Master Zhao walked slowly across the room, his hands clasped behind his back as he looked at Feng Lian Bai Zhen. The young boy tried to maintain an attentive expression, but his eyes wandered to the open window, where the gardens of the Feng Clan seemed far more inviting than the old master's explanations.
"As I was saying, the most powerful force in the Dynasty is the Imperial Long Clan," Master Zhao continued, his voice firm.
"Their leader, Emperor Long Tian Ming, is a Martial Emperor, ruling with absolute authority. Additionally, there are rumors of an immortal cultivator protecting the clan from the shadows."
Feng Lian Bai Zhen sighed softly, trying to disguise his boredom. Master Zhao, however, cast him a sharp look before continuing.
"Among the Dominant Clans, we have our own Feng Clan, the main military force of the Dynasty. Our leader, your uncle Feng Tian Yuan, is a Grand Saint Martial, assisted by three other Grand Saint Martials and several other experts. Your brother, at the peak of the Saint Martial level, is expected to become a Grand Saint Martial soon."
The young boy smiled slightly. He had always heard that the Feng Clan was the military pillar of the Dynasty, and he felt proud of it.
"Next, we have the Zhen Clan, masters of swordsmanship and blade combat. Their leader is a Grand Saint Martial, and their warriors are known for their lethal precision."
Master Zhao paused briefly before continuing, his expression turning grim.
"And then, we have the Bai Clan."
Upon hearing that name, Feng Lian Bai Zhen focused his attention. He knew that the Bai Clan and the Feng Clan did not get along, but he had never heard many details.
"The Bai Clan controls the economy and commerce of the Dynasty," Master Zhao continued, his tone slightly tinged with disdain.
"However, they are not just merchants. Behind the scenes, their political influence runs deep, and their methods are often despicable. Their leader, Bai Jian Hong, is a Grand Saint Martial, supported by two others of the same level. The Bai Clan has always tried to undermine the Feng Clan's authority, using shadowy strategies to weaken us politically and economically."
Feng Lian Bai Zhen furrowed his brows. He disliked the idea that someone could suppress another without resorting to direct combat. It seemed treacherous to him.
Master Zhao continued talking about the other forces of the Dynasty, including the Martial Sects and the Immortal Sect above the empire. However, the young boy's mind had already begun to wander again. The name of the Bai Clan echoed in his head.
"How dare they challenge the Feng Clan like this?" the young boy thought.
He decided he needed to clear his mind. As Master Zhao turned to write something on a scroll, Feng Lian Bai Zhen silently slipped out of the room. He smiled as he felt the fresh wind on his face. But his escape was interrupted before he could get far.
"Skipping class again?" A deep and warm voice sounded behind him.
Feng Lian Bai Zhen froze and slowly turned around, only to see his older brother, Feng Lian Bai Xu, standing with his arms crossed and a playful smile on his lips.
"Brother! I… well, I already knew everything he was going to say!" Bai Zhen tried to justify himself.
Feng Lian Bai Xu laughed, ruffling the younger one's hair.
"One day, you'll realize that knowledge is also power, Bai Zhen. But until then, how about some training?"
Feng Lian Bai Zhen's eyes sparkled with excitement. Learning through combat had always been much more interesting to him than listening to long explanations.
And so, the two brothers headed together to the training courtyard.
--
Feng Lian Bai Xu led his younger brother to the training courtyard, a wide space of smooth stones surrounded by lanterns and ancient trees. Various weapons were displayed on racks, but the older brother grabbed two wooden training swords and tossed one to Bai Zhen, who caught it midair with ease.
"A sword is not just a weapon," Bai Xu began, spinning his own wooden sword fluidly.
"It is an extension of your body. If you are rigid, it will be rigid. If you are fluid, it will flow. You must become one with the sword."
Bai Zhen listened attentively, assuming a combat stance.
"And how do I make it one with me?"
Bai Xu smiled.
"By practicing. Now, attack."
