Chapter 13 — Shadows on the Southern Ridge
The next morning arrived with the scent of pine drifting through the valleys of the Starry Sword Sect. Sunlight washed over the peaks, illuminating thousands of sword training grounds with golden warmth. Disciples were already gathering for the Ranking Evaluation Day, buzzing with nervous chatter and competitive energy.
Jason Wu stepped out from his small courtyard, adjusting the strap of his practice sword while his real partner, the Longwu Sword, remained quietly at his waist. His muscles felt sore but charged, as though fire and lightning had fused inside his veins after yesterday's breakthrough.
"You're walking like an old man," Longwu's voice yawned in his mind. "Maybe I should look for a new wielder with less back pain?"
Jason Wu scoffed. "Maybe you should stop napping all the time."
"Napping is essential for spiritual growth."
"Since when?"
"Since I said so."
Jason Wu rolled his eyes, trying not to smile as he walked toward the main plaza.
Before he reached the staircase, a loud voice called from behind him.
"Brother Wu! Wait for me!"
Fan Duyi sprinted toward him with both hands full—one holding a bag of roasted meat skewers, the other carrying a jar of morning tea.
Jason Wu blinked. "You're eating again?"
"This is stress-eating! Today is ranking day, you know!" Fan Duyi shoved a skewer into Jason Wu's hand. "Eat. You need strength to look cool in front of Senior Sister Xueyin."
Jason Wu nearly choked. "Don't start!"
Fan Duyi smirked triumphantly. "Oh, so you admit you care?"
"I didn't say that."
"You didn't deny it either."
Jason Wu sighed heavily, regretting every life decision that led to meeting this guy.
But Fan Duyi's grin softened. "Seriously though, Brother Wu… you're going to do great today."
Jason Wu nodded. "I know. I have to."
They descended the path together, but Jason Wu's senses suddenly sharpened. A faint killing intent brushed against his skin like cold wind. Someone was watching them.
Longwu's voice darkened.
"Jason… there is hostility nearby."
Jason kept walking but lowered his voice. "How close?"
"Close enough to spit on your shoe."
Jason's hand subtly moved toward his sword hilt. He scanned the treetops but found nothing.
Fan Duyi swallowed nervously. "Did… something happen?"
"Maybe." Jason's tone grew firm. "Stay alert today."
They stepped into the southern sector of the sect where dozens of disciples were gathering for the first round of evaluations. Elders sat on raised stone platforms, while younger disciples lined up in clusters, whispering excitedly.
But the buzz quickly shifted into jeers the moment Jason Wu entered the plaza.
"There he is—the outer brat who thinks he's a genius."
"He barely entered the sect and already dares to compete?"
"Yesterday's mission was a fluke. He just got lucky."
Jason Wu's jaw tightened, but he kept walking. Fan Duyi puffed his cheeks angrily. "Ignore them, Brother Wu. They're just jealous."
Jason smiled faintly. "I know."
Suddenly, a cold voice cut through the noise.
"Jason Wu."
A tall senior disciple stepped forward, his gaze sharp and predatory. Jason recognized him instantly—the man who'd watched them from the cliff last night.
His name was **Bao Shen**, a Peak Stage Iron Vein cultivator renowned for being cruel behind the scenes. Rumors said he'd injured more than one disciple to steal missions and resources.
Fan Duyi stepped back. "Uh-oh…"
Bao Shen walked right up to Jason, his lips curling. "I heard you've been causing trouble. Winning missions you shouldn't win. Receiving attention you do not deserve."
Jason met his gaze calmly. "I simply completed the mission assigned to me."
Bao Shen snorted. "You were lucky. But luck ends today." He leaned in, whispering, "You humiliated my junior last month. Today, I'll return the favor."
Jason raised a brow. "Your junior? The bully who tried to extort me?"
Fan Duyi slapped a hand over Jason's mouth. "Brother Wu, PLEASE—stop talking!"
But it was too late. Bao Shen's aura erupted like a boulder smashing through the air, sending a small shockwave that cracked the tiles beneath his feet.
Whispers spread instantly.
"Bao Shen is challenging him?!"
"That's unfair—Jason Wu is only Mid Iron Vein!"
"He'll crush him!"
Before the tension escalated further, a crystal-like voice echoed across the plaza.
"Bao Shen."
Everyone turned.
Xueyin walked down the steps with icy calm, her blue robe fluttering like winter snow. Her eyes were cold enough to freeze steel.
"You are not permitted to initiate battles before the evaluations begin," she said firmly. "Stand down."
Bao Shen bowed stiffly but shot a venomous glare at Jason. "As you command, Senior Sister Xueyin. But the evaluation is public. If we are matched… I will not hold back."
Jason stepped forward. "Neither will I."
Fan Duyi smacked his forehead. "Why are you like this…"
Xueyin's gaze flicked to Jason briefly—concern hidden behind discipline—before she turned to join the supervising elders.
Bao Shen walked away, but not before murmuring, "Enjoy breathing while you still can."
Fan Duyi shivered. "Brother Wu, that guy could snap me in half like a noodle."
Jason patted his shoulder. "Don't worry. I won't let anyone break my friend."
Fan Duyi's eyes widened. "…That was strangely heroic. Say it again."
"No."
"Say it with emotion—"
"No."
"Tsk. So heartless."
Jason laughed, tension easing for a moment.
But deep inside, he knew today would be dangerous. Bao Shen wasn't the only threat—envy, rivalry, and unknown shadows lurked everywhere.
Longwu's voice echoed solemnly.
"Jason… be cautious. Your destiny is rising, and with it… so are your enemies."
Jason gripped his sword tightly.
"Let them come."
As the gong rang, the Ranking Evaluation officially began—
and Jason Wu stepped into the arena where fate waited with sharp teeth.