C3 So What If They Were Disciples of Wudang?

"Have you guys heard? Fifth Uncle Zhang's son, Wuji, is back."

"And he's brought a new master with him up the mountain, too."

"What? That kid has the nerve to take on a new master and bring them to Wudang? He's clearly showing no respect for our sect!"

"Hmph, his mother, Yin Su Su, is a sorceress from that evil cult. How could her son be any better?"

"Exactly. If not for her, Fifth Uncle wouldn't have been murdered, and Third Uncle wouldn't be crippled for life."

"Senior Brother Soong, what's your take on this?"

The conversation pivoted as all the Wudang disciples turned their attention to a young man among them.

He was a striking figure with a noble countenance and an air of scholarly refinement—Soong Qingshu.

All present were third-generation disciples of the Wudang Sect, clearly aligned with Soong Yuanqiao's lineage.

"Wuji is, and always has been, a disciple of our sect. Taking on another master is certainly improper. Anyone else might face severe consequences for such disloyalty. But he's the sole son of Fifth Uncle. Neither my father nor the other uncles would likely punish him. Besides, the Grandmaster himself is quite fond of Wuji, having expended great energy to save his life." Soong Qingshu spoke evenly, yet a hint of envy tinged his words.

As the son of Soong Yuanqiao, he had been groomed from a young age to be Wudang's future leader. This bred a certain pride in Soong Qingshu, and it was only in the matter of Wuji that he felt someone else might be more favored.

"Senior Brother Soong, Wuji is our fellow disciple. We might not touch him, but his new master is a different story," remarked a sly-looking disciple, squinting.

Soong Qingshu's brow creased slightly. "Oh? And what are you suggesting?"

The disciple continued, "The man's not even twenty and already posing as a master. Who knows what tricks he played to get Wuji as his disciple. Now he's got the gall to show up at Wudang, probably to strut around. If we don't put him in his place, he'll never learn his lesson."

"Junior Brother Liu Bi makes a good point. Let's find a chance to corner the kid and give him a thrashing, show him Wudang's strength."

"Absolutely. He's got some nerve trying to undermine our sect. We need to teach him a harsh lesson." The other disciples nodded in agreement.

Soong Qingshu appeared hesitant. "If my father were to find out..."

"Don't worry, Senior Brother Soong. The Sect Leader isn't likely to fault us. Wuji is one of our own; he shouldn't be swearing allegiance to another. And if the Sect Leader does take issue, we won't implicate you," Liu Bi assured him with an ingratiating smile, knowing the advantages of currying favor with the heir of Wudang.

"Really?" Soong Qingshu mulled it over briefly. "Alright then, let's plan our next move. Where are they now?"

"They've been settled in the side room next to the Longevity Hall, Wuji's old quarters," another disciple informed.

Soong Qingshu nodded. "Good. Emei has sent word. They're gearing up to join the six major sects in a campaign against the Devil Cult. My father and the uncles are in conference, likely unaware of Wuji's return. Now's our chance."

Liu Bi's eyes sparkled with excitement as he declared, "I'll distract Zhang Wuji. The rest is up to you, brothers and sisters."

"Agreed, that's the plan," Soong Qingshu said, slapping his thigh and laughing with a hint of malice. "I'm eager to see this kid for myself and gauge his true strength."

...

After a refreshing bath and a change of clothes, Lin Yuanjian and Zhang Wuji had shed their travel-weary, disheveled looks.

"Not bad, it fits quite well," Lin Yuanjian observed, admiring his reflection. He had swapped his ragged modern casual wear for an ancient-style robe. With longer hair, he'd be indistinguishable from a man of ancient times.

Zhang Wuji, feeling a bit sheepish, said, "These are my father's old clothes. I apologize for the inconvenience, Master. Once I have the means, I'll make sure to have a new set tailored for you."

"Sounds good to me," Lin Yuanjian replied, without a hint of reservation.

Zhang Wuji's expression turned somber, perhaps the memories weighing on him.

Lin Yuanjian advised, "A true man has ambitions that reach beyond the horizon. Keep the past tucked away in your heart. Your parents, watching from the heavens, wouldn't want to see you so downhearted."

"Master, how is it that you seem to know everything about me?" Zhang Wuji repeated a question he had asked many times before.

Lin Yuanjian nonchalantly concocted an explanation, "Because, my dear pupil, I possess a heart that perceives the intricacies of life."

Zhang Wuji was at a loss for words; his master always had the same reply.

Knock, knock, knock. The sound of knocking echoed at the door.

"Wuji, Wuji, are you there?"

Zhang Wuji gestured respectfully and said, "Master, I'll step out and see who it is. Why don't you take a moment to rest here?"

"Go ahead, I could use the break," Lin Yuanjian responded, gesturing dismissively. Indeed, it had been ages since he'd enjoyed a proper rest. The cave in Kunlun Mountain, despite its temperate climate, couldn't compare to the comfort of a room with a bed.

Zhang Wuji stepped outside promptly: "Oh, Senior Brother Liu? What brings you here?"

It was Liu Bi, his face beaming with sincerity. "Wuji, your Third Martial Uncle wishes to see you. Shall we go together?"

"Third Martial Uncle knows I've returned?" Zhang Wuji's thoughts turned to Yuu Daiyan, and guilt washed over him for his mother's role in his uncle's lifelong disability.

"Yes, the Sect Leader and the other Martial Uncles are tied up with important matters, so only Third Martial Uncle was informed," Liu Bi explained.

"Let's not delay, then," Zhang Wuji said eagerly, his heart warmed by the thought of reuniting with Yuu Daiyan after so long.

As Lin Yuanjian settled in to rest, his brow suddenly furrowed.

No sooner had Zhang Wuji left than Soong Qingshu and a group of seven or eight Wudang disciples arrived in the courtyard.

One disciple suggested, "Senior Brother Soong, let's go in and grab that kid."

Soong Qingshu, brimming with confidence, replied, "No need. I'll go in alone and confront him. You all wait here." With that, he strode to the door and barged in without a second thought.

"Isn't he supposed to be a disciple of a reputable sect? Doesn't he even know to knock first?" a languid voice called out from inside, audible to all the Wudang disciples gathered outside.

"He's full of himself now, but just wait—Senior Brother Soong will put him in his place," one of them remarked.

"Exactly. He should take a good look at himself before trying to act like a master and take on disciples!"

"Only a naive kid like Zhang Wuji would be duped. Hahaha!"

Soong Qingshu shut the door and scrutinized the youth before him, who appeared even younger than himself.

"I haven't had the pleasure of learning your esteemed name yet."

Lin Yuanjian didn't reply but instead questioned, "Are you Soong Qingshu?"

With a hint of arrogance, Soong Qingshu confirmed, "Indeed, I am." His demeanor quickly turned frosty as he continued, "Are you aware that Zhang Wuji is a disciple of the Wudang Sect?"

"What difference does it make if he's a Wudang disciple?" Lin Yuanjian had anticipated such a confrontation, yet he hadn't expected it to arise so swiftly.