A new day begins, and Yang Kai woke up. He cleaned up and took the broom lying in the corner of the small room and walked out. Standing at the front door, he stretched a little. He looked up at the touch of grey in the dawn sky and closed his eyes while taking a deep breath. He was enjoying this moment of peace, before reopening his eyes to start sweeping the ground; cleaning away the dirt and leaves.
Clad in simple black clothes that were easy to clean, it highlighted the youth’s loneliness and years of isolation here. Yang Kai, while wearing a meticulous expression, had his spine as straight as a javelin. Even though he was completing the lowest ranked task. His actions were very calm as he didn’t exert much force on the broom; his body, as though still, carried a certain sense of elegance. With only the rotation of his wrist, the broom moved effortlessly. When his body moved, the dust and trash on the ground seemed to magically accumulate in one place around him; as though they had grown a pair feet.
Yang Kai was High Heaven Pavilion’s Trial Disciple. For three years, he had trained in the Sect but managed to only reach the Tempered Body Third Stage. Yet, the other Disciples that had entered at the same time as him had long surpassed him and reached higher stages. They were all able to enter the main building, pay their respects and make advances towards their futures. While he can only lament about his inadequacy in the outer courts.
Achieving Tempered Body Third Stage in three years cannot be judged as good or bad; just really, really mediocre.
Helpless, Yang Kai could only continue to sweep out here in the outer court; working hard to support himself and working hard in training.
High Heaven Pavilion is a unique Sect. This uniqueness is seen through the ruthless competition between Disciples. In this Sect, the strong are like kings, while the weak are eliminated. The strong eat the weak; the law of the jungle, in the High Heaven Pavilion, this rule is actively followed by all.
In other Sects you might be able to school friendly competition, brotherly bonds and people working together to achieve the same goal. But in the High Heaven Pavilion, you will only be able to find false bonds – in order to use each other and rise in power. Stepping over each other’s bodies is the only way.
High Heaven Pavilion’s strict system as well-known throughout the entire Great Han Dynasty. Although the grounds were not that large, but due to the brutal nature of their Disciples, their might is second to none! This is also because each Disciples’ skill is akin to a tiger. When outside of the Sect, no one in all the rivers and lakes dares to provoke them.
In High Heaven Pavilion, there was one rule. That’s to fourteen-year-old Disciples, the first three years of their acceptance is considered the testing phase. In these three years, all of the Disciples food, clothing, and shelters are provided by the outer court. Disciples only need to focus on cultivating. If by these three years, they managed to breakthrough pass the Tempered Body Stage, then they will be able to enter the inner court to pay respects to the Elders and become their Disciples. Of course, you don’t need to have a teacher. You could practise on your own, but there is a huge difference between learning by yourself and having a teacher. In a way, High Heaven Pavilion’s rules do have some flexibility and freedom.
In those three years if you don’t break through, then you can either leave the Sect or be demoted to a Trial Disciple.
Yang Kai is currently a Trial Disciple! He is also known as High Heaven Pavilion’s shame!
Compared to Ordinary Disciples, their treatment is very different. Trial Disciples must provide for their food, shelter, clothing, for the Sect will no longer waste cultivating resources on these trashes. Once demoted to Trial Disciple, you basically can never advance. Unless you manage to increase your cultivation level quickly. Only then will the Sect allow an attempt to become an Ordinary Disciple.
The entire High Heaven Pavilion consists of three thousand Disciples, while what about the number Trial Disciple? You can count them on your ten fingers! But, Yang Kai has faith that he can eventually become an Ordinary Disciple!
For Trial Disciple who wants to survive in High Heaven Pavilion, it was akin to an attempt at reaching the heavens. Take Yang Kai for example, the current hut that he is living in was built by him, one log at a time. The holes on the small roof, he doesn’t even have time to fix them. When it rains, the water can’t exit properly and builds up in the room. He buys his own clothes and got collects his food himself. He is responsible for all of his own needs.
Yang Kai’s small hut is in the Sect’s most remote and most uninhabited location.
Generally, with such horrendous treatment, it is difficult to endure. That is the reason why the Sect only has a very small number of these Disciples. Most who couldn’t breakthrough the tempered body chose to leave, but Yang Kai stayed.
A few months before, when he was made a Trial Disciple, Yang Kai accepted a sweeping job to provide for himself.
Right now Yang Kai was both a Trial Disciple and the Sect’s little sweeping servant. But just by sweeping to maintain a living is hard. There are many times when he is cold or hungry but in this life, he had chosen this path. Even so, he didn’t play the drums of retreat; Because in this-this life, he had chosen this oath and must continue through it. That was what men did.
In Yang Kai’s mind, there was a concept of toughness; if you don’t hit into the brick wall, then you will never understand what it meaning to be tough!
The sky gradually began to light up as he swept. Cleaning the trails, sweeping dust from the space.
Even though sweeping itself didn’t use a lot of energy, but without food or drink since the morning and constantly moving, Yang Kai was drenched in sweat. This had nothing to do with strength, but his poor physique. Two out of three meals he was hungry. For anybody living like him, how could their physique be considered good?
Gradually a group of High Heaven Pavilion Disciples surrounded him. These Disciples had woken up early, not to cultivate but to look at him. They had great interest in Yang Kai, looking at him with avid gazes like they were staring at a naked beauty, a sweet fragrance like juicy meat bins seem to waft in from of them.
Among those High Heaven Pavilion Disciples gathered around Yang Kai, there was a tense competitive atmosphere surrounding them. Looking at each other warily all held an unfriendly look.
Someone in the crowd softly spoke out. “So many people, isn’t it a bit excessive?”
It was that moment someone else replied. “Do you think anybody can walk this path huh. Nobody wants you to stay.”
That statement made the person who spoke embarrassed. For everybody body knew why they were gathered here, why they were all looking at Yang Kai, all waiting for that moment to come. The deadline was about to arrive, leaving now was not a pity? If you can grab the funds, and today it is also a harvest.
Having commotion next to him, Yang Kai naturally understood; though his expression never changed. They will parade themselves every five days, six times a month. He has already gotten used to it, nothing to make a fuss out of. He also noticed the number of people in front of him had decreased, they probably had not all arrived yet.
As he was being discredited, he turned a blind eye to the people next to him and continued to sweep.
Following the passage of time, the people around Yang Kai gradually increased. There were now roughly thirty-forty people present.
Yang Kai suddenly stopped and sat down in the middle of the road. Slowly, he breathed in the early morning air to restore his own physical stamina.
At this movement, the people gathered around him all spread out and surrounded him, with Yang Kai at the centre. A tense atmosphere filled the air and made it hard to breathe.
No one looked at each other. Instead, they were all focused intensely at Yang Kai.
If people were to see this crowd, they would hold the misunderstanding that expert was in the middle. Or else, how could so many people surround one person like that? In reality, Yang Kai was only a Trial Disciple with that accomplished Tempered Body Third Stage. Any of the Disciples surrounding him were stronger than him.
“Yang Kai. No need to bother. Why don’t you just obediently lie down on the ground so I can beat you and save some time?” Seeing him like this, one Disciple spoke out in disdain.
“How much energy can a Tempered Body Third Stage restore? You are going to lose anyway, so why continue to waste time?”
“Come on and listen to me, Yang Kai. Please think about us Fellow Brothers feelings too. We are not like you, after this game we need to go and practise.”
The statement was to let Yang Kai quickly submit and let them beat him. Making the act of restoring his internal energy disrespectful to them. Though he just turned a deaf ear, like Buddha Lao.
Time continued to pass by, suddenly the melodious Tower bells sounded. It reached the ears of all the Disciples surrounding Yang Kai and himself, startling the Disciples. The bells tolled nine times, and from the East the Sun rose. It was a new day! Everyone’s breathing calmed down, helplessly looking at Kai Yang as he slowly got up. He took up his broom and glanced at the people encircling him.
“Choose me, Senior Yang!” Shouted a person. “I strike lightly, I can guarantee you no pain!”
“Rubbish! Choose me, I will be merciful. I will end it in one fist, and I promise not to waste everyone’s time.”
“Pick me……”
“Pick me…….”
It was very clamorous, just like in a marketplace where vendors were trying to sell their produce and competing on whose produce was fresher.
