The vast and grandiose Mystic river totally separates the dual mystic plain from the other regions of the empire. The weird thing about this is no one knows where it's born and where it's end thus gaining the name Mystic river.
Some people believed it was an underground river, some believed it was born from some Divine level treasures and thus magical in nature. No one managed to find out which one these rumors were true.
But nonetheless the river itself was certainly an oddity in the empire. Because of the two complete differences in its nature on both sides of the waters. While one side somehow becomes violent and surges uncontrollably, the other side is extremely calm and serene.
So most of the travels happened on the calm side of the river. As for the minority they could be either lucky or powerful experts in their own right. Unless the person was a grand master they most likely die with desperate struggles.
There was a small ship sailing through the serene currents of the dual mystic river. The ship went along the calm side of the river current which connected dozens of docks at each side of the river. True to its name, unlike the other side, this current was calm without any turbulence.
About a few dozen people scattered in the main deck of that ship. As twilight approached In a few hours the daylight might completely disappear. Passengers could be seen happily chattering about something.
Either they Sitting on the board or standing near the fence. Almost all the passengers formed small groups of three or four and were busy with their own things. Very few people are left alone because Not only they might get acquainted with someone and alleviate boredom, it also gives everyone a sense of safety.
They certainly did not fear river pirates, Mystic river had no such a thing. Unlike other larger rivers mystic river wasn't festered with pirates. Because there are two disadvantages, one being the raging waters and other problems, the longevity sect doesn't tolerate those evil thieves.
" Do you understand it now? That's why our people don't fear those evil filths. As long as longevity sects we don't have to fear anything else " a wrinkled old story teller explaining a few things to mainland people.
"Damn, I wish Varnaa and Tapak had such protection. I heard Those pirate filths were even more fearsome than sea pirates" the newcomer exclaimed.
" They were simply lawless, Even Our Empire couldn't control them." another one commented.
"I'm afraid the empire could never get rid of them-"
"You should put it, the empire never plans to get rid of them in the first place" the storyteller interjected with a chuckle.
"What!?" the youth looked dumbfounded seeing this the old story teller chuckled and smiled at him mysteriously. " Since you are from the mainland, let me ask you something. You should have heard about The jade Lotus sect near Tapak right?"
" How do you think that sect got destroyed a decade Ago? "
The young man became Slack jawed "You actually dare to-" "Shh! " a middle aged man leading those youths silenced him.
"But uncle he-" the youth seems even more surprised. But when the middle aged man glared at him he fell silent.
" Gobi, you are still too young. One shouldn't assume things as just black and white. What's the use of all your learning and being intelligent? If you already developed preguided notion about everything in your head, How can You see the truth? One has to be open minded and impartial when you observe things."
The old story teller nodded his head with a smile, as he listened to the person reprimand the youth. But another silent listener became speechless, he wanted to listen to some more interesting information. In the end he could only wait for them to speak again after all he had no money on him aside from a few copper coins.
In an inconspicuous corner of the deck two boys could be seen Leaning on the bulwark in carefree manner. One leaning on his luggage, closing His eyes, resting his head on his hands. The blonde boy Held his luggage in his lap and leaned against the wall but he looked awkward and uncomfortable sitting there.
From time to time he would look at his red haired friend, who for some reason looked tired And pale; They shrank their presence and seemed to try their best to avoid unwanted attention. Despite their commendable effort to remain inconspicuous they couldn't avoid the Attention of passengers.
Even now Few groups of people keep an eye on them. Though they disguised themselves quite well they couldn't get rid of their unique temperament and beauty with their clumsy disguise techniques of course Megha never planned to hide herself that well.
Some people openly invited them to join them while others seemed to have some other hidden motives. Fortunately nothing bad happened. They have been traveling in this ship for a day and half yet none made a move.
Megha opened her eyes and without slightest fluctuation in her expression she assessed her fellow passengers on the deck. Then cast a glance at Vaani Who at the moment stealing glances at her also gets caught by Megha.
Vaani froze up, even a little bit embarrassed by her unusual behavior and impulsive actions. So she went stiff and tried her best to casually start a conversation as if she was in desperate need of conversation. " Why are we going to Fire Sparrow town by water? shouldn't it be easy to go through the red sand village? We don't have to go through this much trouble should we? "The latter part was barely a whisper.
