CHAPTER 9

As the news of the blind master's imminent visit reached Zaran's household, a palpable tension hung in the air. Kelin's heart skipped a beat at the mention of the formidable figure, his mind grappling with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity.

"The blind master is coming here today?" Kelin echoed, his voice betraying a hint of disbelief. "To meet me?"

Zaran nodded gravely, his expression mirroring Kelin's unease. "Yes, Kelin. He wishes to pay us a visit, and he specifically mentioned wanting to meet you."

Kelin's mind raced with questions, each one more urgent than the last. Who was this blind master, and what were his intentions? What did he seek to gain from meeting Kelin, a mere novice in the world of cultivation?

"He's a mysterious master," Kelin mused aloud, his thoughts racing as he tried to make sense of the situation. "I've heard rumors of his formidable power, but I never imagined he would seek me out."

Zaran placed a reassuring hand on Kelin's shoulder, offering silent support. "Whatever his reasons may be, we must tread carefully, my friend. The blind master is not one to be underestimated."

With a heavy heart and a sense of foreboding weighing on his mind, Kelin braced himself for the encounter that awaited him, knowing that his meeting with the blind master would mark a pivotal moment in his journey of cultivation.

Kelin's eyes narrowed as he turned his gaze towards Xin, his voice carrying a subtle edge of authority tinged with a hint of menace.

"Xin," he began, his tone calm yet laced with an undeniable intensity, "So, your master is coming here, now? And you neglected to inform me? Do you take me for a fool?"

With a flicker of his hand, Kelin released a surge of his profound aura, enveloping Xin in its palpable energy. The air crackled with tension as Xin visibly recoiled, his senses overwhelmed by the raw power emanating from Kelin.

"Tell me," Kelin continued, his voice a commanding whisper, "What are his intentions? Is this merely a courtesy visit, or does he come bearing a challenge? Or perhaps...something more sinister?"

The weight of Kelin's words hung in the air, each syllable punctuated by the quiet hum of his qi. He fixed Xin with a penetrating gaze, silently demanding answers as the gravity of the situation began to dawn on them both.

As Kelin observed Xin's reaction, a flicker of concern passed through his eyes. Despite his efforts to maintain a facade of composure, the weight of uncertainty pressed upon him like a heavy burden. Xin's abrupt retreat and the subtle tightening of his grip on his sword sent a ripple of apprehension through Kelin's thoughts.

"Master Kelin, please forgive my ignorance," Xin stammered, his voice trembling slightly as he backed away. "I...I truly do not know the purpose of my master's visit. All I can say is that he mentioned the need to pay a visit to Old Zaran's place after I informed him of our encounter yesterday."

Kelin's expression softened slightly, recognizing the genuine fear in Xin's eyes. He took a step forward, his aura retracting as he sought to reassure Xin of his intentions.

"Very well, Xin," Kelin replied, his voice calm yet firm. "We will await the arrival of your master and see what unfolds.

With a nod of acknowledgment, Xin visibly relaxed, his hand gradually releasing its grip on his sword. Though uncertainty still lingered in the air, Kelin remained resolute, prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As Kelin contemplated the impending encounter with the Blind Master, a sense of unease gnawed at the edges of his mind. He knew that his facade of authority and confidence could easily be shattered under the scrutiny of a master as formidable as the Blind Master. With each passing moment, the weight of his deception pressed upon him, urging him to devise a strategy to maintain his charade.

Pacing the room in silent contemplation, Kelin weighed his options carefully. He knew that he would need to tread cautiously, for any misstep could spell disaster. His mind raced with possibilities, each one more perilous than the last.

Finally, a plan began to take shape in Kelin's mind. He would need to rely on his wits and cunning to outmaneuver the Blind Master, using every trick at his disposal to maintain the illusion of mastery.

With newfound determination, Kelin set about refining his strategy, honing his skills in preparation for the inevitable confrontation. Though the path ahead was fraught with uncertainty, he remained steadfast in his resolve to deceive the Blind Master and protect his secrets at all costs.