The Cunning Treasure Hunter

Jace had reached the same pinnacle of martial skill as Marcus, standing at the peak of first-rate mastery. Dylan was close behind, her abilities nearly matching his.

Yet their opponent was their senior brother, Marcus.

To openly disrespect their senior in front of others would set a dangerous precedent. If they dismissed Marcus's authority, Aiden might feel free to disregard Aetheris's position as well.

Both disciples sighed deeply, realizing the precarious position they were in.

"Alright, alright, Marcus! No need to be so uptight! It was just a harmless prank," Dylan laughed, feigning innocence.

Marcus responded with a scoff, stepping back from the two troublemakers.

"Jace."

"Yes, Senior Brother?"

"Take care of Dylan."

Jace pouted but obediently grabbed Dylan's sleeve, pulling her back.

Marcus's warning was clear: any further antics would not be tolerated. As their senior, he had the authority to discipline them, even if it meant scolding them in front of someone as high-ranking as Aetheris.

"Alright, Dylan, let's go. Looks like the fun's over," Jace sighed, dragging her along.

"Such a shame," Dylan muttered, casting a mischievous glance at Vera. "She's quite pretty, though, don't you think, Senior Brother?"

Meanwhile, Aiden poured himself another cup of tea, his voice calm yet firm as he addressed Aetheris.

"Senior Brother, I have no intention of giving up this disciple."

"Oh?"

"Yes. It would violate tradition, wouldn't it? Do you think the elders would allow such a thing?"

"Tradition?" Aetheris scoffed, his smile unwavering.

"And I suppose gallivanting outside the sect for half a year while neglecting your disciples upholds tradition?"

"I am grateful for Master Damien's patience," Aiden replied coolly.

"So if your master says it's fine, that makes it acceptable by tradition?"

He wasn't wrong. Aiden had taken in three disciples yet left them behind to search for more, raising many eyebrows within the sect.

"Let me ask the girl directly," Aetheris declared, his gaze falling on Vera.

At his gesture, Vera stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

"What's your name?"

"Vera."

"Do you know who I am?"

The question made Vera furrow her brows slightly. She had heard variations of it countless times before.

"No, I don't."

"Then remember it. I am Aetheris, the next leader of the Mount Suncrest Sect disciple of Cherry Blossom Sword Lord Magnus, and the head of the second-generation disciples!"

"I will remember it."

"I see great potential in you. If you come under my tutelage, I will personally teach you the Nine Heavens Cherry Blossom Sword Art. What do you say?"

The gathered third-generation disciples froze at the mention of the legendary technique.

"The Nine Heavens Cherry Blossom Sword Art?"

"Yes, the pinnacle technique of the sect, our ultimate secret art."

The Nine Heavens Cherry Blossom Sword Art was a sacred legacy, drawing the image of blooming Cherry blossoms across nine heavens. For third-generation disciples, it was a technique far beyond their reach.

Even Jace and Dylan widened their eyes in disbelief.

Aetheris had never promised them such a privilege, yet here he was, offering it to a newly arrived disciple.

But Aiden remained unbothered, sipping his tea with an air of calm detachment.

'How is he so relaxed?' Aetheris wondered, irritation flickering across his face.

Then came Vera's quiet response:

"I will not go."

"…What did you say?"

"I already have a master."

"And what could you possibly have learned already?"

"I have been taught the Hidden Fragrance Steps. Master Aiden has already passed down his teachings to me."

If a master had not taught their disciple anything, they might be little more than a figurehead. But with even one proper lesson, the relationship was solidified.

And Hidden Fragrance Steps was no ordinary technique—it was a core skill of the Mount Suncrest Sect.

"So that's why you're so confident, Aiden."

"Indeed, Senior Brother. She is already my disciple," Aiden replied, setting down his teacup with a soft clink.

"A master is as a father to their disciple. Let's leave it at that."

His words carried an unspoken warning: to demand otherwise was to defy the bonds of loyalty and honor.

Aetheris scowled but found no grounds to argue further.

"You've already trained Jace and Dylan well, haven't you?" Aiden added, gesturing toward the two.

Both disciples flinched under his gaze, their jealousy evident.

"If you covet another disciple in their presence, what do you think they will feel?"

"Let them work harder to prove themselves," Aetheris snapped.

"You're not wrong, but…"

With a subtle glance, Aiden signaled Marcus to escort Vera away.

Marcus approached and guided Vera to sit beside Aiden.

Gently, Aiden placed a hand on her head, ruffling her hair affectionately.

"A true master should focus on nurturing their current disciples, wouldn't you agree, Senior Brother?"

"Are you lecturing me on the responsibilities of a master?"

"How could I presume to do so?" Aiden replied, though his unyielding gaze said otherwise.

The meaning behind his stare was unmistakable: Act your age, Senior Brother.

A vein throbbed visibly on Aetheris's temple.

"Just you wait."

"I look forward to seeing you at the Peak Assembly," Aiden said with a polite bow.

Without another word, Aetheris turned sharply and stormed off, with Jace and Dylan scrambling to follow.

As the three disappeared beyond the courtyard gates, Marcus heaved a sigh of relief, wiping the sweat from his brow.

"Ugh, it's always like this."

"Always?" Vera asked, tilting her head.

"Yeah, he did the same when I arrived… and when Ethan showed up too."

"Except when Noah came!" Ethan interjected with a laugh.

"That's because we joined at the same time!" Noah retorted, his tone indignant.

"Oh yeah? Can you beat me now?"

"You little—!"

Amid their banter, Ethan remained acutely aware that he was the only third-generation disciple still struggling to overcome the wall of first-rate mastery.