In the prestigious Starlight Haven City, the centre of the Starlight Haven Kingdom, stood the magnificent Seven Profound Martial House, surrounded by the enormous Great Mountain Calin.
This martial house had a rich history from the ancient Seven Profound Valley clan, whose martial traditions had been passed down for over six centuries.
It was the only martial house established by the clan within the Starlight Haven Kingdom.
The Seven Profound Martial House held the highest position among the kingdom's prominent martial houses.
With a vast collection of martial skills and a group of experienced martial masters as instructors, it served as a sacred place for numerous aspiring martial artists.
However, gaining entry into the martial house was difficult, reserved only for the most exceptional talents. Only one in a million could hope to meet the strict qualifications.
Under the scorching summer sun, a young boy stood in the lush woods at the foot of the Great Mountain Calin. His fists, wrapped in tattered cloth, struck the rough bark of a sturdy tree trunk.
TANG! TANG! TANG!
The sound of his blows echoed through the forest. The bark, battered by his relentless attacks, gave way to reveal the aged wood underneath. Traces of blood stained its surface.
This young boy, named Sam, possessed a Grade Three Martial Talent.
In the Starlight Haven Kingdom, the majority of its inhabitants remained bereft of martial talent, ill-suited for the path of martial arts.
Of those more fortunate, eighty per cent boasted a mere Grade One Martial Talent.
Even diligent training wouldn't elevate them to great heights. A scant one in ten would claim a ninety-per cent chance of Grade Two Martial Talent.
But even for these fortunate few, ascending to martial mastery was a formidable challenge.
Sam's Grade Three Martial Talent was a precious rarity, a shining beacon among the masses. Yet, even with such potential, entering the hallowed halls of the Seven Profound Martial House remained daunting.
Sam was acutely aware of this reality. Alongside his childhood friend, the enchanting Lily, who possessed a Grade Three Martial Talent, they'd resolved to undertake the Starlight Haven Martial House entrance examination.
Though it paled compared to the Seven Profound Martial House, the Starlight Haven Martial House was the best alternative.
Hailing from the Starlight Haven Kingdom, this martial house held but eighty years of martial legacies and traditions—a paltry inheritance by comparison.
For martial artists, legacy martial talents were crucial; without them, reaching the highest stages, like the Pulse Condensing Stage or above, was a faraway dream.
The Pulse Condensing Stage was the first significant milestone for martial cultivators, a point at which their lifespans grew considerably, promising affluence and legacy to their generations.
During this time, the Starlight Haven Martial House lagged far behind the Seven Profound Martial House.
Sam's heartbeat for the martial path. Thus, he yearned for admission to the Seven Profound Martial House. But even if his potential fell short, his resolve remained unshaken.
He would rely on diligence and perseverance to impress the examiners.
His prospects, however, seemed grim. A single failure meant waiting half a year for another chance—a precious interval in the life of a martial artist.
With all these considerations in mind and bound by his promise to Lily, Sam opted for the Starlight Haven Martial House.
Sam and Lily, friends and potential lovers, had spent years together.
While still young, emotions had already begun to blossom.
Sam's parents even welcomed Lily into their home for meals, expressing their approval and affection.
Yet, an invisible thread hung between the two, a delicate connection that would inevitably be tested as they matured.
Sam took their agreement seriously. His unwavering commitment was to ascend to the Pulse Condensing Stage, even if only within the Starlight Haven Martial House.
However, when the day arrived for the Starlight Haven Martial House's entrance assessment, Lily was conspicuously absent.
Initially, Sam assumed some hindrance had detained her. Later, he learned the truth—Lily had been accepted into the Seven Profound Martial House. Her benefactor? None other than Max, the brilliant scion of Green Mulberry City's preeminent Family.
At just fifteen, Sam had faced adversities beyond his years. However, the trials of the external world moulded his resilience. The passion for martial arts that raged within him overshadowed the personal pain of abandonment.
When presented with such enticing options—honours, glory, and the promise of a long life given by the Pulse Condensing Stage—the vast majority of women would make the same decision as Lily. The allure was undeniable, especially compared to her other suitor, the handsome and wealthy Max.
