Elder Wang Tao nodded sagely at the assembled disciples. “Good good, you're all making incredible progress,” he said stroking his long greying beard. “I know you looked forward to employing what ever fledgling techniques you've learned but that will come in time. Now it's time assess your martial abilities,”
Despite the hint of disappointment some disciples might have felt, they kept their expressions neutral, mindful of not displeasing the elder. They stood on the training grounds, encircling Elder Wang Tao, ready for the next phase of their martial evaluation.
Jiang Tao stood with Zhou Yixing and Zhang Yuhan, he couldn't keep the excitement he felt inside constantly flexing and relaxing his hands. The cool morning air only serves to revitalize him even more.
Finally, fighting! He was eager to give someone a thorough thrashing, especially that bully Zhang Xiaohui and his cousin Yu Hongyi, or that little thief who he came to learn was called Liu Yang.
He was going to savor this so much.
“Li Hua step forward,” Elder Wang Tao said.
The girl in question made her way to the cleared space with a practiced ease. Her hair down up in a neat ponytail.
“Who intends to challenge her?” the elder called out. The courtyard was silent, looked like nobody wanted to go first.
Tao exhaled, he didn't feel like having his first fight with her and honestly wasnt too sure of his chances if he did. They were probably low.
“Yu Hongyi will challenge her!” a voice answered before stepping out from the crowd of gathered disciples.
Yu Hongyi swaggered over to where his opponent stood with a self-assured gait. He looked around at the gathered disciples, purposefully ignoring Li Hua.
Li Hua however looked bored. Oh, she's gonna drag him through the mud. Jiang Tao thought amused. I'm gonna love seeing this.
“Very well, Li Hua shall face Yu Hongyi. Killing your opponent is forbidden by the threat of death,” Elder Wang Tao announced. “begin!”
Yu Hongyi moved first with swift aggressive strikes aimed toward her midsection. Li Hua however effortlessly sidestepped the attack, before countering with a series of palm strikes at his chest, knocking him off balance.
The courtyard erupted into chatter, as Hongyi staggered back clearly surprised by her skill. He quickly regained his footing, a mix of anger and embarrassment flickering across his face. He launched into a flurry of punches hoping to overwhelm her with sheer force.
A lacking strategy that she easily evaded by dropping low and delivering a swift kick to his thigh, disrupting his momentum. It was clear he was outmatched and it looked like he knew it too if the frustration on his face was anything to go by.
Elder Wang Tao observed the duel with a knowing expression.
"Come on, Hongyi! Hit her!" someone shouted from the crowd but it was futile. Li Hua's defense was impenetrable, and her counters were devastating.
The intensity of his attacks soon lessened as it became clear he wasn't going to get a hit in. That's when she changed strategy, transitioning from defense to offense going for brutal disabling strikes that had Yu Hongyi on the backfoot.
A vicious grin adorned her face, as she broke him down with clinical efficiency.
Damn… She’s killing the guy.
Yu Hongyi could do nothing but try to shield his face, as she delivered a deluge of strikes upon his person. His frustration eventually boiled over into a last-ditch attempt to land a blow.
Li Hua took that opportunity to end the match decisively with a swift precise kick to the chest that left Yu Hongyi on the ground, gasping for breath and unable to continue. The courtyard fell silent.
She scoffed at her fallen opponent and turned to face Elder Wang Tao with an expectant look.
Elder Wang Tao nodded approvingly. “Well fought Li Hua, a stunning display of skill,” he praised.
“Yu Hongyi, reflect on the lesson you've been taught by Li Hua. I expect a less pathetic showing next time,” Elder Wang remarked.
As Yu Hongyi struggled to catch his breath on the ground, Tao couldn't help but feel a twinge of satisfaction.
Next to him, Zhou muttered, “Impressive she made quick work of him,”
Jiang Tao and Zhang Yuhan could only nod in agreement.
"Ning Yiren," the next participant was called.
The matches continued with a steady rhythm, each duel showcasing the skill of the disciples.
Soon, it was Zhang Xiaohui's turn to step into the circle. His smirk was as irritating as ever, and Jiang Tao clenched his fists involuntarily.
"Who will challenge Zhang Xiaohui?" Elder Wang Tao's voice echoed across the courtyard
His hand was up before he even realized it, Zhang Yuhan gave him a surprised look. The desire to wipe that smirk off Zhang Xiaohui's face overrode any caution he might have had.
"Jiang Tao will challenge him," Jiang Tao declared, stepping forward
Zhang Xiaohui's smirk widened, clearly pleased at the prospect of facing Jiang Tao. "Finally, a chance to put you in your place," he sneered.
Elder Wang Tao nodded approvingly, acknowledging the challenge.
“Very well, Jiang Tao shall face Zhang Xiaohui, BEGIN!” he said.
Jiang Tao wasted no time and launched himself at Zhang Xiaohui with a burst of speed, aiming a punch at his opponent's jaw. Xiaohui deftly sidestepped, retaliating with a sweeping kick that Jiang Tao barely managed to dodge.
