The air of anticipation settled over Cloud Peak like morning mist, thick and slow to lift. Jin Kang awoke with the familiar flutter—a strange blend of excitement and anxiety. Today was the start of joint training with the famed Azure River Sect. Stories of their mysterious masters and lethal martial skills had traveled far, making them both rivals and celebrities.
He crossed the central courtyard, robes freshly laundered, sword still battered and unimpressive at his hip. Disciples gathered in looser clusters than usual, eyeing the azure-clad visitors with curiosity, envy, and suspicion.
Lin Mei greeted him first, her composure a little tighter than usual. "Ready for diplomacy, Jin Kang? Or are you going to roll your way into an alliance?"
He played along. "If all else fails, I'll trip over their best student and call it an offer of friendship."
Yu Xinyi joined, radiant with good cheer, carrying a tray of bamboo cups for the arriving guests. "Try not to embarrass us," she whispered playfully, then handed Jin a cup. "Or do. Sometimes, it's fun to watch the mighty stumble."
Jin felt the comfort of their support, but beneath it pulsed an old fear—would he keep his mask safe even among new eyes?
***
The Azure River disciples, led by their top genius Huo Lei, arrived with purposeful steps and polished swords. They projected confidence and curiosity, sweeping their gazes across Cloud Peak's ranks.
The two sects mingled for a short welcome ceremony. Elder Han made a rousing speech about mutual respect, learning, and the virtues of humility. Jin spotted Zhao Long posturing among his peers, eager to impress, while Lin Mei maintained reserved dignity.
Pairings were announced for the first joint sparring session—Jin Kang versus a visiting disciple named Wen, known for clever footwork and rapid strikes.
As they moved to the ring, Wen sized Jin with casual amusement. "You weren't in last year's rankings. I hear you're the lucky one."
"Luck comes in surprising forms," Jin replied. Secretly, he reviewed every step, every possible feint Wen might make.
The spar began—light, respectful, but purposeful. Wen pressed hard, using elaborate movements. Jin matched him with clumsy-looking steps, each just off the mark but perfectly timed underneath.
Wen lashed out with a spin; Jin "stumbled" beside the blow. A punch that should have landed instead caught air as Jin "dodged," appearing to trip. The crowd watched with growing confusion—how could someone so unskilled stay untouched?
Finally, Wen lost his balance after overcommitting, and Jin, playing the fool, accidentally bumped him out of the ring.
Cloud Peak disciples laughed; Azure River ones grumbled in disbelief. Jin apologized with sheepish bows.
*System Notification:
Masked skill maintained.
Azure River suspicion minimal.
Reward: Adaptive Evasion unlocked.*
***
After the spar, Lin Mei approached him under the shade of an old plum tree.
"You're a mystery, Jin Kang. I can't decide if you're the luckiest man alive or something else."
He smiled, heart thumping. "A little luck, a lot of practice falling down."
Lin Mei narrowed her eyes, but there was admiration beneath the teasing. "If you're hiding something, one day I hope you'll trust me."
He hesitated, feeling the weight of wanting to confide. "Some secrets are safer kept. But I promise—when it matters, you'll know."
Yu Xinyi joined, bringing Wen, who was rubbing his shoulder and laughing.
"I haven't been bested like that since I was a beginner," Wen confessed. "I look forward to a rematch. Maybe next time, you'll slip up for real."
Jin grinned. "I'll add more dramatic flair, just for you."
***
The joint training continued with exercises in Qi sensing, group formations, and tactical games. Jin watched the Azure River disciples work seamlessly as a unit, their discipline second only to their pride. Occasionally, Jin would sneak clever tips to Cloud Peak juniors—how to shift their stances, focus their breath, or time a dodge with seeming luck.
Yu Xinyi shined as chief healer, helping both sects with her gentle energy and cheerful instructions. She was a bridge—the kind that crossed both rivalry and uncertainty.
During a break, she sat with Jin Kang under a wide, blossoming maple.
"You always help people, even if it's just by making them smile," she said, folding herbs slowly.
Jin replied, "Sometimes smiles save more pain than medicines. But you do both."
She flushed, pleased, and leaned in. "And Lin Mei trusts you, even when she suspects something. That's rare."
Their easy closeness was comfort. Jin felt safe enough to say, "Are you ever afraid? Of not belonging, or standing out too much?"
Yu considered. "Of course. But it passes. When I help, I feel part of something bigger. You should let yourself belong, too. One day, they'll see who you are—and they'll cheer the loudest."
System prompt echoed:
> Social bond deepened: Yu Xinyi
> Emotional Mask stability: High
***
Later, as dusk fell and training ended, the two sects held a friendly martial debate. Disciples discussed tactics, the meaning of true power, the virtue of restraint.
Zhao Long, usually boastful, argued for constant improvement. Lin Mei spoke for wisdom and measured strength; Wen championed the value of teamwork; Jin Kang listened, quietly contributing a joke or timely observation.
Elder Han smiled, noting how Jin's humility opened up deeper conversation.
"You all train weapons and Qi, but don't forget you train character, too," Elder Han said, voice resonant. "True strength changes the world quietly, often unnoticed, until the day it's needed."
Jin Kang bowed, holding those words close, sensing his path as both protector and secret.
***
That night, Jin Kang found himself restless. The day's training, the rising tension between sects, the subtle shifts in friendships—it all weighed on him.
He walked alone under lanterns, almost tempted to test his powers in secret. In a hidden corner, he practiced quick stances, silent leaps—moves that, if seen, would challenge every assumption about his "luck."
As he finished, Lin Mei stepped from the shadows.
"I thought I'd find you here," she said, arms crossed, but not in anger. "You're not as invisible as you hope—and someday, I'll catch you in the act."
Jin faced her, struggling between honesty and safety. "Maybe I want to be seen, but not too soon. There's peace in being nobody, for a while."
Lin Mei approached, close enough for Jin to see intensity in her eyes—curiosity, admiration, care.
"Then let's walk together," she said softly. "Tonight, at least, you don't have to hide."
They walked in companionable silence, stars peeking out between clouds, watching over both Jin Kang's secret and the promise he'd one day reveal.
***
Back in his room, Jin Kang lay on his mat, the system whispering its approval:
> Mask maintained under new scrutiny.
> Bond: Lin Mei—Trust growing.
> Bond: Yu Xinyi—Affection steady.
> Rivalry: Wen—Friendly challenge.
> Zhao Long—Respect deepening.
> New mission: Remain concealed during tomorrow's joint tests; support Lin Mei without direct reveals.
> Special note: When mask is finally removed, strength will echo across two sects.
Jin smiled, content. He felt the power beneath his skin, the strength in his heart, and knew—his legend was just beginning, written in every friendship, every rivalry, every day he chose to roll instead of strike.
The mask remained, for now. But within, Jin Kang grew ever more sure of who he truly was—and what he would one day become.