Master Daokan sighed, standing effortlessly as if the weight of the sect rested on his shoulders yet burdened him none. In mere seconds, with a single, commanding movement, made everyone running around sat down and with a glance, he silenced the entire room. A force of authority radiated from him, so absolute that even Atlas and Bao, usually the biggest instigators of chaos, straightened like scolded children. The room froze.
"Enough" Daokan's voice was soft, yet it carried an unmistakable edge. "You will all be silent."
And just like that, they were.
Even Atlas, always prepared with a snarky remark, found himself instinctively lowering his head. Bao, who had been halfway to a nervous chuckle, swallowed it immediately.
Then, as if his instincts were impossible to suppress, Atlas performed an immediate dogeza—but, in true Atlas fashion, his form was completely wrong. His face pressed to the floor, but his rear was comically high in the air.
The reaction was immediate.
Master Daokan twitched. His smirk disappeared, replaced with sheer irritation.
The ladies in the room, however, found the sight quite amusing. Shen Xue smirked, Meyu snorted softly, and Layla, despite her deep frustration, barely held back a chuckle. Even Yuxe Wuye raised an eyebrow, hiding the smallest hint of amusement behind her sleeve.
Daokan pinched the bridge of his nose. "Atlas, lower your ass."
Atlas, still face-down, wiggled slightly in confusion.
"Lower it more, Master? I am already expressing my utmost humility—"
"NOW."
Atlas flinched and flattened immediately.
Master Daokan exhaled slowly before sweeping his gaze across the entire group.
"This disaster was not caused by Atlas alone. Each and every one of you contributed to this absurdity." His eyes gleamed with amusement and authority alike.
"So, you all will face punishment."
As if on cue, the entire room turned and glared at Atlas.
Atlas, whose face was still pressed to the floor, could feel the heat of their stares.
"Why do I feel like I am being singled out?" he muttered, his voice muffled against the ground.
"Because you are." Layla deadpanned.
All eyes were glaring daggers at Atlas.
Atlas, ever the shameless survivor, casually ducked behind Bao, peeking over his shoulder like a child hiding behind a guardian. Bao, the ever-loyal, instinctively stepped forward, crossing his arms in a protective stance.
"We all know who's at fault here" Layla said, voice dangerously low, her hands clenched into fists.
Atlas, feigning complete innocence, peeked out. "Fault? My dear Meilin, I am but a humble merchant caught in a series of unfortunate events!"
"You incited a coup in Master's sect within hours of arriving" she deadpanned, eyes burning with anger.
Before Bao could even attempt a defense, Meyu stepped in, her maternal instincts triggered beyond reason. Without hesitation, she placed both hands on Atlas' shoulders and shoved him forward.
It was almost cartoonish, his feet skidding across the floor as he tried to resist.
"Meyu! My most trusted companion! Betrayal!"
"Accept your punishment like a man." Meyu huffed, dusting off her hands, looking completely unbothered.
Atlas barely caught his balance before turning back to Bao for support. "Brother Bao, surely you—"
Bao scooted a single step away.
Atlas blinked. "Et tu, Bao?"
"Sorry, brother, but..." Bao glanced at Layla, whose face now radiated pure murderous intent.
"I value my life."
Layla exhaled sharply, cracking her knuckles. "I was supposed to leave for Silver Lotus today. Now, thanks to you, I am stuck here playing along with your stupidity!"
"Oh come now" Atlas grinned, recovering swiftly
"Think of it as an extended diplomatic mission!"
"I think of it as a prolonged nightmare."
"Tomato, tomahto."
Before Layla could launch herself at him, Master Daokan chuckled.
"That's enough." His voice was calm, but the weight behind it silenced the room immediately.
"Since you all have such boundless energy, I've decided on your punishment."
The disciples straightened, wariness creeping into their stances.
Daokan leaned forward, his smirk widening. "The sun has set. We will train until the middle of the night."
Atlas blinked, tilting his head like a confused puppy.
"I'm sorry, I must have misheard. You said—no, surely not. My ears must be playing tricks on me. Did you say a delightful evening feast? Perhaps a restful meditation session?"
