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Three days later
A child with rugged clothing halted up the mountain slope, his speed hindered by the scorching sun and the heavy weights strapped to his back. His condition seemed to be deadly but no sign of despair could be seen in his black round eyes. Instead a fire was burning in them, a fire of unwavering determination. His hair was as black as the night sky and no signs of exhaustion could be seen on his body, no sweat, nothing. The elder that walked closed behind him though was by the looks of it in the reverse position; sweat came pouring down his white hair as despair was slowly consuming him.
“Old man Hue, you have to keep going or the soldiers will dish out punishment”
The old man only grunted in response as he continued to struggle along the mountain slope.
“Did you see what they did to the old lady Su?”
“She is probably struggling between life and death now”
The child’s continued remarks seemed to hit empty ground as the old man was struggling upwards less and less. The young child frowned as a small ‘hmph’ left his petite lips.
“If you seek death you stupid old man your which will be granted”
Fury spread across the child’s as he left the old man in the dust and continued to climb up the mountain. Only the most accurate of eyes could catch the small amount of sadness that was happing out from his determined eyes.
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Extravagant white tents had been built at the mountains descent, on the symbols of fierce wolfs howling a cry of war laid. Inside the biggest tent of them all a youth sat in meditative position, below him was a detailed carpet illustrating an never wavering sun.
“Cultivation here really is super effective” A coy smile crept up on his face as he was feeling himself getting closer to the mighty Ki stage. Only a tiny step and he would finally be able to cultivate a high level Ki gathering technique. The Bai Family obviously had a number of “good” Ki gathering techniques in their Dao reserve but in the eyes of Jian none had really caught his eyes. He had therefore saved up a hefty sum of money in order to acquire a high level technique from one of Yunkai’s many great auctions.
Jian was only left to his imagination a second before an old man with a extravagant white robe entered his tent.
“Elder Lin”
“Greetings”
Jian said as he rose.
“Your cultivation seems to be progressing” Elder Lin said, smiling.
“Indeed, this place is like a treasure trove for Heavenly Ki” Jian thought that such a description was the only true one. During these three days he had actually progressed even faster than with the Bai clans Ki array, something rarely seen anywhere in the kingdom. Only the Arrays laid by the great sects of the empire could compare.
“Yes. Even I am surprised by the Ki this mountain produces.”
“I think I might walk up the mountain and try cultivating higher up, who knows it might be even denser up there” Jian said casually.
“Sound like a good idea to me” Elder Lin said nodding.
“So Elder Lin what brings you here?”
“Nothing. Was just checking on how your cultivation was progressing.”
“The extraction is in full string, we should be able to return with good results in a couple of days.”
Jian nodded. The extraction had indeed progressed smoothly, a free work force had actually been provided for them and the size of the spirit vein was even larger then estimated. They could return to the clan in days with good news and a stable operation in full swing.
“If nothing else I’ll walk up the mountain for a bit”
“No that was all” Elder Lin said with a smile as he left the tent.
Jian left the tent as well moments later followed by two retainers as he began his ascent up the mountain. As he walked up the mountain, villagers of every age could be seen struggling up the slope. As they caught glance of Jian both hatred and curiosity sparkled across their faces, never the less they never stopped working, fearing the looming punishment that would occur if they did. Ten minutes later in Jian’s accent he caught sight of a pleasing place to continue his cultivation. A waterfall in the background and a mesmerizing sight before him, in summary an artistically pleasing spot.
Minutes pasted as Jian continued to cultivate. Shockingly the result was actually better higher up the mountain, leaving him in a good mood.
“Bring that black haired kid over”
Jian casually said as he caught glance of the black haired kid that was teeming with hatred during his first encounter with the villagers. He had later that day got information that this youngsters name was Yun and was an orphan; his parents had died during a violent confrontation with the bandits that previously ruled the region.
As the retainers brought the child over he stared straight into Jain’s eyes once again. His hatred was apparent.
