat a temple adorned in white, with golden engravings that represented purity. Liu found himself drawn to it, mesmerized by its beauty.

The mural on the building depicted a blade and its sheath, with a hand stretched out in between. Liu wasn't much of an art enthusiast, so he didn't pay much attention to it. However, the white plum trees that decorated the small compound around the temple gave off a sweet, alluring aroma that welcomed him as he drew closer.

Cu Ren led the way, but Liu followed closely behind. As they approached the temple's entrance, Cu Ren stopped a few inches short and clapped his fist to his palm, bowing in reverence.

"Cu Ren has arrived, Master. I have brought the young boy you desired to see here," he spoke in a deferential tone that surprised Liu.

A soothing voice emerged from within the temple, causing Cu Ren to stiffen a little. "Very well. Thank you, Cu Ren."

Cu Ren's face broke into a smile, and he bowed his head even lower. "Allow him to come in. I wish to meet him alone."

"Understood, Master!" Cu Ren nodded energetically, turning to deliver the good news to Liu. However, before he could speak, the young boy walked past him, heading straight for the temple.

"Thanks for carrying me all the way here," Liu waved without looking back at the shocked Cu Ren.

"Y-you can talk?!" Cu Ren stuttered in disbelief.

Liu's heart raced as he approached the temple doors. He longed to see Cu Ren's flustered face, but now wasn't the time for games. He was eager to meet the person who had saved his life.

"You may come in, young one," a voice called from inside.

Liu gulped, his hand trembling as he pushed open one side of the wooden double doors. He was immediately struck by the warmth that enveloped him. Despite the bitter winter outside, it felt almost too warm to be real.

But Liu knew better than to question the magic that had brought him here. "You've come this far, Liu," he whispered to himself. "Let's go in and thank our benefactor."

As he stepped inside, an indescribable warmth flowed through him, tingling his skin and hugging his insides. The captivating aroma from earlier was nothing compared to the scents that now filled the air.

He found himself in a moderately large room, larger and more beautiful than the Healing Cottage where he had recovered. Warm mats insulated the floor, making it soft and comfortable underfoot. The temperature was perfectly balanced, neither too warm nor too cold.

Most striking of all was the veil that separated his side of the room from the other end. It was thin, almost translucent, and yet Liu could not see what lay beyond it.

"Please, have a seat," the voice from earlier called again, and Liu realized with a start that he was not alone.

Liu obediently plopped down on the ground, facing the veil. He wasn't sure about the proper etiquette for greeting the Master, or even if it was necessary to do so. But he felt compelled to express his gratitude.

"Um... I want to thank you for saving me back then. I would have died if not for you. T-thanks... erm... Sect Leader." Liu stumbled over his words, feeling awkward and unsure.

To demonstrate his sincerity, he bowed his head, humbled by the experience of being saved by this mysterious person.

"Please, raise your head. There's no need to go that far," the voice said gently.

Liu looked up and was surprised to see the veil opening, revealing the white-haired person he had met in the snowy field. He couldn't help but marvel at their beauty once again, his heart racing and his cheeks burning hot. There was something about this encounter that sent him into overdrive.

"Allow me to introduce myself, young one. I am the Sect Leader of this place, though I am better known by another title," the person said, smiling warmly.

"The Sword Saint," they added, and Liu's jaw dropped wide open in sheer amazement.

But almost instantly, his expression warped into one of disbelief and suspicion. "You look troubled, young one. What appears to be the matter?" the Sword Saint asked, drawing closer to Liu.

Liu's pink lips grew more intense as he struggled to speak. "Your statement... how can you be the Sword Saint?" He tried to avoid eye contact, but the Sword Saint's azure eyes were too compelling to ignore.

"What do you mean by that?" they asked, their smile fading slightly.

Liu struggled to articulate his doubts, but he persevered, determined to make his point. Taking a deep breath, he balled his fists and spoke with conviction.

"The Sword Saint is a legend that has endured for over three centuries. According to the tales, he defied the Three Pillars of the World and fought for the people, putting an end to the Great Conflict. But to me, it seems more like a myth than a historical fact. The feats and accomplishments attributed to the Sword Saint seem too embellished, too unbelievable."

Liu's thoughts raced as he considered the implications of his doubts. Was the person before him truly the Sword Saint, or merely someone who had adopted the title? As he pondered this question, he realized that something crucial was missing.

"The Sword Saint was a man, wasn't he?" Liu blurted out, his eyes fixed on the woman before him. "But you're a woman."

He couldn't help but stare at her. Her beauty was beyond compare, surpassing even the stars themselves. With every passing moment, Liu felt his heart race faster and faster, unable to control the surge of emotions coursing through him.

"What did you just say?" The self-proclaimed Sword Saint's words suddenly brought him out of his charmed state.

All of a sudden, the smile on her face was gone, and a somewhat cautious glare replaced her kind eyes.

Liu instantly realized he had made a mistake. Based on the sudden switch in the Master's emotions, he could tell that she was angry

"Did you just… call me a woman?"

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[A/N]

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