Although Sam understood her decision, it had a profound effect on him. He withdrew himself for three days, engrossed by thought. When he emerged from the silence, he resumed his regular existence—eat, sleep, and train—with renewed enthusiasm.
Sam's present goals remain unchanged: reach the Pulse Condensing Stage and delve deeper into martial cultivation.
He was determined to follow the Martial Way, with or without Lily. As a result, despite the odds, he resolved to participate in the Seven Profound Martial House's entrance examination.
"TANG! TANG!"
The constant rhythm of fists striking Ironwood, appropriately titled Iron Tree, echoed throughout the forest. This tree was chosen for its tough bark and exceptional regeneration qualities, making it perfect for training new martial artists.
After countless blows, Sam exhausted himself. Seating himself upon a boulder, he retrieved herbs from his pouch, meticulously tending to his battered fists.
Herbal treatments were vital for martial artists, for neglecting them risked accumulating internal injuries that could cripple or even prove fatal.
One such herb, Iron Thread Grass, possessed exceptional wound-healing properties but inflicted excruciating pain during application, akin to iron threads scouring the wounds.
Sam gritted his teeth, enduring the agony, wrapping his fists tightly afterwards.
Superior herbs with fewer adverse effects were available, but Sam's limited resources prevented him from using them.
His parents ran a restaurant, though it wasn't theirs; instead, it was run on behalf of the wider Family, with whom they had distant relations.
Their annual salary was adequate for subsistence but insufficient to support Sam's martial ambitions.
Recognizing their son's martial passion, Sam's parents spent their funds to obtain helpful herbs, a continual strain on their resources.
Sam stayed in the first level of Physical Training, which has six stages: Strength Training, Flesh Training, Viscera Training, Altering Muscle, Bone Forging, and Pulse Condensing.
The latter, the first significant achievement in martial arts training, would considerably increase one's longevity and grant noble status.
Sam's determination matched his ambition: he would get to the Pulse Condensing Stage, even if it meant facing probable hurdles.
Back at home, Sam and Lily shared a slender thread of attachment.
Though they were too young to talk about marriage, their sentiments grew.
Sam's parents adored Lily and frequently invited her to dinner. A developing attachment was visible, a shaky link that would certainly be tested in the future.
Sam honoured their pact, unwavering in his pursuit of the Pulse Condensing Stage, even within the Starlight Haven Martial House.
However, Sam's hopes were dashed on the day of the Starlight Haven Fortune Martial House's entrance assessment. Lily, his companion in training and heart, was conspicuously absent.
Max had intervened, securing her acceptance into the Seven Profound Martial House.
Such an act underscored the importance of a potential wife's martial talent to families like the Max, who sought to nurture martial prodigies.
Though born of a humble lineage, Lily's Grade Three Martial Talent merited Max's attention.
Most would have made the same choice in her shoes, enticed by the Seven Profound Martial House's grandeur and the promise of the Pulse Condensing Stage's blessings. It was an irresistible temptation.
Sam's determination remained strong, fuelled not by anger but by his unwavering pursuit of the Martial Way. He vowed to enter the Seven Profound Martial House despite the difficulties ahead.
His fervour intensified as he honed his skills, fists striking the formidable Iron Tree. To him, this was a battle against the currents of fate, a high-stakes gamble with his life as the wager.
Alex, a confidant and buddy, walked into view. He greeted Sam cheerfully even though he was carrying a large sword.
"Brother Sam, today is the registration day for the Seven Profound Martial House's entrance assessment. Why are you still here, practicing your fists?" Alex asked.
Alex's humorous coincidence concealed a more severe issue. He was fiercely loyal to Sam, and watching his friend devote himself so completely scared him.
"Registration is chaotic early on. The queues will be long. Going now would be a waste of time," Sam replied, sweat trickling down his brow.
"Darn it, you're obsessed. Do you really have to push yourself so hard?"
Alex grumbled, examining the Ironwood's battered surface, Sam's bandaged fists, and the formidable Iron Thread Grass in Sam's satchel.
This hardy herb's healing properties came at a painful cost—a sensation akin to iron threads scouring one's wounds.
Sam endured the pain, silently binding his fists.
While more effective herbs existed, Sam's circumstances dictated frugality.
