As dawn broke, rays of sunlight flickered across Huanxin's face, startling her awake. She stood up and stepped out of the alleyway. The world was still in slumber ,except for a few patrolling guards. Setting her sights on finding a deserted hut, she wandered for an hour before discovering one on the outskirts of Tianle. It resembled the one she had lived in before—webs on the roof, a musty smell, dirty, and cramped. The only piece of furniture was a small, nearly broken table.

After settling into her new refuge, she headed to the market for breakfast, opting for the cheapest option: congee. Living in Jinggu had taught her the hard lesson that one couldn't simply eat whatever one desired; survival often meant making do with whatever fit the budget.

Once she finished her meager meal, she sought a sect that might accept her, only to be met with indifference. The situation in Tianle mirrored the situation in Jinggu. Though the sects in Tianle preached nobility, their actions revealed them as wolves in sheep's clothing. The divide between social classes was stark—while the nobles reveled in luxury, the poor suffered in silence.

Yet Huanxin refused to surrender. I can't give up, I have to survive for my tribe, family and friends. I won't be welcomed in any sect, since I am a beggar. I would have to learn in secret, but which sect? She recalled the tales of the "Xianxi Sect, reigning supreme." Known as the strongest among all, it was situated on the outskirts, covering an expanse that included an entire forest. High walls, about six feet tall, encircled the sect, keeping outsiders at bay. The sect was fairly close to her new hut making it easier for her.

Positioned at Xianxi's doorstep, she observed the disciples and masters. Clad in simple blue robes, most disciples hailed from noble families. Some resided within the sect, while others traveled from the city. The masters lived there as well, and it appeared the main entrance was the only way in, guarded by different disciples each day. Impressed by the discipline and techniques on display, she mused, "They truly deserve their top rank."

Continuing to circle the high walls, Huanxin searched for a vulnerability and spotted a narrow gap between the stones, partially hidden by overgrown vines. Her heart raced as she approached the opening, just wide enough to squeeze through if she was careful.

Gritting her teeth, she slipped through, feeling the rough stones scrape against her skin. On the other side, she found herself in a secluded area of the sect, away from the main training grounds. The laughter and shouts faded, replaced by rustling leaves and bird chirpings.

She meandered around anf found a tall tree. Climbing the tall tree, Huanxin could observe the disciples while being hidden. After memorizing their movements, she practiced them alone. The tree became her sanctuary. Each day, she would enter through the narrow gap, and when someone passed, she would quickly ascend the tree to conceal herself. With each passing day, she grew stronger, both physically and mentally.

This clandestine routine continued for two to three months until, one fateful day, she was caught. While practicing sword movements with a stick, two young disciples spotted her. They seized her immediately, one sneering, "How dare you? Did you think you wouldn't be caught stealing our sect's martial arts?"

"Let me go. I was just trying to learn," Huanxin pleaded.

"Very well. Say that in front of the chief, and let's see if he'll spare you," the other disciple replied.

They dragged her to the training ground and into a large hall where numerous masters sat. At the head of the room, an elderly man with a long white beard and hair tied in a bun commanded respect. Despite his age, he exuded strength. All eyes turned to Huanxin as the disciples forced her to kneel, their gazes laden with judgment. She felt humiliation wash over her as she was forced to kneel.

"This intruder was caught practicing our martial arts, and according to sect rules, we brought her here," one disciple announced. A murmur of outrage rippled through the room. "An intruder, and a beggar, no less!" one master scoffed. "How shameful," another added. Huanxin felt a swell of disgust at their hypocrisy.

Suddenly, one woman rose from his seat, his expression fierce "Mr. Rong, we should punish her severely as an example to others who dare to act with such audacity. She deserves to be flogged thirty times."

A man interjected, "But she'll die if she's flogged that many times! She's just a child. Her crime is significant, but she doesn't warrant such a harsh punishment. We should show leniency."

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Some masters murmured in agreement, while others voiced their dissent. Just as the man was about to respond, the head of the sect spoke, "What is your name?"

Huanxin, feeling the weight of their scrutiny, lied. "Li Lianfeng."

"Do you have anything to say in your defense?" Mr. Rong asked.

With defiance, Lianfeng retorted, "You claim to be benevolent and preach equality, yet you are nothing but sycophants of the nobles. Is it such a grave crime to wish to learn martial arts? I approached every sect but was turned away. Why? Because I am a beggar. You didn't even test my skill, nor did you care. Yes, I am a beggar, but are you any better? At least I have morals, which you lack." She forcefully shrugged off the disciple's grip and rose to her feet.