They exchanged blows with rapid precision, their movements a blur to the untrained eye.
Jiang Tao knew he wasn't as technically skilled as Zhang Xiaohui, but he was a farm boy strength and determination were something he had in spades.
He countered with a series of powerful strikes aimed at exploiting any opening he could find. Zhang Xiaohui, relying on agility and finesse, danced around Jiang Tao's attacks, looking for a chance to exploit his opponent's raw aggression.
Xiaohui growled in frustration from the relentless agression and changed his tactics. He feigned a punch to the left and then spun around, aiming a powerful kick at Tao’s side. But Tao anticipated the move. He caught Xiaohui's leg mid-air and twisted, sending him crashing to the ground.
The crowd gasped as Xiaohui struggled to his feet, his face red with humiliation. "You... you won't get away with that!" he spat, charging at Jiang with renewed fury.
Reckless. He thought with vicious glee.
This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.
As Zhang Xiaohui lunged forward, Jiang Tao sidestepped gracefully, letting Xiaohui's momentum carry him past. With precise timing, Tao countered with a swift elbow strike to Xiaohui's back, sending him sprawling forward.
He hit the ground hard, stunned for a moment as he struggled to regain his composure.
Jiang Tao stood over Zhang Xiaohui, his chest heaving with exertion. The courtyard was silent, all eyes fixed on the outcome of their intense duel. Zhang Xiaohui struggled to rise, his pride wounded and his body bruised from the relentless exchange.
"You've got spirit, I'll give you that," Jiang Tao said, extending a hand to help Zhang Xiaohui up.
His jaw clenched as he weighed his next move, clearly unwilling to concede defeat gracefully. However, the Elder's gaze and the expectant silence from the gathered disciples urged him to swallow his pride.
Elder Wang Tao approached them, his expression unreadable. "Well fought, both of you," he remarked, his gaze shifting from Jiang Tao to Zhang Xiaohui. "Continue to hone your strengths and learn from each other. Jiang Tao, your determination must be tempered with technique. Zhang Xiaohui, remember that true strength encompasses more than just skill."
Zhang Xiaohui shot Jiang Tao a venomous glare before turning on his heel and stalking off, the crowd parting to let him pass.
he made his way back to where Zhou Yixing and Zhang Yuhan stood looking surpised.
"Well done, Jiang Tao," Zhang Yuhan praised, clapping him on the shoulder. "You really showed Fourth Brother what you're made of."
Zhou Yixing however gave him an appraising look as if seeing him in a new light.
“I'll be honest Jiang Tao, I did not expect you to win” He admitted.
His response to that was a soft chuckle.
"Next, Zhou Yixing."
Yixing stepped into the cleared space calm and composed, his focus steady and unwavering. His opponent, a disciple with white hair called Jin Hao, hesitated visibly before stepping forward tentatively.
The duel unfolded with a different cadence, showcasing Zhou Yixing's methodical approach and precise technique. His movements were fluid yet calculated, each strike and block executed with a calm efficiency that spoke of years of disciplined training.
He ultimately won but it was close.
Zhang Yuhan faced his brother Zhang Yue, who proceeded to dismantle him in an almost spiteful manner, it was so brutal he almost wanted to intervene.
By noon, the last duel concluded with a resounding display of skill from the participants. Elder Wang Tao gathered the disciples once more, his presence commanding attention.
“Each of you has shown progress. Reflect on today's matches, learn from your victories and defeats,” Elder Wang Tao's voice echoed across the courtyard, resonating with pride.
"Continue this path of growth and discipline,"
The disciples nodded solemnly, their adrenaline still pumping from the intense bouts.
----------------------------------------
The moonlight illuminated the faint trail that led down the mountain. Jiang Tao was second-guessing following Zhang Yuhan and his crazy sister. Who went herb hunting at midnight?
As Jiang Tao trailed behind Zhang Yuhan and Zhang Xinyu, the mountain path became increasingly narrow and obscured by overhanging branches. Moonlight filtered through the canopy, casting eerie shadows that danced along the ground.
Zhang Xinyu, who seemed unperturbed by the late hour, led the way her steps sure and purposeful. Meanwhile, Zhang Yuhan followed with quiet confidence, occasionally glancing back to ensure Tao kept up.
"Are we even going the right way?" Jiang Tao muttered under his breath, more to himself than to anyone else
“Of course, Mother told me the stories of her time at the sect and where to find the best herbs” Zhang Xinyu replied without breaking her stride.
Of course, they're relying on stories from millennia ago…
He was deeply regretting coming, Zhou Yixing had politely declined when Xinyu ambushed them earlier on. Now here was following them into the the untamed wilds of the peak. All for the promise of pills. If only alchemy didn't evade his understanding.
Yuhan as if sensing his thoughts chimed in. “The consort of pure ceremony is a World king realm senior, I'm sure her memory is near infallible. Let’s trust third sister to know where she’s leading us,”
Jiang Tao nodded silently, his skepticism easing slightly at Zhang Yuhan's reassurance.