Megha's face was impassive and didn't deign to answer. Vaani's questions but her eyes suddenly flashed towards a bulky individual with a thick beard. Vaani also catches this meaning and becomes more cautious.
By this time she already completely trusts Megha's judgments. No longer put big sister air or try to advise Megha on any matter especially if it's related to their safety. It could be said Vaani was forced to admit Megha was really capable enough to take care of herself.
And to be honest Megha doesn't need her assistant in anything at all. In fact it was her who needed to rely on Megha for many things. It was also Megha who saved her from dying from the poison in a rather shameful way.
Although she doesn't know how Megha cure the poison it did speak great length about her intellect and skill that was beyond her age. ' Why didn't I expect some underhand from those evil mercenaries? It's all my fault, I should have alert '
' As expected of my little cloud, she only recently started to learn from master Nahul but already had these Level of superb skills ' Vaani thought to herself a proud feeling bloomed in her heart ' If she got rid of her laziness early she should have shown her geniusness way before this sigh! '
But what she doesn't know is that Megha was thinking about something else completely. The random stuff that old story tellers blabbered just now accidently awakened her past memories, reminding Few things she accidentally discovered in her past life.
This was a complete coincidence on her part, though she doesn't expect to hear about this third time this year. She was simply surprised because not long ago she came across some information related to this. Four hundred years ago there was indeed a pirate fleet in this same water.
Not only that , her sect has a very deep connection to this person. Sura, a genius seed of their sect with supreme water element affinity, a martial arts master who forgot some unknown reason turned into river pirates back then flashed in her mind.
He was completely capable of sailing on both sides, and successfully enduring the pursuit of the empire and her for decades before disappearing. It was because of that incident that their sect got rid of the river pirates; it was like a stain on their noble history.
But the reason she gave importance to this was, she read some investigation documents about his case at the sect library not long ago. And the investigators suspect that he might have obtained some extraordinary treasures and purposely searching the river for something.
That's just a fleeting thought and Megha had no intention of wasting her time on these trivial things. She first and foremost met up with Amara and safely brought him. Even though she felt he couldn't die this easily, she still couldn't sit back and wait for him to return safely.
After all it was her who stirred up the trouble and wasn't hundred percent sure he could return safely back. And wasn't she planning to go out and do something in advance? Of course she had few other things in the empire while searching for his whereabouts so there is no way she could stay back in the sect obediently.
' I think uncle and aunt might have been really upset about this. I guess I can only endure their wrath when she returns. She could already feel the illusory pain of her aunt's iron fingers pinching her cheeks and thighs for her disobedience.
After a couple of hours the ship started to slow down Megha got up patted dust away from her dress with elegance and grace a boy should lack. Vaani followed suit and could tell at glance they must have approached their stop, which was about just two hundred meters away.
Vaani supposed this should be the place where they are going to disembark from the ship. One of the crew members entered the deck and announced they would soon reach the Fire sparrow Town and be ready to get off board and said a few pleasant words to a few who likely got off " You are welcome " and "farewell" .
He then glanced at the two pretty boys, puzzledly then with a shake of his head went back.
It's reasonable why he looks puzzled by their decision to travel there in the ship. They could have easily reached there if they went via land; a day should be enough for that but they insisted on going on the ship a waste of money so the crew members didn't say anything else.
They could care less about everything else as long as they could get their money in their hands. They soon reached the dock of the Fire Sparrow Town.
Vanni noticed the big black bearded man also get off the ship. Walking very closely behind them Vaani couldn't help but feel extremely nervous. She signaled this to Megha, so they kept their pace a little faster.
It didn't even take them ten minutes to reach the town and went straight towards a decent looking tavern. Vaani gripped her sword tightly and threateningly looked at that fellow, sure enough he was still following them and just a few meters behind them.
" Why do you keep glancing at him? Don't act jittery…look people are already watching us and you look ridiculously suspicious " Megha commented In clipped tone.
Vaani felt wronged but could only turned to look at Megha with speechlessly thankfully Megha changed the topic not continue to chiding her " We are going to stay here tonight, I think this is nice enough place to stay compare to that damp cave "
Vaani nodded obediently though her expression was a little strange Megha paid no attention to it and walked in. Vaani felt conflicted; she wanted to ask whether it was a good idea to stay here 'Shouldn't we do something about him first?' but swallowed it when she noticed Megha's growingly irritation and impatience.