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“What do you want?” The child named Yun said.
“Courageous!” Jian said he was almost laughing. Yun had without a doubt caught a wimp of this young master’s social standing and knew that he was a person of high influence among his captors but had shockingly greeted him without even an ounce of respect.
Just as his Ki realm retainers was about to dish out punishment Jian lifted his hand signaling them to let it go.
“Nothing much just a casual chat. Sit down Yun” Jian said with a serene smile on his face.
Plain shock could be seen on the youngsters face as his name was mentioned but the expression only lasted for a mere second as the face of true hatred and distain came back.
“I rather stand!” Yun seemed firmed in his voice as he countered the offer.
Jian not offended in slightest just nodded his head. He was fully aware that the hatred this young talent possessed was well above what he could possibly understand. But his desire to bring this youth back to the city as one of his noble retainers was too tempting. His talent was just too shocking, he might even be able to enter a sect in the future or travel far and wide to the mighty empires of the continent bringing great fame and face to Bai clan.
“As you might have understood by me knowing your name, I have a slight interest in your martial talent.” Jian said as a serene smile kept looming on his face.
Yun didn’t answer as he continued to stare hatefully at the young master.
“I am going with the direct approach. Would you like to follow me to the capital?”
“As a retainer under my care your future will be secured. Wealth, women all in your grasp.”
Yun’s face was twitching in anger. This young master was actually so bold to ask him right out, even though he had put his entire village into slavery just a couple of days ago. Was he stupid or just plainly to arrogant.
“You’re either stupid or arrogant if you think I would serve you!” Yun knew clearly of the danger of speaking his mind in this situation but could not contain his distain at this moment.
The two retainers Jian had brought was once again twitching in anger.
“How brash to actually curse the young master on the Bai clans mountain!!” One of them said in content as he was about to give this young fool a well-deserved beating. Before he could act Jian once again put up his hand in response to halt the retainer’s actions.
“I understand. I captured your people and put them into slavery, your hatred would naturally have only continued to grow.”
“But in reality would you have become my retainer even if I liberated your people?”
Yun shacked his head in response.
“Once some slaves are freed, one can never make them bow again. Unless you completely break them.”
“Even death sound better in their eyes” Jian continued to smile as looked upon the black haired youth Yun.
A small amount of confusion building up inside Yun’s heart.
“I don’t understand. If you knew then why ask?” Was this man trying to con him or something? It was hard to tell since the news of him saying no did not even make the young man’s smile twitch.
“Some men are born weak. When I mentioned the wealth and safety the Bai clan would provide you did not even flinch. In that moment I knew what kind of man I was talking with.” Jian said as he continued to smile. Indeed some men were consumed with greed and would waver their determination once the reward became too tempting. He could forcefully make this youngster his retainer but who knows what outcome that would leave to. He might even one day decide to kill his master.
“As to why, well it was worth a shot”
“So I heard you like walking amongst the mountain caves at night?”
Yun was once again rather confused. Suddenly changing the subject turning friendly, was the young master trying to mellow him out? Slowly but steadily building a bond?
“You’re approach will not change my mind” The hatred was lessening to some degree. This young master was not nearly as Yun had thought. He was not arrogant neither haughty. For some reason he appeared humble, but he knew in his heart that he could never trust this person and he would never in his life willingly bow before someone.
“I am well aware. I am interested in the mountain; the Heavenly Ki around here is shocking.”
As those words left Jian’s mouth he caught a glance of fear and happiness in the young man’s eyes something a normal man would never catch but Jian had heightened senses so naturally he caught it.
Could there be something special about the mountain? Was the thought that came to mind.
“I just like exploring” A plain answer left the youngsters mouth.
“So that’s it. I might go take a look sometime.” Jian once again caught a whiff of fear in the young man’s expression.
“You may continue your work” Jian said as he signaled the retainers to move Yun back into labor. He might never be able to bring this young genius back to the city, but could he find some other fortune in the mountain caves?