Zhao Xing sat under the covered veranda, watching the rain thrash against the courtyard down below. He tapped his fingers against the wooden armrest of his chair, showing his annoyance.
He wanted to go down the mountain to pick up Zhao Li. It hadn’t been a month yet, but it felt that way. He’d promised her that after one month and she doesn’t want to, she will come live with him…but deep down, he wanted her close by.
Three hours passed whilst he sat watching the rain continue. His mind began wander to his own dilemma, his cracked Core Dantian.
Each moment he felt as though he’d gained better control over his Qi, he’d felt his Qi seep through the cracks of his damaged Core Dantian like sand through clenched fists.
The progress in his internal arts was there, but it was akin to climbing a mountain with his bare hands. Slow, arduous and dangerous. That thought made him press his lips into a thin line. His desire for improvement was insatiable, yet the reality of his situation remained out of reach.
Zhao Xing pushed himself up from his chair, and left his veranda. He floated down to the courtyard, feeling the rain drench his robes without effort.
As the rain run down his face, he turned left walking pass the practice dummies, swords and spears to his right. The training deck to his left clattered loudly as he passed, making his way into the hallways. He made a series of turns, finally making his to the main hall.
The sound of wood clattering against each other wafted into Zhao Xing’s ears, filling him with excitement. The synchronised strikes had a rhythm to them, one that sounded like a song, showing his students’ dedication to training.
For the first time in his life, he felt overwhelmed. He’d built something from nothing, created a place for children to train, learn but most of all protect themselves, but most importantly…the valley.
And it would’ve never happened without Zhao Li, if she had never entered his life. He would still be a wayward martial artist living on wine and fist alone. “I’ve done it Zhao Li, I’ve created a place that can protect you… The Purple Mist Sect!”
As he stood outside the grand hall, he nodded seeing the pillars outside coloured purples and adorned with intricately carved dragons. The hall’s doors were two imposing double doors, crafted from the finest ironwood, embellished with jade handles shaped like mystical creatures.
He pushed open the door, and a burst of warmth and light greeted him. The hall was alive with the chatter and movement of his students. They were scattered across the wide floor, sparring, meditating, and studying scrolls. The thick wooden beams overhead, the silk banners bearing the sect's emblem, and the glow of lantern light cast a warm, inviting glow over the scene.
A wave of pride washed over Zhao Xing as he entered, watching them spar so fiercely. It reminded him of his first time competing at the Martial Arts Alliance Competition all those years ago. They’re not ready yet, He mused, but they could be.
The students in the midst of sparring, paused when they saw him enter. They all turned towards him, their faces a mix of surprise and respect. He waved a dismissive hand, interrupting their incoming greetings, “Continue, do not let me distract you from training!” He said gruffly, voice echoing through the hall.
“Yes, Master Zhao!” They all said in unison.
Zhao Xing gave them a nod and moved to the edge of the hall, taking a seat whilst he observed them.
A few of the younger students had potential. Their movements were raw and unrefined. He watched as one student lunged at his opponent, leaving his flank exposed. “Careful, when you expose your right side like that. A blow to the liver will leave you unconscious or worst dead! Try using your toes more. Until you’ve ascended to the Soul Awakening Realm, you won’t have the power needed to counterattack. But if you use your toes, you might be able to pivot slightly, alleviating the full impact, Understood?”
As the two students nodded back to Zhao Xing, they began sparring. They used a kicks and punches, trying to outdo each other. After a few rounds, they ended up where Zhao Xing instructed them.
The shorter of the two spun, drawing the other one in. He mid-spin, stepped in and struck him in the liver. The taller one saw the punch and adjusted his toes, but not fast enough. “Move like the wind, not a boulder! Be fluid, and anticipate your opponent's moves! You’re forcing yourself.”
His instructions fell on the deaf. The shorter one hit the taller, knocking the wind out of him, making Zhao Xing his head. “Come,” he said gruffly waving them over.
As the fellas knelt in front of him, his sharp eyes wash over them. Zhao Xing then went into detail explaining the nuances of the Guided Fist and why their stances, footwork, and timing were right, in essence, but not in passion.
Zhao Xing then offered suggestions to them, hoping it’d encourage them to not just reach their limits but to go beyond them. He saw the potential in them, and all they needed was a little encouragement. Hopefully this would force them to discipline, resilient and more importantly have a willingness to learn.
An ominous aura filled the room, halting all the sparring sessions. The students’ eyes widened in fear and confusion. Zhao Xing turned, taking notice of the ominous aura. He swirled the Qi within his Core and Soul Dantian, readying himself for battle.
The flame from the tortures grew cold from the killing aura. Zhao Xing narrowed his eyes, flooding his Qi through the meridians of his legs and arms, but instead of attacking his heart skipped a beat as he realised who it was.
Ban Susu, his younger Martial Sister stood at the entrance of the grand hall soaked from the rain and radiating a killing aura.
A smile began to resonate on his lips, but when his eyes trailed down to who she was holding in her hands. The smile dissipated faster than mist in the morning.
What’s going on? He asked himself, isn’t Li’er supposed to be down the mountain…why is she unconscious?