“Yang Kai, you can choose your own opponent!” Someone reminded.
Yang Kai chuckled; readily, he lifted his broom and threw it to the sky. The dozens of pairs of eyes looked up, full of expectation, waited for the broom to fall whilst praying, “choose me, choose me!” Time seemed to slow down; the broom turned a few times in the air and immediately fell on the ground with a loud boom, no longer moving.
The broom head pointed into the crowd to a burly teenager. A regretful sound, the crowd full of resentment and resignation. But that burly youngster laughed out loud and rushed out: “Fellow Disciples, this Brother has won this battle today, but hopes that you Fellow Brothers will not blame me.”
“Che, lucky bastard!” One jealously said.
“Why aren’t I chosen? I’ve been coming here a whole month! Yang Kai, you aren’t doing this on purpose are you?”
“Don’t mention it, I have already come for a full three months and not once was I chosen!”
“Brother, you are more miserable than me.”
“It’s not miserable, not miserable at all. At Least we will be watching a good, good show.” The two brothers looked at each other, smiling secretly to in their hearts.
In the courtyard, the others had already dispersed, leaving only Yang Kai and the burly teenager looking at each other.
“Trial Disciple Yang Kai, Tempered Body Third Stage!” Yang Kai introduced to his opponent.
“Ordinary Disciple Zhou Ding Jun, Tempered Body Fifth Stage!” The burly teenager introduced.
High Heaven Pavilion Disciples were ranked. From bottom to top, are the Ordinary Disciples, Lower Base Disciples, Elite Disciples, and Core Disciple. Zhou Ding Jun said that he was an Ordinary Disciple, which means he has yet to pay his respects and obtained a mentor. If the breakthrough of the Tempered Body Disciple had a mentor, then their status would be at the top of those Lower Base Disciples. And those Elite Disciple were those selected from the best Lower Base Disciples.
As for the Core Disciples, they were treated as the hope of the next generation of the High Heaven Pavilion and thus cultivated accordingly.
The awe-inspiring Disciple hierarchy, though it seems unreasonable it can stimulate the younger generation into the fierce sense of competition, which is the foundation of the brutal Pavilion’s regime. This is the main reason why Yang Kai fought countless people, another rule of High Heaven Pavilion, the Challenge Rule.
In the Sect, there was one rule: All High Heaven Pavilion Disciples were allowed to be challenged once every five days. If they had a level difference of three, the weaker Disciple was allowed to decline. The winner will then be able to gain contribution points, while the loser will have points deducted.
In High Heaven Pavilion, contribution points were equivalent to money. If you have enough contribution points, you could exchange them for anything you want, armor, weapons and etc from the Contribution Hall. Points can also be exchanged for money – dollars, but generally speaking these contributions were so hard to earn, that the disciples were generally reluctant to exchange it for that.
There were also many different ways to obtain these points. You can exchange them through the treasure hunt, completing tasks, etc.
The most common way to earn contribution points was to challenge others! The duels were to test their strength against other disciples, and if they won they earned contribution points.
So early in the morning, the many people crowded around Yang Kai were all staring a ripe persimmon about to fall.
Within the Sect, Yang Kai’s name was extremely renowned. Not only because he carried the identity of a Trial Disciple, but also because he still remained in the courtyard. Not to mention, famous record of eternal loses.
Yang Kai naturally remembered what it the commotion was, today was the fifth day from the last challenge. They who didn’t challenge him previously, could now. Who isn’t jealous? It was basically free contribution points! Although the points gained were not large, it was still enticing, thus many people still came.
In position, Yang Kai shouted out two words, “Please instruct!”
That being said, anyone knew that Yang Kai was in for another beating!
Yang Kai was always the first to attack. Even with his thin body he would always put out an amazing fight, taking the step to Zhou Ding Jun, then punched to the chest. Afterwards a simple and direct attack, then a tiger fist, his attacks were strong and it felt like all of his energy were in his attacks.
In the Sect, all disciples had to learn the Shaolin Fist. This fist was well-known, a basic move to keep disciples in shape and start them off.
Zhou Ding Jun didn’t panic, because he was stronger than his opponent by two levels. Sadly, this battle didn’t hold any suspense. Yang Kai’s fist was seen coming and easily dodged by that burly body.
Grazing past his clothes, Zhou Ding was unharmed. Punching again, Yang Kai was easily countered and hit in his solar plexus.
Suppressing the pain, Yang Kai quickly retreated and avoided Zhou Ding’s third strike.
“Eh?” This surprised Zhou Ding, he had would not have thought that his Third Stage Brother, could actually react fast enough. With this, his future plans were disrupted.
But this small error didn’t affect the situation. Thinking quickly, Zhou Ding took to the occasion to catch Yang Kai unaware.
Unaware, Yang Kai suddenly kicked his right foot forward. Seeing the shadow rapidly approaching, Zhou Ding saw his indomitable spirit, whilst executing a Shaolin fist.
[Crap!] His heart jumped. Although he had higher cultivation, he was inferior to Yang Kai in terms of battle experience.But what would it matter? Even if he couldn’t dodge, he would take it head on.
Two light chuckles were heard, then Yang Kai fell backwards, while Zhou Ding was still standing. If his opponent was at the same cultivation as him, the he would have been the one to fall down.
Others couldn’t see the fists, but they clearly felt it. This disciple was too fast, so in other words he first hit himself then the opponent.
But, it was only his fist that was powerful. This body and health were all too frail, skinny arms, legs and body. Malnutrition was very obvious, thus resulting in this ending.
“Senior, thank you for letting me win!” This battle left quite a bitter result in Zhou Ding Jun’s heart. Although he won, he didn’t feel as if he had won.
To the side, many whispers could be heard: “This person thought he won?”
“Ha ha. Doesn’t that mean he didn’t know of Yang Kai’s reputation and challenged him? ”
“This is really too hilarious.”
Zhou Ding furrowed his brow, for he really didn’t know of Yang Kai’s reputation. He had heard people talking about him. So today when he saw many people crowding around, he had decided to participate too and was super lucky to be chosen.
[Why can’t I win?] His own fist made him go flying, thus making him at a supreme disadvantage. According to the gate rules, he had already lost.“Again!” After this thought, Yang Kai stood up again without the slightest hesitation but with even more intense spirit.
Without waiting for answer, Yang Kai charged over. Three feet away, he swept his foot towards Zhou Ding’s legs in an attempt to topple him.
A leg whip! The Sect had Disciples cultivate various Martials Arts. Yet Yang Kai’s application of them far surpassed his peers, even though he knew fewer techniques.
So you could use a leg whip here.
Then without notice, Yang Kai went flying away again.
With two realms apart, also the gap between physical fitness, Yang Kai was once again defeated. His attack to Zhou Ding’s leg had clearly wounded his own bones, making him falter slightly.
“Again!” He said while clenching his teeth with eyes full of determination.
“Peng…….” Yang Kai flew away again.
“Again!”
“Peng…….” Yang Kai flew away again.
For those who couldn’t watch any longer had left, while the ones who stayed marvelled: “Yang Kai, this guy had real tenacity. No matter how many times he’s beaten down, he just gets back up. He won’t let it go!”
(Erza: ~Let it go~! Let it go~o! Sorry had to do that. 😛)
Hearing these words, Zhou Ding felt real bitter. He hadn’t imagined that his opponent was such a crazy person.
So Yang Kai was sent flying another seven or eight times. His face was swollen, eyes were black, staggering around and breathing quite heavily. But he still continued to persist and continue fighting.
Finally, Zhou Ding exclaimed: “Are you crazy? Throw down the towel or you’ll die!”
Within the Pavilion Disciples’ internal struggles, every year there are many who die. Zhou Ding Jun seeing this unflinching and courageous brother, couldn’t help but feel a bit alarmed.
When he thought that, Zhou Ding Jun knew he couldn’t reach such a degree and was afraid that he would have to surrender.
Keep your cool, will then you will not be afraid to be burned. This is the way of life, to stubbornly follow your decision. This is perseverance!
Despite Yang Kai’s sorry figure, his eyes were becoming more and more powerful. Zhou Ding Jun knew that if he didn’t settle things now, then there will be no end.