Enraged, the man declared, "She deserves to die."

"But it's against our sect rules to kill a child," another master countered.

"Fine, if you think we are unfair, we will give you a chance—a chance to prove yourself. You will face one of our disciples of your age. If you can survive for ten minutes, we will let you go without punishment. But if you cannot, you will die," Mr. Rong announced, standing and approaching Lianfeng.

Lianfeng hesitated for a moment, I don't have an option if I don't accept I would be killed. "I accept".

"Very well. Call Chen Tao." commanded Mr. Rong to the disciples.

"Yes," replied the disciple bowing before running away.

As the call echoed through the hall, the anticipation in the air thickened. Lianfeng's heart raced as she prepared for the fight of her life.

When Chen Tao arrived, the tension was palpable. As he approached, Lianfeng felt a mix of fear and determination. This was her chance, her moment to prove herself.

As the signal sounded, Chen Tao lunged forward, his movements sharp and confident. Huanxin felt her heart race but steadied herself, recalling her training. She sidestepped just in time, Chen Tao's fist slicing through the air where she had stood moments before.

"Is that all you've got, beggar?" said Chen Tao smirking.

Fueled by anger and determination, Huanxin clenched her fist "I fight for something greater than you know!" she shouted back, lunging forward with all her might.

Chen Tao dodged, his agility surprising Huanxin, and retaliated with a series of quick jabs aimed at her midsection. Huanxin blocked a few strikes, but one punch landed squarely, knocking the wind from her.

Gasping, Huanxin forced herself to focus. She remembered her training: balance, timing, control. As Chen Tao lunged again, Huanxin feigned weakness, leaning back as if to retreat.

Chen Tao, sensing victory, overextended himself. Huanxin seized the opportunity, pivoting and sweeping Chen Tao's legs from under him. The crowd gasped as Chen Tao stumbled and hit the ground.

"Not so confident now, are you?" Huanxin taunted, catching her breath.

Chen Tao's face flushed with anger. "You'll regret that!" he shouted, scrambling to his feet and charging with renewed ferocity.

Huanxin braced herself, blocking a series of rapid strikes. Each blow reverberated through her, but she stood firm, drawing on her emotions—anger, grief, and determination—to fuel her movements. She remembered her tribe, their faces urging her to fight.

As Chen Tao launched another wild swing, Huanxin ducked low, rolling to the side and springing back up. She had learned to harness her instincts, and it showed.

With adrenaline coursing through her veins, Huanxin closed the distance. She feigned a left strike, then quickly pivoted, delivering a solid blow to Chen Tao's jaw.

Chen Tao staggered back, shock and disbelief etched across his features. "How...?" he gasped, fury sparking in his eyes.

"You underestimated me," Huanxin replied, her voice steady, determination radiating.

As Chen Tao steadied himself, Huanxin knew the fight wasn't over. Chen Tao lunged forward and landed a kick on Huanxin's abdomen. Huanxin felt the blow and was sent a few steps back, pain radiating through her abdomen. She quickly regained her footing, eyes narrowing as she focused on Chen Tao, who was already preparing to throw another punch. Just as he charged forward, the sign blared, its sharp sound cutting through the tension in the air.

Both fighters froze, caught off guard. The crowd's excitement shifted to murmurs of confusion, and Huanxin glanced around her heart racing. "What's happening?" she thought, her adrenaline still coursing.

Mr.Rong stepped forward his authoritative presence commanding attention " The time is up. I will keep my bargain; you are free to go."

Huanxin glanced around. All eyes had been on her. She walked out through the main door for the first time. Until now, she had only slipped through that tiny gap in the wall. As she stepped out, dark clouds gathered ominously overhead. She realized, with a pang of disappointment, that she wouldn't be able to continue learning the Xianxi sect's martial arts.

Wandering aimlessly, Huanxin felt the sting of the new injuries from the fight, and the older wounds throbbed painfully. The rain began to pour, snapping her out of her thoughts. She looked around, disoriented, and found herself standing in the middle of the main street, soaked and shivering.

As the rain intensified, she sought refuge under the awning of a closed shop. The streets echoed with closing shutters and hurried footsteps as vendors packed up for the day. Huanxin leaned against the wall, feeling the weight of exhaustion. Weakness washed over her, and before she could process what was happening, her vision blurred.

With a soft thud, she fainted, collapsing onto the cold, wet ground, the rain drenching her further. The world around her faded, leaving only the sound of raindrops falling and the distant murmur of the city as it slipped into the night.