The sight of Zhao Li limp and pale within Susu’s hands brought his world to a halt. As his mind reeled from it, his thoughts began to whirl into confusion, worry, and guilt.
This was not the reunion he had imagined.
Ban Susu stood at the entrance of the Main Hall, her gaze locked onto Zhao Xing. Her killing aura swept across the hall like miasma pressing against the torches, quelling what little flames kept the room lit.
The hall felt as though it was being smothered by a cruel, chilling aura, but worst of all was how silent Ban Susu was as she stared at Zhao Xing. It was deafening, a wordless condemnation that echoed through the chamber. “You…There,” Susu said calmly, pointing at a young male disciple to her left. “Take my daughter to Master Ying.”
The boy froze in place, caught off guard by the unexpected command. Susu flared her Qi, aiming at him, forcing him to his knees, scared. “Master,” He yelped twisting his head to Zhao Xing.
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“Do as she says...” Zhao Xing said calmly, trying his best not to sigh. Susu released her Qi and the young man scrambled to his feet, running over to her. He took Zhao Li from her, turning to Zhao Xing, who nodded for him to complete the task. Humph…he really is running a Sect! Susu thought bitterly.
Zhao Xing undid his sash as he approached Susu. He slid his hanfu off his shoulders and flashed a bright smile, hoping to quell the tension.
The hair at the back of his neck stood on end, forcing him to stop. Did she just flare her Qi at me? Zhao Xing asked himself. As she continually bombarded him with her Qi, Zhao Xing hid his smile. He couldn’t help but feel elated knowing that she’d finally advanced to the Accentuation Realm. No…she’s stronger than that.
Zhao Xing flooded the Qi within his mind Dantian into the meridians that led to his eyes. He stared at Susu, eyeing her Soul…Core and Mind Dantians reverberated with power and essence. Qi Perception Realm!
“Everyone,” Zhao Xing said firmly. “Master Ban and I have much to discuss, take your leave at once.”
The students’ eyes widened with surprise and reverence. They all turned to Susu and bowed reverently as if the heavens themselves had opened, making Susu feel uncomfortable.
She didn’t acknowledge them, but they didn’t move. Ten seconds pass and Zhao Xing didn’t intervene, making clench her jaw in annoyance. “You are all dismissed,” Susu said as calmly as she could.
“Thank you, Master Ban,” The students said in unison.
Damn you, Zhao Xing, Susu huffed, but she wouldn’t relent. Her face was as stern as Zhao Xing was used to, whenever she was angry.
As Zhao Xing stood there, hanfu in hand. He tosses at Susu, but she lets it fall in front of her, which annoys him.
The silence between them stretched for five minutes, their gazes locked in an unspoken duel. Then, it was finally broken by Zhao Xing, “What…”
Susu executed an instantaneous step, appearing to Zhao Xing’s left, her hand was rocked back. Then, she loosed a quick punch aimed at his liver. Zhao Xing blocked it, quarter-spun, then rattled off three quick kicks.
She dodged the first kick by tilting her upper body, then stepped into the second kick which barely missed her waist before she feinted left for the third kick, purposefully leaving her right side exposed.
Zhao Xing appeared to her right, Qi swirling around his hand and throwing a thunderous punch that sent Susu skidding across the ground, Scourge wrapped around her hands, taking a majority of the punch.
Susu unwrapped Scourge from her waist, then stared back at Zhao Xing, still sieving in anger. She noticed how Zhao Xing wanted to speak, but forced his lips shut. He had a way with words, but he also knew, that when she was angered…it was a waste of time.
Only Master Chaoxiang and Heng Guo could talk her down, Zhao Xing mused bitterly. “Susu…” He said softly.
She appeared in front of Zhao Xing, making him raise his guard once more, but that was only a feint. She performed another instantaneous step and cracked Scourge with such venom, the leather at the tip flacked.
Zhao Xing dodged the tip, sailing backwards. Susu stepped forward, rolling her left shoulder and snapped Scourge four times in quick succession. He slapped those away, his eyes watching each snap. Fine, He thought. I’ll fight…
As Zhao Xing landed on the ground, he charged toward Susu, weaving through Scourge like a tiger chasing down its prey, but that wasn’t enough for Ban Susu.
A glint flashed within her eye, then she pivoted to her left, giving them a whip-length of space. She opened her mouth and said words Zhao Xing had never heard before.
Tenth Step of the Scorpion Maiden: Tempest Tail Strike.
Susu snapped Scourge, trailing the whip right to her right. Zhao Xing performed an instantaneous step, dodging the whip but Susu snapped Scourge left in quick succession, forcing him back to the right. The whip coiled around Zhao Xing, mimicking a scorpion tail.
Zhao Xing eyes gapped from the sight and instinctively grabbed Scourge, then yanked it, forcing Susu off balance momentarily. His hand glided along the whip, feeling the friction arousing his hand into heat as he closed the distance between them. He flooded the Qi from his Core Dantian into his left hand, forming it into the Iron Shredding Claw. “Is that it?” Susu said softly, watching Zhao Xing prime himself for the attack. “After all these years, is this what you’ve amounted to? You’re far weaker than I remember Brother Xing…but that’s fine. This is what you deserve after not being there for Zhao Li!”
