As the three hours of intense training drew to a close, Bang Dong Xie's expression transformed from one of fierce intensity to a hint of satisfaction. With a swift motion, he retrieved a multitude of jade stones from his storage ring, the soft clinking of the stones echoing through the air.
"Those with rare bloodlines, step forward!" Bang Dong Xie commanded, his voice firm but measured.
The disciples with rare bloodlines hesitantly moved forward, their eyes shining with a mix of excitement and trepidation. Bang Dong Xie handed each of them 10 jade stones, the precious tokens of his approval and recognition.
"And for those with common bloodlines," he continued, his gaze sweeping across the remaining disciples, "five jade stones each."
The disciples with common bloodlines accepted their allocation of jade alike looking stones with varying degrees of gratitude and disappointment. The distribution of the jade stones seemed to underscore the harsh realities of their world, where those with rare bloodlines were often afforded greater opportunities and recognition.
The jade stones distributed by Bang Dong Xie were sturdy and compact, with a subtle hint of green color that seemed to emanate from within. The surface of each stone was smooth to the touch, with a delicate sheen that caught the light. Most striking, however, was the single character engraved on each stone: the letter 'Qi'.
Bang Dong Xie's voice rang out, explaining the significance of the jade stones. "As you are all aware, cultivating qi is a crucial aspect of our martial arts training. However, not all of you possess the innate ability to absorb qi from your surroundings. To aid in your development, our sect will provide you with these 'Qi' stones."
He held up one of the stones, and the green hue seemed to glow in the light. "These stones possess a concentrated form of qi, which you can use to supplement your own cultivation. With these stones, you should be able to achieve Rank 1 Mid Stage, a crucial milestone in your martial arts journey."
Bang Dong Xie's gaze swept across the gathering, his eyes serious. "Additionally, these stones can also be used as a form of currency within our sect. You can use them to purchase resources, equipment, and even trade with your fellow disciples. Remember, these stones are a valuable resource, and you should use them wisely."
Bang Dong Xie's voice rang out once more, his tone firm and authoritative. "You are all dismissed. Return to your homes or dormitories and begin your cultivation. Remember, you have only three days to break through to Rank 1 Mid Stage. If you fail to meet this deadline, you will be expelled from our sect."
As he spoke, Bang Dong Xie handed each of the disciples a sleek, silver storage ring. "These storage rings will allow you to store and carry your belongings, including the Qi stones I distributed earlier. Use them wisely, and do not lose them."
His eyes seemed to bore into the souls of his students, emphasizing the gravity of the challenge ahead. The disciples nodded solemnly, their faces set with determination. With a final glance at their instructor, they turned and began to disperse, each one eager to commence their intense cultivation regimen. The air was electric with anticipation, as the disciples of the sect embarked on their perilous journey towards martial arts mastery.
As the disciples filed out of the training area, their footsteps and murmured conversations filling the air, they suddenly noticed a familiar figure standing against the wall. It was none other than Wei Ying, his black hair and eyes a stark contrast to the dull, stone walls behind him.
Wei Ying's gaze swept calmly over the departing disciples, his eyes gleaming with a hint of intensity. He spoke in a low, polite tone, his voice carrying easily across the space. "Each one of you can leave... if you surrender one Qi stone."
The disciples slowed to a stop, their faces turning towards Wei Ying in surprise. Some of them exchanged uneasy glances, while others eyed Wei Ying warily. The air seemed to thicken with tension, as the disciples weighed their options and considered Wei Ying's proposal.
Wei Ying's expression remained calm and unruffled, his black eyes gleaming with a hint of amusement. He didn't flinch or back down, despite the angry outburst from the disciples.
"Who the hell do you think you are?" one of the disciples spat, his face red with rage. "You think you can just block our way and demand our Qi stones? You're just a common-blooded disciple, while we possess rare bloodlines. "
Another disciple sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "What could you possibly have to offer, with your inferior bloodline? You're not even worthy of carrying our shoes!"
Wei Ying's smile grew, his voice taking on a slightly mocking tone. "I'm not stopping your way, merely... collecting a toll," Wei Ying replied, his voice low and even. "A small price to pay for the privilege of passing through this area."
Wei Ying's expression remained unruffled, his black eyes gleaming with a hint of amusement. He seemed to be savoring the disciples' insults, his smile growing wider.
Another disciple stepped forward, his face twisted in a sneer. "You're not even worthy of the food we feed our pigs, and you're imagining taking our Qi stones? Our bloodlines are superior, and so is our talent. We're the ones who will become the true masters of the sect, not some common-blooded disciple like you."
