"Lin Kai, right!?"
In an open field where numerous children aged eight to sixteen practiced a set of boxing exercises, a young man in his early twenties approached and stood before a frail boy.
"Umm..." Lin Kai nodded in response, but deep down, he already knew why the man was asking for him. And sure enough, his next words confirmed it.
"You've been practicing here for three months and haven't made any progress. According to the rules, you have to leave this place." His tone was calm, devoid of any emotion as if the task at hand was of little significance.
"I see." Lin Kai didn't argue, only letting out a heavy sigh. He knew his talent for martial arts was lacking. After three months of constant day-and-night practice, he hadn't even begun to break through the ninth realm.
"Don't lose hope. There's still much you can do in life." The man sighed, observing the calm expression on the boy's face.
In his eyes, the boy in front of him was perfect. He was hard-working, humble, and obedient, but there was one fatal flaw in him... his qualifications were lacking. No matter how much he trained, he made little progress.
Even now, his three months' worth of practice amounted to what others would accomplish in a week.
The only option was to let him go. With his personality, he could still achieve much in the mortal world.
"Thank you for everything." Lin Kai bowed deeply before heading to his room, gathering the clothes he had packed the night before, and leaving.
As his desolate figure disappeared into the distance, the man wanted to offer words of comfort but, in the end, simply sighed. He had seen many like Lin Kai—people who gave their all but still failed to advance. In a way, Lin Kai was better than most. At least he didn't cause a scene before leaving.
---------
As Lin Kai exited the Iron Fist Martial Hall, he paused and looked back at the place where he had spent the past three months—or rather, the first three months of his new life—before walking away.
With every step, memories of the past overwhelmed him.
He wasn't sure how it had happened, but three months ago, when he opened his eyes, he found himself in this unfamiliar world. After the initial panic, a sense of excitement took over. In his past life, he had always dreamed of escaping his mundane existence and embarking on adventures. That excitement peaked when he discovered that there were people in this world capable of moving mountains and rivers.
In his haste, he did everything he could to learn more.
Upon finding out that martial arts training was available at a martial hall in the city, he used all the money the previous body owner had. After much effort, he managed to gather the required amount.
But who would've thought that when he arrived, they would want to reject him? They told him his talent was mediocre, and that even with time and resources, he would struggle to make progress.
But Lin Kai, having lived two lives, wasn't willing to accept that. He gritted his teeth, handed over all his money, and took the chance. In the end, they agreed that if he didn't make progress within three months, he would have to leave, and his money would not be refunded.
Lin Kai hadn't hesitated before agreeing. He believed hard work would make anything possible.
But now, looking at his current situation…
"Heh." Lin Kai let out a hollow laugh, mocking himself for overestimating his abilities.
"What do I do now?" To pay for the training, he had sold everything he owned—his run-down house, a small piece of land, even his furniture. Now, all he had was a small cloth bag containing a set of old clothes and shoes.
Lost and uncertain about his future, Lin Kai realized his grand ambitions and dreams had become a joke. It felt as though fate itself was mocking him.
In a daze, he unknowingly followed the crowd. By the time he regained his senses, he found himself surrounded by a group of beggars, all gathered in an open area, silently waiting and watching something in front of them.
"This…" Lin Kai woke from his stupor, realizing his surroundings. He wanted to ask the person beside him what was happening, but before he could speak, a loud voice rang out.
"QUIET." The moment the word was uttered, Lin Kai felt a tingling sensation in his ears, and the world fell silent. Some of the weaker beggars had already collapsed, unconscious.
"What the?" Lin Kai, startled, looked toward the source of the voice. He saw a burly, middle-aged man standing about a hundred meters away.
"Hisss..." Lin Kai took a deep breath, unable to fathom the strength of the person who could shout with such force. Though he had practiced martial arts for three months, he had never met a real martial artist. Till now, he had only heard myths and rumors about them.
But now…
Who would've thought he would encounter one the moment he stepped out of the martial hall? He couldn't imagine the strength it would take to shout at such a force.
"The rules are simple." Ignoring the unconscious beggars, the middle-aged man continued. "First, you will be tested. Only then you will be allowed to join the ranks of the servants."
With that, he turned and left, leaving the crowd in turmoil.
Lin Kai, finally back to his senses, turned to the nearest person and grabbed their hand.
"Excuse me, friend. What's going on here?" He smiled politely as he asked the man beside him.
The man initially seemed irritated and ready to fight, but upon seeing the young boy's clean face and new robes, he suppressed his anger and forced a smile. Clearly, the boy didn't look like a beggar.
"Young master, you don't know?" Though the man didn't know the boy's identity, his clean clothes and calm demeanor suggested he wasn't a beggar. Not wanting to offend him, the man decided to answer.
Seeing no reaction from Lin Kai, the man swallowed nervously and explained, "The Ji family has been recruiting servants for the past few days. For those with skill, it's a golden opportunity."