That night was bound to be a sleepless night for Vaani, she was restless and couldn't sleep, jumped up from Her cot and paced back and forth in their room. She clenched her sword tightly in one hand. Her eyes were almost always on the window or their door as if she was afraid someone might sneak in.
The peacefully sleeping form of Megha somewhat shocked and surprised her that night. While It's true, if it was any other day she might have been a little restless and tempted seeing her sleeping and being alone with her due to different reasons.
But what shocked her and worried was Megha's carelessness. At the same time she also felt that at least she deserves a good night's sleep. After seeing Megha's struggle over the last six days Vaani couldn't even complain in her heart.
First Megha stayed awake taking care of her saving her from dying hideous death, their two days in the ship was also more than a little stressful. They have to always keep their guards up because of the strangers presence.
So Megha should have been more tired than her therefore Vaani Didn't have the heart to disturb the other party 'If there was really a Danger out there I will surely waken up ' Vaani naively thought to herself.
___ ___ ___
In a place that is located hundreds of miles Away into the Northwest from the Fire Sparrow Town exists a small martial arts school called Three Iron Horses. It was built In the outskirts of withering woods surrounded by a few small villages the school has been founded here for about two decades.
In the local people's heart this school had extraordinary status. Not to mention this school could be considered protectors of the surrounding villages. So their status in these villagers' hearts was indispensable and their gratitude had almost reached The level of devotion.
They are the shield and sword of this region, helping them protect the peace of the villages. They were the ones introducing the Kids of local Villages about Martial arts and teaching them.
At first no one paid any attention to three thugs like individuals. Who started the school here It was only after they succeeded in dealing with a group of thieves did the villagers understand the might of martial artists they soon gained fame.
People of the surrounding villagers called this school the 'Three Iron Horses' . It was founded and run by three peak martial artists who got famous by the name of Iron Horses in this area a few decades back and named their school such.
That Particular night atmosphere in the school seems unusually solemn. The Students who chose their lodging In the school all gathered near the outer walls of their dormitory which happened to be very close to the front gate.
The school didn't really have much of a restriction even taking students of all ages as long as they are healthy people. The villagers also saw martial arts as the exercise that helped one stay healthy.
The only exception to this was children below ten years old and old people who were above their sixties. The three teachers' only aim was to uncover the talents and not let their talent rot here in such a remote place.
These students look very much excited over something and constantly whisper to each other in a low voice, while peeping over to the entrance of their front gate from time to time, which seemed to be the reason for the commotion.
In the very front of the line where older students gathered a teenager passionately explaining something to his friends "Yeah, that's right. I saw it with my own eyes, right in front of our front gate " the teenager eagerly asserted what he accidentally saw that afternoon.
"Rabba, don't sell your nonsense here. Did you take us for fools, I don't think teachers were that heartless " a thin girl disdainfully retorted him.
" So what about my words, do you also take it as a fart? " A boy who came with Rabba commented lightly but everyone could feel the annoyance in them.
"So you are also with him-"
"Oy! Myna just kept quiet, no one would think you were a mute or dumb. I also saw that red haired boy get reprimanded by our first teacher and let me tell you this, None of us said anything about our teachers being heartless, don't twist our words you dumb girl " another boy with a crooked nose and an angry expression interjected with a rude voice.
Unlike Rabba these two didn't like her or her pretentious character. Actually, dare to insinuate something like this in front of so many students they were pissed. Their heated arguments caused a ruckus, fortunately it was night time. Since it was night time and sensed the solemnity from the adults they kept things quiet.
" It's true, He was kneeling outside our door since the evening, wasn't he sister? " a girl around ten years old shyly spoke out from behind a teenage girl's back.
"Yeah! Poor thing, it's quite pitiful. The teachers were really angry. I hope Teachers at least hear him out " the little girl's sister said empathetically in an agreeing manner.
" Hehe, you must be joking" a haughty voice broke the concentration of the students. " With his tattered clothes and beggar-like appearance there is no way teachers would allow him to learn with us " a rude looking boy spoke out in a snide voice as he stepped out from the shadow.
