Chapter 3: Descent of an Unrivaled Genius

Chapter 3: Descent of an Unrivaled Genius

The sheet circled around and descended, not toward any of the peaks, but beneath them. Lower than the peaks, the main body of the mountain descended toward the valley. Barely visible in the distance even from this height, a river wound around the valley. Squinting down, Hui tried to make out his hometown, but none of the tiny settlements looked familiar from above.

The first cultivator pointed at the river. Thats the border of the sects territory. Outside of that, there are wildlands and other sects. We leave them alone, for the most part.

Hui nodded dutifully.

The peaks vanished into the clouds above. The sheet grew lower and lower, aiming for an open field amid the lower mountains rolling sides. Children about their age milled about in the field, maybe twenty or so of them. At the far end of the field, four cultivators stood on a white platform, waiting.

As they descended, the first cultivator flew ahead on his sword. Dismounting, he walked up to the platform and clasped his hands in greeting to a middle-aged man with white at his temples and a stern demeanor. Disciple Lao greets Master Liang! Apologies for arriving late.

The man waved his hand vaguely. Is this the last of them?

To his left, a voluptuous woman in a pink butterfly-patterned robe nodded. We sent out five groups, one for each peak. All five have returned.

Master Liang nodded and stroked his trim beard. He cleared his throat.

Hopping off the sheet, Hui joined the other children as they lined up in front of the stage. The other children stood tall, straightening their backs and puffing their chests, daring glances at the cultivators on stage. Ducking his head respectfully, Hui took a peek himself. Are these the peak lords?

Aside from Liang and the butterfly-robed woman, a fierce young man with a long ponytail and a sword at his hip, and a slender woman with wild red hair and matching eyes stood onstage. Soot stains streaked the woman's green robes at their narrow sleeves, and the hems sported scorch marks.

Werent there five peaks? Hui wondered, counting the peak lords again.

Is he coming? the redheaded woman asked quietly.

The swordsman scoffed. As if the great him would descend for this.

Liang cleared his throat again. The other peak lords fell silent. He turned a fatherly smile to the children gathered below. Welcome to Starbound Sect. I am Peak Lord Liang, lord of the Jade Garden Peak. From here on out, diligently cultivate to become powerful pillars of our sect. Who knows, perhaps one day you could found the sixth peak of our Starbound Sect.

Wu furrowed his brows. Why should my disciple have to listen to your speech? He isnt your disciple.

Whats wrong with this guy? Hui wondered. A second later, he shrugged. At least I have little talent, if that crystal orb was any indication. I shouldnt have caught any peak lords eye.

Peak Lord Liang sighed deeply. He bowed to Wu. With more than a hint of sarcasm in his voice, he said, Then, if the unparalleled Peak Lord Wu would go ahead.

The swordsman scoffed and rolled his eyes. The butterfly-robed woman chuckled into her sleeve. Bored, the redhead rubbed her cheek with her sleeve and looked startled when it came away sooty.

Serious, Wu nodded to Liang, then stepped forward. He cast his gaze across the line of children, then pointed directly at Hui. You.

Hui startled. He looked to his left and right, only to find the children scooting away. He ducked to the side, but Wus finger followed him. He pointed at himself. Me?

Wu hopped off the stage and drew to a halt before Hui. What is your name, child?

HHui. Xiao Hui, he stuttered. Is that my surname? Or was that woman calling me little Hui? I dont know. I dont have any of this kids memories.

Wu nodded. His face showed no trace of expression. I am Weiheng Wu. From this day forth, you are my disciple. I bestow upon you the name Weiheng Hui.

Hui nodded, then hurriedly bowed into the proper expression of respect. Disciple greets master.

Nodding again, Wu picked him up in one hand. His sword flew from its sheath, and he mounted it elegantly. Turning to Peak Lord Liang, he said, You may continue.

A vein throbbed in Peak Lord Liangs forehead. With effort, Liang maintained his composure. He forced a smile. Thank you, Peak Lord Wu.

Hui suddenly felt as if he knew the source of many of the white hairs on Liangs temples.

Its nothing, Wu replied, without a drop of sarcasm. With that, he turned his gaze from the platform and hurtled away on his sword.