Thinking of this, Zhou Ding Jun rushed forward to execute a palm knife to Yang Kai’s neck bone. Yang Kai with an imposing manner swiftly escaped. Then his eyes clouded and he fell limply to the ground.
Seeing this scene, tens of feet higher, a Disciple who was sitting on a tree branch took out a small book. Flipping the page she wrote: Trial Disciple Yang Kai vs. Ordinary Disciple Zhou Ding Jun, Zhou Ding Jun wins.
The person who was on the tree branch had a graceful figure, it obviously was a woman. It was just that black mask on her face, didn’t allow people to see her face. But those delicate eyebrows proved that this person was not old. The armband on her arm also indicated her identity, a High Heaven Pavilion Dark Hall Disciple!
High Heaven Pavilion‘s Dark Hall is a special sector; the Sect’s three main elders were responsible for governing and the Hall Disciples were responsible for to recording down all affairs of the Sect, no matter how big or small, all matters are recorded. This also included the results of duels between Disciples.
So for all battles within the Sect, you do not have to worry about not being able to prove your wins and earning contribution points. For in the shadows, Dark Hall Disciples will record them down for you, and summarise your monthly records.
This woman, after recording the outcome for this duel, took out another smaller book from her waist and opened up at May 7th century, 15 years old, Yang Kai’s 147th defeat.
Even if you remove this, above are numerous records of Yang Kai’s battles. From the first battle to the most recent, all had one word: Defeat!
One hundred and forty-seven battles in a row, and he had lost every single one of them. This simply can be said that since the Sect’s history, it was a unique record and was enough to be awe-inspiring. Though the owner of this record was lying on the ground, not knowing if they were dead or alive.
Yang Kai had never challenged others, so these 147 losses were from others challenging him. So to say, from being challenged once every five days, this had last for two years.
Looking at Yang Kai on the ground, she wrinkled her eyebrows. She didn’t understand how Yang kai could endure to this state. He had already become the Pavilion’s Trial Disciple, even his very survival was endangered, so why did he still linger? If he had left, then his life will certainly be better. This thin boy, what kind of dedication did he have? Even with 147 straight losses, he remains undaunted.
[Perhaps this is a man’s folly?] Taking notice of Yang Kai was also a moment’s coincidence. When Xia Ning Chang became a Dark Hall Disciple, she was placed in charge of monitoring this area. Yang Kai was challenged every time, not once, not twice, and every single time she saw him being beaten to near death. Xia Ning Chang, began to pay attention to this Tempered Body Third Stage youth.She was really curious, with his strength, how long could he endure before finally leaving High Heaven Pavilion. This type of talent, this type of training speed, he really was not fit to remain here. The ordinary world is his place.
The people below had already long scattered, only Yang Kai was still there on the ground. Coming and going, time passed by.
Xia Ning Chang, disappeared from the branch in a flash.
When Yang Kai woke up, it was already three o’clock. There was nowhere on his body that didn’t hurt. Staggering, he stood up and looked up, only to be surprised. For the place in which he woke up from was under the shade of a tree and not where he fainted.
This was really surprising, was there a Fellow Disciple that was kind enough to carry him over? This had never happened before, causing Yang Kai to furrow his brows. He could vaguely remember there was a shadowy figure darting in front of him. But memory was too vague, thinking harder just made it more unclear.
But between his current position and the place he fainted, there was very distinct drag marks, clearly showing that he had been dragged over.
Once again he felt his back, immediately flaring hot pain spread out.
Yang Kai froze for a moment, becoming furious! The trace of goodwill he felt towards his benefactor had quickly disappeared. That person directly dragged him over, otherwise how could his back bled like this.
He might as just have left him there on the ground! Yang Kai thought to himself.
Being depressed, Yang Kai realised that in his right hand he was clutching something. Looking down in doubt, he was surprised to find a small, fine work of porcelain in his hand.
What is this? This was definitely not his, for the only things that Yang Kai owned were the clothes on his back and his broom. How could he have this?
The small porcelain bottle had a label. Yang Kai read it out: “Blood Clotting Cream”.
Blood Clotting Cream, Yang Kai knew of this.
This was the Sect’s cream to help heal wounds, although it was ordinary, its effects were very good. Generally, Disciples will carry one bottle around for emergency uses. this one bottle of cream in High Heaven Pavilion was very expensive.
Ten points of contribution per bottle!
How much contribution points can Yang Kai earn for sweeping for a month? He can only earn ten points, in other words, this one bottle’s worth was equal to one month of work for him.
Who was it? At this moment, the resentment Yang Kai had towards this person was reduced greatly, but as he moved, the pain flared up again. He had already come to this Sect for three years, three years. Within this time, Yang Kai had already gotten used to the lack of compassion between Disciples. But today, for this person to leave behind a bottle of blood clotting cream for him, greatly touched Yang Kai’s hearts.
Originally, he had thought all the Disciples were cold-blooded people.
Perhaps this bottle of cream was not worth much to them, but to Yang Kai currently, he desperately needed it.
There was saying, dripping water is grace, is hard to forget even when one’s teeth fall out!
(Erza: Meaning one small kindness must be remembered eternally and returned)
Yang Kai was both grateful and tried to remember who it was. It was becoming harder to remember. He could only recall the thin strand of fragrance lingering around.
“Why is this medicine so fragrant?” Yang Kai pondered.
Calming down and straightening his clothes, he carefully put the bottle away. Yang Kai re-picked up his broom and commenced his work.
Inside and outside all were swept, then at midnight, his work was considered completed. Yang Kai dragged his tired and hungry body back to his hut.
The morning’s battle wounds had yet to be treated. Even when Yang Kai was starving, he could only endure. First treat the injuries then deal with the hunger.
Taking off his clothes, he then carried over a tub of water to wash his body. If someone were to be by his side and look at Yang Kai’s body, they would cry out in shock.
Yang Kai’s bones, along with his ribs were all clearly visible. It was clear that his body didn’t have much flesh on it and lacked nutrition. There were also bruises and scars littering his body everywhere. There was practically no place that wasn’t scarred.
Every five days he was challenged, every time he lost, every time he was knocked unconscious. When old injuries had yet to fade, new ones were added. Switching to any other person, they would be unable to tolerate this pain, but Yang Kai did. Not only did he bear with it, but he continued his daily sweeping, not letting those injuries affect him.
Once his body was clean, Yang Kai picked up the bottle of Blood Clotting Cream and sniffed it a little. He found that the medicine was quite refreshing and lost himself in it and then he shook his to clear it.
Yang Kai opened that bottle, and tried to smear the cream directly onto his injuries but stopped. He hastily went to fetch a new tub of water and then put some of the medicine into the water to dilute it. Stirring carefully, he began his treatment using the diluted formula.
Enough the effects of the Blood Clotting Cream was good, after diluting it, the effects were also reduced. But Yang Kai only had this one bottle, so naturally he would have to use it sparingly.
After the tub of diluted was used up, Yang Kai had also finished treating his injuries. However, it also left him some doubts. For the paste’s smell was not the same as it was previously and also slightly spicy.
Putting his clothes back on, he went to get the dark coloured sweet potato and wolfed it down. Yang Kai then plonked down on his bed, and soon fell asleep.
The holes in the small roof, allowed some light to seep in, lighting up the hut. The hut was extremely sparse, there was no table or chairs. Only one small bed with a deerskin blanket and square-shaped pillow. This was all of Yang Kai’s possessions.
The deerskin, was from a deer Yang Kai hunted previously. Although it was not thick, it was still warm. While his pillow was from his time outside the Sect when he was hunting, he happened to pick up.
The pillow was a square, a foot long and three fingers thick. It looked like stone, felt like one but didn’t bear the weight a stone should. Yang Kai didn’t know what it was, but used it as a pillow, and didn’t investigate further.
This blackstone pillow had already been with Yang Kai for a year already, yet he still didn’t know what it was. Nonetheless, it was a great pillow.
Fast asleep, Yang Kai dreamt of today’s battle. Time and time again he was hit flying away by Zhou Ding Jun. And time and time again he would stand back up, persevering and continuing with a blood crest on his chest.
