Wind Masters (Part 1)

LUO FAN

The next day, Tao Liu invited me out for a walk along the shore. This side of the island was unbearably windy. My hair whipped across my face, stinging my cheeks and forcing me to brush it away constantly.

I squinted at the endless expanse of sea, trying to listen as he spoke over the crashing waves. He seemed entirely unfazed, walking calmly as if the wind did not bother him at all.

"You asked yesterday about the path the Storm Surge Sect follows," he said, his hands clasped behind his back. "It's a complex one. We are a sect that respects and studies the coexistence of light and dark, though not without its challenges. Our philosophy is simple. When light and darkness intertwine, they form a new path that is neither purely of light nor entirely of darkness. It remains a righteous path, though it is shrouded in shadows. To walk this path, one must learn to uncover and hold onto the light within while navigating the darkness without being consumed by it."

I frowned, brushing away another strand of hair that slapped across my face. "And what happens if I lose my way because the darkness becomes too overwhelming?"

Tao Liu stopped and turned to face me. "The darkness will consume you."

The starkness of his words hit me like an arrow, and for a moment, I couldn't speak. I thought of the times when my dark core had taken hold—the mutilation of the marquis, the rage-fueled punches I'd thrown at the man in the street, the haunting satisfaction I'd felt when slicing off Purple Rogue's fingers. Each memory was like a phantom clinging to my back, whispering that I was no longer the man I once was.

"Dual cores are under constant temptation," he continued. "The dark core will always try to overpower the light, especially when one is emotionally vulnerable. Your resolve must be unshakable, Priest Luo. To lose that balance is to lose yourself."

I swallowed hard, the truth of his words piercing through me. "It's frightening," I admitted quietly. "To see yourself becoming someone you never thought you'd be. Since the dark core was implanted in me, I've done things I never would have dared before. Sometimes, I look at my own actions, and it feels as though I'm watching a stranger."

Tao Liu nodded, his expression filled with understanding. "You are not alone in this struggle. Many before you have felt the same. There's a journal in our library. A former master of the Storm Surge Sect chronicled his journey as a dual core cultivator. He spoke of similar challenges and the methods he used to manage his cores."

My eyes widened slightly at his words. "A journal? Do you think it might help me?"

"Perhaps," he replied. "The former master was an exceptional dual core cultivator, though his methods may not work for everyone. Still, it is worth studying. I will have Nan Wucheng help you locate the book."

"That would be excellent," I said, a faint spark of hope flickering in my chest. "Thank you, Elder Tao."

The wind tugged relentlessly at my robes, and I tried not to let it distract me as Tao Liu turned to face me, his expression thoughtful. "Now, there's something important we need to discuss," he began, his voice rising slightly to compete with the howling breeze. "The wind."

I blinked, unsure if I had misheard. "The wind?"

He nodded. "You possess an affinity for it."

I frowned, skepticism creeping in. "I do?"

He hesitated, as if taken aback. "Don't tell me you didn't know?"

Shaking my head, I met his gaze, utterly bewildered. "No one's ever told me that."

"Ah," he mused, rubbing his chin. "That makes sense. You've likely never met another cultivator with a wind affinity. Only those who share the same element can sense it in others."

My curiosity stirred. "Then… that means you have it too?"

He let out a quiet chuckle. "I do, though it's nothing remarkable. At my current level, I can barely summon enough force to snuff out a candle from across the room."

Despite myself, I smiled. "That's still impressive."

He laughed, the sound warm despite the cold wind whipping around us. "Well, let's see if you truly have it. There's a simple way to find out. May I borrow your stick?"

I handed it to him, curious about what he planned to do.

Tao Liu gripped the stick firmly and began sweeping it through the air in slow, deliberate arcs. Gradually, his motions quickened, each swing growing sharper, more fluid. A faint hum arose, deepening into a whispering rush as the wind coiled around the stick, responding to his touch.

I watched in awe, my breath catching.

Then, just as suddenly, he halted. Holding the stick at his side, he turned to me expectantly. "Did you hear it?"

I nodded, astonished. "I did. That was incredible."

He chuckled and handed the stick back. "If my cultivation hadn't deteriorated, I could have summoned a visible whirlwind—something even your eyes would have caught. But my elemental skills faded along with my strength. You, on the other hand… I'm certain you can do better. Do you want to try?"

I nodded eagerly and shifted into position, turning to face the oncoming wind. Mimicking his stance, I raised the stick and began to whirl it as he had.

Nothing happened.

"Focus your mind," Tao Liu urged. "Call the wind to you. Don't force it. Invite it."

I took a steady breath and closed my eyes, centering my thoughts. At first, there was nothing, just the empty air moving past me. But then, ever so faintly, I felt it—a resistance at the tip of the stick, like the first stirrings of a breeze.

My eyes snapped open.

It's real! I really can command the wind!