Chapter 9 — A Senior Sister's Warning
The training field slowly emptied as morning practice concluded. Hao Lin stuck to Jason's side like glue, still buzzing with excitement. "Brother! You were amazing! Did you see Yu Feng's face? He looked like he swallowed a flying sword!"
Jason sighed. "You shouted in my ear the entire time."
"Support!" Hao Lin declared proudly.
Longwu Sword added, "More like noise pollution."
"Hey!" Hao Lin pointed at the sword. "I know you're talking behind my back!"
"You can hear him?" Jason blinked.
"No," Hao Lin admitted. "But I can feel him judging me."
"Smart boy," Longwu said.
Jason rolled his eyes and walked toward the outer courtyard. He planned to return to his room and meditate, but before he could leave, Elder Bai called out:
"Jason Wu. Someone is waiting for you near Star Pavilion."
Jason's heart skipped.
There was only one person he could think of.
Hao Lin nudged him. "Senior Sister Xueyin? The one who saved your life? The most beautiful lady in the sect? The daughter of the Pavilion Master of the Xueyin Chamber of Commerce? The one who probably thinks you're special?"
Jason elbowed him. "Stop talking."
Hao Lin grinned. "Go. I'll watch from afar like a supportive younger brother."
"You're older than me."
"Not in maturity."
Jason didn't argue—Hao Lin wasn't wrong.
He made his way toward Star Pavilion, a tall, elegant structure built from white spirit wood. The morning sunlight reflected off its surface like shimmering stardust.
And there she was.
Li Xueyin stood beneath a blooming spirit tree, her long black hair fluttering in the breeze, her robe snow-white yet soft, like mist drifting over a lake. She turned slightly, noticing him.
"Jason Wu. You came."
Jason swallowed. "Senior Sister… You were looking for me?"
She nodded gently. "Walk with me."
Jason followed her along a quiet stone path lined with glowing lanterns shaped like lotus petals. For a moment, neither spoke. Jason felt strangely nervous—Xueyin had a calm presence that made him more self-conscious than any battle.
Finally, she said softly, "I heard about your sparring match."
Jason blinked. "Already?"
"The entire sect knows." Her lips curved faintly. "You caused quite a stir."
Jason rubbed his neck awkwardly. "I didn't mean to. Yu Feng attacked first."
"I know," Xueyin said. "And that's why I wanted to warn you."
She stopped walking and turned to face him. "Jason… some people won't be happy with your sudden rise. You're talented—and talent threatens those above you."
Jason looked at the ground. "So… I'll be bullied more?"
"Most likely."
Jason sighed. "Why does this cultivation world have so much bullying?"
Xueyin smiled gently. "Because everyone wants to climb to the top. But few want to work for it."
Longwu Sword chimed in, "And most don't have an amazing sword like me."
Jason whispered sharply, "Shh!"
Xueyin tilted her head. "Did you say something?"
"No! Just—uh—breathing exercises."
Xueyin gave him a confused look but continued walking. "Listen carefully, Jason. If you truly want to grow stronger, then the pressure you face now will be nothing compared to the future. There are realms, worlds, and entire universes far beyond the Sekte Pedang Bintang."
Jason's eyes widened. "Universes…?"
"Yes," she said quietly. "And someday, you might have to face them."
Jason wasn't sure why, but her words felt heavy—like prophecy.
They reached a spring surrounded by floating spirit lights. Xueyin stopped and gently touched the water. "There's another reason I called you."
Jason looked at her, confused. "What is it?"
She hesitated… then, slowly, reached into her storage pouch.
"Here," she said, holding out a small jade token carved with a graceful snowflake pattern. "This is a personal token of the Xueyin Chamber of Commerce. If you're ever in danger, if someone bullies you, or if you need help… show this to any Xueyin merchant. They will protect you."
Jason stared at it. "Senior Sister… this is too much. I—I can't accept—"
Her gentle gaze stopped him. "Take it. I don't give this to many people. Only those I trust."
Jason felt his ears grow warm.
Trust…?
Xueyin turned away before he could respond, embarrassment flickering in her eyes. "A-Anyway… use it wisely."
Jason held the token carefully. "Thank you. I'll treasure it."
Xueyin nodded and stepped back, her voice softening. "Good. Now go. Elder Bai will scold you if you're late for afternoon training."
Jason bowed and left.
But before he walked too far, he heard Xueyin whisper behind him, almost too quiet to catch:
"…Be careful, Jason."
As Jason returned to the courtyard, Hao Lin jumped out from behind a tree.
"BROTHER! That looked romantic!"
Jason kicked him lightly. "It wasn't romantic."
Hao Lin raised a brow. "She gave you a personal token. That's basically a marriage proposal in some sects."
Jason choked. "What!? No it isn't!"
"It is," Longwu Sword confirmed. "Congratulations. You are now halfway married."
Jason nearly threw the sword into the grass.
But inside, he touched the jade token again.
Warm.
Comforting.
Someone believed in him.
Someone trusted him.
And in this world where strength was everything… that meant more than he could say.