As the dream continues the blood crest became more and more powerful. Yang Kai‘s sleeping face was clench up in pain, but you could see it was resolute. He only had one goal in his heart; to succeed. Even if he was ordered to cut off his foot or fry his body in flames, he would not cower in fear.
The unconscious Yang Kai didn’t take notice that the pillow below his had started to exclude a clouded light that corresponded with his moods. This light became more and more luminous.
In the dream, Yang Kai continued with his early morning encounter with Zhou Ding Jun; repeatedly getting knocked to the ground. At his thousandth time of getting knocked and getting back up, with his unwavering will suddenly broke through. He rushed mercilessly towards Zhou Ding Jun, who immediately fell to the ground. Zhou Ding Jun’s figure then became hazy and morphed into his own figure.
At this moment Yang Kai’s mind calmed down, though it wasn’t due to him beating his opponent, but he winning against himself. Winning against his inner fear and yielding heart.
A faint feeling gradually rose up, there is no longer anything under the sky that can make him submit to them.
In reality, the black pillow under Yang Kai’s head suddenly burst forth a black ray. This black ray emerged from the black stone and hovered in the air for a bit before drilling into Yang Kai’s head. Instantly, disappearing from sight.
At the same time, in an ancient and desolate place a strange presence descended. Like tidal waves, the collapse of snow, any person in front of him was insignificant that strange presence thought.
Yang Kai suddenly opened his eyes, his whole body sweating and bursting with fear.
He was awoken by that strange presence.
Calming himself, he forced a smile. When was dreaming, he could actually scare himself like that, it’s ridiculous. Rubbing his face, he looked up into the night sky to determine the time, and was annoyed. He had only slept for two hours, seeing it was quite dark outside.
Hurriedly he got up, folded up the deerskin blanket and re-positioned the black stone pillow. As he got up, he frowned and turned to look back at the pillow.
This feeling……his gut told him that it was not the same.
Under doubts, Yang Kai reached out towards the pillow and picked it up. He was correct, its weight had decreased a lot.
Strange, how can this block stone, suddenly become so light? Questioning this, more questions started to appear.
It was like a thick book was being thrown into the air, with the pages spread out as it landed. Yang Kai was flabbergasted, momentarily forgetting to catch it.
Pa, the black stone pillow fell to the ground and opened up like a book. He couldn’t believe it, even though it was spread out in front of him.
Wasn’t this a stone? How could it suddenly turn into a book?
The black stone pillow had been with Yang Kai for over a year already, he was very clear. Did he not previously find a black stone and not a book? Did an old turtle take off his shell and become a snake?
A while ago when he stooped down to pick up the book, and he immediately felt a connection with it.
Looking at it again, he really had to admit it was the pillow he was using. This thick book, left him speechless, though there were no words. It was empty. But the books pages couldn’t let him see through it. He gently tried to tear a page, but he couldn’t tear it at all.
It really makes him rethink. He had owned it for an entire year, and only just discovered its true colours.
But such an empty black book, what is its use? He inspected the book all over, and still nothing.
[How mysterious…] Yang Kai turned to the first page, and nothing. Staring at the blank book page.With little effort, he still found little change to the page. Then he discovered there was a little change to the page. The strange presence that appeared in the desolate place of his dreamed had appeared again. A line of golden coloured characters had started to appear.
“Blood is cited, the golden body descends, not a miracle, but a golden immortal!”
This penetrated deep into the soul, which caused Yang Kai to slam the book shut, with his limbs shaking uncontrollably. Breathing deeply, he managed to calm his heart down a bit.
What secrets did this black book hide? He didn’t know at all, but he knew that this object he obtained from Black Wind Mountains contains great history.
After a long period of silence, he once again opened the black book. This time, he read the first line on the page.
Turns out………it wasn’t a dream.
Gradually, other lines slowly appeared.
“Proud golden body, rules the fence, indomitable spirit, will it descend!”
Eight lines and thirty-two words occupied an entire page. Giving one a dominating heavenly and earthly feeling, as if those words were imbued with domineering spirit.
These thirty-two words’ meanings were very easy to understand. Naturally, Yang Kai understood.
But the black book’s history was unclear, thus he was a bit afraid. What if this was a trap of some sort? Thinking of this he laughed at himself, for currently, he was only a Trials Disciple of High Heaven Pavilion. Who would go to the effort of taking care of him?
From just looking at the last couple of lines and their meaning, the reason why the black stone pillow will turn into a black book was probably because of his dream tonight.
For over one year, the pillow didn’t change, then suddenly after that dream it turned into a book. They must be connected.
Is it because of his own change that also changed the black stone pillow.
Since it was I who led to the book’s birth, then this black book was born for me! Thus, I am this black book’s owner!
Thinking of this, Yang Kai hesitated no more. The writing clearly on the book clearly states that he must drip blood in order to lead. Thinking of this, he bit onto his finger hard and dripped a drop of blood onto the page.
Drip, drip. The blood went onto the page, but there was no apparent change. After a fair amount of time passed, from the page, black light started to emerge. His body immediately felt unwell, for the injuries from earlier today had started to sear in pain. His head had also started to hurt.
Biting down on his teeth, he continued to endure. His blood continued to flow, and the light on the book was becoming brighter and brighter.
After a large amount of time and effort, Yang Kai nearly fainted. But there had been substantial change to the book, and the black light had started to wiggle and contract. And from the centre of the page, a tiny vortex had appeared.
Following that, from within the vortex a golden swirl could be seen. Yang Kai put great effort to maintain a clear mind, staring intently to the transformation in front of him.
Within the black vortex, a small, round, shiny, black object gradually came out.
He was shocked, for there really was something in the the book. Even though while he was dripping his blood, he had some expectations, he didn’t think that is was actually true.
But right now, right in front of him, the thirty-words from before were not false.
With blood as offering, the Gold Body shall descend!
[What’s a Gold Body?] Anticipation covered his pale face.After a while, after the shiny, round thing had fully appeared in front of him, he couldn’t help but swallow a mouthful of saliva. No matter how rich his imagination was, he wouldn’t have thought that the Gold Body would be like this.
This thing was about 30 cm tall Golden Skeleton, and to think the first thing that came out was this skeleton’s skull. The golden skull just floated on top of the book page, sitting crossed legged like it was mediating. Every piece of the bone managed to light up Yang Kai’s tiny hut.
The black vortex on the page slowly began to recede and everything reverted back to its tranquil state.
Yang Kai had watched this strange golden skull appeared, for a time did not know how to react. On page said only how to get the Gold Body out, but didn’t say what to do after it came out.
Looking at it, he thought there wasn’t something right. The Golden Skeleton in front of him had no eyes, but he felt like it looked like his own. It obviously didn’t have any mouth but was clearly mocking the weak master in front of it.
Thinking of this, Yang Kai was furious and went to pick it up.
This small, insignificant skeleton dares to be so arrogant!
He didn’t think that when he went to reach out for it, the Golden Skeleton flew out towards him. Flying past his hand and embedded himself on his chest.
This was a bit of a horror. With a skeleton smashing onto his chest, he cried out and then the skeleton started to emit a fluorescent light, and penetrated deep into the pores of Yang Kai’s limbs.
Suddenly, pain exploded all over his body, but the pain was not an ordinary pain, but the pain from the depths of the bone! He breathed in painfully; fell to the ground, his body bent like shrimp, with waves of cramps.
His whole body’s bones shattered at that moment, and he couldn’t even lift a finger, for he had no strength. This was not an illusion, if you could see into his body, then you can see his bones being crushed, and next to each crushed bone, there was a layer of gold wrapped around. Continuously repairing the broken bones, but far slower than the damage speed. When the repair was finished, it was crushed again.
Human bones wrap around bone marrow and bone marrow nerve. Any small touch to them can bring great harm. One can only imagine his suffering at that moment.
In his body, not a single bone wasn’t shattered.
Even for others, even if their strength of thousands of times higher than his, they would have probably fainted now. But with Yang Kai, he could only feel the pain a thousand fold right now.
Tragic cry came from the hut, not far away a Fellow Disciple was out for a walk was frightened by the cry and quickly ran away.
Form somewhere, he received a message that came from the Gold Body: I will destroy your conscience and seize your body!
