Two years had passed since Surya's tumultuous rebirth, two years since he had become Wudi Egun, the third son of Wudi Fan and Li Xiao. The echoes of his previous life, once so vibrant, now whispered like forgotten melodies, replaced by the stark realities of his new existence.
During these two years, Wudi Egun endured the grueling regimen of basic martial arts, his small frame pushed to its limits. He learned to withstand the searing ache in his muscles, the sting of sweat stinging his eyes, the relentless demand to improve, to grow stronger. Each punch, each kick, each stance was etched into his being, forging not just his body but also his nascent will.
He understood, though he was but a child, that the path to immortality was a long and arduous one. Before one could even dream of cultivating immortality, a solid foundation was essential.
The elders spoke of three stages: Foundation Establishment, the time when a child's body was molded and strengthened; the Qi Stage, where internal energy was tapped and refined, like raw ore being forged into steel; and finally, the Spirituality Stage, the awakening of the spirit, the attainment of true spiritual understanding. Only then could one be considered a true Immortal Cultivator.
The Western Killing Pavilion was nestled within the Nine Heart Severing Mountain, a five-day journey from the Wudi family residence. The mountain loomed on the horizon, a colossal mass of granite and jade, its peaks piercing the clouds like the jagged teeth of some primordial beast. It was a place of both awe and dread, a testament to the power and influence of the Wudi clan.
The mountain was a tapestry of emerald and jade, its slopes draped in dense forests of ancient trees, their branches intertwined like gnarled fingers reaching for the heavens. Waterfalls, like ribbons of silver, cascaded down the mountainside, their roar echoing through the valleys, a constant reminder of nature's raw power.
The Eastern Summit, known as the Alchemy Field, was a terraced landscape of meticulously cultivated herbs and rare flowers, their vibrant colors a striking contrast to the rugged terrain surrounding them. The Western Summit, overlooking the shimmering expanse of Fisherman Lake, was a place of quiet contemplation, where the gentle lapping of water against the shore seemed to soothe the soul.
The Northern Summit, home to the Weapon Father's Hut, resonated with the clang of hammers and the hiss of forges, the air thick with the scent of metal and fire. The Southern Summit, the Battle Arena, was a place of constant conflict, the clash of steel and the roar of combat echoing across the mountainside. And at the heart of it all, the Central Peak, housed the Main Hall, the center of the Wudi family's daily life.
The Alchemy Field stretched out like a vast, vibrant tapestry, a collection of hundreds of alchemical plants, some commonplace, others rare and precious, their leaves shimmering with otherworldly hues. Five pavilions graced this landscape: the Pill Pavilion, the Library, the Cultivation Pavilion, the Duel Pavilion, and the Alchemy Pavilion. At the heart of these five structures, a beautiful water fountain, shaped like a hovering star, shimmered and danced, its spray catching the light and creating miniature rainbows.
A multitude of young Wudi family members gathered here, though not all sought the secrets of alchemy. Many came to cultivate their hearts, seeking tranquility and peace amidst the vibrant energy of the field. Occasionally, young talents destined to walk the path of the assassin would be sent to either the Alchemy Field or the Fisherman Lake, their training focused on cultivating a calm and focused mind.
Within the Hundred Flower Garden, a sanctuary where a hundred varieties of alchemical plants bloomed in harmonious profusion, children, ranging from early two to late five years of age, diligently watered and nurtured the precious flora. Among them, a small group of children clustered around a little boy clad in a black outfit, his face concealed by a mask.
The mask was an unbroken expanse of black, devoid of any markings or embellishments, a blank canvas concealing the boy's features. This child was one of the three Saint Children of the Wudi Family's new generation, a distinction that set him apart. While other Saint Children existed within the family, he was a product of this new generation, a fact that granted him a special position and afforded him unique treatment.
The boy already stood three feet tall, a testament to the immense potential that lay within him.
"Fifth Brother Wudi," a little girl, seemingly the same age as the masked boy, exclaimed, her face alight with excitement. "I've discovered the location of a very precious alchemical flower, a Red Moon Flower! Would you like to go with me?"
Wudi Egun turned towards her, his movements deliberate and unhurried as he continued to water the plants. His voice, when he spoke, was calm and gentle. "I apologize, Seventh Sister, but Master has entrusted me with the care of his Pili."
Wudi Meimei, her cheeks puffing out in a display of childlike frustration, pouted. "It's not fair," she complained. "You're always busy with Master's tasks. I wouldn't be surprised if, after you become an official Killer for the family, you'll be constantly sent on missions and never have time for us." Her innocent anger brought a soft chuckle to Wudi Egun's lips.
In this ruthless world, having someone to warm his heart was a rare and precious thing.
"Don't worry, Seventh Sister," he reassured her gently, his gaze softening. "Tomorrow, I promise not to accept any tasks from Master." His words brought a bright, contented smile to her face.
