After a sound sleep Wu Lin had opened his green eyes and readied himself. His younger brothers were still sleeping but they should be up any minute now. The orphanage had four bedrooms, two of them for females and two for boys’ use. They were further separated into groups of younger and older children. Wu Lin belongs to the latter category, sharing the room with eight other brothers. Although they weren’t his real siblings, Wu Lin still treats them like family.

Although his brothers did not resent him for his lack of ability he still couldn’t help but feel sorrow every time he had seen the looks they gave him. Today however, considering his last night success, his mood was better. Wu Lin quietly left the room and rushed to the dining room.

Because the whole facility was rather small at the corner of the dining room a small, compact kitchen has been erected.

“Hello, brother.” As he was about to enter Wu Lin heard a melodious greeting.

“Have you slept well, Ju Mei?” The boy asked mildly as he turned around and smiled. Before his eyes stood a young girl about his age with a pair of bright blue eyes. Her face was not well defined yet but if given time she should certainly reach a level of genuine beauty. Given the circumstances she was of course slightly malnourished.

“Sure I did.” She replied cheerfully. “What about brother, are you resting properly?” Ju Mei asked, seeing a pair of dark circles under his eyes. Even since she was young, she had worried about her brother’s well-being, which became more excessive after he was labeled as the cultivation cripple.

Two of them walked to the dining room, which was already half full of younger children. Laughter of four and five years old was filling the air with joy. Some of the more resolute children were helping the two mature ladies with food preparation. As the pair walked in they received a modest breakfast. The meal itself would be delicious if it wasn’t for the fact that the portions were very small and the taste couldn’t be enjoyed thoroughly. Nevertheless, it was a meal prepared by loving hands.

“Are you going to the nursery now, brother?” Ju Mei asked innocently.

“Where else could I go?” He didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Ju Mei was surprisingly playful today, asking him such an obvious question.

“Maybe you could join us today? Everyone is missing you, brother.”

“Hahaha… Ju Mei, you know that even if I join you I won’t be able to participate in training. Just let it go, I don’t want to be a bother.” Wu Lin replied dully.

“But brother’s fighting methods are the greatest! I still remember when brother beat up those rich kids when they bullied us at the riverbank. I’m sure that brother will surely…”

“That’s the thing of the past. Every single one of those punks is now way stronger than me, Mei. And correct me if I’m wrong but wasn’t I also badly hurt at the end of that beat down?” Wu Lin asked bitterly.

Ju Mei looked away pouting. She was unhappy because her attempt to cheer her brother up actually misfired. Knowing that in a little less than a year they were to compete in Martial Contest she couldn’t help but worry. Of course the main source of that worry was her brother, because she was actually among one of the more talented children in the orphanage.

She was about to answer but she had been interrupted before she could even open her mouth.

“Thank you.” The girl looked at him surprised. On the thin face of the skinny boy a warm smile could actually be seen. Even though he was a child he still understood that behind that clumsy effort was the actual concern. How couldn’t he be touched?

Ju Mei cheeks flushed with fiery red. She stared blankly at her brother.

“Then, I’ll be off. Good luck with training, sister.” Indifferent to her reaction Wu Lin took his plates and left before she could react.

Every boy has a dream. Wu Lin’s dream was practically the same as every other boy’s his age. Doesn’t every true man, regardless of age, yearn to be a powerful practitioner? Fame and wealth would await the bold and mighty. Wu Lin also wasn’t an exception. Alas, his dreams shattered the very same day he was supposed to start to live it. The first time he practiced the most common, basic breathing technique had almost cost him his very life. Even now the pain he felt then still lingered vividly in his memory.

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Four years ago.

It was the sunny day and about dozen of five year old children gathered in a garden. They were excited but they still stood in straight rows. In just a moment they will learn their first breathing technique. Every child wore a joyous expression. From this tiny group, sound of constant chatter could be heard.

“Please, be quiet.” A female in her late twenties said, as she made her way to the group. Talks had immediately ended. Incoming lady had a voluptuous body and pretty but weary face. Xiu Ya was a motherly figure in the orphanage. At the moment she was also responsible for teaching children the art of breathing technique.

“The technique I am about to demonstrate is the very basic and most common among the breathing arts. However, do not take it lightly as it still enables you to strengthen your body and stirs your innate talent.” She looked over the children as she continued to explain. “Only now when your meridians are developed and had passed through the first growth period you can start your training.”

“If you’ll study it rigorously, you’ll be able to establish a good foundation, join the sect and secure your future. Now, sit.” Xiu Ya added and when she made sure that everybody was focused she sat cross-legged and started the explanation.

The common breathing technique was in fact the easiest one to comprehend. Of course, because of that the speed and quality of training was affected. Shortly after Wu Lin started to cultivate he felt that spiritual energy entered his body. Not even a second after that he let out a loud, piercing scream.

“What?” Even though Xiu Ya instantly kneeled beside the boy she could only watch dumbfounded. Never before had she seen something like that. After a while she had finally came back to her senses. Seeing Wu Lin is yelling so much that he’s beginning to choke on blood, his eyes turning red from the pain, she decided to knock him out.

With his body utterly devastated Wu Lin felt that he had left the realm of living. Wu Lin did not know how many times he had lost his consciousness after that.

Afterwards he had finally realized his position and understood everything. At first he was full of undirected anger. Then Wu Lin couldn’t help but to mock his weak self. As the initial anger left him he remembered that his family didn’t disdain him like he did himself. Only then did he understand that bonds they shared were something way stronger than heavens’ will.

He no longer wanted to become strong. At that time Wu Lin promised himself to get stronger for the sake of every hand that held him in time of need. He decided to repay his debt even if he had to oppose almighty heavens!

However, he also knew that he had to do this at his own pace.

Author note:

I’ve got one comment! And one follower! Hurray! Thank you very much (even if you’re one and the same person). Well, next time I’ll be out drinking I’ll toast you both. And so many views (even though I might have been responsible for about half while checking on the status)! I’m surprised - happy and grateful to every single reader.

Writing something is way more difficult than I initially thought. Now I regret the fact that I did not start writing way earlier. I would appreciate stories I’ve read far more than I did.

So, a little flashback and, well… let’s face it, it’s the flag. I feel like the dialogue was a little bit forced and awkward, don’t you agree? Apart from silly googled names. There’s a room for improvement, hahaha. This chapter is about two times the length of previous introduction piece. I hope that you enjoyed it. Thank you very much for your kind attention. Stay tuned for more. And of course, I’m looking for proofreaders. Till the next time!

Humble, D.