Without hesitation, Bai Zhen charged forward, delivering a direct strike. Bai Xu easily dodged, moving like the breeze, and countered with a quick hit to his brother's wrist, forcing him to drop the sword by reflex.
"You're impulsive, Bai Zhen. Brute force isn't everything. Anticipate the enemy's movement, feel the flow of battle. Again."
The two brothers continued training for a while, Bai Xu correcting Bai Zhen's stance and attacks while the younger one tried to learn to control his impatience. After one last strike, Bai Xu lowered his sword and sighed in satisfaction.
"You improve quickly, but you still have much to learn. Soon, your talent will be tested. When you turn twelve, everyone in the Feng Clan will see your true potential."
Bai Zhen took a deep breath. He knew that test would determine his future. It would be his chance to prove he was worthy of the clan's legacy.
"But for today, I think we deserve a break." Bai Xu smiled.
"What do you think about—"
"Let's go to the market!" Bai Zhen interrupted excitedly.
Bai Xu raised an eyebrow. "The market?"
"Yes! I want to eat those rice dumplings they sell there. And maybe buy something interesting!"
Bai Xu laughed. "Alright, alright. But no trouble, understood?"
A short time later, the two brothers left the Feng Clan's gates and walked through the bustling city streets. The market was a vibrant place, with merchants shouting offers, the aroma of spices and hot dishes filling the air. Bai Zhen looked at everything with curiosity and excitement.
However, from the top of a nearby roof, a hooded figure watched the two. The man wasted no time. He silently moved through the shadows until he reached a discreet area. Taking out a small communication jade, he murmured a few words.
"Feng Lian Bai Xu has left the clan with Bai Zhen."
The information was quickly sent to the Bai Clan. Someone there would surely be interested in it.
Feng Lian Bai Zhen walked alongside his older brother through the bustling market streets. The scent of spices mixed with the aroma of roasting meat, and the babble of conversation created a chaotic and vibrant melody. It was a completely different world from the austere halls of the Feng Clan, and Bai Zhen loved the lively and shifting energy.
"Brother, let's eat those meat dumplings!" Bai Zhen pointed to a small stall where a burly man was frying golden chunks of meat on a large griddle.
Feng Lian Bai Xu smiled. "You and your food… Fine, but don't eat too fast."
The young man picked up a steaming dumpling and took a large bite, only to immediately let out a grunt and fan his mouth. "It's hot!"
Bai Xu laughed and shook his head.
"You never learn."
They continued walking, stopping occasionally to watch merchants displaying ornate weapons, luxurious fabrics, and rare medicinal herbs. Bai Zhen was fascinated by one sword in particular, displayed in an old blacksmith's stall.
"This sword… It looks different from the others." His eyes gleamed with curiosity.
The blacksmith, an elderly man with calloused hands and an experienced gaze, smiled.
"Ah, young master, you have a good eye! This blade was forged with steel from the northern mountains. Although it is not a spiritual weapon, its quality is excellent. Perfect for someone training in the art of the sword."
Bai Zhen glanced at his brother, who crossed his arms and arched an eyebrow.
"Are you thinking of changing weapons already? You still need to practice more with the one you have."
The young man pouted, but soon smiled. "I was just curious!"
As they continued to explore the market, Bai Xu kept a close eye on his surroundings, as was his custom for a Martial Saint.
Indeed, in the shadows of a nearby alley, a man was discreetly watching the two brothers. As soon as they headed to a fruit stall, he stealthily walked away, heading to an inconspicuous inn where a hooded figure was waiting for him.
"Feng Lian Bai Xu is at the market," the man whispered.
"The information is indeed accurate."
The hooded figure nodded slightly, his cold eyes shining in the dim light. "Understood. Prepare to act."
--
The brothers spent hours exploring the market, walking between the stalls and chatting animatedly. Bai Zhen sampled snacks, marveled at the weapons on display in a shop, and marveled at the street performers performing sword tricks and acrobatics. Bai Xu, ever the observer, simply laughed at his younger brother's reactions, enjoying their time together leisurely.
