Chereads / The Righteous Plum Sword / Chapter 4 - The Path of a Representative

Chapter 4 - The Path of a Representative

Li Wei stood at the peak of Mount Hua, his heart swelling with a mix of pride and determination. The sun cast a golden glow over the mountains, bathing the sect in a serene light. The events of the competition were still fresh in his mind, and the admiration from his peers and elders had only grown. He had earned the title of the sect's representative, a position equal to that of an elder. It was a role that came with great responsibility and respect, but also with freedom from the normal practices of the sect.

No longer bound by the strict routines of a disciple, Li Wei found himself with the authority to take in students of his own. In his past life as the Silent Shadow, he had always longed for the opportunity to pass on his knowledge, to mold young minds and guide them on their path to mastery. Now, that dream was within his grasp.

He carefully selected three of the best second-class disciples. Each of them showed promise, skill, and a willingness to learn. They were eager to prove themselves, and Li Wei saw in them the potential to become great warriors.

The first was Jian Yu, a tall, muscular youth with a fierce determination and a natural talent for swordsmanship. His raw power and strength were impressive, but he lacked finesse and control.

The second was Mei Lin, a graceful and agile young woman whose speed and precision were unmatched. However, her confidence sometimes led to overreach, making her vulnerable to counterattacks.

The third was Liang Shen, a quiet and thoughtful boy with a keen mind for strategy and an innate understanding of qi. His techniques were sound, but he often hesitated in the heat of battle, unsure of his own abilities.

Li Wei gathered his new disciples in a secluded training ground, away from the eyes of the other sect members. He wanted to create an environment where they could learn and grow without distractions or pressure.

"From this day forward," Li Wei began, his voice firm but encouraging, "you will train under my guidance. Each of you has shown great potential, but there is much to learn and many challenges to overcome. I will help you refine your skills, correct your mistakes, and unlock your true potential."

Jian Yu stepped forward, his eyes filled with determination. "Master Li Wei, I am ready to learn. I will not let you down."

Li Wei nodded, turning to Mei Lin and Liang Shen. "The same goes for both of you. Dedicate yourselves fully to your training, and you will achieve greatness."

Over the next few weeks, Li Wei focused on improving their weaknesses. He taught Jian Yu to harness his strength with precision and control, transforming his raw power into a formidable weapon. He guided Mei Lin in refining her speed and precision, emphasizing the importance of balance and timing. For Liang Shen, instilled confidence through rigorous sparring sessions and mental exercises, helping him trust in his abilities.

The progress was remarkable. Jian Yu's strikes became more controlled and deadly, Mei Lin's movements more balanced and graceful, and Liang Shen's confidence grew with each passing day. Li Wei watched with pride as his students flourished under his guidance.

One afternoon, as they were finishing their training session, a young disciple approached, bowing respectfully. "Master Li Wei, the sect leader requests your presence in the meeting hall."

Li Wei's heart skipped a beat. Had they discovered his true identity? He composed himself quickly and nodded. "I will go at once. You three, continue your practice."

As Li Wei made his way to the meeting hall, his mind raced. If the elders had discovered who he truly was, his mission could be in jeopardy. He took a deep breath, reminding himself that he was no longer the Silent Shadow. He was Li Wei, the representative of the Mount Hua Sect.

The meeting hall was a grand room with high ceilings and intricate wooden carvings depicting the sect's storied history. The elders were seated in a semicircle, their expressions solemn. Master Zhang sat at the center, his presence commanding yet calm.

"Li Wei," Master Zhang began, his voice steady, "please, have a seat."

Li Wei bowed respectfully and took his place. "You requested my presence, Master?"

Master Zhang nodded. "Indeed. It is time for your first mission as the representative of Mount Hua. You are to travel to the Murim Alliance and attend the Conference of Warriors as our guest of honour. The Conference of Warriors is a prestigious competition organized by the Murim Alliance to discover and recruit talented individuals from across the land. As the representative of Mount Hua, one of the Nine Great Sects, your presence will symbolize our strength and honour."

Li Wei's tension eased slightly. This was an honour, not an accusation. "I understand, Master. I will represent our sect with honour and dignity."

Master Zhang continued, "You may take your disciples with you. It will be a valuable experience for them to witness the wider world of Murim and to understand the importance of alliances and diplomacy."

Li Wei nodded. "Thank you, Master. I will prepare for our departure immediately."

The journey to the Murim Alliance was long and arduous, but it provided Li Wei with the perfect opportunity to bond further with his disciples and continue their training. They travelled through dense forests, across winding mountain paths, and through bustling villages, each step taking them closer to the heart of Murim.

As they travelled, Li Wei took every opportunity to teach his disciples, sharing stories of his past experiences (carefully edited to exclude his life as the Silent Shadow) and offering practical lessons in martial arts, strategy, and survival.

One evening, as they camped by a clear mountain stream, Li Wei gathered his disciples around the fire. The flames cast flickering shadows on their faces, and the sound of the flowing water provided a soothing backdrop.

"Master," Mei Lin asked, her eyes reflecting the firelight, "what can we expect at the Conference of Warriors?"

Li Wei considered her question carefully. "The Conference of Warriors is a gathering of the most powerful and influential sects and clans in Murim. It is a place where the strongest fighters from across the land compete to prove their worth and gain recognition. As representatives of Mount Hua, our role is to observe, learn, and build alliances. While we may not participate in the competition itself, it is a valuable opportunity to understand the dynamics that govern our world."

Liang Shen, ever the strategist, leaned forward. "Master, how should we conduct ourselves to best represent Mount Hua?"

Li Wei smiled. "With honor, humility, and a keen mind. Remember that every action you take reflects not just on yourselves, but on our entire sect. Be respectful, listen more than you speak, and learn as much as you can."

Jian Yu, his eyes filled with determination, nodded. "We will make you proud, Master."

Li Wei looked at his disciples, feeling a deep sense of pride and responsibility. "I know you will. You have already made great strides in your training, and I am confident that you will continue to grow. This journey is as much about your development as warriors as it is about representing our sect.