Mysterious Cultivator

Yang Quan mostly skimmed through whatever boring texts entered his eyes. He couldn't understand most of it anyway.

He flipped through the pages as he tried to read more and more only to skip. The words though crudely written by him were profound in the art of war.

In this world, military tactics can be considered useless.

In the face of absolute power, what would a good military mind do? In this world of cultivation, strength rules everything. No tactics or tricks could even come close.

This is why Yang Ding feared offending the 5 great clans. But that doesn't mean that these were completely useless. It had its own perks especially against opponents that are equally powerful.

"Hmm… when clans other than your own are at war, your ultimate goal should be profits. Neither brotherhood nor friendship comes into play. We shouldn't help them based on past ties, but instead based on the benefits and shares that our clan receives." Yang Quan recited to himself.

"Um... all of this fine but how does one make any profits from a war if one is not even participating in it?"

Yang Quan scratched his temples.

He was troubled. No matter how much he thought he couldn't wrap his head around it. It was like what was his own had become foreign after he refused to revise it through the subsequent years.

Having no other choice he chose to read further.

[Judging which side is more powerful among the two. And which side is powerful with respect to my own clan are also important. We can oppress the winning side for a share in plunders only when we are stronger and they cannot afford to offend us.]

"Um... well they are indeed weaker than our clan but I don't have any idea as to how should I oppress them. I was never good with words."

Yang Quan was on the wrong route from the very start. After all, how could one be proficient in the art of war merely from taking notes? It requires talent and experience, both of which Yang Quan lacks.

"Let's skip on this. I don't think it needs my immediate attention."

He lifted his hand loosely with his palm up as he shrugged half-heartedly.

Yang Quan didn't even consider that he should first check, how much the two clans have proceeded with the war. He was lost in his imaginative world.

"Brother Yang Ding when will you return? Just release me of these troubles already!" Yang Quan cried.

Yang Quan pulled his hair in agony.

***

The sun rose above the horizon. Su Yang ran past the numerous chambers that came his way. Neither did he have the time to mesmerize the majestic view that the morning sun painted in the sky nor did he have any time to have a proper breakfast.

As soon as his eyes opened he was out running in the clan.

He had a wide grin with his eyes sparkling like the midnight stars.

It wasn't long until he stopped in front of Yang Ding's chambers.

His face brimming with energy. A new day had presented him with new opportunities and new scopes. But more than anything he was curious as to the possibilities that lay bare in front of him.

When his master meets Yang Ding what kind of interaction would they have? Would they become friends or enemies? He had played so many possibilities in his mind that he could hardly count. His imaginations were running amok.

He knocked on the door.

"Who?"

"It's me, Su Yang. Can I come in?"

"Come in."

Su Yang pushed open the door as he entered his chambers.

Inside Yang Ding was cleaning his sword. Yesterday, he went on a hunting spree that had died his sword red. And, he had a habit of cleaning it every time he used it.

He dipped cotton in a water tray and then lightly wiped his sword.

The water tray had already formed a pool of red and black due to the clotted blood.

Yang Ding had no interest in Su Yang who was standing at the door. Neither did he had any interest in the news that he had with him. He already knew what he was here for.

"Junior greets brother Yang Ding."

Su Yang cusped his hands as he bowed. Yang Ding ignored. He was more focused on his sword than Su Yang.

Su Yang failed to notice his ignorance, instead, he was in high spirits.

"Brother Yang Ding, as I promised yesterday. I will take you to meet that person."

Yang Ding was waiting for this.

It was then that Yang Ding turned around, his piercing stare stabbing Su Yang's very soul.

"Take me? Did I ever approve of it? You were so adamant about taking me there, but when did I ever agree? Do you expect me to go with you when I don't even know who you are gonna introduce me to?"

Yang Ding's eyes that refused to blink were stabbing Su Yang with a piercing gaze.

"Ah sorry. I kinda jumped to conclusions. Sorry to disturb you, brother Yang Ding."

His shoulder drooped as all of his energy disappeared into thin air. He had got excited about nothing. From Yang Ding's words, it seemed that he refused to tag along with him.

He was about to leave the room when Yang Ding continued with where he left.

*cough*

"Wait outside. I will come out once I am done with Wheatstone then we can go."

Even Yang Ding was curious about who this mysterious person was. How could he take someone who claims to stop a war between two clans lightly? Either he was a fluke or someone great. Yang Ding had to find out his identity!

For that purpose, he didn't mind being perceived as a hypocrite.

Yang Ding had met many experts of the Black Pearl Nation. He even knew of the ones who worked from the shadows. If at all he is someone noteworthy, Yang Ding would identify him at once.

But, the person concerned might not be able to do that same...