Path to Dual Cultivation

Chapter 13: Behind the Mask

After leaving the examination area with Senior Wu, Su Yang was brought to the Fleeting Sword Peak, one of many peaks within the Fleeting Sword Sect and where the Grand Elder and the Sect Leader himself resided. It was the most secure and restricted area in the sect where even Sect Elders must request permission before entering.

The Fleeting Sword Peak also had the thickest and most quantity of Profound Qi within the entire sect.

Normally, even Core Disciples, who are the most talented disciples and the future of the sect, are given a limited time to cultivate at the very bottom of the peak. Yet, Su Yang, who had just joined the sect, was able to step foot on the top of the peak as an Outer Disciple.

If these Core Disciples were to learn of this, their entire face would turn red from envy.

The Fleeting Sword Peak is separated into four areas. The Sect Leader's residence, Grand Elder Wu's residence, the cultivation caves located at the bottom of the peak, and a secret area that only the Sect Leader has access to.

Su Yang was currently in Grand Elder Wu's residence, which took up the east side of the peak. In this place, there were only three buildings, consisting of Grand Elder Wu's living quarters, a place for intense training, and another building for his disciples. There was also an outdoor training ground.

The disciples' living quarters were several times larger than Grand Elder Wu's living quarters, suggesting that he had a lot of disciples.

"Before we start any training, there is something you must do." Senior Wu said to Su Yang shortly after they arrived.

"I have decided to accept you as my disciple, but you must also acknowledge me as your master before we can become official Master and Disciple. If you acknowledge me as your master, kowtow three times and greet me as master."

Su Yang, who had already practiced prior to coming to the sect, kowtowed before Senior Wu and greeted, "This disciple greets his master!"

"Good!" Senior Wu was smiling from ear to ear after acquiring another excellent disciple.

"Before we start training, let's introduce you to my other disciple. Though, you've already met her before at the Martial Manor." Senior Wu said.

He turned to look at the figure who had been peeking at them from a distance and said, "Disciple Huang, come greet your new apprentice-brother."

The very next moment, a beautiful young lady emerged from behind a tree and approached them.

"I'm Huang Xiaoyun, Master's 2nd disciple." The pretty young lady introduced herself.

"Hello, Senior Apprentice Sister. My name is Su Yang, and I will be training alongside you starting today." Su Yang clasped his hand and respectfully bowed to her, who appeared to be around his age.

Huang Xiaoyun then asked, "What you said during the first exam–is it true? Did you really burn your face when you were young, or is there another reason for hiding your face?"

"That is..." Although Su Yang had anticipated this situation sooner or later, he was still at a loss for words when questioned about his face.

"Don't tell me you're going to hide your face behind a mask for the rest of your life?" Huang Xiaoyun pressured him a little further, as she was really curious about his face.

"Disciple Huang, you should be more compassionate as a lady. He must have his own reasons for hiding his face, and until he is ready to tell us, we should not pressure him." Senior Wu said.

However, Su Yang shook his head and said, "No, Master. Senior Apprentice Sister is right. I cannot hide my face forever, especially not in front of my own Master and Senior Apprentice Sister, as that would be disrespectful of me."

"I would like to start by apologizing for lying since I did not burn my face. The reason I hide my face is because it has brought me nothing but trouble since I was young."

Hearing his words, Senior Wu smiled, "No matter what kind of trouble it may bring, you are safe here. As my disciple, nobody would dare to cause you any trouble as long as you are within the sect."

Su Yang nodded and confidently removed his mask.

"Wha–"

"You..."

Both Senior Wu and Huang Xiaoyun were shocked when Su Yang revealed his handsome face. Even though Su Yang's clear eyes suggested that he might have a good-looking face beneath his mask, neither of them could have anticipated that it would be to such a degree.

'T-This little brat was not only blessed with the Perfect Sword Body but even his face was blessed by the heavens! Why are the heavens so unjust?' Senior Wu cried inwardly.

Huang Xiaoyun had a dazed look on her face, her eyes as wide as saucers. Suddenly, her face flushed with redness, resembling that of a tomato.

"I-I can see why your face would bring you trouble..." Senior Wu eventually broke the awkward silence and remarked in a stiff tone, and he continued, "I won't blame you if you wish to wear your mask whenever you need to leave this peak for any reason..."

He could already imagine some disciples picking a fight with Su Yang just because of his appearance.

"A-Anyways, now that you are a disciple, let's get started with your training immediately, as you are already behind most people around your age."

Senior Wu retrieved a thin book.

"Most sword techniques in our sect require Profound Qi to utilize, so you'll need to become a cultivator before you start training with the sword. This technique is called the Harmonized Sword Breathing Art. It's perfect for those with a Perfect Sword Body like you, especially once you learn Sword Intent." Senior Wu said as he offered the cultivation technique to Su Yang.

"Thank you, Master!" Su Yang quickly accepted the technique and continued to ask, "But Master, what is this Perfect Sword Body?"

This was Su Yang's first time hearing about the Perfect Sword Body since Senior Wu had yet to disclose such information to him.

"The Perfect Sword Body is something akin to a Heavenly Constitution–a divine body with miraculous powers. There are tens of thousands of unique Heavenly Constitutions in this world, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Your Perfect Sword Body, albeit not a Heavenly Constitution, allows you to comprehend and learn sword techniques at a rapid rate that surpasses those without a Perfect Sword Body."

"And I have such a body? This explains why I find it incredibly easy to memorize sword techniques..." Su Yang mumbled with a look of self-realization.

Unbeknownst to Su Yang, Senior Wu had personally sought the Harmonized Sword Breathing Art after learning that he had a Perfect Sword Body in preparation for the day he joined the Fleeting Sword Sect, even though the technique was extremely expensive and it was not guaranteed that Su Yang would join the sect.

Fortunately for Senior Wu, his gamble had worked in his favor, and Su Yang had become his disciple.