Cloud Peak glowed beneath the rising sun—every blade of grass washed clean by last night's thunderstorm, air fragrant from rain. Jin Kang gazed from his window at busy courtyards below, feeling both ache and anticipation. Azure River Sect had departed, but the memory of alliances, rumors, and the dramatic rescue lingered in the hearts of Cloud Peak's disciples.
He rose, dressed, and stepped outside, determined to keep his mask steady even as attention encroached from all sides.
***
Breakfast was unusually boisterous. Jin Kang crossed the hall amid chatter; disciples applauded Yu Xinyi for her cool head in the river rescue, and Wen's stories about "the luckiest man alive" painted Jin as a half-joke, half-legend.
Jin smiled, bowing his head in thanks, but kept to the edge of gatherings, slipping in and out of circles to avoid direct praise.
Lin Mei tracked him down, cutting through the crowd with purpose. She carried two steaming rice buns, pressing one into Jin's hand.
"You're hiding again," she said, voice quiet but firm.
"Someone has to keep the legends mysterious," Jin replied, grinning.
She eyed him, warmth and curiosity flickering. "Elder Han wants to meet after breakfast. He's called a council with you, me, Yu Xinyi, and Zhao Long. No details."
Jin felt his pulse quicken. He wondered if the elders had seen through his mask during the river rescue.
Yu Xinyi joined, smile bright as ever. "Busy morning. The juniors want you to teach the 'rolling save' you did in the river."
Jin blushed. "That was mostly panic—and luck."
Zhao Long came by, nodding with grudging respect. "Panic or not, it worked. I want to know more, too."
Their friendly banter soothed Jin's nerves, if only a little.
***
The council gathered in Elder Han's study, lanterns still burning against the storm-lit gloom. The elder stood behind his desk, eyes wise and playful.
"You four handled more than martial arts during the joint training." Elder Han's gaze lingered on Jin. "You protected Cloud Peak's reputation, fostered alliances, and when risk came, you each chose action that benefited others."
He paused, letting the silence settle.
"For that reason, we wish to entrust you with a new task: mentoring the youngest disciples. Teach them not just sword or Qi, but wisdom, resilience, and humility."
Zhao Long sat straighter, pride flaring. Yu Xinyi smiled, enthusiasm bubbling. Lin Mei considered the request, seriousness deepening.
Jin Kang hesitated.
Elder Han saw his doubt. "You have a knack for surviving—and for helping others survive. Don't be afraid to share it, Jin Kang. Even masks can teach."
Lin Mei put her hand over Jin's. "If you can teach them to be brave, I'll show them how to be precise."
Yu Xinyi nodded. "And I'll keep them healthy."
Zhao Long grinned. "I'll test their limits."
Jin relented, feeling warmth and purpose kindle within.
***
Days passed with Jin Kang guiding juniors through exercises—rolling falls, safe dodges, steady breath. He made his lessons funny yet meaningful, turning every joke into a lesson on perseverance.
Lin Mei often joined, her fierce skills softened by Jin's playful coaching. Sometimes she'd whisper, "Let yourself shine a little more," but Jin always played the fool with just enough talent glimpsed to inspire without overwhelming.
Yu Xinyi provided gentle encouragement, bandages, laughter. Her kindness soothed nerves and made every challenge seem possible.
Zhao Long, still competitive, turned from rival into approachable mentor, pushing juniors to find their edge with friendly taunts rather than scorn.
Jin watched as younger disciples grew, confidence blossoming where there had only been fear.
*System Notification:
Mask maintained and mentorship rewarded.
Bond: Lin Mei—Respect and gentle challenge. Yu Xinyi—Affection. Zhao Long—Rivalry tempered into camaraderie.*
***
Even as Jin helped others, rumors began to swirl beyond the sect. Messages arrived from nearby schools, asking for joint practice tournaments—"to see Cloud Peak's new style." Elder Han warned the group: "The outside world is watching. Protect our name but guard your strengths."
After classes, Lin Mei found Jin beneath a maple tree, his eyes thoughtful as he watched younger students spar.
"You're happier teaching than fighting, aren't you?" she asked, sitting beside him.
Jin's expression grew wistful. "I love seeing others grow—finding their own strength rather than relying on someone else's shadow."
Lin Mei nudged his shoulder. "But you're no one's shadow, Jin Kang. You're part of Cloud Peak's heart, whether you hide it or not."
He met her gaze—thoughtful, grateful, but still wary. "If I reveal too much, some will follow for the wrong reason. I want them to trust themselves."
Lin Mei smiled sadly. "Sometimes, courage is letting yourself be seen."
She left him to ponder, her words haunting him long after.
***
Dusk fell with new energy. As seniors met to plan for next week's tournament, Jin was drawn into council with the four mentors. Outside, Yu Xinyi treated a junior's twisted ankle, Zhao Long argued strategy, Lin Mei prepared forms, and Jin Kang made sure every disciple felt included—never belittled for failing.
When the meeting ended, Yu Xinyi caught Jin alone by the medicinal garden.
"Will you always hide, Jin?" she asked softly. "Or is there someone you wish would see you?"
Jin's voice trembled. "I dream of showing my strength when it truly matters—when it helps, not just impresses. Until then, I'll keep the mask on."
She hugged him, a gentle embrace that lingered.
Just then, Lin Mei appeared with a small candle, holding it out. "For when darkness feels heavy, Jin Kang. You aren't as alone as you think."
He accepted, heart split between comfort and longing for the freedom to be seen.
*System: Mask intact. Bonds deepened.
New Mission: Support juniors in tournament, conceal true power, foster team unity.*
***
Moon rose high as Jin Kang sat with Lin Mei and Yu Xinyi on the courtyard steps, sharing quiet stories. The world felt steady for a time, each friend close, each bond real.
Jin let his guard down for a moment, hoping someday he'd reveal everything. For now, he cherished the peace in their company, holding close the promise to unmask only when the right moment arrived.
As clouds drifted over a silver moon, the echoes of friendship—courage and care, silence and laughter—lifted Jin Kang's spirit higher than any victory.