120,000 years after the Great Catastrophe, as the Blue World recovered its strength and martial arts flourished, the lifespans of practitioners grew remarkably long. However, some mortals were unable to train because they lacked spiritual roots, which are vital for connecting to the heavenly law and absorbing energy from the skies.
These mortals became like sheep awaiting slaughter. But the world's academies and powerful sects established laws to protect them, ensuring that the mortal realm remained untouched by the chaos of practitioners.
...
In the Fire Empire, within the state of Hawks, a small town bustled with activity as a crowd gathered around a fighting ring, murmuring to one another.
"Is Raed out of his mind? How can he challenge Saeed again? The last time, he was nearly beaten to death and spent two months in bed. If it weren't for his grandfather's healing elixir, he wouldn't have recovered for half a year," someone sneered to their companion.
"He's pitiful. I heard he can't train, but he's brave—never seems to give up. That look in his eyes irritates people. They say he doesn't have any spiritual roots," another person said, shaking their head in pity.
A third voice, mocking, chimed in, "Hmph, trash like him is an embarrassment to the Najjar family. No one knows who his mother—once the beauty of the Fire Empire—conceived him with, but he's worthless. And now he dares to challenge Saeed, who's already at the second level of Qi Gathering? He's asking for death."
All eyes turned to the ring, where two boys stood facing each other. One of them wore a smug, proud expression, his features somewhat unpleasant, and he stared provocatively at the other boy.
"You really think you can challenge me, you bastard?"
Opposite him stood a handsome young man, slightly pale as if ill, but his sharp features and striking eyes were undeniable. With his sword-like eyebrows and cold expression, he looked around fifteen, but there was something in his gaze that suggested far more experience. He glared icily at Saeed and spat, "How dare you insult my mother, you filthy pig?"
For a moment, the crowd fell silent before erupting into laughter again.
"Haha! This kid has guts!"
"I heard his mother left him last year to go find her husband, and since then, the bullying has only gotten worse, even from his own family. If not for his grandfather, he'd probably be out on the street," someone muttered with a smirk.
Another person snickered, "Word is, Saeed's been mocking him for being born out of wedlock. Calls him a bastard. Hahaha…"
The insults and jeers echoed through the air, but Raed's expression remained unchanged. He had endured years of taunting and bullying, which had forced him to develop a hardened exterior and a deep understanding of human cruelty.
"You dare call me a pig, you bastard who carries his mother's name?" Saeed sneered. "Raed Najjar... What a disgrace."
Raed's eyes flashed with determination. "I'll make sure you remember my name after I defeat you, you swine."
The smirk vanished from Saeed's face, replaced by a scowl of fury.
"That's it! I'm going to kill you. Referee, start the fight!"
Though martial arts had become widespread, battles like these were restricted to official arenas, unless they occurred during imperial wars.
"Alright, let's begin—no killing. This isn't a life-or-death duel..." the referee warned.
Saeed gritted his teeth. "Fine, but I'll still make sure you barely survive this time."
As he charged at Raed, his power—though only at the second level of Qi Gathering—was far beyond that of any untrained mortal. A hit from him could easily be fatal.
But Raed remained calm, his eyes steady as the sea. Just as Saeed closed in, his face twisted in a sneer of triumph—only for it to immediately contort in shock and pain.
The entire crowd gasped as Raed's foot landed squarely between Saeed's legs. With a strangled cry, Saeed crumpled, flying through the air like a wounded animal.
Approaching Saeed's fallen form, Raed's voice rang out for all to hear: "My name is Raed Al-Hukm."