Alex, from a branch of Sam's Family, held a subordinate position within the lineage.
His Family's financial stability surpassed Sam's, yet purchasing expensive herbs remained extravagant. His decision to give Sam the invaluable Blood gift was a testament to their friendship.
Sam hesitated before accepting the gift, his eyes reflecting his gratitude and determination.
Alex, with unwavering support, encouraged his friend.
"I bought this gift for you. My injuries barely warrant its use. It would be wasted on me. If you refuse, my purchase will be in vain. I have modest aspirations—I aim only to maintain my position as a direct descendant of our Family, ensuring a legacy for my future generations."
The Blood Gift, a hundred-year-old treasure, was worth a small fortune, equivalent to Sam's Family's annual income. Sam ultimately accepted it, setting his resolve to reach the Pulse Condensing Stage, fueled by the potent herb's promise.
"You're right. I'll accept this Blood Gift. With it, I'll break through to the Pulse Condensing Stage," Sam declared, his gaze filled with determination.
"Ha! That's more like it! Break through to the Pulse Condensing Stage and overturn that wretch Max! He's been a thorn in our sides for far too long!" Alex suggested.
Sam had become obsessed with Max. Despite his youth, Sam's persistence astonished all who knew him. His devotion to the Martial Way overshadowed personal issues.
The determined youth returned to his relentless training on the Iron Tree. Each strike on the tree, each gruelling regimen, strengthened his resolve to enter the Seven Profound Martial House.
He would bridge the chasm separating their talents and backgrounds, asserting his dominance.
But destiny was a fickle mistress. On the day of the Seven Profound Martial House's entrance assessment, Sam encountered a familiar face—one he had hoped to avoid.
Amid the aspiring martial artists, Max strode forward, accompanied by a companion. He was dressed in azure, a longsword strapped to his side, an emblem of the Heavenly Abode's Sword Sect—the Seven Profound Martial House's most esteemed sect. His confidence radiated like a halo, a testament to his privileged background and martial prowess.
Sam, resolute and undaunted, braced himself. Their paths would cross.
Max's surprise turned to a cynical grin when he recognized Sam. He'd taken Lily, but Sam's memories stayed in her heart. Max was irritated just by the sight of him.
"Sam, right? It's unexpected to see you here. A First Stage Physical Training cultivator like you aspires to enter the Seven Profound Martial House?"
Max's mocking tone was deliberate. He had no intention of permitting Sam's entry, knowing it would perpetuate Lily's lingering affections.
Sam met Max's taunts head-on.
"Whether I pass the assessment is my concern. I'm not here because of anyone. My pursuit is the Martial Way."
Max scoffed. "The Martial Way? You, with average talent, dare speak of the Martial Way? Arrogant!"
His disdain manifested as a blade drawn swiftly from its sheath, emitting a fearsome sword that cleaved through the air. A tree's canopy was severed with a single stroke.
Onlookers gasped at the display of power. Sam's audacity was viewed with skepticism. The gap between a Grade Four Martial Talent versus a Grade Three is insurmountable.
Alex couldn't hold back, launching a tirade at Max.
However, Max's attention soon returned to Sam.
"You are Alex, a cousin of Sam? To me, you are all the same, insignificant. You and Sam are nothing before me. Remember that. Lily, a woman of her caliber, is beyond your reach."
Max offered a stack of gold bills—a thousand gold —to tempt Sam into withdrawal.
Such arrogance incensed Alex. He pushed back the gold with bravado, though he knew a thousand gold was a king's ransom.
Max exerted pressure, knocking Alex aside. He stared at Sam, waiting for a response.
Sam took a deep breath, his resolve unyielding.
"Max, my talent and background may fall short, but martial cultivation transcends these. It thrives on heart and spirit! You pursue power for wealth and prestige; I pursue the Martial Way. It isn't for the talented, the powerful, or the wealthy. It's for those whose hearts beat for martial arts! I will surpass you someday!"
Sam's declaration rang through the crowd, a challenge that defied the odds. Max, momentarily stunned, laughed heartily.
"Excellent! I look forward to it!" he replied, retaining the gold bills. With a confident stride, he turned away, leaving Sam behind, his path uncertain yet undeterred.