The sun was already beginning to set on the horizon when a scream of terror echoed through the market. A woman was trying to free herself from a hooded man who was holding a blade to her neck. The people around her were backing away in fear, fearing that one wrong move would result in tragedy.
Feng Lian Bai Zhen felt his body tense. His first instinct was to act. Without thinking twice, he advanced towards the robber, ignoring Bai Xu's call to wait. The robber saw the boy approaching and, in one swift movement, pushed the woman to the ground before running into a narrow alley.
"I'm going to catch this coward!" Bai Zhen exclaimed and ran after him.
Bai Xu frowned, but allowed his brother to run. He knew that Bai Zhen was agile and that this could be nothing more than a simple thief. He trusted that he could intervene if necessary. So he followed his brother with long strides, keeping a sharp eye on him.
The alley became increasingly dark and deserted. As Bai Zhen turned a corner, he felt something strange in the air—a cold sensation running down his spine. Before he could react, a firm hand grabbed his throat and roughly lifted him into the air.
"We've got him," the kidnapper's voice sounded hoarse and satisfied.
Bai Xu arrived seconds later and froze as he saw the scene: a man in dark robes, clearly a Great Martial Saint, was holding Bai Zhen as if he were a mere dry twig. Another man, probably a Martial Saint, was a few steps behind, his eyes as cold as ice.
"Let go of my brother now!" Bai Xu roared, drawing his sword without hesitation.
The kidnapper smiled cruelly. "If you move, he'll die first."
Bai Xu gritted his teeth. Time seemed to drag as he analyzed the situation. The enemy wanted him to advance—it was a trap. But he couldn't simply retreat. His fingers tightened on the hilt of his sword, and in one swift motion, he crushed a communication crystal attached to his belt. The clan call had been made.
"Clever," one of the kidnappers muttered. "But not clever enough."
With one swift movement, the Great Martial Saint threw Bai Zhen to the ground, causing him to groan in pain, and charged at Bai Xu. The fight began brutally. Bai Xu was talented, his techniques sharp as a well-forged blade, but facing a Great Martial Saint and a Martial Saint at the same time was an impossible task.
He managed to land a deep blow on the Martial Saint, causing the man to stagger back and vomit a large mouthful of blood, but in the next instant, the other kidnapper appeared behind him. The blade slid mercilessly into his side, and blood gushed from his body, staining his clothes a dark shade.
Bai Zhen, still on the ground, watched in terror as his brother was brutally struck down. He tried to move, but a heavy foot pressed down on his chest, preventing him from interfering. While the kidnapper gasped and recovered from the blow he had taken earlier.
Bai Xu spat out blood, panting, but continued to fight. He swung his sword, slashed the enemy's shoulder, but received another deep blow to the abdomen. His face was pale, but his eyes still shone with determination. He would not go down without taking at least one of them with him.
But the enemy was relentless, and was an entire great realm above him. Despite being a genius, it was not possible to maintain his fighting standard for so long against a more powerful enemy. A final blow pierced his chest, and Bai Xu let out a final breath. Blood dripped from his mouth as his eyes lost their shine. He fell to his knees before collapsing to the ground, motionless.
"Brother!" Bai Zhen shouted, his voice filled with despair.
The kidnappers laughed amongst themselves, pleased with the success of their mission. But their distraction cost them dearly.
A boom echoed through the air. An overwhelming aura filled the room, making the atmosphere suffocating. An instant later, two figures appeared like furious thunder.
Feng Tian Yuan, the leader of the Feng Clan, and Feng Tian Bai Yu, the boys' father, had arrived. Their eyes gleamed with murderous fury as they saw Bai Xu's body lying on the ground.
The kidnappers tried to flee, but there was nowhere to run. The storm had arrived, and with it, the wrath of the Feng Clan.
The sound of blades cutting through the air was the last thing heard before everything turned into a bloodbath.