Two years back, somewhere outside Juuko, a strong man punched the air and the impact caused the five trees ahead to be uprooted and flew more than 300 meters before falling. A young boy was watching this man's sturdy back and this action with stars in his eyes. He felt so proud of his father "Dad, you are so strong !!"
"Haha, Shin you can also become so strong, no...even stronger" the man's eyes radiated. Shin was a very curious child, but his eyes spoke more than his words. Out of fear or utmost respect for his father, he never dared to raise much questions and was always obedient to seek and learn.
Ming Jian who saw through the ploy was stern " Shin, remember three things in your life:
1. Never hesitate to seek your way come many obstacles
2. Never forget to show your gratitude towards anyone who helps you the slightest
3. This is the most important...Never ever be merciful to your enemies "
"What's an enemy" Shin pounced.
"Haha, good. You've started questioning things. Not anyone can be your enemy. It is up to you to decide who you can make enemies of. A man's got his own pride".
Shin might not have understood it completely but these words are etched in the young mind and have formed the three heart principles which shall guide his path forward.
Present day, the second day when the martial arts assessment is to be held. In one of the courtyards, Tai Peng was introducing his son with pride " Senior Wu, this is my son Tai Xun. He is already ninth order peak and truly talented since he was a child".
"I've seen the predecessors" Tai Xun bowed
Wu Lao nodded his head flatly ' Talented? what a joke? an average 11 year old in the town can defeat this kid in two strokes not to the mention the truly talented ones and noble dragons and phoenixes'.
"Given his strength, he is sure to pass this test. But Tai Xun, once you enter Henji, you only have 5 years to improve yourself and be selected by the young masters as their entourage" Wu Lao looked stern.
"I won't disappoint you predecessors" Tai Xun's will was firm. The three then followed to the main avenue where the assessment is to be held. The plaza is already heavily crowded more than yesterday, for the number of participants were 986 below the age of 13.
Warrior is a realm which doesn't need a particular skill or method. One can also purely advance by sheer training. But bone forging requires a special method to quench the bones and harden them and also supply with proper food.
Especially the age before 13 is when the young bones can be molded and built with a strong foundation. All the 986 people have assembled in the plaza and Ming Shin was also among them being conspicuous without letting his mother find before the test starts.
The announcer shouted " All of you shall hold your ground for minute without falling or bending your knees". Wu Lao came forward in front of these people and stood.
"Begin" Wu Lao raised his right hand and closed his fist in a gripping manner with a faint look.
Wheeze ~
Hundreds of contestants fainted just from such a heavy pressure instantly. The remaining people who were just as surprised by this heavy feeling managed themselves to endure it.
"Big brother cough" Zhang Shao was red faced handling the weight put upon his both. Zhang Lao was also gritting his teeth and encouraged his younger brother with his eyes while looking at Tai Xun at the front.
It has been 40 seconds and Tai Xun already felt hard to breathe especially seeing his fellow villagers falling down like flies. Every second you can hear the bones creaking or someone coughing out blood. Ming Shin was is no better position. Cold sweats were down his forehead while trying not to bend his legs.
How is this man so strong? Just a pressure can make my body to tumble? Shin roared inside to keep his head clear and not faint. But still, somehow this still doesn't match up with my old man. I still don't feel any trepidation from this pressure, like I do from my dad when he's smiling.
Soon 1 minute passed and Wu Lao is a bit amazed to find out that there were quite a few talented youth standing, especially Shin whose emit a different kind of fire. 'War? Yes, it's war intent. What an interesting child'.
Ming Shin felt excited and something burning despite his body aching so hard that he wants to shout out loud. But he endured and looked around to find that near 73 people remain standing.
After a brief session, it was announced that taking a two hour break, the second phase shall then commence. Now that many participants fainted and were cleared off the ground, the crowd got a good view of the seventy three people and started cheering. Ming Rui who was having a chat with the other ladies also noticed her son on the stage.
For a moment, two pairs of eyes made contact in the air Ming Rui visibly glaring. Ming Shin just coughed and helped a fellow fainted participant as if lending a helping hand.
A pretty woman in her thirties with a mature beauty was giggling "Rui Rui, look Xiao Shin is so strong. I've been asking you for a long time now. Before Xiao Shin leaves foe Henji city, let's baby kiss my Xue' er to your son".
"Tai An, I am more than content with Xue 'er being my daughter-in-law, but I'm more worried about this stinky rascal and his behavior. He made a name for himself in the surrounding villages as you know" Ming Rui was happy and helpless but looked at her son lovingly.
"Mm, it's fine for the child to be curious" Tai An also secretly made up her mind to speak about this to her husband after this.
After the two hour break, only 55 people were able bodied to walk and proceed to the next phase. Many contestants were seen limping or finding hard time take a step even after resting. For the second phase eleven groups of 5 people team were arranged and one person who remains standing within the five people shall be the victor.
The fifty five participants were divided into a group of five randomly. Unfortunately, Shin was placed along with Tai Xun along with two people from Chen village and another from Pitu. The Zhang brothers were placed in different groups as well. Ming Shin though not nervous, but felt tricky to placed in such an unfavorable situation.
Little did he know that high up near Rin Meihun, Ye Ling was mischievous " Good work, Ba Shou ". "It's the command of young miss" Ba Shou felt it was a trivial arrangement requested by the miss. Rin Meihun commented " Which poor guy offended my Ling 'er?".
" Don't worry about it brother, it's just a little kid who actually dared to look me in the eye previously. I could neither see awe or respect from him. Hence a little punishment" Ye Ling smirked.
'Hoh?' Rin Meihun set his sights on Ming Shin's team who already started their combat.
The two people instantly from the same village formed a group and were vigilant against Tai Xun. Without giving them a chance, Tai Xun almost instantly headed for the two Chen villagers while The other Pitu guy brawled with Ming Shin.
After a hard win fight and dodge with a level 8 warrior from Pitu village, Ming Shin was gasping when he caught sight of Tai Xun looked over his side faintly. On the other side, the Chen villagers weren't able to hold a moment of candle to Tai Xun's peak ninth layer.
"You're good Ming Shin, you have splendidly defeated a many two layers above you. But, this is it" Tai Xun advised kindly.
I have barely won after fighting such a heavy battle. What strength do I have to withstand Tai Xun who is as good as unscathed? I'm no fool to go headstrong into a fight that I won't win, but I need to move forward. I can't just simply quit.
'A man's got his own pride'. Huh? Is this it? So, I need to break my shackles which always constrain me to stay within my zone to advance forward. I think I understand a little bit of what you say, father.
"Sorry Tai Xun, it's not over yet" Ming Shin burned with war.