Susu released Scourge and sieved through the wind like a leaf. She struck the acupoint in his left forearm, stalling his flowing Qi from his Core Dantian. Then she half-spun, hitting the acupoint in his thigh, incapacitating him for a half-second.
Zhao Xing struck the acupoint in his chest and right hand, freeing himself in an instant. Then, the air in the hall crackled as both of them unleashed their Qi like a tempest flowing throughout the grand hall.
The stone floor beneath their feet rumbled, as they danced taking battle taking the battle across the hall and up the walls, defying gravity with their Qinggong as they exchanged blow for blow.
As they twisted, spun, and leapt from wall to wall. They kept their movements to a minimum when needed, and countered with devastating combos when one gained the upper hand over the other. It was like watching a tiger fight a scorpion, and no one could tell who was going to win…not by a long shot.
Or that was what Zhao Xing thought, at least.
He began to analyse Susu’s strikes, the power and ferocity she wielded, they were lethal yet quenched, something that bothered him. He gave the fight everything he could, but with his cracked Core Dantian, he knew he couldn’t prolong the battle. Has she realised my Core Dantian is cracked? He mused, ducking under two kicks while spinning on the wall. No, she’s holding back…she toying with me, since when did the younger one become the senior!?
Zhao Xing surged more Qi into his meridians, giving him the energy and strength to keep up with Susu. He tried to feint left, but she stepped right, closing the gap, not leaving him enough room to kick or punch.
He spun, then stepped in aiming for an upper-slash. She danced back releasing a flurry of kicks in defence, each one faster and more powerful than the last. Damn it!…she’s not giving me room! Zhao Xing growled to himself.
A sharp fiery pain blossomed within the meridians in his left hand, warning him that he flooded too much Qi within his body, but he didn’t care. He was the eldest of the martial siblings, and couldn’t allow the youngest to make him look bad.
Then, the thought of Zhao Li rippled into his mind. He felt so ashamed. Susu appeared with anger in her eyes because she found Zhao Li in danger…and I didn’t once acknowledge her. Because I know she was fine…I’m so foolish, He thought sourly, I’m worried about my pride MORE THAN MY DAUGHTER! How did this happen?
He swirled the Qi from his Soul Dantian, trying to force it into his Core Dantian, but even his Soul Dantian was running on fumes. Qi seeped through the cracks of his Core Dantian, keeping his strength, as minute as ever, but he didn’t care.
Zhao Xing surged more Qi effectively exhausting his Core Dantian. He appeared behind Susu, rocking his hand back, feeling his meridians roil with fire. He released a punch at the back of her neck.
Scourge wrapped around his arm, but he wouldn’t allow that to stop him, despite his Core Dantian being exhausted. He pushed on, tapping into his Soul Dantian for additional Qi.
Zhao Xing grabbed Scourge, twisted his waist and tried to toss Susu over. The strain of the move forced him to spit a mouthful of blood from overexertion, but worst of all…the meridians within his left hand were set aflame from overuse.
Susu released Scourge, kicked herself back and floated like a butterfly. Xing swirled the Qi within his Mind Dantian, enhancing his eyes with Qi and watched Susu flood Qi from her Core Dantian into her feet. She kicked off the air, charging back at him with anger painted across her face. He wiped the blood from his mouth, vision blurring and slung his right hand back.
Bo Ying appeared between the two, fingers raised intercepting their attacks. As their eyes widened from surprised, he tapped the acupoints in their wrist and danced around them striking the acupoints in their thighs, shoulders and waist.
Bo Ying turned to Susu, giving her a disapproving gaze “You always were the one to pull us apart,” He said firmly. “How could you attack Brother Xing in his pathetically weak state? Hmmm…Even Master Chaoxiang would be disappointed.”
Zhao Xing heaved, slamming his hand on the floor, flustered, but mostly shamed. ” I’m not weak!” He protested, “...just injured.”
Bo Ying’s gaze softened slightly at his words, but it was clear he knew better, in essence. He then turned to Susu, eyeing her up and down, but he knew Susu when she was angry. It would take a while to calm her down. He held his hand up coughing, “It’s been a while Su’er.”
“Likewise, Brother Ying, is Zhao Li fine?”
“Yes, she’s fine, I managed to force the remaining water from her lungs. What —“ He tried to ask.
“Where is she?” Susu asked abruptly.
Bo Ying, jaw protruded as he felt as though what he was asking mattered, but clearly not to Susu. “She’s in my infirmary, at the entrance make a right and follow the pathway till you see an orange pavilion, beside that pavilion is my infirmary.”
Susu stormed toward the entrance, her mind occupied with the wellbeing of Zhao Li, leaving Bo Ying to treat Zhao Xing. She turned once she reached the iron wooden doors and looked at Bo Ying as he knelt hitting various acupoints on Zhao Xing’s chest. “Thank you for taking care of her Brother Ying,” She said, eyeing Zhao Xing, venom in her eyes.
Making it clear that she wasn’t finished with Zhao Xing.