"Really?" she asked, her voice tinged with a hint of disbelief, as if unsure whether to trust her Fifth Brother's promise.
"Yes, really," Wudi Egun replied, a hint of amusement in his eyes. He found it rather comical how she was looking at him, her expression reminiscent of a daughter suspiciously eyeing her father.
Within the Wudi Family, all members were considered siblings, a bond that transcended mere blood relation. However, despite this familial connection, marriage within the family was not uncommon, a practice employed to preserve the purity of their bloodline. This was also the reason for the existence of the Main Family, whose members often intermarried to maintain the authenticity and strength of their lineage.
While Wudi Egun enjoyed the company of his younger siblings—or rather, the children, as he perceived them—a warmth spread through his heart. In his previous life, he had been a young man adrift, lacking direction or purpose, simply existing without aim. But in this life, he seemed to have found a reason to live. Though the world was filled with ruthless individuals, there was still something that motivated him to greet each new morning with renewed purpose.
"Fifth Brother, I didn't expect to find you here at this hour?" A girl's voice, soft and melodious, broke through his reverie. Turning, he saw a beautiful girl, seemingly his age, approaching him. She wore a stunning outfit, its color reminiscent of cherry blossoms, her beauty rivaling that of a fairy.
"First Sister, what brings you here?" Wudi Egun asked, surprised. He hadn't expected Wudi Ying to be in the Alchemy Field; she was usually occupied with training in the Battle Arena, a dedication that had earned her the secret nickname of "battle maniac" among the family.
"Why, can't I be here? Or am I forbidden from entering?" she countered, her beautiful smile gracing her lips.
Wudi Ying was the youngest daughter of Patriarch Wudi, a fact that granted her a delicate status within the family. Doted upon by her elder siblings and protected by her father, she wielded considerable influence within the family, despite her young age.
Wudi Egun offered a wry smile behind his mask. "Not at all," he replied. "Who would dare forbid you from coming here?"
"By the way, Fifth Brother," she continued, her smile widening, "you've been asked to visit Master Gang at his abode. He seems to have something for you." She giggled charmingly as she delivered the message.
"Is that so?" This news puzzled Wudi Egun. Why would his master suddenly request his presence?
Unlike other members of the younger generation, only a select few were accepted as disciples by the exalted members of the family. Wudi Egun, possessing a First Rate Talent and an unfathomable Cultivation Affinity related to Life and Death, had naturally attracted the attention of an exalted master.
The family adhered to a strict hierarchy: ordinary members, senior members, elders, leaders, and finally, exalted masters. While exalted masters were generally considered more powerful than leaders, this conventional wisdom had been challenged by the current family leader, Patriarch Wudi.
Wudi Egun's master, Master Gang, was also an unfathomable powerhouse with significant influence within the family. But Wudi Egun couldn't understand why his master had suddenly, without warning, summoned him.
**********
Master Gang's abode was nestled within a serene Bamboo Forest, where bamboo stalks stood tall and proud, piercing the sky like a verdant army. At the heart of this forest stood a small, unassuming hut, near which a tranquil lake shimmered.
As Wudi Egun entered the forest, he was enveloped by a symphony of nature: the gentle murmur of the flowing river, the soft clattering of bamboo stalks swaying in the breeze, and the mysterious songs of unseen birds. The air itself seemed to hum with a quiet energy.
Wudi Egun arrived at the hut but paused, knowing that his master would more likely be found by the Bamboo River than within his dwelling. He proceeded towards the river and his vision was met with the sight of a long, serpentine river, its crystal-clear water flowing ceaselessly. The river was aptly named Bamboo River, for along its winding course, bamboo groves grew from the very center of the water, their reflections dancing on the surface.
At the riverbank, Wudi Egun found his master seated, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. Master Gang was a middle-aged man, clad in a long, black cloak that, though old and tattered, still held an air of quiet dignity. His chin was adorned with a neatly trimmed beard, and his aged face bore the marks of time's passage, each line a testament to his long years.
He was tall and powerfully built, his frame suggesting an impenetrable fortress, impossible to breach. His long, grey hair cascaded down his back, reaching past his waist. Master Gang exuded an aura of solemnity and quiet strength. To behold him was to witness the image of a great saint, deep in contemplation.
Wudi Egun approached his master, cupping his fist in a gesture of respect.
"Disciple greets his master," he said respectfully.
"Have a seat," Master Gang replied, turning towards him with unhurried movements.
Wudi Egun sat opposite his master, his eyes drawn to a plate covered by a red cloth that rested beside Master Gang. His confusion deepened with each passing moment.
"Master," Wudi Egun inquired, his curiosity masked behind his stoic expression. "May I know why I was summoned?"
"I will reveal the reason," his master replied, his gaze meeting Wudi Egun's with an intensity that seemed to pierce his very soul. "But first, answer a few questions for me."