When others saw who he was they looked startled but kept quiet. Though some of them feel offended, no one is willing to go against him even if they wanted to retrote his opinion and in the end suppress such impulsiveness.
Because Unlike them he has another astonishing identity, the only son of Richest merchant in the shadow village. It is said that even in a big town like Morse wood town his family wealth should give them considerable status.
" Junior brother, that's not true, what really important in learning martial arts is related to our dedication and talent, not how one looks or the money in their pocket " . Contrary to their expectations, someone bravely spoke out against him. The voice sounded quite valiant and elegant and very familiar to these kids.
Students gave way to the slender figure, it was a teenager who was much older than the kids there not yet entered her twenties. And also a promising martial artist in the school, one of the few school's nurturing geniuses.
" What..i!... .Senior sister? I can't believe…. you were supporting that tramp over me!?" the rude boy exclaimed, utterly shocked and surprised by her comment. " Don't you think accepting him into our school ruins our school reputation? I don't think our teacher or my father will agree to it. " The boy was confused; she was always used to being nice to him; he couldn't guess why she was trying to go against him or shame him in front of the rest of the students.
The surrounding teenagers try their best to not laugh at his funny expression. The shocked expression on his face is simply hilarious and refreshing at the same time. They enjoy this moment too much. Although they couldn't go against this teen, there were people capable of doing it. Like their senior sister True geniuses of the school definitely could go against him.
They were very much looking forward to confrontations like this. They felt that he was simply too much of a bully for them to feel any sympathy. Someone has to show him the reality, the world doesn't revolve around him.
He only acted unbridled because these geniuses really couldn't bother to squabble with him. It was especially the case for this senior sister. For some reason this senior sister put her Feet down all the time and decided to confront him.
"Junior brother, it's nothing to do with my personal opinion rather an advice for you on my behalf " she commented in a serious lecturing tone so everyone could feel her sincerity they couldn't help but feel disappointed.
' Senior sister is still too kind,sigh! This fellow dodged this as well.'
A girl beside the rude boy had a strange glint in her eyes and whispered something in his ears. His expression changed from surprise to shock then jealousy and anger.
He looked like he was about to spit flames and glared at his senior sister " So it's like that! Just because that tramp was a little bit nice looking you are supporting him aren't you? wasn't this… senior sister your taste is cheap".
Something caused meager rationality in him to snap jealousy and anger burning in his eyes and he wildly started to accuse his senior sister in front of dumbfounded students for childish reasons.
' Wasn't I good looking? Why are you suddenly taking that beggar's side? I'm talented, blessed to have a powerful father, teachers adored me? '
'This fellow…'
' Oh my God, senior sister…. She look pissed '
'I never thought he could be this brainless. Maybe his arrogance fried his brain' those kids and genius watching this thought to themselves secretly.
Their senior sister looked flustered by his accusations and everyone in there became speechless. They could see their senior sister truly angry and they secretly gloating at this rude b****** future.
Under normal circumstances it was plain for anyone with little brain to understand her talent was excellent. Out of half a dozen geniuses she got one of the spots and will likely climb to great heights after the competition.
And her future wasn't limited to these remote villages or nearby towns. At least that's how their teachers praised her a few weeks ago. She may even compete with geniuses of empire level. How dare a Snotty brat to offend such a genius and talk bad about her in front of so many people. ' No less with a talentless tramp it was really asking for a good beating'.
"My my! What do we have here? " an exclamation from top of the wall, lt broke the tense atmosphere. " Greetings senior brother Juno " A few students greeted the newcomer in a hurry.
" Look, it's our senior brother Juno !"
"Since How long has he been here?" The kids burst into excited talks. On the wall a wild looking young man crouching down with two short sticks on his hands.
***
At the same time, Inside the meeting room of the school the three teachers sat around a small table. Each had various degrees of varying expressions as they silently stared at one another with intense expression.
It Especially was true for two teachers, an old man who looked like he was in his sixties and a man in his late forties. Three of them had sharp blades like auras and were not willing to back away from their stances so the atmosphere looked tense.
" So, what are you going to do about this right now? " The youngest one amongst Them spoke up. There was a strong sense of annoyance in his tone.
The Second youngest also turned to look at his older brother expectantly and he was the only one currently keeping his calm about the whole situation. In the depth of his eyes there were fluctuations of curiosity, annoyance, helplessness and humor hidden in them.
