Chapter 18: Revelations of the Sect Master

Zhu Long and a group of children were traversing the cobblestone streets of Silver City, an urban hub bustling with the everyday life of its inhabitants. The children, with curious gazes and hands tucked into their trouser pockets, followed Zhu Long, who walked with the confidence of one who knows their destination well.

As they approached the north gate, Zhu Long turned to the children and asked with a smile, "Would you like to eat something before we continue?"

The children, shaking their heads vigorously, declined the offer. The prospect of adventure seemed to have completely taken away their appetite.

Zhu Xiang looked up and asked with a voice full of anticipation, "But Dad, where are we going?"

"Well, I suppose it's time for you to know," Zhu Long replied, winking. "We're going to a sect that's five minutes from here."

They left the city and took a path heading northeast. The transition from the urban to the countryside was almost imperceptible, with the last houses fading into the landscape until only they and the road remained. Soon, a series of mountains rose before them, and a stone staircase marked the beginning of their ascent.

They climbed at a steady pace, and upon reaching the top, a hidden valley unfolded before their eyes. A complex of palaces stood majestically, and without hesitation, they headed to the central palace. The large wooden doors opened with a soft creak, revealing a throne room where time seemed to have stopped.

On the throne, an elderly man with snow-white hair and a presence that radiated wisdom sat with his eyes closed. Sensing the arrival of the visitors, he slowly opened his eyes and fixed his gaze upon them.

Zhu Long, following protocol, knelt before the Sect Master and bowed his head in respect. "I see the Sect Master," he said reverently.

The elder, with a voice that resonated with gentleness and authority, replied, "How many times have I told you there's no need to kneel, a bow is sufficient."

Zhu Long nodded, feeling a mix of respect and a familiar helplessness at the master's insistence. He rose slowly, maintaining a look of deep respect towards the elder.

Silence took over the throne room as the Sect Master, with a penetrating and serene gaze, focused on the red-eyed child. There was something in his stance, a coldness in his gaze, that set him apart from the rest. The elder, with a barely perceptible smile, seemed to recognize in him a familiar spark.

"Which one of you is Xue Sha?" the Master inquired, his voice resonating with a calm that contrasted with the palpable tension in the air.

Without hesitation, the red-eyed child stepped forward, his expression unchanging. "I am," said Xue Sha, his voice as cold as his gaze, devoid of the curiosity or nervousness one would expect from a youth in his position.

The Sect Master observed him carefully and then asked with a tone that suggested prior knowledge, "Do you know who I am?"

Xue Sha held the elder's gaze, his face impassive. "I do not," he replied curtly, "but there is something about you that feels... familiar."

Seconds passed, and then, as if a distant memory surfaced in his mind, Xue Sha narrowed his eyes. "Wait," he said, his voice retaining its coldness, "you... are the one from the statue in the village."

The Sect Master nodded slowly, his smile growing a bit more, though still restrained. "That's right, but there's more." He pointed to his own eyes and continued, "These red eyes, do they not tell you anything?"

Xue Sha looked at him, his expression still inscrutable. "You have eyes like mine," he acknowledged, "which suggests you could be an ancestor. But that changes nothing."

The elder let out a soft laugh, more for Xue Sha's response than for amusement. "I am not that old," he said, his voice tinged with a warmth that seemed to try to melt the youth's coldness. "And no, I am not simply a distant ancestor." He paused, as if measuring the impact of his words. "I am your grandfather."

The revelation fell upon the room like a heavy blanket of silence. Xue Sha, however, showed no surprise or shock. He simply nodded, accepting the information with the same indifference with which he faced the world.

The Sect Master cast a meaningful look at Zhu Long, who understood immediately. "Take the children," the elder said with a voice that left no room for rebuttal. "I need to speak alone with my grandson."

Zhu Long nodded, and with a nod of his head, motioned for the children to follow him. They left the room, their footsteps echoing briefly before being swallowed by the silence that closed behind the door.

Once alone, the Sect Master stood up. His imposing figure seemed to shrink a little under the weight of the years, but still, he emanated a strength that went beyond the physical. "Come," he said simply, and began to walk towards a side corridor.

Xue Sha followed in silence, watching how the shadows played on the stone walls, illuminated by the dim light of the oil lamps. They passed several closed doors before reaching one that was adorned with engravings of dragons and phoenixes.

The Sect Master pushed the door open, revealing a spacious and luxurious room that extended into a large courtyard. The room, furnished with understated elegance, exuded a refined austerity without falling into ostentation. Beyond, water flowed quietly through bamboo structures, weaving a soft and constant melody that blended with the green of the surrounding plants, infusing the place with a deep sense of peace.

"This will be your new home," the elder said, closing the door behind them. "And with it comes a responsibility. You will be recognized as the young master of the sect." His gaze rested on Xue Sha, gauging his reaction.

Xue Sha nodded, his face unflappable. "I understand."

"Suitable attire for you will soon arrive, along with a token that will identify you as such. Now, tell me, what kind of stewards do you prefer?"

"Two who are skilled with the sword," Xue Sha replied firmly. "One right-handed and the other left-handed."

The Sect Master smiled slightly. "An interesting choice. It shall be as you wish."

There was a pause before Xue Sha raised his hand, displaying a ring of simple appearance. "This ring, why does it seem to have so little space?"

The elder approached, his gaze becoming serious. "That ring is special. Do not be deceived by appearances. It has restrictions that unlock with each additional soul ring you obtain. Each one exponentially increases its capacity. It is a rare artifact, and yes, I was near death when I acquired it."

Xue Sha observed the ring, considering the possibilities.

Suddenly, the Sect Master coughed, a dry cough that seemed to shake his body. He recovered, pulling a book from his bracelet and handing it to Xue Sha. "Study this. It will be useful to you."

"Is there anything else I should know?" Xue Sha asked, taking the book.

The elder shook his head. "For now, rest. If you need anything, press that button." He pointed to a small bronze device next to the door. "Until tomorrow, my grandson."

And with that, the Sect Master left the room, leaving Xue Sha alone with his thoughts and the book.