Did Yang Kai agree? Even if he was unable to move, but also struggled to maintain the awareness, he will never let golden body take over the magpie nest. The golden body felt fear, so over and over again crushed Yang Kai’s bones, tortured his nerves, so that he fainted thereon.
One is a proud golden statue, another with an indomitable spirit, who wins who loses; no one could foresee the outcome.
Yang Kai knew that right now it was really important, unlike the previous challenges with his Fellow Disciples. If this was the past him, then he would have given up but now he will not. Even if it hurts like hell will endure.
His consciousness, the Golden Body’s destructive power, both commenced a hard tug of war. And the battlefield is the Yang Kai‘s body, you pull, I pull, each not letting an inch go.
Over time, Yang Kai was surprised to find that the intolerable pain was slowly reducing, help lift his spirits and fill him full of energy.
It’s no wonder, after Yang Kai and the Gold Body clashed time and time again, the numerous crushing of his bones had strengthened them. With his bones becoming stronger and stronger, and the Gold Body’s powers began to become weaker and weaker, the pain thus naturally alleviated. The struggle will soon end.
With the scales tipping in his favor, the unbearable pain slowly became bearable. Transforming into light tickles, then becoming like splashes of cold water. This feeling was like applying cream, allowing his millions of pores to open and relax.
Aware of the Gold Body’s desperate struggle, made Yang Kai furious. Cursing loudly, he crushed that presence within him.
Inside his body, it had finally calmed down.
A sigh could be heard, a sigh full of comfort and trace of great relief.
He after quietly lying on the ground for more than an hour, Yang Kai stood up, although he had just used up all his strength.
An hour before, Yang Kai felt it was like a dream. He really could not believe this was true.
Quietly he punched himself and felt the pain.
“In the end what was it? I wonder what history this black book has…” He muttered to himself in helplessness.
Waiting until his heart stopped beating, he suddenly found himself somewhat different from before. For he couldn’t eat three, fulfilling meals a day, and every five days he would suffer beatings. Thus his body bones are weak, but now he clearly perceived that his bones were full of vitality. A surge of energy, filled with warmth, slowly circulated inside and outside, his body.
Moving slightly, the bones burst out a crystal-clear sound. Making it seem like a melody being played. And Yang Kai, who was hurt today, couldn’t feel that pain anymore.
Aware of this, Yang Kai quickly roll up his sleeves, and opened his clothes. Looking closely, he found that his body no longer had any bruises and injuries. They had all disappear! Even those old wounds were healed!
He felt as unblemished as a new-born baby!
Rubbing the places that previously held wounds, dead skin fell. This revealed the new tender skin underneath, like a baby’s but far healthier.
“I cry ……” He swallowed down a cold lump; thinking of that Golden Skeleton in his body had such strong recovery ability!
Then feeling his own strength and found that he was still at the Tempered Body Third Stage did no change. This discovery somewhat made him a little disappointed.
Rivers and allusions, with secrets known only to insiders, this type of story Yang Kai heard much during his childhood. He knew in world there are many men eligible to jump past the dragon gate, becoming powerful and famous.
But after all it’s just a story. [How many people can really be happy and gain such luck and results in this world? Those senior experts with greater strength, the more I could not bear to lower themselves with earth and buried. Always finding inheritor before death. I want to jump off a cliff drill a cave and encounter events, such unlikely things will happen?]
But the current problem had happened to him. That black book must have had some great background, and that Golden Skeleton must be extraordinary.
This can be said as his good fortune. It could also be said as fate.
The four sentences on the black book’s first page: Proud Gold Body, rules the fence, indomitable spirit, will it descend!
If he didn’t pick up the black book, but another picked it up, they too will treat it was garbage. Unable to prise open like Mt. Tai. Precisely because he picked it up, and used it as a pillow for a year, it felt his body’s unyielding and tough nature; unlocking the secrets of black book today.
In other words, this thing really is his first encounter, but it’s the first achievement that he obtained through his own hands. Thinking of this, Yang Kai suddenly burst out in comfort. [Isn’t this what they say, a mighty stead and a beautiful woman will be presented as a gift to the hero?]
……
“That black book.” Thinking of it suddenly, this book that was his pillow for over year. He wasn’t anxious to find out what it was nor how he found it.
Between being anxious, and somewhat weakened in the body, the black book abruptly appeared in front of Yang Kai, and snapped shut, falling to the ground.
He was stunned. Picking up the book, he furrowed his eyebrows while thinking hard. Struck by with an idea, a move from his hands the book disappeared. And a further move, made it appear again.
This scene was like a magic trick. One could see that Yang Kai’s face was very solemn, because he truly felt, that the black book could escape into his body with a single thought.
“This black book could it possibly be-be made from a Soulstone?!” After saying it, he nearly gave himself a fright.
Soulstone! This was considered a legendary gem.
Only when hundreds of millions of ghost gather in the abyss and with the help of vast amounts of human vitality, will it start to form.
Rumor has it, that this is how it was formed.
Inside the black stone, with misery of a hundred million lives, the living cannot enter, and green grass can only hope they can grow on it!
Those words were somewhat exaggerated. But for a Soulstone about 3.5cm x 3.5 cm to form, how many lives must be taken? The formation of this mythical rock was really cruel and bloody. What every life near it during its creation, will be dead within milliseconds.
Also the formation time is unimaginable, it could that up to a millennium or even ten millenniums.
Putting the formation process aside, this Soulstone can be considered a supreme treasure. That is because it has a very unique ability, for it can be melded with one’s body and also open up a dimension. This space is quite flexible; storing things will be no hassle.
Even though Yang Kai is only a Trial Disciple, a humble position, his experiences were not lacking. Not to mention, the story of the legendary Soulstone has been around more many years, anyone would know the story.
When he just obtained this black book, he didn’t think about this. Thinking about how the books went into his body, he thought about how the Gold Skeleton came out from the book. How could he not recognise the book’s material?
He immediately started sweating.
Soulstones were the things of legends, long extinct in the world. He didn’t think that he will be able to encounter one, let alone such a large one!
The legends only talked about 3.5cm x 3.5 cm sized Soulstones, for it was only found that large. Even at that size, it was priceless. But the only in front of him, was somehow made into a black book, that was 30 x 7 cm!
It’s value……was immeasurable!
If this news were to spread out, even if it’s the entire Han Dynasty, not mention a mere martial school, they will probably be crushed overnight to obtain it.
Yang Kai couldn’t help but feel his hands heat up. This heart had not forgotten the terror, but luckily it could be taken into his body. Otherwise he would be in great danger.
His body hiding this treasure, he swiftly escaped back into his hut. He dared not to be carelessly, while his heart beated madly.
He was becoming more and more excited, whilst also becoming more and more uneasy.
HIs strength was currently too low, so how could he guard this treasure? Even though the black book could be taken into his body, eliminating chances of being discovered. This didn’t lessen the worry in his heart.
Only practise, only the strong will be able to protect what is theirs! Thinking about what happened three years ago, Yang Kai’s eyes gradually calmed down.
All on his, without any support he came to this school. What is not for practise and strength?
Even though he obtained this book, he took it into his hands. On the first page was the proud Golden Body. Even though he didn’t know what use it had, it couldn’t be useless. This book also had so many pages; it couldn’t only possess this one Golden Skeleton?
Although Yang Kai was only fifteen this year, due to his experiences these past three years, he is far more mature than his peers. It is also because of this, that he forged this unyielding character.
So when he calmed down, sitting on his bed he carefully started to read the first page.
After confirming there were no extra things popping out of the first page, he started to read the second page.
With his previous experiences, his actions seemed more natural and knowledgeable. And then Yang Kai’s eyes slowly widened as golden words emerged on the dark pages
“Proud Golden Body: Tempered Body Record!”
Previously his mood had dropped but now it soared. Sure enough, as he suspected, every page had something hidden
Almost without thinking, Yang Kai’s entire mind was focused on the second page of the book.
Abruptly, the golden characters flew off the pages like a fish and swiftly drilled themselves in Yang Kai’s brain. The glow enveloped the darkness around him and then disappeared. After it was gone, he felt as if his brain had gained new information. This had all come from the golden characters.
Calming his heart, Yang Kai closed his eyes and began to digest the information.