"Please, ask whatever you wish, Master," Wudi Egun responded solemnly, only he was aware of the turmoil brewing within his heart.
"I wish to ask you, Egun," Master Gang began, his voice devoid of any discernible emotion, yet his words carried a weight that made Wudi Egun feel as though the world itself was pressing down upon him. "Do you desire to possess power far beyond the reach of the weak, yet so close to the strong?"
"...Yes, I do," Wudi Egun replied after a long, drawn-out breath, his answer truthful and unhesitating.
His master nodded slowly, his expression unchanging. "If you had the opportunity to achieve that power," he continued, "what would you do?"
"...." Wudi Egun was rendered speechless. He hadn't anticipated such a question from his master.
Yes, in this world, power was paramount. But what level of ruthlessness, what degree of insanity, was he truly prepared to embrace to attain the power that everyone so desperately craved?
"....I don't know," he finally admitted, his voice hesitant yet honest.
His master didn't appear disappointed. Instead, it seemed as though he had expected this response.
"Tell me," Master Gang pressed on, "do you want power for yourself, or to protect those you love?"
"...." Wudi Egun remained silent, contemplating the question.
Did he desire power for his own sake, or for the sake of those he wished to protect?
He was no naive protagonist, believing he could single-handedly save everyone he cared for. This wasn't a fictional tale where plot armor shielded him from harm. Realistically, protecting a select few was within his reach, but the notion of safeguarding everyone was simply absurd.
"I want power for myself," he finally answered.
A faint smile touched his master's lips, a sign of satisfaction.
In his master's eyes, if his disciple possessed power and strength, everything would ultimately fall under his control. If he didn't, then what was the point of pursuing the unattainable dream of protecting loved ones? In his view, his disciple had made a wise decision.
His master then pushed the covered plate towards him.
Wudi Egun, his curiosity piqued, lowered his head to examine the covered plate. "What is this, Master?" he asked.
His master smiled enigmatically. "See for yourself."
Wudi Egun, assuming his master was presenting him with some cultivation treasure or artifact, felt a surge of excitement. He eagerly lifted the cloth, revealing the contents of the plate. His anticipation quickly turned to shock and disgust. The plate held raw human flesh, neatly arranged as if it were a delicacy.
"What is this, Master?" he asked, his voice laced with uncertainty.
"It is human flesh," his master replied solemnly.
A sharp intake of breath escaped Wudi Egun's lips. A chill ran down his spine.
"Hu-human flesh?" he stammered, his voice trembling slightly.
"Yes, human flesh," his master confirmed, his gaze unwavering. "I want you to eat it all."
"What?" Wudi Egun's eyes widened in disbelief, convinced he had misheard.
He looked down at the plate again. The raw flesh was presented meticulously, as if it were a dish served in a five-star restaurant.
"But..." he began, wanting to protest, but his master cut him off.
"If you do not wish to eat, then do not," his master said monotonously. "I will say nothing. But remember this: this will be evidence of your weakness." His voice was cold and hard. "This will prove that you are not meant for that level of power, a level that only true monsters can attain, a level where they become the ultimate powerhouse."
"A monster who rules over all the ordinary and weak people," his master continued, his words like shards of ice. "You are not born for that throne of authority, the throne from which you look down upon the world and command it." His master's words were harsh, brutal, yet undeniably true.
The mere thought of consuming human flesh made Wudi Egun's stomach churn. He was caught in a terrible dilemma.
"I will eat it," Wudi Egun declared after a long, agonizing pause. The decision had been incredibly difficult, yet he knew it was unavoidable if he wished to become what his master termed a "monster."
His master remained silent, watching him, waiting for action to speak louder than words.
Wudi Egun swallowed hard, his throat dry. His hands trembled, his body shook, but he managed to pick up a piece of the neatly cut human flesh.
The closer the meat came to his mouth, the more his stomach rebelled, threatening to expel its contents.
He lifted his mask slightly, exposing a small opening for him to consume the meat.
Finally, he closed his eyes, and in one swift gulp, he swallowed the raw human flesh.
The moment it went down, his body convulsed. He instantly vomited everything he had eaten previously.
Master Gang, witnessing his disciple's struggle, felt a pang of sympathy and pity. Yet, he remained silent, his expression unchanging.
Talent alone was not enough to make someone a monster in this world. Even a Second Rate Talent could achieve a certain level of power, so what of a First Rate Talent?
He wanted his disciple to either fully utilize his potential or simply live the life of an ordinary mortal.
Only those who maximized their potential could be considered truly useful. If they failed to do so, there were countless others waiting to take their place.
"Master ,do not worry," Wudi Egun said, his voice strained. Even as he continued to vomit blood and pieces of human flesh, he did not stop consuming the meat. "I shall finish it all."
Master Gang remained silent, his gaze fixed on his disciple.