Chapter 10 — The First Step Into Brotherhood
Afternoon training began with a harsh sun beating down on the Sekte Pedang Bintang's courtyard. Yet Jason Wu felt strangely energized. Maybe it was the spar earlier. Maybe it was Senior Sister Xueyin's token resting warmly in his pocket. Or maybe it was because Hao Lin wouldn't stop bragging loudly.
"Everyone! Listen up! My sworn brother, Jason Wu, defeated Yu Feng this morning! With one hand! No—two hands! No—three hands! Somehow!"
Jason Wu grabbed Hao Lin's collar. "Stop adding extra hands!"
Hao Lin wiped imaginary tears. "I'm just proud!"
Longwu Sword snorted. "This boy is dramatic. I like him."
Before Jason Wu could respond, Elder Bai clapped his hands sharply."Quiet, all of you. Today's training is pair-based."
The disciples formed teams of two. Naturally, Hao Lin wrapped his arm around Jason Wu immediately."Brother! We fight together!"
Jason Wu sighed. "Just don't slow me—"
Something slammed into his back—hard.
Jason Wu staggered forward, spinning around to see Yu Feng standing behind him, arms crossed, jaw clenched. His face was still bruised from their earlier spar.
Yu Feng pointed at him. "You. Jason Wu. Fight me again. Right now."
Hao Lin jumped in front of Jason Wu protectively. "Hey! He already beat you once today! Don't embarrass yourself twice!"
"Move," Yu Feng growled.
"Nope!"
Yu Feng grabbed Hao Lin by the collar and tossed him aside like a sack of potatoes.
"WAH—!" Hao Lin flipped and landed face-first in the dirt.
Jason Wu quickly helped him up. "Are you okay?"
"I was born for this pain," Hao Lin coughed.
Yu Feng pulled out his sword. "Fight me. Unless you're scared."
Jason Wu stepped forward, his eyes calm. "I'm not scared. But Elder Bai said this is pair training."
Yu Feng smirked. "Then we'll fight in pairs."
He pointed at the disciple beside him—a stoic-looking boy with a white band on his wrist."This is my cousin, Bai Shuren. He just returned from elite training. Together, we'll crush you."
Hao Lin whispered, "Brother… this is bad. Really bad. Bai Shuren is strong."
Jason Wu nodded. "Then we'll try."
Longwu Sword whispered, "Good. Pressure creates power. Also, I want to see you panic a little."
"Stop enjoying this," Jason Wu muttered.
Elder Bai raised his hand. "Pair combat—begin!"
Yu Feng and Bai Shuren attacked simultaneously.
Their coordination was frightening—Yu Feng came from the front, Shuren circled around to flank. Jason Wu blocked Yu Feng's first strike, while Hao Lin flailed desperately against Shuren.
"Ahhh! Why are you so fast!?" Hao Lin screamed.
Jason Wu parried Yu Feng's thrust and immediately stepped back to kick away Shuren's incoming slash, saving Hao Lin at the last moment.
Yu Feng grinned. "Not bad."
Sweat formed on Jason Wu's forehead. These two were skilled—far beyond normal outer disciples. Jason Wu had to stay alert every second.
But as the fight dragged on, something surprising happened.
Jason Wu felt his footing stabilizing—his instincts sharpening—his reactions accelerating. He was adjusting to their rhythm.
Longwu Sword hummed in approval."Good. You're starting to synchronize with your opponent's flow. Remember this feeling."
Shuren lunged toward Jason Wu. Hao Lin panicked and grabbed Shuren's leg.
"BROTHER! I GOT HIM! I GOT—AAAAAHH!"
Shuren kicked Hao Lin off like a kicking a watermelon.
Jason Wu caught Hao Lin mid-air. "Stop grabbing random body parts!"
"You try stopping him!" Hao Lin wheezed.
Yu Feng's sword came down, and Jason Wu barely blocked it in time. Sparks flew.
Yu Feng pressed harder. "You're strong, Jason Wu… but strength alone won't beat teamwork!"
Jason Wu grinned. "Then we'll use teamwork too."
Hao Lin blinked. "We will…? When!?"
Jason Wu pushed Yu Feng back and whispered, "Hao Lin. Distract Shuren."
"HOW!?"
"Use your mouth!"
Hao Lin nodded and took a deep breath. "HEY SHUREN! YOUR EYEBROWS ARE UNEVEN!"
Shuren froze.
"My what?"
Hao Lin gasped dramatically. "Your left eyebrow is higher. MUCH higher. It looks like it's escaping your face!"
Even Yu Feng blinked. "Shuren… is that true?"
Shuren touched his eyebrow. "…Impossible."
Jason Wu seized the opening—his blade flashed upward, hitting Shuren's sword, knocking it out of his hand.
BAM!
Shuren's weapon flew into the sky.
Jason Wu immediately pivoted toward Yu Feng—who hesitated for a split second, confused.
That was all Jason Wu needed.
He struck Yu Feng's ribs with the flat of his blade, sending him stumbling.
Elder Bai raised his hand. "Enough! Winner—Jason Wu and Hao Lin!"
The courtyard erupted into gasps.
Hao Lin threw himself onto the ground, sobbing dramatically."VICTORY!!! My eyebrows saved us!"
Jason Wu wiped sweat from his forehead. "That was… chaotic."
Yu Feng pushed himself up, coughing harshly. He stared at Jason Wu for a long moment, breathing hard.
Then, unexpectedly, he bowed.
"Jason Wu… from today onward, I will recognize your strength."
Jason Wu blinked. "…What?"
Yu Feng stood straight. "You won fairly. Twice. I don't lose to just anyone."
He glanced away, embarrassed. "I… may have been arrogant."
Bai Shuren added reluctantly, "Your teamwork… was unusual. But effective."
Hao Lin stood proudly. "That's because we're sworn brothers!"
"Sworn…?" Yu Feng raised an eyebrow.
Jason Wu scratched his cheek. "He decided that on his own."
Yu Feng let out a small laugh. "Fine. Then count me in."
Jason Wu froze. "What…?"
Yu Feng placed a hand on his shoulder. "If you're forming a brotherhood… I want to join it."
Shuren crossed his arms. "I'll join too."
Hao Lin gasped. "Our brotherhood… is growing!"
Jason Wu looked at the three boys standing before him—each with different personalities, flaws, strengths, and stubbornness.
A warmth spread in his chest.
This was the beginning.
The first seeds of something far greater.A circle of loyalty.A foundation that would one day grow into the legendary name…
The Wu Family.
Longwu Sword whispered proudly,"Good, Jason Wu. Power is not built alone. The strongest rulers… always start with bonds."
Jason Wu smiled.
He didn't know it yet…
…but this brotherhood would shake worlds.