In fact, he didn’t need to digest and absorb the information. For when the characters imprinted themselves into his brain, he was already able to comprehend their meaning with ease. A full mastery in another sense.
“This is the Tempered Body Record.” Yang Kai muttered, for he found that it was a fist technique.
Though it may seem simple, in reality it was not. In order to perform it, there were strict requirements. For it is extremely profound. In order to cultivate it, you must be facing the rising sun, in the east, to learn it.
So at most, you could only practise for half an hour a day.
Currently it was night, so he had to wait at least five-six hours to start. This frustrated Yang Kai, for he had exerted himself all day and only ate one measly sweet potato. Nonetheless, he had obtained a priceless treasure, and was jubilant.
After trying to sleep for half an hour, he decided to analyse the third page of the black book.
But it just let him down, no matter how much he checked and flipped, there were no changes to the page. While doing this, he fell asleep.
When Yang Kai then woke up, it was nearly sunrise. The pre-dawn darkness was clouded and stillness covered the whole area, with the occasional insect and bird noises.
With his heart looking forward to what was going to happen, Yang Kai quickly leapt out of bed, and went to the front of the cabin. Standing there, he took a few deep breaths and let his body slowly relax.
A touch of grey dawn appeared, as he opened his eyes. The set of instructions on the fist technique was practised countless, hundreds of times.
His hands shaped into a palm. With a gentle, slow movement, pushing to the left, to the right, pushing forward. Embracing the world in his mind, everything in between the palm, the vast land, even the air covering the moon and stars.
Left foot forward, right next to the horizon, the right foot stepped powerfully like the king of the underworld. Between breaths, the world full was full of vitality, like spring flowers blooming.
The autumn wind blew, like a golden message. Then the cold wind whistled by, signalling the coming of snow, ice, cold snow.
Yang Kai’s look gradually deepened, slowly his fists pressed on the hefty rocks. In any case, the rock didn’t hint at opening any time soon.
With a burst of sound, Yang Kai with a pale face, suddenly staggered, nearly fell to his knees.
While exercising countless times in his mind, he discovered that this art was an absolute fist. Yang Kai never expected this record actually contained such mysterious Tempering Body Technique.
For just that short while, Yang Kai felt that the entire world was weighing on his shoulders. But he also felt that he could sense all things in the world, under this pressure.
This Tempering Body Technique was not the practise of fist techniques. It was the practise of worldly transformation and the fate of the world. This practice was full of ups and downs, joys and sorrows. A slow punch and kick in, could affect the power of heaven and earth, but also was full of secret rules.
When he launched six palms, it took three steps. This result wasn’t even one percent of the result recorded in the book. Just that, had been difficult to sustain. Then a crack emitted from his spine, making him believe that he broke his spine.
He quickly inspected it, but only found that his back was in some pain. It wasn’t anything big.
Steeling his mind, Yang Kai once again started to practise according to the Tempered Body Record.
Because he wasn’t psychologically prepared, Yang Kai‘s mind was in a trance. Feeling unclear, he held his breath to regain a clear mind. Accompanied by a slow dance of his fists, Yang Kai once again felt his mind had become clear and regained the atmosphere required to continue.
Then his body emitted several indistinct feelings, Yang Kai was uncertain as to what they were. Not only that; with the routine deployment, his fist was actually getting heavier, like being at the bottom of the ocean. With more hardships, there were more improvements.
*Kaka* could be heard. Yang Kai’s every action, made his bones explode like firecrackers. Excruciating pain permeated throughout his body, but he was unmoved. His tenacity at this moment vividly appeared.
In the blink of an eye, Yang Kai felt his hands and feet tremble like they were beaten to pulp. It was like heaven and earth both imposed themselves on his body.
Persisting, he didn’t falter.
Suddenly warmth surged, alleviating the pain within his body in this moment. Spirits lifted, he restarted practise. He knew that this must have been due to the integration of the golden skeleton. After all, both of these things came from the same place.
In front the sun rising, near a cabin in a remote place of the school stood a sweating young man. Diligently practising, slow fists and discovering his future.
Half an hour passed when Yang Kai suddenly felt light. He no longer felt the heavy pressure on his body. Right at this moment, he could no longer continuing cultivating this skill.
The record was very clear, you could only cultivate for half an hour every day at sunrise.
His effort seemed to have drained him. Thus Yang Kai fell to the ground in a heap and took a deep breath. A surge of purple gas accompanied his breath and disappeared. In an instant, he felt refreshed and energised.
Looking distracted, he couldn’t help but but be shocked.
Atmosphere sense! He had already developed a sense to the atmosphere. That is to say, he had broken through the Tempered Body Third Stage and was entering the Fourth Stage!
This news made him elated. Since entering High Heaven Pavilion, it took three years of practicing to reach the Tempered Body Third Stage. But, after thirty minutes of practising, the mysterious quenching body technique had allowed him to break through and enter the Fourth Stage!
The Tempered Body Boundary had Nine Stages. Until the Third stage, it really just enhanced one’s physical capabilities. But after the Fourth Stage, it would generate a presence within the meridians.
Only with the birth of atmosphere sense, are you considered a true cultivator.
Although at this time you will have the atmosphere sense, the body will still have no real strength. You could only wait for the seventh stage, where the body will develop its own strength, all the way until the ninth stage. That is when the body breaks through and opens / creates a door to strength to the Initial Element Stage. Only then will you truly have strength.
Initial Element Stage, is a cultivator’s true start.
Everything in the Tempered Body Boundary, was just laying the foundations for the future of the Initial Element Boundary. This foundation was not finalized, like with a man’s strength. For your bones, skin would grow continuously, until you reach the peak.
Yang Kai, had just having entered the Fourth Stage, and obtained atmosphere sense. To outsiders, this may not seem like much, but to him it was amazing news and progress.
Half an hour after he broke through, the results of quenching body record were evident. Although his own knowledge contributed, if not for that technique, he believed that he needed another three-four months before advancing.
With this, he breathed in deeply and exhaled out the impurities in his body.
From within his mouth, out came a pitch-black smoke. Filthy, as it tumbled to the ground. After expectorating this smoke out, his six senses all became more acute and sharpened.
Was this his body’s impurity? Yang Kai shook on the spot.
With the practise of cultivation you will reduce and drain the body of impurities each time. Yang Kai previously had experienced this, but never at this level.
Numerous ideas and joy lingered in his mind. Although he had successfully entered the Fourth Stage, he had made no real progress in the Tempered Body Record’s Fist Technique. His daily practise could only produce one percent of the total result, out of the 101 punches.
[Hasty men don’t eat hot tofu and with a hasty heart, you won’t be able to feel a hot butt.]Thinking for a while, Yang Kai planned a bit of his future. Even though it wasn’t thorough, he could no longer be like how he had been, taking each step as it came. For after a while, you couldn’t help but become impatient.
Then after eating something he continued to sweep the area.
Although he was a sweeper, it didn’t mean that he needed to sweep the entire school. He was only responsible for one tenth of the school. Even though it was cumbersome, it would only take an hour or so.
Within the trees, Xia Ning Chang had started to monitor the Disciples and inadvertently saw Yang Kai sweeping away. To not have some emotions would be weird. Today, there was something different about him, but she wasn’t sure. For over half an hour, he hadn’t left that spot, sweeping it until it was shiny and spotless. It was so slick that if a mosquito were to go on, it would have a sprained ankle.
[This guy……..]Xia Ning Chang didn’t know what to do with him.At that moment, Yang Kai was thinking about other things. Yesterday he had obtained a huge opportunity, so naturally he was considering his future. But no real options were found. He could only continue to practise at sunrise every day, for now.
While he was pondering, rapid footsteps approached quickly from behind. He quickly went to dodge, but didn’t realise that the other party was making preparations to avoid him too. So they crashed into each other.
Though he didn’t sustain any major injuries, when he crashed into that person, it felt as if he had crashed into a steel wall. With a cry, he fell to the ground and the place he bumped felt numb.
Yang Kai quickly recovered and apologetically asked: “This Fellow Disciple, are you okay?”
The young man was annoyed and when he looked up to see that it was Yang Kai, whose explosive anger dissipated. Holding anger for such person held no meaning and it was also his own fault.
Replying immediately while waving his hands: “It’s alright, it’s alright!”
