Chapter 18: Sword Saint Sect
[Three Days Later]
Yisheng's eyes widened as he saw the boy standing before him, disbelief etched onto his face. The child looked incredibly healthy, almost too healthy for someone who was supposed to be in the middle of a week-long treatment.
"He's meant to be recovering," Yisheng muttered to himself, "but he already looks like he's in top form."
Yet, despite his robust appearance, there was something off about the boy. He had been in treatment for three weeks, but he hadn't uttered a single word. Was he mute? Yisheng couldn't help but wonder.
The child's unkempt hair and fierce eyes suggested an unruly personality, but his silence was unsettling. It felt like he was silently plotting, observing everything around him like a predator preparing to strike.
Yisheng brushed off his concerns, reminding himself that trauma could often cause someone to shut down, especially when they were as young as the boy in front of him.
"Just give it time," Yisheng said, giving the child a reassuring smile. He reached out and patted the boy's head. "You did well, kid."
The boy recoiled from Yisheng's touch, but it only made him more endearing to the young doctor. In just three short days, Yisheng felt like he had formed an unbreakable bond with the boy. He was filled with pride as he watched the child stand upright.
"You really did well," Yisheng said, his heart swelling with emotion.
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Liu narrowed his gaze at the two men in front of him, his heart heavy with suspicion. He knew their names to be Yisheng and Cu Ren, but that didn't make him feel any less uneasy around them.
"This man is creepy," Liu thought to himself, as he watched Yisheng's smile widen. He could feel the doctor's hand ruffling his hair, and it made him shudder with discomfort.
Despite the past three days being bearable, Liu still felt weak. He had recovered much faster than the doctor had anticipated, but he knew that it wasn't enough. He was still too weak to avenge his village, which had been destroyed by bandits, led by the brutal Qiang.
As Liu's mind lingered on his painful memories, he noticed the usual visitor enter their moderately spacious room. Cu Ren's broad grin and clumsy demeanor always made Liu feel uneasy.
"He looks like an idiot," Liu thought, feeling a surge of anger towards the larger man.
Yisheng, however, seemed to pay little attention to Cu Ren's presence. He was focused on Liu, studying him carefully.
The two men in front of him were undeniably powerful. Stronger than he was, and even stronger than the Qiang who had defeated him. Yet, they exuded a different kind of energy. Their presence was not suffocating like that of the Qiang, which allowed him to think more clearly and assess the situation better.
Yisheng, one of the men, seemed surprised at Liu's speedy recovery. "You don't look the slightest bit surprised? It should have taken him a week, Cu Ren!" he exclaimed, his perplexed face a reflection of his confusion.
Cu Ren, the other man, simply shrugged. "Oh, that... the master already told me. He also told me to bring the child to him," he replied calmly.
Yisheng nodded in understanding. "Ah, I see. So it's time already," he murmured to himself before turning towards Liu. His warm smile was instantly recognizable, and it made Liu feel somewhat at ease.
"Kid, you're going to have to leave with that man over there. It's very important, you see. The person who saved you from certain death wants to see how you're doing," Yisheng explained gently.
Liu's eyes widened at this news, and he couldn't help but recall the beautiful person he had met just before losing consciousness. The white-clad ghost who had drawn a blade of light in response to his desire to live. That memory was still so vivid, but everything beyond that was a blur.
As if sensing his apprehension, Yisheng's eyes softened. "Don't worry, we wouldn't have gone through all this trouble just to harm you. But still, be cautious," he warned before adding, "And trust me, you're in good hands with Cu Ren."
Liu nodded, his thoughts racing. "Since they saved my life, it should be fine. I'll still be cautious, but I don't think they went through all this trouble just to harm me—at least, not right away," he mused.
He was utterly confused and felt powerless. It was imperative that he met whoever was in charge of this place. If he could gain their favor, that would be a good start. He was stranded and vulnerable in this cruel, unforgiving world, especially since winter was upon them. He needed these people more than they needed him.
With that in mind, he decided to cooperate and nodded as Yisheng did his best to explain the situation. "He might look scary, but don't worry. Just go along with Cu Ren, and you'll be fine," Yisheng reassured him.
"H-hey, who are you calling scary?!" Cu Ren protested.
As the two men argued once again, Liu steeled his resolve and prepared for the worst. This was the first time he would be leaving this place since he arrived, and he had no idea what lay ahead.
*
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As Liu stepped out, he was rendered speechless by the breathtaking scenery that lay before him. But it wasn't until he walked beyond the small wooden cottage where he had recovered that he was struck with an even greater sense of wonder.
His eyes widened in awe as he took in the lush, verdant mountains surrounding him, adorned with vibrant flowers that danced in the gentle breeze. The sweet fragrance of the blooming flowers filled the air, making him feel light-headed and giddy. It was as though he had been transported to a different world altogether.
Nestled among the mountains, he could see a city-like civilization that left him awestruck. The buildings and structures towered high above the trees, and their architecture was unlike anything he had ever seen before. Ornate spires and intricate carvings adorned every surface, made of a gleaming white material that reflected the colors of the sky.
Speaking of which, the sky was a brilliant shade of blue, without a single cloud in sight. The sun shone down upon the boy, warming his skin, despite it being winter. The atmosphere was calm and peaceful, with a gentle breeze blowing through the air and rustling the leaves of the trees.
As he gazed out at the stunning scenery before him, Liu's heart swelled with admiration and wonder. This was a place unlike any other he had ever seen, a place of unparalleled beauty and mystique that he knew he would never forget.
"T-this is…" Liu stuttered, struggling to find the words to describe what he was seeing.
"Impressive, isn't it? Master was responsible for everything. He's the best!" said the person standing beside him, a sense of pride in their voice.
Liu couldn't believe that a single person was responsible for creating such a utopia. But for some reason, he didn't doubt it. He wondered what kind of master could have brought about such an incredible place… and just how mighty they were.
"Welcome, kid, to The Sword Saint Sect," the person said, ushering Liu towards his new home.
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"Oh, my." A voice crept up in the darkness.
As the white-robed person inside the room smiled softly, revealing their luscious pink lips and pale skin, they raised their head high up.
"So, they're already coming."
Closing their eyes after making this whisper, the person with the white hair ventured to their seat behind the veiled wall and awaited the visitor that would soon arrive.
"Liu…"
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[A/N]
Liu is about to meet the mysterious rescuer. What, pray tell, shall this encounter yield?
Find out in the next chapter.
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