Chapter 19: Sect Leader

Chapter 19 - Sect Leader "The Sect Leader should be just up ahead," Yue Yu said, slowing to a stop. She pointed past a row of curved stone arches, toward a narrow cobblestone path that snaked through a shaded grove: "She likes to sit near the pond this time of day." Hei Long nodded. "Thank you." Yue Yu stepped aside to let him pass, but her tone turned mildly cautious: "Just... be careful. The Sect Leader has a bit of a temper." She rubbed the back of her head sheepishly: "A lot of people have gotten themselves killed for saying the wrong thing. Or looking the wrong way. Or sneezing near her tea." Hei Long raised a hand in casual dismissal as he walked. "Don't worry. I'm good with women." Behind him, Yue Yu blinked. "A playboy...?" she murmured to herself, then chuckled softly: "I really like his honesty..." The cobblestone path curved gently under the canopy of trees, each step bringing Hei Long deeper into the secluded heart of the sect. Sunlight filtered down in ribbons through the high branches above, casting dappled shadows that danced across the moss-covered stones. The air smelled faintly of lotus and damp earth. Hei Long passed through a grove of old sycamores, the branches swaying gently in the breeze, before the path widened into a clearing. And there she was. The pond shimmered under the afternoon light — clear, serene, reflecting the pale blue sky above and the occasional drifting leaf. In the open grass beside it, autumn leaves drifted lazily through the air like golden butterflies. Sitting at the edge of the pond was a woman who could only be described as impossible to ignore. She was tall, easily over six feet, with a body forged like a weapon — lean muscle wrapped in effortless confidence. Her robe was a deep crimson, sleeveless and open at the midriff, revealing a defined six-pack that flexed slightly with every breath. Her long, unruly red hair cascaded down her back like a river of flame, and her eyes, the same molten red, burned with an intensity that could reduce most men to silence. Laid across the grass beside her was an enormous warhammer — easily the size of a man, its handle thick and wrapped in what looked like beast hide, its head engraved with old, battle-worn runes that pulsed faintly with power. It looked like it had cracked mountains before breakfast. Even more absurd, she wasn't sitting on a bench or a cushion. No, she had two massive spirit beasts beneath her — one serving as her seat, the other curled beneath her feet like a living footrest. One was a horned panther, breathing slow and steady. The other looked like a wingless drake, its eyes shut in a kind of resigned submission. She lounged with one leg crossed over the other, a steaming cup of tea in hand, eyes half-lidded as she watched the fish in the pond with an expression that suggested either boredom or divine patience. Hei Long stepped into the clearing and stopped a few paces away, taking in the sight. 'Seeing the Sect Leader in person really is something else...' Power radiated from her, even in stillness. It wasn't just her body or her weapon — it was in the air around her, thick and oppressive like the atmosphere before a lightning storm. There was no doubt in Hei Long's mind that she could kill him before he even blinked. And she probably had — more than once. The woman turned her head slowly, her crimson eyes locking onto his. Her gaze felt like fire brushing against his skin. Not curious. Not surprised. Just... evaluating. She took a sip of her tea. "You're not one of mine," she said, her voice smooth but deep — like distant thunder, velvet-wrapped steel: "Who are you, and why are you disturbing my break?" Hei Long smiled politely, clasping his hands behind his back: "My name is Hei Long. Young Master of the Hei family. I've come to join the Reliance Sect." A pause. Then a loud snort from the drake beneath her feet. The Sect Leader raised one eyebrow: "You want to join a third-rate sect in the middle of nowhere, under a woman known for bludgeoning disciples into the walls for looking at her too long... and you say it with a smile." "I like the quiet," Hei Long replied. "And I don't scare easily." Her lips twitched. Not a smile. Not quite. But a flicker of something. "And what makes you think I'll let you in?" she asked, tilting her head slightly, her red hair sliding over one shoulder. Hei Long met her gaze evenly. "Because you're tired of weaklings." The hammer beside her twitched slightly, vibrating as if eager to fly into her hands. The drake opened one eye, golden and slitted, watching Hei Long like prey on legs. For a moment, the only sound was the wind in the trees, the chirp of birds, and the occasional splash of a koi in the pond. Then the Sect Leader downed the rest of her tea in one gulp and stood in one fluid motion, tall and powerful and radiant with strength. Her beasts groaned beneath her as she rose. She reached out, grasped the hammer, and hoisted it effortlessly over one shoulder. "Fine," she said. "Let's see what you're made of." "Wait a minute..." Hei Long lifted his hands in mock surrender, a lazy smirk curling on his lips: "Let's not be hasty. I can't beat you. You and I both know that. So let's not pretend otherwise." The Sect Leader froze mid-step. "..." Hei Long tilted his head, eyes glinting. "However... give it a couple years, and I'm certain I'll be able to force you to kneel." The clearing went silent. A single leaf drifted down and landed on the surface of the pond with a soft plop. A vein pulsed visibly on the Sect Leader's temple. Her expression didn't change, but the temperature in the air seemed to drop a few degrees. "Such disrespect," she said slowly, voice cold and measured: "From someone who openly admits I could kill him with the flick of a finger." Hei Long gave an exaggerated sigh, lowering his hands but keeping them relaxed at his sides. "I'm not trying to be disrespectful," he said: "Just real. You're strong — probably the strongest person I've met so far. And I know better than to try and match power with you right now." He met her gaze evenly, no fear in his eyes. Only certainty. "But strength isn't permanent. And if you can be patient for just a couple years... I promise I'll be able to satisfy your hunger for a real fight." There was a long pause. A breeze stirred the treetops above. The koi in the pond swam in slow circles. The Sect Leader stared at him for what felt like forever. Then— She let out a low, amused snort and rested the hammer back against the ground with a thud that made the ground tremble. "Bold," she said finally: "Arrogant. Suicidal, maybe." She stepped closer, until she was nearly chest to chest with him, towering over him by half a head. "But I like bold." Hei Long didn't flinch. She leaned in slightly, her red eyes boring into his: "You're either going to die fast... or rise terrifyingly high. I haven't decided which I'd prefer." Hei Long smiled. "Well, you've got time to think it over." She pulled back, her laugh like a sharp crack of thunder: "Fine. I'll give you your years." She turned, robe swirling as she walked back toward her beasts and the pond, casually lowering herself onto her living seat again. "You can join the sect," she called over her shoulder: "Though... If you do anything foolish, I'll personally punt you off the mountain." Hei Long clasped his hands behind his back again, smirk still playing on his lips: "I wouldn't dream of it."