The sun crested above Wudang's ancient pines, casting a golden glow across the mist-veiled courtyards. Birds called out as if singing praises to the two young men locked in synchronized movement — swords flashing, feet gliding like dancers on water.
Xiao Hua and Li Feng were sparring again.
Petal met flame.
The Mystic Flower Sword, with its elegant arcs and deceptive grace, twined around the Mystic Blazing Sword, which surged like wildfire with every stroke. It was as if the very wind bowed to their movements.
Clang! Swish! Clang!Thump!
Both swords halted inches from the other's chest.
Silence.
Then laughter.
"Faster than last time, Brother Hua," said Li Feng, wiping sweat from his brow.
"And stronger than ever, Brother Feng," replied Xiao Hua with a grin.
They bowed to each other, mutual respect shining in their eyes.
Wudang's training fields buzzed with anticipation that week. Two elite disciples from the Emi Sect, a respected martial order from the south, had arrived for a friendly match — a tradition of exchange and goodwill between great sects.
The challengers: Yue Lan, a graceful sword maiden known for her speed and precision, and Chao Ren, a composed and stoic young man with immense internal qi and precise footwork.
The Wudang elders gathered with calm curiosity, while disciples filled the outer ring with restrained excitement.
As Xiao Hua and Li Feng stood across from their Emi counterparts, no malice filled the air. Only mutual admiration — the kind warriors share before battle.
"We are honored," Yue Lan said, bowing with a faint smile. "To cross swords with Wudang's Twin Stars."
"And we," said Xiao Hua, returning the bow, "are honored by your presence."
The duel began like poetry in motion.
Yue Lan's swift strikes clashed with Li Feng's burning blade, the two weaving a rhythm of flame and wind. Meanwhile, Xiao Hua and Chao Ren moved like mirrors — calm, precise, unshakable.
The Mystic Flower Sword bloomed in Xiao Hua's hands, each movement light as silk yet heavy with intent. At one moment, he flipped midair, slashing in a blooming spiral that sent Chao Ren's blade flying — only to catch him gently by the wrist before he fell.
Li Feng's final strike exploded in a halo of qi, knocking Yue Lan's sword loose without a scratch on her.
The match was over.
The spectators stood in awe, not for the victory, but for the beauty of the duel — not a grudge in sight.
"Wudang lives up to its name," Chao Ren said with a rare smile. "Grace and strength."
"As does Emi," Xiao Hua replied, bowing low. "Steel wrapped in silk."
Yue Lan's eyes flicked to the boy's chest — just for a moment. Her smile faded slightly, curiosity flickering across her face.
"That pendant…" she said quietly. "Where did you get it?"
Xiao Hua instinctively touched the jade pendant around his neck — pale green, carved with a blooming plum blossom and a small inscription on the back. He had worn it since before he could remember.
"My mother gave it to me," he said softly. "Before she passed."
Yue Lan's brow creased faintly. She said nothing more, but the elder of Emi Sect watching from behind narrowed his eyes ever so slightly.
That evening, Xiao Hua stood beneath the Wudang cherry trees, watching the blossoms fall.
Li Feng joined him, resting his sword by his side.
"You were amazing today," Li Feng said. "You always are."
"You too," Xiao Hua replied. "It's strange though. When she saw this…" — he touched the pendant again — "her expression changed."
"There may be stories behind that stone," Li Feng said. "Maybe stories even you don't know."
Xiao Hua nodded.
"I made a promise to someone… and I'll keep it. Whatever the story is, whatever truth waits out there—"
He turned his gaze to the stars above.
"I'll face it as a great man. Not just strong... but worthy."