After what felt like an hour of winding through the mountain trails, they arrived at a small clearing bathed in silver moonlight. Zhang Xinyu halted abruptly, causing Jiang Tao and Zhang Yuhan to stop behind her.
"This is it," she declared, her voice barely above a whisper, yet carrying a sense of certainty. She knelt beside a cluster of low-growing plants, examining them closely under the moon's gentle glow.
"What are we looking for exactly?" Jiang Tao asked, peering over her shoulder.
“A couple of things, right now spirit leaf” she replied running her hands through the leaves of the plants.
"Careful," Zhang Xinyu warned. "They're delicate. We need to harvest them gently to preserve their potency."
Jiang Tao crouched beside Zhang Xinyu, watching intently as she carefully plucked a leaf from the plant. The moonlight illuminated the subtle shimmer on the surface of the leaf, indicating its spiritual potency. Following her example, he reached out and gently harvested a few leaves, feeling a slight tingle as he handled them.
"This should be enough," Zhang Xinyu said, placing the leaves into a small pouch. "We'll need to find more herbs, but these are the most delicate. The rest should be easier."
Yuhan nodded, glancing around the clearing. "Let's move on.”
The trio continued their trek the path becoming increasingly treacherous. Roots twisted underfoot,
After a while, they reached another clearing, this one dominated by a large, gnarled tree with luminescent flowers blooming on its branches. The flowers emitted a faint, ethereal glow, casting a gentle light over the area.
“Moonshade” Zhang Xinyu whispered, her eyes lighting up with excitement. “Just what I needed,”
Tao marveled at the sight of the luminescent flowers, their soft glow creating an otherworldly ambiance in the clearing. Xinyu wasted no time in approaching the tree, her movements graceful and purposeful as she examined the delicate bloom.
"They're beautiful," Jiang Tao remarked softly, a sense of reverence settling over him in the presence of such rare botanical wonders.
Zhang Xinyu smiled faintly, her eyes reflecting the moonlight as she carefully began harvesting the moonshade flowers. With practiced hands, she plucked the blooms and placed them into a separate pouch.
Once they had gathered a sufficient quantity of moonshade flowers, Zhang Xinyu stood up, her pouches securely fastened.
“Think we should get going,” Yuhan said.
The journey back was oddly tense. Jiang Tao couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled over him as they retraced their steps through the dense mountain trails.
Zhang Yuhan walked beside Tao, occasionally glancing around as if sensing the same unease that gripped him.
"Do you think we're being followed?" Jiang Tao whispered, barely audible over the rustling of leaves.
Zhang Yuhan shook his head, though his expression remained guarded. "It's just nerves, Jiang Tao. We're deep in the mountains and within sect grounds, the night can play tricks on the mind."
Despite his reassurance, Jiang Tao couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.
The slithering underfoot is what convinced him it wasn't in his head. A soft rustling followed by a low hiss, barely audible over the whispering leaves, sent a chill down Jiang Tao's spine. He halted abruptly, causing Zhang Yuhan and Zhang Xinyu to stop ahead.
"What was that?" Jiang Tao whispered urgently, scanning the darkened underbrush.
Before he could react, a dark shadow lunged from the underbrush, aiming straight for Zhang Xinyu.
Reacting on instinct, Jiang Tao leaped forward, intercepting the creature with a swift kick that sent it tumbling back into the foliage.
The creature recoiled, emitting a startled hiss as it scrambled to regain its footing. It emerged from the shadows, revealing a sleek, serpent-like form with iridescent scales that shimmered in the moonlight.
A snake yay…
Zhang Xinyu swiftly recovered her surprise. her hand reaching for a talisman pouch at her waist. With practiced speed, she withdrew a small, intricately inscribed charm and hurled it toward the creature. The talisman burst into a radiant burst of light upon impact dazzling the creature.
Caught off guard by the sudden brightness, the serpent faltered, allowing Jiang Tao to deliver a decisive strike. With a final powerful blow to its head, he incapacitated the creature, rendering it immobile on the forest floor.
Breathing heavily from the adrenaline rush, Jiang Tao stood over the defeated serpent. Zhang Yuhan moved to stand beside him, his expression grave as he scanned their surroundings.
“A spirit snake. Let's carve it up, the scales and the core can be used to refine high-grade cleansing pills.” Xinyu suggested.
"Right," Jiang Tao nodded, steadying his breath as he and Zhang Yuhan got to work carefully harvesting the serpent's scales and extracting its core, ensuring to preserve them intact for refining later.
After what felt like an eternity navigating the winding trails, they finally reached the outskirts of the sect's grounds. The sight of the familiar lantern-lit paths and the distant silhouette of the pagoda.
As they reached the outskirts of the sect's grounds, the first rays of dawn began to paint the sky in hues of soft pink and gold. The quiet hum of morning activity greeted them as they approached the sect's main gate, where a few early risers glanced curiously at their return.
"We made it," Zhang Xinyu said softly, a note of exhaustion mingling with her usual confidence. "I'll have your pills ready in a week," she promised, before dashing off into the morning bustle of the sect.