While saying this and getting up, he then energetically ran away.
Yang Kai asked: “Fellow Disciple, where are you going to so hurriedly?”
The young man faintly shouted: “The Contribution Hall, where else?”
Listening to his words, Yang Kai realised that today was already the eighth day of the month. It was the day where the main gate distributed last month’s contribution points!
So every month of this day, the Contribution Hall would be crowded with Disciples flocking to collect their points. With these points they could exchange them for various cultivation pills, treasures and martial arts to improve their strength. So this day made all Disciples all excited.
Some were excited, while others disappointed. Yang Kai was of the latter.
Startled, he couldn’t help but frown. Each month, the amount of points he received was quite meagre.
Sweepers could earn ten points, but in the last month he was challenged six times, and each time he lost! With reductions after each loss, he was only left with four points.
This……this really made people cry.
Fortunately he was only a Trial Disciple. His status was the lowest, so if he lost, he would only lose one point. Ordinary Disciples lost two!
Thinking of this, Yang Kai was thankful.
But even a small mosquito has flesh. And with his savings, he will one day earn enough to exchange them for something worthwhile.
There had been enough delay today he thought as he continued to sweep.
When he had finally finished the job, it was noon. Time to go to the hall to collect his points.
After the morning’s bustle, the hall was now deserted and quiet. Thankfully he hadn’t come in the morning, or the wait would have been too troublesome.
Waltzing into the hall, you could clearly see an old man dozing away.
This old man was the treasurer of the Sect. He was about fifty with thin white hair and a kind face. Looking at him, he looked harmless to animals and humans, but Yang Kai knew he was a sly fox!
There was once an Elite Disciple who dared to act arrogant here and was then pushed out of the hall a few hundred feet. His life was almost taken. Yang Kai was present, so he knew this and also knew that his old man held unfathomable strength.
Stepping into the view of the old man, Yang Kai could clearly see the old man snoring away.
[This old thing! Don’t know which female High Heaven Pavilion Disciple he is dreaming about again!]Holding a broom, he gently nudged the old man while softly calling: “Treasurer Meng!”
The old man’s surname was Meng, his first name Yang Kai didn’t know so he couldn’t call him that.
Tapping the counter a few times, the old man was finally awoken. He groggily opened up his eyes and saw that it was Yang Kai. Wrinkling his face as if he saw shit.
“What’s with that face?” Yang Kai asked indignantly.
Rolling his eyes: “Why didn’t you come in the morning?”
Confidently he replied: “There were too many people in the morning, and currently it’s peaceful!”
“Interrupting this old man’s rest. Do you know what respecting the elderly means?”
Leaning in, Yang Kai whispered: “Which young lady did you dream of?”
Suddenly full of energy Treasurer Meng replied to Yang Kai with eyes full of contempt and loudly proclaimed: “Your words just now, tarnished this old man’s reputation! Too outrageous.”
“Good body figure?”
“Great!” Treasurer Meng unconsciously leaked out.
“Supple legs, white skin and a beautiful, thin waist?”
“En, en, en…….” Immediately he nodded his head, immediately thinking Yang Kai as a friend.
“He, he……” Yang Kai sneered.
Treasurer Meng stammered and blushed as bright as a monkey’s ass. Full of shame, he just wanted to dig a hole and crawl inside to hide.
Throughout his years in High Heaven Pavilion, the only person Yang Kai really knew was Treasurer Meng. After all, he needed to go to him every month.
Treasurer Meng had a nickname which most people referred to him as, Bully Meng. Even though his position is a treasurer, he still liked to extort contribution points from other Disciples.
Take Blood Clotting Cream for example, usually it would be sold around ten contribution points. He will sell two bottles for the price of three. Also the amount of cream that should go in two bottles, was put into three. It’s very simple he said, buy it or get lost!
Of course Treasurer Meng doesn’t always do it, only occasionally. He only targets richer Disciples, for poor people like Yang Kai he doesn’t even bother.
Contribution points are hard to come by, so how can Disciples stand by and be exploited? Every Disciple that had been cheated by him would report him to the Elders Council. They have warned him numerous times, but he still continued, unmoved. Furthermore, his position is crucial, and there was no one who could replace him.
Due to this, all of the Sect’s Disciples hated him to the utmost limit.
That old man was ruthless to everybody, except Yang Kai, to whom he could do nothing. That was because one time, he was peeking at a Female Disciple, and was caught red-handed by him.
No respect for the elderly! What a scandal! He was caught, so Treasurer Meng could only lower his head in front of Yang Kai.
It was exactly because of this that Yang Kai became very familiar with the old man.
The lecherous old man, with thick skin quickly adjusted his attitude and said: “Same as always?”
“Yeah.” Yang Kai said earnestly while nodding his head.
Not saying a word, Treasurer Meng took out ten dollars from within the counter and recorded it down.
Taking the silvers, he asked: “How many contribution points do I have now?”
Rolling his eyes, the treasurer replied: “You earn four points each month and then use one point to exchange for 10 dollars. That leaves you with only three points to save, making a total of twelve points in your account. What, you want to exchange them for a bottle of Blood Clotting Cream?”
“No, I was just asking.” He replied while muttering: “Twelve eh.”
Such a small amount, even if you just wanted to exchange it for a small medicinal herb, it wouldn’t even be enough.
With a serious face, Treasurer Meng whispered to him: “Little Yang Kai, you want to save up and exchange it for a tempered essence pellet. But to save up for it, and then to rank up with your speed, how long will that take?
“Won’t I eventually reach it?” He replied chuckling.
This left Treasurer Meng speechless. He thought that with his speed, by the time he makes it, this old man will have already been dead for many years.
“But Treasurer Meng, there is one thing I don’t understand.”
“Speak!” The old man said while putting on a ‘I am in a good mood so I will tell you’ attitude.
“The Tempered Essence Pill is a very precious medicine, how could it appear here?”
“He he……..” Speaking with a proud face: “That is because this pellet is this old man’s treasure, others don’t know about it.”
“Ah, it’s yours?” This left Yang Kai stunned. He had always thought that this pellet belonged to the school. No wonder this old thing set such an astronomical price.
“Now don’t be angry.” He joyfully said, while taking a drink from the teapot. “I won’t bully you, as long as you bring enough contribution points to exchange, Old Meng will give it to you. For my word is not nothing.”
“I will collect it.” He said nodding.
With his face downcast Old Meng asked Yang Kai: “I heard that yesterday you got a beating?”
Immediately Yang Kai turned around and left.
From behind Treasurer Meng shouted: “Let this old man ask, don’t be in such a hurry to walk away.”
He said, but really he was gloating inside.
Seeing that Yang Kai had no intention to stop, he straightened up and yelled: “Little Yang Kai, you should hurry up and leave. High Heaven Pavilion is no place for you to be, sooner rather than later you will be killed.”
Pausing but without turning around Yang Kai sighed: “I have no place to return to.”
He was finished if he left.
After holding the teapot for a while, Treasurer Meng said: “Then why did you come?”
Tempered Essence Pill…….he he, this expensive treasure, how could this old man possibly own it? He only made up this lie to give you hope, he had never thought you would take it seriously.
Yang Kai then hurriedly went back to his hut and put the broom away, then briskly walked out.
He was going to the small village outside of Tang Lin to buy his food with his ten dollars, like he did every month.
For the first time this trip didn’t make him feel tired.
Previously, every time he walked down this path, he would get bad asthma attacks again and again. But this time, not only did this not happen, his body felt strengthened compared to before felt less strained walking down the path. Even if he walked a hundred miles, he felt that he wouldn’t tire.
Is it the Golden Skeleton? This made him think of something that happened this morning. While he was sweeping, another disciple had crashed into him, but on the contrary to what normally occurred he had held his ground very stably, while the disciple had fell to the ground.
Although this wasn’t much, in retrospect, it was unusual. With his weak physique, how could he not have fallen but the other party fell. It had always been him who fell.
Growing more and more excited, he thought about the changes the Golden Skeleton had brought to his body. Although these changes were small, gradually over the course of time they could culminate into great changes.
Thinking of this, Yang Kai recovered and soon walked to town.
