The morning after the Spring Duel, the sect buzzed beyond the usual rhythm. Jin Kang awoke to heavy rainfall drumming across tile and wood. Water pooled at doorstep edges, turning the pathways into rivers; disciples hurried above the streams, robes hitched, laughter carried like distant music.
He felt a strange peace amid the storm. The rain softened the shadows in courtyards, made loud claims fade to whispers. Jin pulled his cloak tighter, stepping into the gray silence.
Outside, Yu Xinyi stood beneath an awning, weaving together herbs for poultices, her fingers moving deftly through leaves and twine.
"You always work better when it rains," Jin teased, approaching with a grin. "Is rain the secret of grandmaster healers?"
Yu looked up, warmth shining in her almond eyes. "Rain means fewer people out training. More time to focus, less fuss over wounded pride and bruised egos."
Jin laughed, settling beside her. "Looks like I picked the best partner for a rainy day."
"You pick partners on sunny days too," she said dryly, nudging him with a shoulder.
Her laughter echoed quietly between them. Jin noticed how easily he relaxed around Yu—how her comfort was the glue for the anxious, ambitious, and sometimes lonely hearts in Cloud Peak.
***
Rumors ran wilder in bad weather.
As Jin made his way to breakfast, he found a knot of junior disciples gathered under a dripping maple tree, talking in hushed voices.
"I heard Jin Kang's luck is a secret technique. Elder Han taught him—only rolls and stumbles," one speculated.
Another piped up, "No way! Did you see him trip Zhao Long? That was genius. Maybe Zhao's not as strong as he acts."
"He's just lucky with who he faces," scoffed a third.
Jin paused to listen, pretending not to. A fourth kid, the youngest, whispered, "I want to learn to fight like him."
Jin smirked inside. Maybe staying underestimated would be trickier than he thought.
Lin Mei soon entered the courtyard, her expression sharper than usual. She strode directly to Jin, ignoring the gathered crowd.
"You're famous now, Jin Kang. Woke up a legend."
He shrugged, feigning discomfort. "It's not easy, you know. Fame means tripping in front of bigger crowds."
Lin Mei grinned at that. But behind her laughter, Jin sensed something different—a curiosity, a tension. Was she doubting his luck?
"Lin Mei, what do people want from legends?" Jin asked quietly.
Lin Mei paused, considering. "They want hope—or distraction. Both are useful."
Jin nodded. "Hope gets heavy. Distraction keeps you standing."
As disciples began the daily chores, Jin let Lin Mei's words sink in. Maybe that was why he masked his strength. Hope was a burden, but a good joke lightened even the strongest hearts.
***
During noon lessons, Elder Han led a group meditation in the rain-soaked pavilion. The older master's voice rolled like thunder, alternating between wisdom and comedy.
"To harness Qi, you must be both heavy and light. Heavy with discipline, light in spirit!" He eyed Jin, who sat cross-legged, balancing a pebble on his head.
"Why a pebble, Jin Kang?"
Jin grinned. "Keeps my spirit light. If I get too heavy, it will fall off."
The class chuckled, the pebble tumbled, and Elder Han burst into a fit of laughter.
Lin Mei rolled her eyes but smiled; Yu Xinyi beamed. Zhao Long, sitting two seats farther, pretended not to hear.
Elder Han continued, "Great strength hides in laughter. Don't mistake silence for weakness, or jokes for foolishness."
Jin absorbed those words, tucking them beside Lin Mei's earlier insight.
*System Notification: Wisdom gained. Emotional Mask skill upgraded.
Effect: Improved acting when stakes are raised.*
***
After lessons, Jin found Lin Mei practicing beneath the willow tree. Rain slid from leaf to ground in quiet sheets, creating a veil around her as she carved patterns through the air with her sword.
He watched for a moment, admiring her focus. Lin Mei sensed him and didn't turn.
"You know, fighting isn't always about force." Her voice was low, almost confessional. "Master told me power without restraint is a broken blade. What's the point of being strong if you can't control how much you reveal?"
Jin stepped closer, heart thudding. "Maybe hiding strength is a way to keep peace. So nobody expects you to fight every battle."
Lin Mei stopped, considering. "Or maybe it's an excuse not to challenge yourself."
Jin grinned. "Are you challenging me now?"
She looked over her shoulder, her gaze playful. "Only if you promise not to trip. I hear you're unbeatable rolling in mud."
Jin bowed, theatrically. "At your service."
They practiced together for a time, Lin Mei's sharp strikes contrasting against Jin's light, evasive moves. She watched him—sometimes too closely. Jin felt the pressure to slip, improvise, keep his strength subtle.
Yet, in her company, he wanted to show her more. Maybe one day.
***
By afternoon, rain faded to a mist. Jin ran errands with Yu Xinyi, helping her carry supplies to the infirmary.
As they crossed a small bridge, Yu grew thoughtful. "Do you think people would treat you differently if they saw how strong you really are?"
Jin slowed, pondering. "Some would be scared. Some might admire me—and stop being honest."
Yu considered that. "I like you as you are. Secret strengths included. Everyone wears some kind of mask. Just… don't let yours keep you lonely."
Her quiet caring struck Jin harder than any duel. He wanted to respond, to tell her everything, but the system flashed a warning:
> Mask Level: High
> Mission: Maintain concealment. Success advances social bonds.
Jin swallowed his confession, smiled gently. "I'll save my strength for when someone really needs help—not for pride."
Yu touched his arm, grateful. "If you do, I hope I'm the first to know."
Jin promised, silently.
***
Evening brought the sound of laughter and music. Younger disciples gathered for a small celebration, honoring the Spring Duel's end. Jin sketched exaggerated battle scenes in the dirt for a crowd, everyone roaring over his tales of "Rolling Cloud Fourth Form."
Lin Mei sat just off to the side, half-smiling, half studying him. Yu Xinyi passed out snacks, pausing to listen and laugh.
Zhao Long came by, less proud than usual.
"Jin Kang, teach me the way of the roll," Zhao challenged.
Jin played along. "First lesson: look clumsy. Second: trust your luck. Third: fall with style."
Zhao tried and promptly landed on his side. The crowd burst into laughter, and even Jin hid a smile. Later, Zhao seeked him out quietly.
"I underestimated you. Not for your fighting—your handling of people. One day, I'll beat you fairly."
Jin shook his hand. "I'll be waiting."
***
As night approached, Jin wandered solo by lantern light, rain now fallen to silvery mist. He paused near the high wall, looking up at stars barely visible through clouds.
He'd avoided exposure, won laughter, built trust. Yet he sensed—tomorrow, harder tests would come. Rivals would grow more determined. Friends would expect more. Could he keep up this mask forever?
A final system prompt pulsed softly:
> Mask maintained under scrutiny.
> Social bond: Lin Mei—Curiosity deepened.
> Social bond: Yu Xinyi—Trust strengthened.
> Rivalry: Zhao Long—Respect gained.
Jin Kang breathed night air, resolved.
*Let them believe what they will. When the time comes, my real strength will change everything.*
And for now, the mask remained—his shield and his silent promise.