"Ji family?" Lin Kai frowned, trying to recall the name. But no matter how hard he thought, it didn't ring a bell.
"How come I've never heard of this family?" Lin Kai asked, puzzled. He had heard of the Long family and the Cao family—he had even sold most of his belongings to them—but the Ji family was unfamiliar.
"You don't know?" The man looked surprised. The Ji family's arrival had caused quite a stir in the city. He didn't expect anyone to be unaware. After a moment's thought, he explained.
"A month ago, the Ji family appeared out of nowhere. Some say they're more powerful than both the Long and Cao families combined, but whether those rumors are true or not, no one knows…" The man glanced around, as if afraid someone might overhear. After confirming no one was paying attention, he leaned in closer and whispered, "Now, the Ji family is recruiting servants based on their abilities. I heard the treatment is generous... even better than the Cao and Long family; so here I am, trying my luck."
"I see…" Lin Kai nodded in understanding. He now knew why so many beggars were lining up. To them, this was a chance to change their destiny. If they could join the Ji family, their lives would improve.
"Wait… Why don't I join the Ji family too?" Lin Kai suddenly thought. With each passing moment, the idea took root and grew like a towering tree.
Considering his current situation, it made sense. After being kicked out of the martial hall, he was no different from the beggars around him. He had no home, no job, no place to stay, and nothing to eat. Even if he searched for work, finding something suitable wasn't guaranteed. And even if he did, the problem of housing remained. He couldn't sleep under the stars without a roof over his head.
For others, working as a servant might seem humiliating. But for Lin Kai, as long as it provided food and shelter, he was willing to do it. As for his future, he could think about that later. His immediate priority was solving the issue of survival.
It didn't take long for him to make up his mind. He left the crowd, changed into his old clothes, and blended back in.
Soon, the registration began.
The process was simple. The Ji family stewards observed each person, and if they were deemed acceptable, they proceeded. If not, they were rejected.
An hour later, it was Lin Kai's turn.
"Hmm..." The steward looked at Lin Kai's clean face and calm demeanor, which stood out from the other beggars. Satisfied, he nodded.
"Go to the other side." Under the envious stares of the crowd, the steward motioned for Lin Kai to stand aside.
Minutes turned into hours as the process dragged on. Finally, after four hours, the man clapped his hands and spoke loudly.
"We will continue the recruitment tomorrow." Without another glance, he turned and motioned for Lin Kai and five others to follow him.
Soon, they arrived at a massive mansion spanning several acres. Gazing at the numerous buildings inside the towering walls, Lin Kai couldn't help but take a cold breath.
"Is this my future now?" For a moment, he was overwhelmed with emotions. From someone with sky-high ambitions to someone who has to work as a servant to live... his downfall was nothing less than a tragedy. But if given another chance, Lin Kai would do the same again.
This was what he wanted, and he was willing to pay the price. Selling his house and belongings was insignificant.
"Well, congratulations to all of you." As Lin Kai was lost in thought, the middle-aged man's voice pulled him back to reality.
"But before you join the Ji family, there's one more thing." Smiling, the man led them to an empty field upon which a small stone that was the size of a child was placed.
"Place your hands on it." He had no intention of explaining anything and just ordered them to place their hands.
The first person in the group didn't hesitate and stood in front of the stone before placing his hand on it.
As soon as he placed his hands on it, the stone blurred before a row of text appeared on it.
[Age: 28]
[Qualification: Mortal]
Other than the man who brought them here and Lin Kai, no one else knew what those things meant. As for the middle-aged man, he wasn't going to explain to them. Instead, he looked at the stone before pulling out a wooden token, carving something on it with his finger, and throwing it to the man standing beside the stone.
"Next."
Another person put his hand on the stone.
[Age: 23]
[Qualification: Mortal]
"Next."
"...."
"...."
Soon, it was Lin Kai's turn.
"Huff..." Though he already knew what this stone was and what those qualifications meant, there was still a flicker of hope in his heart. Perhaps, this time things might change this time.
As soon as he placed his hand on the stone, it flickered before two rows of text appeared in front of him.
[Age: 16]
[Qualification: Mortal]
"Heh..." Lin Kai just let out a hollow laugh. Even though he already knew the outcome, he couldn't help but feel dejected.
"NEXT"
Just when Lin Kai was about to turn around and leave, he suddenly stood still as if he was struck by lightning.
"What are you doing?" Looking at Lin Kai in a daze, the middle-aged man let out a cold snort. Clearly displeased by his behavior.
"Aah! Sorry." Lin Kai just gave him a bow with an embarrassed smile, though the flickering light in his eyes betrayed his excitement.
At that moment, in front of him, a small window that only he could see was floating silently.
[Wheter to absorb Measuring Stone?]
[Yes/No]