The disciple's words were laced with venom, his tone dripping with contempt. He seemed to be enjoying Wei Ying's humiliation, and was eager to drive the point home.
Wei Ying's eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief as he repeated his demand, his voice calm and collected. "Oh, since you all are so confident in your bloodlines, then let me repeat myself: for those who possess rare bloodlines, you will give six Qi stones, and for those with common bloodlines, you will give one stone each."
The disciples' faces turned red with rage and indignation, their eyes bulging with anger. "You dare to demand more from us just because of our bloodlines?" one of them spluttered. "You're just a common-blooded disciple, how dare you try to extort from us?"
A disciple, enraged, spat at Wei Ying, "You bastard, you think you can stop us?" and charged forward, but Wei Ying swiftly countered with a knee to the stomach and precise strikes to vital spots, sending the disciple crashing to the ground, unconscious.
Wei Ying's smile grew, a mocking glint in his eye as he gazed at the remaining disciples. "If you don't want to end up like him," he said, nodding towards the unconscious disciple, "then hand over the stones." His voice was low and even, but his smile seemed to dare them to refuse.
The disciples, their faces twisted with rage, shouted in unison, "Bastard! We'll beat you to a pulp!" as they charged at Wei Ying with burning fury in their eyes. They swung their fists and kicked with all their might, but Wei Ying dodged each strike with ease, his movements fluid and precise. With swift and deadly counterattacks, he aimed for their vital spots, striking with pinpoint accuracy. One by one, the disciples crumpled to the ground, unconscious, until only silence remained.
Some of the remaining disciples, their faces pale with fear, turned tail and ran back to the training field, eager to escape Wei Ying's wrath. They rushed to find the nurtured disciples of the Zhang, Liu and Bai clans, bursting into the training area with urgent whispers. "Wu Clan disciple Wei Ying Yu is causing a ruckus!" they exclaimed, their voices trembling with alarm. "He's knocking out anyone who dares to cross him! We need to tell Zhang Liu and the others, they have to do something to stop him!"
"Others may be intimidated, but we're the nurtured disciples of our clans," Bai Zhu muttered.
Zhang Mei chimed in, her tone dripping with assurance, "Don't worry, I've mastered my clan's advanced martial art techniques, as well as the instructor's teachings."
Liu Guang sneered, his arrogance palpable, "A mere Wei Ying with a trash bloodline dares to extort from our fellow disciples? Dont worry we will help you. "
"Let's go together and see this Wei Ying for ourselves," Liu Guang suggested, his eyes gleaming with disdain.
Bai Zhu and Zhang Mei nodded in agreement, their faces set with determination.
As the three disciples left the training field, they were met with a scene of chaos. Their fellow disciples were scattered on the ground, unconscious. But their attention was quickly drawn to a figure standing against the wall - Wei Ying.
Wei Ying's eyes narrowed slightly as he gazed at the trio, his expression unreadable.
Zhang Mei stepped forward, a confident smile on her face. "Wei Ying, I can leave, right?" she said, her tone dripping with assurance. She knew that Wei Ying wouldn't dare to touch her, the nurtured disciple of the prestigious Zhang Clan.
Wei Ying's smile grew wider as he said, "Of course, a beauty like you is allowed to leave... unless you don't hand over 6 Qi Stones."
Zhang Mei's eyes flashed with anger at his insolence. With a burst of speed, she launched a fury of attacks, her movements filled with pride. She was convinced that her advanced martial arts technique would give her the upper hand.
But Wei Ying's used basic martial art technique yet he still countered her strikes with ease, his movements fluid and precise.The reason was simple Wei Ying had abundant experience in fighting. Zhang Mei's attacks, though fierce, were ultimately flawed, and Wei Ying took advantage of them. With a swift strike, he hit her vital spot, sending her crashing to the ground, unconscious.
Bai Zhu and Liu Guang watched in stunned silence, their morale immediately plummeting. They had never expected anyone take down Zhang Mei so effortlessly. Wei Ying's strength was far beyond what they had anticipated.
Wei Ying's gaze shifted to Bai Zhu and Liu Guang, a hint of a challenge in his voice. "What, don't you also want to have a fight?"
Liu Guang's face paled, and he immediately handed over 6 Qi Stones, his eyes darting around nervously. "No, no, you got it all wrong," he stuttered. In his heart, he seethed with anger, thinking, "Wei Ying, I will remember this."
Bai Zhu, too, discarded any notion of fighting Wei Ying, and reluctantly handed over the Qi Stones.
As they turned to leave, they heard Wei Ying's muttered words, "Wait, do you think I'll pick up the Qi Stones from their bodies?" His eyes gleamed with a hint of amusement.