Their first brother stared at the two and finally let out a resigned sigh. He really didn't know what to do at the moment but he at least understood he shouldn't have acted rashly. 'Even the second brother was upset with me, ' he thought to himself.
" First brother, you aren't really planning to give it away, are you? '' The person exclaimed in agitation, then stunned by his own words before taking note of his first brother's hesitation. An expression of anger and frustration appeared on his face.
" So you really have such intentions huh? I see then I'll definitely kill him before you decide to do anything foolish " he got up from his seat with a roar but the Silent second brother who sat beside him held him down.
" Third Brother, calm down! Why are you getting agitated over this simple matter? We are here to learn what exactly happened not to fight with the first brother ". His words seem to successfully calm the angry man.
" Third brother, don't be like this! Wait for a bit will you? First brother yet to decide about this issue and he promised us didn't he? He wouldn't go back on his word but just had some wishful thoughts don't you know how he was? And I gave you my words 'First brother never breaks his promise' " then he turned to look at their first brother and calmly stated " Let's talk things slowly and clearly shall we?"
"What happened?"
Third brother finally calmed down a lot and took a deep breath as he silently relaxed on his chair. Though the First brother looked indeed very troubled by something. It's maybe because of his carelessness or the indecisiveness related to his old age that he put himself in such a situation, he let out another sigh.
The three of them weren't blood related but fate brought them together. They had an emotional backstory when the second and third were just teenagers; they almost lost their lives under the cruelty of villains. The person who saved them and brought them together was their first brother who was already in his late twenties when he met them.
A foolish youth with a dream of becoming a powerful martial artist in his city. Even though he was just barely a body refinement practitioner at that time he had this boundless confidence and fearlessness in his heart which almost ended his life. But luckily he escaped into the slum area of a famous town with some injuries and this is where he met these two.
While hiding there he saved his two brothers from the cruelty of survival there and protected them. They went out to learn martial arts. The Heavens must have heard their wish.
They stumbled upon a fortunate opportunity and succeeded in walking the path of martial arts. Though this was very late and they long past their golden period they still managed some attainment in martial arts as for becoming experts that wasn't in their hands.
They get along very well. The three of them spend a decade of adventurIng together in this chaotic world as mercenaries and go through a lot In their active years. Their bond really went very deep because of these struggles and their dreams. The local martial artist called them the Three Iron Horses.
Many people were surprised by their strong bond. One had to know trust and morals weren't practical for the wandering martial artist like them. Their survival and advancement are all about opportunities.
How could there be a moral or pure heart? All of them, selfish to a certain degree, had to fight with their life on the line for resources. How can such fragile things like trust and morals exist in their hearts? One couldn't entirely blame those solo practitioners.
But their life proved to be such an anomaly in this chaotic world. The reason for this is also very simple: none of them were ambitious and put their friendship over anything else or these three weren't meant for such a bloody life.
Though their characters were completely different from one another. The three of them were simple and honest and didn't like evil things. First brother was an unfettered, jovial and caring Individual but he can be a little impulsive and careless at times but he was the most compassionate of the three.
The third brother was straightforward, hotheaded and yet at times contradictingly narrow minded but honest fellow nonetheless. The second brother was calm and rational, had an analytical mind and was a very intelligent and cautious person to boot.
It was he who acted as backbone to their school or their mercenary group back then brought together the strength of his two brothers and made them famous. Simply they long consider each other as their blood related brothers didn't allow anything to make a wedge in their relationship.
But they too had often fights like now, this was inevitable. Despite their harmonious relationship with two strong characters it is bound to be a fight. When the first brother went out a few weeks ago he met this 'interesting' scrawny kid by chance on the road.
Or rather, it could be said the First brother saved the Kid from getting beaten up by roadside bandits. They couldn't see what was so special about the kid and why their first brother cared about this kid so much.
The kid was weak, insecure, talentless and seems to be a magnet that constantly attracts trouble. According to their first brother, he had to stand up and save the kid from at least a half a dozen Dangerous situations ; they couldn't understand how he survived this long on the road.
The second brother felt his scalp go numb and didn't even listen to the first brother's prattle about ' he had an extraordinary amount of determination and Preservation' and ' he somewhat reminded me of the three of us back then'.