"Until the middle of the night, yes." Master Daokan's smirk widened ever so slightly, clearly enjoying the suffering about to unfold.
Before Atlas could properly process his impending doom, Meyu smacked the back of his head with a sharp thwap, her expression exasperated.
"Stop looking for an escape, you brought this on yourself."
"Ow!" Atlas rubbed his head, pouting. "I'm just a humble merchant caught in a terrible injustice!"
Layla ignored his whining, arms crossed. "Fine. What exactly are we doing, Master?"
Daokan's smirk remained as he folded his arms.
"We will train in complete darkness. You will rely on your other senses—sound, touch, movement. A warrior who depends only on sight is a warrior who will not survive."
A murmur of excitement rippled through the group. Jiang nodded approvingly, Bao grinned in anticipation, and even Shen Xue's eyes gleamed with interest.
All except Atlas, who groaned dramatically.
"Fantastic. My two greatest strengths: running and talking, utterly useless."
A collective groan rose from the Silver Lotus group hearing this.
"Consider this a lesson." Daokan stood, the authority in his posture commanding their silence.
"Even when blinded, you must acknowledge your senses. In true battle, sight alone will betray you."
Before anyone could react, Daokan vanished. Or rather, that's what it looked like. A faint blur, an afterimage of where he had been, lingered for the briefest moment before Atlas let out a startled yelp. Daokan's hand was already resting on his shoulder.
Atlas stiffened, eyes wide. "By the heavens—"
Daokan smirked. "Even those with little Qi, if they harness enough strength and awareness, can take down a master."
He removed his hand and stepped back just as effortlessly, as if the movement had been no more difficult than a stroll.
"Power alone is meaningless if you don't know how to use it."
"You will each face one of my best." His smirk returned.
"Let's see how much you can rely on instinct alone."
Daokan "Meilin, you will fight Yan Shuren."
Yan Shuren frowned. "Master, this isn't fair—"
Daokan raised a hand. "It's not about fairness. Make her stronger, not shatter her."
Yan sighed, giving Layla a look of mild concern. "Understood."
Daokan continued, ''I will fight against Lin Wuye and Jiang. I hope you put up a good fight''
Lin Wuye looked at Jiang then look at Daokan ''Master with all due respect, isn't it unfair to you?''
Daokan simply answered with a sense of wisdom;
''In war, use whatever tactics to win. You will face me, the both of you.''
Daokan then turned to Shen Xue and Atlas.
Daokan grinned slightly, "As for this match..."
He glanced at his daughter, his smirk widening. "Whatever she wants."
Shen Xue cracked her knuckles, her eyes gleaming with dangerous intent.
Atlas took a step back. "Ahaha, Shen Xue, my dearest friend, esteemed warrior of Shrouded Peaks! Before we engage in such unnecessary violence, allow me to offer my sincerest apologies for any perceived slights. In fact, I propose an alternative—how about I gracefully concede this match? Yes! A surrender! Think of the efficiency! We avoid the hassle of bruises, broken bones, and shattered pride—mostly mine, of course."
Shen Xue remained silent, gripping her knuckles with a slow, deliberate motion.
Atlas gulped. "Or perhaps a compromise? I stand still, you lightly tap me, and we call it a day? I swear on my finest silk robes that I—"
Shen Xue's grip tightened around Atlas' shoulder, her fingers digging in just enough to send a clear message.
Atlas stiffened. "Oh, delightful! A firm yet gentle touch! I appreciate the attention, but if we could perhaps—"
His eyes darted toward Meyu, silently pleading for salvation.
Meyu, arms crossed, simply gave him the look of 'Good luck' before turning away.
Atlas gulped. "Meyu, my dearest, most treasured ally, please don't abandon me in my hour of need!"
Shen Xue's grip only grew firmer as she leaned in ever so slightly. "Oh, I'll decide how this goes."
Atlas sighed dramatically, already resigned to his fate. "Very well, but please—go easy on my beautiful face. If it gets ruined, the world loses a piece of art."