Chapter 8 — The First True Friend of Jason Wu
Jason Wu woke up earlier than usual the next morning, partly because Elder Bai threatened to drag him out of bed if he didn't show up for training, and partly because Longwu Sword wouldn't stop talking.
"Wake up, brat! The sun is already shining! Do you think cultivation comes from sleeping? I didn't become a divine sword by napping!"
Jason groaned. "You didn't become a divine sword. You're still rusty."
"RUDE! I am vintage!" Longwu snorted.
Jason ignored the sword's offended whining and washed his face before heading toward the training field. The morning air was cold and refreshing, with a faint scent of spirit herbs drifting from the herbal gardens. Many disciples were already present, split into groups, practicing sword forms or breathing techniques.
Jason glanced around until someone waved at him.
"Oi! New kid!"
A tall boy about Jason's age jogged toward him. He had wild brown hair, cheerful eyes, and the kind of grin that told Jason: this person is trouble.
"My name's Hao Lin! We're in the same batch!" he announced, slapping a hand on Jason's shoulder like they were long-lost brothers.
Jason blinked. "Uh… hello?"
Hao Lin leaned in dramatically. "Bro… you are in so much danger."
Jason stiffened. "What? Why?! Did someone target me? Is it the bullies? Enemies? Assassins? The cafeteria auntie?"
Hao Lin stared at him. "…Why would the cafeteria auntie target you?"
"I may have… complained about her steamed buns."
"That's suicide," Hao Lin whispered.
"Seriously! What danger?" Jason demanded.
Hao Lin pointed toward the field. "Those are the top-ranked disciples. Every year, they like to 'test' the newcomers." He made air quotes. "Test means bully."
Jason stared. "That's illegal, right?"
"In Sekte Pedang Bintang?" Hao Lin laughed. "My friend… there is only one law here: strength."
Jason sighed. "So… I will be beaten today."
Hao Lin patted his shoulder again, sympathetic. "Probably. But don't worry. I'll cheer for you."
"Very comforting."
"Boy, listen to him," Longwu Sword chuckled. "You are absolutely going to get beaten. But as the legendary wisdom of swords says: pain builds character!"
"What legendary wisdom?!" Jason yelled.
"I just made it up."
Jason wanted to throw the sword into a river.
Before he could complain further, Elder Bai clapped his hands loudly."All new disciples! Line up!"
Jason and Hao Lin stood side by side. Hao Lin whispered, "If we survive today… let's be brothers."
Jason almost laughed. "Why are you saying that like we're going to war?"
"We kind of are," Hao Lin replied.
Training began with basic sword forms. Jason, surprisingly, performed quite well. His movements were smooth, his stance balanced, and his strikes clean—even Elder Bai paused once to raise an eyebrow.
Hao Lin whispered, "Bro… where did you learn that? You look like you've been training secretly for years."
Jason shook his head. "I just… feel like the sword fits me."
Longwu Sword hummed proudly. "Of course I fit you. I am a masterpiece. Even rusty masterpieces are still masterpieces."
Then, Hao Lin's turn came.And he immediately tripped over his own feet.
Elder Bai pinched the bridge of his nose. "Hao Lin… how do you even exist?"
Hao Lin raised a hand weakly. "Talent, Elder. Pure talent."
The entire group snickered. Jason tried not to laugh, but it was impossible—Hao Lin was naturally funny without trying.
After an hour of practice, Elder Bai announced, "Now… sparring."
The 'top-ranked disciples' walked forward with confident smirks. Jason felt his stomach drop.
One of them—a tall boy named Yu Feng—stepped up. "Which newcomer wants to be first? I promise I'll only break one bone."
Hao Lin immediately stepped behind Jason. "My brother will go first!"
Jason slowly turned. "Traitor."
Hao Lin whispered quickly, "Bro, trust me! If you defeat him, no one will touch us!"
Jason opened his mouth to argue—but Longwu Sword whispered:
"Boy… this is good. Fight. Learn. Grow."
Jason sighed deeply and stepped forward. "Fine. I'll do it."
The crowd murmured with interest. Yu Feng grinned and unsheathed his sword. "Try not to cry, newcomer."
Jason took his stance.
"Jason…" Longwu Sword muttered in a rare serious tone. "Let me guide you. Just follow my rhythm."
Jason felt a strange pulse of energy from the sword—a guidance, not power, just instinct.
Elder Bai raised his hand. "Begin!"
Yu Feng dashed forward with incredible speed—but Jason slid sideways just in time, guided by a faint sensation from Longwu.
He countered with a simple strike.Yu Feng barely blocked it.
"Huh?" the older disciple muttered.
The second clash came harder—Yu Feng pressed aggressively, but Jason parried, dodged, twisted, and deflected smoothly. He didn't overpower Yu Feng, but he adapted fast, reading movements like flowing water.
Murmurs rose among the disciples.
"Is he really a newcomer?""His swordplay is too stable…""He is improving mid-fight!"
Yu Feng grew frustrated. "You brat! Stop dodging!"
Jason smiled. "Then stop missing."
The fight continued another minute until Elder Bai raised his hand."Enough! Winner—Jason Wu."
Shock filled the field.Hao Lin screamed, "THAT'S MY BROTHER!!"
He sprinted toward Jason and hugged him so hard that Jason almost dropped Longwu.
Jason laughed breathlessly. "Okay, okay! I'm still alive!"
Hao Lin grinned widely. "From now on, we're brothers—whether you want it or not!"
Jason chuckled. "Sure. Brothers."
Longwu Sword hummed approvingly."Good. A master with companions grows stronger. And more entertaining."
Jason had no idea…but this was the day he formed his first true bond—a friendship that would follow him across worlds.