Second brother really wanted to scold his foolish first brother. And can't believe his foolish brother put his life on the line for six freaking time. He even had the urge to scream when he recalled the troublesome brat waiting outside their school. ' What the hell is this? He thought he was already this old yet dared to fight with bandits. '
"He was tough, tenacious h and forged his will like an unbreakable sword" The first brother struggled to fish out for a right word to explain how he felt. The two of them snorted at his flowery words but couldn't help but secretly impressed with the kid.
Their first brother acted out of kindness, no problem, And the fact is that he also had to go through the same path as the brat so he brought the kid to safety. It was perfectly understandable they indeed at least expected this much.
But was it necessary to brag nonsense to that brat? He traveled thirty miles to their school's main gate and asked such a huge favor. So naturally they couldn't accept when their first brother said his exaggerated bragging brought misfortune to their doorstep. 'This kid was shameless and opportunist '
Even the first brother never thought his actions would come back and bite him in the a** " Third brother it's true we did travel the same path and I might have bragged about a few things but I never gave him any promises and you might have realized that he never claimed I promised him anything " he finally admitted he didn't promise anything.
First brother looked exhausted and a little indignant. He never thought the kid would follow him all the way here and ask him such a bold favor. He could tell there is some story to him that made him break out of his shy personality and ask for such Bold favors.
The other two become speechless by their stupid first brother. 'I know it he can't keep his mouth shut when he is drunk…and he drinks most of the time, ' the third brother thought to himself but he knew this now includes his first brother's face.
"It's good that you didn't promise anything because our two slots were already filled. Last time when we ask you about this matter you handed over this matter to the two of us and said not care about this things so we sold away one of the slots to hefty sum "
Third brother seemed a little relieved but he emphasized certain words and phrases very clearly. ' Sigh, I've never felt this would put me through this Embarrassing situation. Third brother was afraid I would mess things up, ' the first brother thought to himself.
He wasn't a clueless old fool like others think, he realized when this kid came looking for him he didn't immediately reject him instead hesitating. He indeed wanted to give a slot for that kid and because of that upset his two brothers which might be the reason they look uncomfortable.
"Third brother I understand, it's my fault. You might not know this but I couldn't outright reject him because I could empathize with him to a certain degree. If you were with me you should have understood why I hesitate when he asked me… alright leave this to me I wouldn't involve the two of you with my problems"
He didn't get upset over the matter, he knew his third brother was hot headed. The three shared a deep bond and depended on each other in countless life and death situations to have something as silly as this ruin their bond. Moreover he was determined to deal with his Matter on his own.
It just so happens they understand him too well, he was often impulsive which led him to do things rashly. Third brother also calmed down a lot after hearing his assurance so he too came down. " Well I don't mind if you wanted this kid to join our school we both agree" he reluctantly said.
First brother's mouth twitched " I'm afraid he doesn't need that. He said he was from some famous sect "
Second brother for a second showed a look of surprise " Oh, interesting " he tapped his fingers on the table "first brother then proceeded to tell them what happened and his understanding of that kid.
" This is getting ridiculous and ridiculous the more I hear it. He was really courting death, I couldn't understand why even considering this don't you realize how dangerous the competition was. Even our top students might not succeed in these. How dare that weak scrawny boy like going have ideas of competing. Was he really after ' Black Tiger blood injection ' pellets "
Second brother had a strange expression on his face as he understand the in and out of the situation he was somewhat surprised by his first brother's speculations ' If so, why does this kid insist on risking his life by competing for this pellets, which was even detrimental to one's foundation'
"First brother, please leave this matter to me. I'll handle this matter from now on…rest assured I try my best to talk him out of this. I'm sure I can make him sensible. " With that he got up and walked out of the room. As a respected second Iron Horse he couldn't allow this kid to rush for his demise.
He was very curious about this boy and his motivation to show this much of preservation and hardships. That's why he didn't say anything when the third brother promised the two of them. He knew none of them had any hopes of advancing to the martial master stage.
So they wouldn't mind giving out a few resources in their hands for new blood. And it wasn't their first time sponsoring poor kids from their own pocket. The school merely ran from the children's fee and donations from the rich.
He silently waited over the building top and watched as the scrawny kid kneeling on the ground. Felt considerable amount of respect for him. It wasn't as simple as it seems he knew even he might not be enduring it.