The Cunning Treasure Hunter

In the middle of the Training Grounds, a young boy strolled beneath a fully bloomed cherry tree. Behind him, another boy of the same age ran to catch up.

"Hey, Noah! Where have you been?!"

"Oh, it's you, Ethan. Are you done with your training already?"

"Well, of course. It didn't take me long," Ethan said smugly.

Ethan and Noah. Both had joined the sect on the same day and became friends rather than taking on senior or junior roles.

Despite their camaraderie, the two were vastly different.

Ethan was the prodigy of the Mount Suncrest Sect, a talent so unparalleled that it was said no one in the sect could rival him. His potential had been recognized even before he officially became a disciple of the main sect. His Daoist name, Ethan, reflected his status, with the character for "Vale" attached to signify his brilliance.

"Ah, as expected. A genius is just built differently, huh?"

"Hey, don't flatter me too much. You're not so bad yourself," Ethan replied casually.

Noah scratched the back of his head with an awkward laugh. His friend wasn't wrong.

He had never even held a proper sword before joining the sect, yet somehow, he had managed to outperform many competitors and join the main sect alongside Ethan.

"Still, how could I ever catch up to you?"

"Well, that's true," Ethan said, puffing up his chest in mock arrogance.

The sight was so amusing that Noah couldn't help but laugh.

"Oh, right! How's that new sword I got you?"

"Man, you really saved me. This thing is incredible!"

The sword hanging at Ethan's waist was crafted at the Gale Trading Guild, which Noah's father owned.

Its design followed the traditional style of Suncrest's Cherry Blossom Sword, but its materials were anything but ordinary.

It was forged from White Lotus Steel, combined with secret materials and techniques that enhanced its quality.

"So, is it working well for you?"

"It's amazing."

"Good. I'll let my father know that the prototype got a good review."

"…Prototype?!" Ethan nearly choked on his words.

Noah grinned mischievously. "Of course! Did you really think we'd give away a sword made with such expensive techniques for free?"

"What if it breaks?!"

"You'll be fine!"

A vein popped on Ethan's forehead. Noah prepared to flee but…

"Heh heh, Noah," Ethan said ominously.

"Oh no…!"

"A Daoist shouldn't use such vulgar words, right?"

The glint in Ethan's eyes was anything but friendly.

"P-please spare me!"

"I won't kill you. But you're going to get hit."

"Even though I brought amazing news?!"

That made Ethan pause.

"If it's not amazing, I'll kill you."

"It is! It really is! I swear!"

"Spit it out, then."

"We're… getting a new junior sister. And she's super cute!"

Ethan's fist lowered.

The Mount Suncrest Sect exuded both grandeur and refined elegance. The plaque bearing its name was written by a master calligrapher of the era, and the bustling crowd in front of it resembled a marketplace.

Ethan and Noah stood before the entrance, waiting for their master to return after a six-month absence.

"When Master gets here, I won't let him off the hook," Ethan muttered.

"Come on, no matter how strong you are, you're still no match for Master," Noah replied with a grin.

"I know that…!" Ethan gritted his teeth.

At that moment, Aiden came into view.

"There he is!" Ethan shouted.

"Master! Master!" Both boys waved their arms enthusiastically.

Aiden waved back with a faint smile.

"You brats. Did you behave while I was away?"

Before they could answer, Master Damien appeared behind him, a stern expression on his face.

Clearly, he had come to fetch Aiden for something urgent.

"Take care of this young lady and show her to her quarters," Aiden said, gesturing toward Vera. "I must attend to Master Damien's summons."

Vera met Aiden's gaze, her expression calm as she nodded.

"Very well, Master. Go and return safely."

"…What did you just call me?"

"I called you Master," she replied.

For a moment, their eyes met, and time seemed to stand still for Aiden.

This was the same girl who had been calling him "my lord" until just a few days ago. She had promised to call him "Master" only if  Suncrest accepted her.

And now…

He realized he had grown used to her calling him "my lord" and hadn't thought much about it.

"You can just call me Teacher," he said.

"No, I prefer calling you Master," she insisted.

"…Very well, then."

Aiden patted her head gently. Vera stood still, savoring the warmth of his hand.

Master. The word combined the characters for "teacher" and "father."

Perhaps she was mistaken.

Perhaps the care he had shown her over the past few days was nothing more than basic kindness.

But she couldn't help it. He had saved her from a life of servitude. He had given her a chance to spread her wings in the Central Plains, to pursue vengeance for the pain they both shared.

To her, he was more than just a teacher. He was her second father.

"See you later," Aiden said.

"Yes, Master," she replied.

Damien waited patiently until the farewell was over, then grabbed Aiden by the collar and dragged him off. The sight was almost comical.

The first impression Vera had of Ethan was that he seemed half-crooked, his expression perpetually sour.

And yet, when he saw her, his mouth fell half-open in shock.