“Challenge me? You’re not even qualified,” Jared said, without so much as lifting an eyelid. Hearing this, rage flashed across Julian’s face.
“Arrogant fool! Die!” He reached for his sword. A single flash of silver, too fast to follow, split the air. A soft hiss. One black strand of Julian’s hair drifted down and landed in his open palm.
Time seemed to freeze. Julian remained locked in mid-draw, anger still stamped on his features, eyes now wide with raw fear. His friends stood gaping, none had seen Jared move.
Jared stood where was. He merely flicked imaginary dust from his sleeve, as though nothing of interest had occurred.
Lyra’s mouth curved in a barely visible smile. “Master appointed Jared as the head disciple for a reason, Julian. it might be wise to learn from him.”
Without waiting for a reply, gestured to Jared and Flaxseed. “Come, we’ve wasted enough daylight.”
The three of them strode on, leaving the stunned disciples to piece their pride back together. Jared inclined his head, a quiet signal of assent, and strode after Lyra with Flaxseed hurrying at his side.
Behind them, the Sword Sect novices finally snapped out of their trance, only to discover their legs trembling beneath them.
Julian stared at the single strand of hair resting in his palm. Icy sweat burst across his back as the truth hit him, death had brushed past and chosen to spare him.
If Jared’s target had been his throat instead of that lock of hair, Julian would already lie cold and limp upon the stones.
“J-Julian,” one of the juniors stammered. “W-What on earth did just do?”
Julian drew a slow, quivering breath.
“I don’t know,” admitted, the words shaking free of a tight chest. “But with speed and accuracy like that, the lot of us together wouldn’t last a heartbeat against him…”
They stared blankly at one another, unable to muster even a word. The whole situation was strange.
“Lyra,” Flaxseed muttered while they walked, his curiosity gnawing louder than his hunger, “Can we trust this place they call Whispers Tower? Could be a swindle, couldn’t it?”
“Hard to say.” Lyra shook head, raven hair brushing shoulders. “I’ve never set foot inside, so truth and rumor wear the same mask to me. We’ll only know once we try.”
***
Guided by Lyra’s sure stride, they soon arrived at Whispers Tower.
The structure rose like an obsidian spear against the sky, sheer, silent, and vaguely menacing. Two black-clad guards flanked the entrance, their hawk-sharp eyes tracking every passer-by.
Jared took a deep breath and led Flaxseed beneath the shadowed lintel.
A breath of sandalwood greeted them inside, gentle yet insistent, and the gloom of the exterior dissolved into extravagant splendor.
Thick carpets swallowed their footfalls. A giant jade table commanded the central hall, encircled by elegant attendants in silk gowns, each as poised as a swan mid-glide.
One attendant stepped forward, smile polished to a mirror shine. “Honored guests, what knowledge do you seek?”
“The location of Malevolent Path Hall’s branch,” Jared answered without preamble.
The smile on the woman’s face faltered, only for a heartbeat, before regained flawless composure. She let gaze sweep over Jared and Flaxseed, weighing their courage.
“Information on Malevolent Path Hall is costly and perilous. Are you certain you wish to proceed?”
“We are,” Jared said. “Name your price…”
“The exact coordinates will be one million celestial gems.”
“One million?” Flaxseed yelped. “Are you trying to rob us blind?”