Looking around, he went to the left hand side of the street. He was going to a rice shop. The shop wasn’t big and the owner is surnamed He, and was a local resident. He treated all customers the same this was one of the reasons why Yang Kai bought from him.
Such a small store could be found everywhere. The reason why Black Plum Village was very busy, was because in the surrounding area, apart them there was not only High Heaven Pavilion but also the Windy Rain Sect. The relationship between the two could not be considered bad. The various other small Sects couldn’t compare to these two main Sects for they didn’t even own their own land.
It was precisely because of these two main Sects that the village was able to sell many different weapons and maintain such a bustling environment full of many different wares.
Creating an environment just like the Han Dynasty’s Capital!
After walking around for a while, Yang Kai inadvertently walked past an alley where some people were gathered. He didn’t know what they were doing, but they were pretty suspicious and gave Yang Kai an extremely vicious glare.
Chuckling lightly, he just followed the principle ‘if they don’t don’t harm me I won’t harm them’ he just ignored them. But among those three there was one who dressed in a similar fashion to Yang Kai.
Yang Kai didn’t think much of this though, because they were in Black Plum Village, located close to High Heaven Pavilion, the sight of other Disciples coming down to the Village was quite common.
A little while ago, Yang Kai arrived at the line for rice. The line was quite long, the length of two stalls. The business was very prosperous but only has one waiter running around serving. The boss was calculating about money on an abacus at the counter, while the wife greeted the guests.
As more people finished ordering, the line gradually became shorter and Yang Kai joined the line.
“Madame” Yang Kai cried out, a 40-year-old looking lady looked up to see who it was. When she saw it was Yang Kai she suddenly smiled and said, “Ah, young man, you came to buy rice again.”
“Yes.” He walked to the front of the counter, and pointed a bag behind the counter and said “Give me one bag please.”
While the lady was tying up the bag with a string she said “Young man, you buy just one bag a month, is this enough for you?”
Yang Kai replied, “It’s enough.”
“You liar!” The lady retorted while looking at Yang Kai, “Look at you; such thin arms and legs. If you’re eating properly then why are your arms and legs so thin?”
Yang Kai smiled sheepishly, “I also go to the mountains to hunt, so therefore even with just one bag I won’t be hungry.”
While the boss concentrated on calculating the bill, he whispered to her: “Go fetch the old rice from the back and give it to this child.”
“We’ll listen to the boss.” Madame replied with a smile.
“How is this right? You are also trying to make a living here.” Yang Kai said out loudly.
The Lady immediately frown her face, “What use is old rice? Leaving it there will only provide a place for insects to grow. Anyways, people won’t eat it. But the owner said that this rice still has some nutrients although less. You wait here I will go get some for you take home.”
As she was saying this she had already started walking towards the back room.
Yang Kai ‘s heart swelled, for he did not know what to say. Every time he came to buy rice, the boss and his wife would always find various excuses to give him more. They say that insects will grow in old rice and the like, but in fact, it was always good rice they gave him not old rice. Their generosity gave Yang Kai hope in this sad world.
“Thank you Uncle He.” Yang Kai’s voice had a slight trembling to it.
The Boss smiled and looked up, “When living alone, don’t you have household problems? In the future, whenever you’re hungry just come to our shop, we may not have much, but we still have enough rice for you to eat.”
“Okay…” Yang Kai nodded his head; this world still had good people around.
Shortly, two enthusiastic people came to the rice store and kicked some people who were ready to order their meals from the line and away from the store front.
“Ahhhh…..” the Second Brother fell, landed on his butt, and flipped over. It was a big problem because after he fell to the ground he couldn’t get up again.
“What?” Boss He called towards the people who had kicked the little brother as he ran out from behind the counter and towards the two men. Yang Kai quickly helped Second Brother up whilst intently glaring at the two evil faced men. One of the men, looked pale and thin, was clutching his stomach, while the other one was built like a bear, supported the pale one. These two were the ones who kicked down the Second Brother.
“Who’s the boss here?” The man people shouted out.
“I am, I am.” Boss He quickly replied. He was only an ordinary merchant, yet the two men who called him out had such fierce looking faces. The swords at their waist and the fierce faces that showed they were not easily trifled with. Boss He wondered what had happened.
“Well, well. So you are the black-hearted boss! You even dared to sell poisonous rice to my brother. Look at him! Originally he was a strong man, but after eating your rice he became this sick. Normally he is as strong as a bear, but he can hardly stand now! You black-hearted person, worrying only about money and going as far as to take lives!”
At this outburst from the man, Boss He worriedly stammered out: “Ah, how could this be? How could it?”
The man then said: “How would I know? This morning my brother bought some rice from you, and made rice porridge, then he became like this after eating the rice he bought from you. I was lucky I didn’t eat any, otherwise I also would’ve become like him.”
Boss He’s forehead began to sweat, he took his sleeves and kept wiping his forehead and said “Respected customer, I fear there might be a misunderstanding.”
“Misunderstanding? Misunderstanding your mother! If it wasn’t for your rice, then what caused him to become like this?” The Han man roared.
Yang Kai sat down and pondered the situation while all eyes were on the commotion. Boss He is such a nice person, Yang Kai couldn’t believe that this person who gave him rice, would put poison in it. Not to mention the fact Boss He couldn’t possibly have a black heart in Yang Kai’s mind, a black-hearted businessman wouldn’t be so stupid as to poison his own rice.
[If these information spread how would he do business in the future? Who would dare come and buy his rice?]The two men’s poor excuses were really unbearable, and they couldn’t even consider that it was something else.
Therefore, these two are definitely here to ruin others. But this move was a bit too evil, for they implied that the Boss needed someone to die just to earn some money.
Even though Yang Kai’s body was weak he was still a practitioner. And through these past years he had seen countless types of people, so he felt he could accurately judge Boss He. The man was also someone who he owed greatly and when Yang Kai witnessed this, it caused his face to fall. He stood up and said: “These two……”
“What?” One of the men threw him a glare, his anger evident.
Yang Kai didn’t speak, but Boss He immediately sprang in front of him. He slowly shook his head for Yang Kai to stop.
“Uncle He…..” Yang Kai was stunned.
“Even in bankruptcy, avoid misfortunes!” Boss He whispered.
Yang Kai just helplessly sighed. That fact that the boss said this signalled that he knew what the two Han men were on about. But in order to do business, one must have a good name. The earlier commotion had already attracted a lot of attention, if this continued, then the rice stand’s reputation would go down the drain.
Even if one knew what they said was false, one could only comply with them and hurriedly hope to end this fiasco before too much damage was done.
In desperation, Boss He faced the man: “Regarding your brother’s illness, all I can say is that it has nothing to do with me……”
After the two men heard this, one cried out in anger: “Even if it’s not related, I have already come to this rice stand. If I don’t make the truth clear, then my brother’s suffering would be in vain. He should be sent to the doctor immediately! But of course, if you are willing to shoulder the medical bills, then we are willing to drop the subject.”
After this statement, it was clear that they really wished for Boss He to go bankrupt to avoid misfortunes. If people really wanted to extort money, they would do it over a period of time. The demands that these two men were making were too short sighted, if Boss He agreed to pay them off now his rice stands reputation would still suffer. For nothing is watertight, and news of him selling poisoned rice would spread. This told Yang Kai that the men were either not interested in extorting Boss He for more money or that they had some other goal.
Who would have imagined that these two Han men had no intention of compromising: “You black hearted boss. Who do think we two brothers are, to be exploited by you so freely? We two brothers were really unlucky to have bought poisoned rice from you! Where is your guilty conscience?”
That statement resonated quite deeply with Yang Kai. He curled his lip while sitting, thinking, [then are you the virtuous one? living life clear from any conscience?]
Boss He was also stupefied. [What? Weren’t these two men here to extort money?]
While stunned and unsure what to do, more and more people had started to gather. A handsome boy similar to Yang Kai’s age had also appeared. From his looks, he was clearly far better off than Yang Kai.
That young man casually walked up to the men, and circled them with interest. Whilst doing so he constantly clicked his tongue.
Others may have not noticed, but with a glance Yang Kai recognised those three as the people he spotted earlier in the alley.
The crowd just stared at the boy, who had just appeared!
Weren’t these three men together? Yang Kai sensed an evil plot in the air.