Beauty underneath a mask?

His destination was the ancient library of the Ashen Flame Sect, a sanctum accessible only to those who had achieved a certain rank in their cultivation journey. Few had ventured into its depths, but those who did were either chosen by the sect elders or possessed an exceptionally high cultivation level. As a Fusion Master and the future patriarch of the Ashen Flame Sect, Mason was among the few who had the privilege of entering this sacred repository of knowledge.

Located deep within the sect's grounds, the library was nestled amidst majestic mountains, shrouded by swirling mists, and guarded by elite cultivators of lower rank than Mason's. His journey there took him through winding pathways carved through steep mountainous terrain, across wooden bridges suspended over crystal clear streams, and through bamboo groves swaying gently in the breeze.

As he approached, the first sight of the library left him in awe. It was an enormous structure, built entirely from jade and pearl-like stones, intricately carved with scenes of heavenly beings and mythical creatures, and gilded with gold that glittered under the moonlight. The entire structure radiated a serene and calming aura, its elegant architecture harmonizing with the surrounding natural beauty. The front gate of the library was an imposing structure, with two stone statues of phoenixes perched atop, their eyes glowing with a faint, otherworldly light.

Protected by the sect's powerful cultivators who held their posts with unwavering dedication. Their cultivation ranks varied, yet none crossed the Fusion Realm that Mason had achieved. Nonetheless, each guard held a formidable presence.

"Master Mason," said the first guard as soon as he saw him. He bowed his head in respect as Mason approached.

"Welcome Master Mason," said a second guard as he greeted him as well.

Mason nodded his head respectfully towards them both as he approached, the grand doors opened on their own accord. The scent of aged parchment filled his nostrils, and he stood there for a moment, soaking in the atmosphere.

Entering the library was like stepping into a different world. Countless scrolls and tomes filled the towering bookshelves, each containing knowledge amassed over thousands of years. The air was filled with the scent of old paper, ink, and a hint of mystic herbs. As Mason traversed the rows of ancient literature, he felt like a tiny drop in the vast ocean of wisdom.

Mason spent hours poring over the scrolls and scripts, looking for information about the Ascendant Realm. He read about how it was a realm of unity between the mind, body, and spirit, a place where a cultivator's energy resonated with the cosmos, enabling them to command elements and hold power over life and death. Mason felt his mind fill with a myriad of thoughts as he absorbed this profound knowledge. As intriguing as it was, the knowledge about the Ascendant Realm was incredibly complex. It needed much more than reading and understanding; it required experience and a deeper spiritual connection.

With a tired sigh, Mason decided to retire for the day. His mind was bursting with the information he had collected, and he felt the need to process it. But before he would call it a night, he needed a moment of peace, a moment of tranquility, and for that, there was no better place than the garden of his sect.

This wasn't just a garden; it was a painting crafted by the divine hand of nature. Lush green trees swayed gently in the evening breeze, their leaves rustling a melodic tune. Flowers in all hues and shades bloomed in full glory, their fragrance creating a captivating aura.

Waterfalls cascaded down the mountains, merging into crystal-clear streams that meandered around the garden. Koi fish swam playfully, their vibrant colors shimmering under the moonlight. The night sky mirrored the serene lakes, stars sprinkling their silver dust, making it seem as if one was walking among the constellations.

Mason walked aimlessly, the cool breeze bringing a sense of calm. The beauty and serenity of the garden were intoxicating, making him forget his worries, if only for a while.

He sat down near a pond, observing the moon's reflection ripple on the water's surface. He found peace in the gentle rustling of leaves, the harmonious song of night creatures, and the comforting scent of blossoming night-blooming jasmine.

'This isn't so bad.' Mason thought with a smile as he felt himself beginning to relax. 'But I can't stay here too long or else Uncle Li will think I'm taking too many breaks.'

However, this peace was disrupted when a whizzing sound followed by a cold wind swept by his ear. He turned his head just in time to see a gleaming dagger. Instinct kicked in as he rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the deadly dagger that had been meant to end his life embedding itself into the tree trunk behind him.

Time seemed to slow as Mason activated his Cultivation Fusion Master ability—the Cosmic Convergence. A surge of energy erupted from within him, creating an invisible force that permeated every inch of the blade embedded in the tree. With a loud crack, the blade split into pieces and it broke into countless shards that scattered onto the ground.

A fiery aura erupted from him, casting a vibrant orange glow around him, the blazing flames representing the formidable Phoenix's power. Mason's senses heightened to an extreme level, allowing him to detect even the faintest hint of movement. He turned towards the direction of the attack, ready to confront the enemy.

"Are you going to show yourself or do I need to make you?" Mason said coldly as he focused his attention on his surroundings before letting out another surge of energy that spread out from him like ripples in water.

In an instant, a figure clad in black, hidden in the shadows was forced out, caught off guard by Mason's attack.

"You... How did you get past the guards?" Mason asked with surprise as he looked at the black-clad assailant with disdain.

The black-clad figure simply raised another dagger and made a cutthroat gesture toward him.

With the speed of a predator, Mason lunged at the assailant, his hand grabbing the wrist and holding the dagger.

He twisted the assailant's arm, forcing the attacker to drop the weapon, and then swiftly pulled off the mask revealing the face of his attacker.

Underneath the dark mask was the beautiful face of a woman, with the moonlight making her skin glow and the wind rustling her dark hair. Her blue eyes, sharp and mysterious, bore into Mason's. He was taken aback, his grip on her arm loosening.

He had been prepared to face a brute or a vicious enemy, but never a woman, and certainly not one so stunning.

'What the hell is going on?!' He thought as he stared at her with confusion. There was an air of familiarity about her, but Mason couldn't place where he'd seen her before.

*****

Author's Note

~ Any idea who this lady might be to Young Master Mason?

If you've read this far, please give a review, I'm currently low on this part of the ratings.

400 power stones=3 bonus chapters, if I get a huge turn up, I can dish out more chapters (aside the usual 2-3) in a day.