It hasn't been six hours and we've already arrived. Gotta say… with a name like Shadowheart Sect, I thought it would be a dreary and depressing place, but surprisingly, it was beautiful.
The Shadowheart Sect, despite its ominous name, is renowned for its unparalleled beauty and grace, both in its surroundings and its members. Nestled deep within a secluded valley, surrounded by towering cliffs draped in cascading vines and blooming flowers, the sect's headquarters exudes an ethereal charm that captivates all who behold it.
The architecture of the sect is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of its founders, with elegant pavilions and pagodas adorned with intricate carvings and delicate latticework. Each building seems to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, as if grown from the earth itself, creating a harmonious fusion of man-made artistry and the splendor of nature.
Within the sect's grounds, lush gardens burst with vibrant hues of flora, from delicate cherry blossoms to majestic lotus blooms, inviting disciples to wander and meditate amidst the tranquil beauty. Serene koi ponds reflect the shimmering light of the sun, their gentle ripples adding to the sense of serenity that permeates the air.
Despite its outward appearance of tranquility, The Shadowheart Sect is known for its rigorous training and formidable martial prowess. Disciples of the sect are trained in the ancient arts of stealth and subterfuge, honing their skills to perfection under the guidance of wise masters who have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of martial excellence.
At least that's what the mistress and Sarah told me.
We alighted from our flying ship together with Olne. We both wore a mask to conceal ourselves. I wore a golden mask of a smiling man with slits for eyes. And changed my hair color to black to the astonished gaze of Olne. Changing my eye color as well to light brown.
Olne wore her usual black robe, with a mask that was silver in color, denoting her position next to me.
I looked around to find some people wearing their own masks. I sighed in relief, this way we won't stand out like a sore thumb.
Many young masters with their retinue strolled about the gardens of the sect. Some looked like sons of the heavens, with their looks and their aura blaring their superiority over their own retinue, making them cower and lower their heads as they look for any opportunity to serve their young master.
Of course, some of them were clearly spoiled brats that were born into influential and powerful clans or families. Where their grandmas and grandpas wouldn't settle for less for their little young master of their family. So they spoil them with riches and resources even though it would be wiser to use it on more talented individuals in their sects and families.
I guess not everyone would think optimally… why should they? As long as they have the power and the resources to uplift their favorite trashy young masters, who will continue their own bloodline and feel superior as their arrogance grows.
All of these thoughts came to me from all the novels that I used to read in my past life. The one where my name was Joe. I still can't fathom who would fracture my soul to such a degree that even with my reincarnation here, I still can't remember everything…
Just as I was about to walk away, someone bumped into me. Hitting me hard on my shoulder. I simply continued walking, and to my "surprise", a kid grabbed my shoulder.
"How dare you bump into this young master! Do you not know who I am!?" a kid with black hair and red eyes glanced at me with fury, veins popping on his head since I didn't show him any interest.
Young masters like this are dime a dozen. So I simply looked back at him with narrowed eyes. Flicking his hand from my shoulder. I said " How dare you touch me? Trash? Do you not know who I am!?".
This is kinda fun…
A vein almost popped from his forehead as he looked angrily at me. I glanced at his entourage to see his bodyguard and two girls who are probably his maids looking at me with disgust and unabashed hostility.
"You dare!? I am Zhu Cheng! Young Master of the Zhu clan! Who the hell do you think you are!?" Cheng said as he pointed at me haughtily.
Zhu clan huh? Just another clan in this vast empire…
"Puny child who doesn't know the immensity of heaven and earth… Tsk Tsk… you're not qualified to know who I am, trash. Maybe if you give me those maids of yours I would be magnanimous enough to let you lick my shoes." This is fun. No wonder these young masters get off on this behavior.
A crowd already formed around us. Snickering and whispering to themselves at finally seeing some action in this banquet.
Cheng seeing the crowd laughing to themselves only angered him further.
I felt my scalp turn numb as Olne seems to glare intensely at me. I did say that I was going to do an act in here… guess being perverted and asking for his maid will backfire on me. Not like I'm interested in them anyways.
Cheng couldn't take it anymore and leapt at me. His fist covered in an earthly brown aura as he punched. The boy was nothing but a Core Condensation Realm brat, so I just blocked his all-out attack with my palm. My robe fluttered with the force of the attack.
"Weak, so weak!" I punched his pretty face. Throwing him away to his bodyguard who was speechless as he looked at the mangled mess that is the face of his Young master.
"Y-You! You dare hit the young master!" His guard said to me with fury in his eyes. He would've lunged at me if not for Olne pressuring him with her aura.
"What is the meaning of this?"
I looked to the source of the voice, and found a familiar woman.
'Elder Mia?'
She wore black robes with gold trimmings. Her veil was opaque, but I could recognize her with her dangerous curves.
"Nothing much, just teaching a child some discipline." I turned to her, smiling under my mask but she couldn't see. She just knew I was smirking due to my voice.
"Is that so? Well, you can discipline whomever you want in the arena tomorrow. So can you behave yourself until then? Young master…?" Elder Mia said with a tilt of her head.
"Kyle. You can call me Kyle. Miss?" I said as I held her hand. But she retracted it as soon as I held it.
"Mrs. Mia. I'm married." Elder Mia said. I can sense a hint of a smile on her face. Good for her I guess.
"What a shame… if only I was born a little early… Send your husband my regards, Mrs. Mia." I turned around with Olne in tow. I couldn't stand this place with all the eyes and all pretentiousness in the air. Leaving behind that little young master with his entourage to get ridiculed.
I asked some of the attendants if there was some lodging fit for a young master such as I. They were too happy to tell me, even offering to warm my bed if need be.
These attendants from what I saw were once disciples, but for one reason or another were demoted to this position in the sect. Either by not being talented enough or them reaching their limits.
I turned them down with a scoff. Then entered the lodging with Olne.
Olne set up formations around the room. Noise cancelling, concealing and defensive formations. You can't trust any place's security. You have to make your own in unknown territory.
"Is it done?" I said with my haughty voice to Olne. And she nodded respectfully.
"Phew! Haha! That was fun!" I smiled as I took off my mask. Olne only smirked as she sat down on the lavish couch.
"If I didn't know any better, I would say you were really that smug and arrogant." Olne said as she brought a tea set from her spatial ring. It's aromatic fragrance tickled my nose. I sat opposite her and took a teacup in hand.
"Well… I might be. though I did have a powerhouse with me, making me strut around unbridled." I said to her with a smug smile. She looked at me and shook her head. A small smile on her face.
"Go to any room. I'll just stay here and guard the lodging." Olne said as she sipped her tea. Her eyes closed.
I sighed. Gulped the tea down, then went to rest in on of the rooms.