"Without strength, justice is hollow. Without power, the law is impotent. In this cruel and unjust world, I was reborn with a silver spoon in my mouth."

"Heed my words, Sister Jingyi. If you wanted your values to be recognized and your voice to be listened to, you need to be strong." He smiled. "Strong enough to deny the whims of me and my family."

"Is it not the same as rebelling?" She asked politely. "What is rebellion but a disservice to one's trustworthiness and sense of loyalty? How could one shows deference to Heaven if we can't respect our Elders and Masters?"

"Elders and Masters who treated youths like pawns in their games, do they deserve loyalty? Hypocrites who would happily defy Heaven to serve their own greed!"

"A true loyalty worth more than one's life is an irreplaceable treasure. But not everyone is virtuous enough to possess one. Nor everyone is generous enough to earn one." He scoffed. "I used my wealth and influence to make you my fiancee. I am not a fair person. In fact, I am a huge scum."

"When that time comes, it is up to you to judge whether I deserve to be your brother or husband."

She didn't know if she liked the terms.

But so long as there is the Oath of Heaven to uphold, she could trust him with her life.

CHAPTER 01 - A WEIRD PROPOSAL

My name is Tang Jingyi. I don't remember my old name, not anymore. I do remember that in my past life, I was born in a different world. A strange place filled with technological wonders, filthy air, and dreading loneliness.

I remember sitting in front of a desk, working the most boring job in front of a glowing tablet. Half a day spent like that, every day, and only to go home tired and stressed out.

I wasn't even a grown woman yet. I think I was sixteen or seventeen.

I used to think it was the worst situation one could be in. But this world of wonders and martial arts might be a worse place for a young girl to live on.

"Jing-er, forgive your weak and useless father." Her aging father profusely apologized. "You should leave and join the [Blue Saint Peak]."

"[Blue Saint Peak] is a sword sect, the me who is clumsy and unrefined? They would, at best, make me an outer disciple." Jingyi shook her head. "Let's leave this town and go elsewhere."

"Jing-er, running is never a permanent solution. Do you have plans elsewhere?"

"The Northern Buddhist sects, at least one would openly accept female disciples," Jingyi said. "Even if I could not rise beyond an outer disciple, I wouldn't have to bear the shame of not having a sword seed."

"Indeed, though you're a young girl, you have a naturally strong physique." Her father grimaced. "Shame, considering you're such a beauty. It would be a shame if you end up a mine labor."

"Compared to the town flowers, I'm nothing short of homely. Besides, in this world, being born beautiful is nothing but misfortune." She coldly remarked. "I'd rather be ugly if I can get strong."

Though Jingyi was humbling herself, she wasn't objectively wrong. Jingyi could be described as a pretty village girl, not a match for earth-shattering uptown beauties that wandering bards would happily sing for.

"I suppose you have a point, considering our situation." Her father stood up from his chair. "Let's pack up and leave."

Raised in a sexist culture, Jingyi found her father surprisingly agreeable and flexible. Any other father would have to willingly give out their daughters for safety and prosperity, yet her father is different.

"Father, why did you never ask me to marry out to a clan?" Jingyi curiously asked.

"It was a long story." Her father smiled sadly. "I'd rather kill myself than see you forced to marry or serve someone. Your father is sixty-five now, still stuck on the seventh density of the Ki Condensation. The only future I wish to see is the one where you're happy before I die."

Right. With age, the man's ambition withered. Jingyi felt saddened, but such is fate.

Other elders would probably call him weak-minded and lacking principles, but Jingyi respect and revere him. If he asked Jingyi to jump, she would ask how high. Even though they're not blood-related, Jingyi was picked up as a discarded baby.

"In that case, I'd ruin my face. With a dagger or a poison, it doesn't matter." She cupped her hands and bowed. "I hope Father can forgive my unfilial self."

Her father looked at her with tears falling from his eyes but quickly wiped them.

"Let's go."

And so, the old father and young girl departed from their village. They thought living in such a countryside, minus the occasional Demon Beast attack would be peaceful.

But as of recently, that peace was disturbed. As the town grows to thrive and the economy expands, so do the clans' ambitions and greed.

They have been running from one frontier to another to avoid them. And now, Jingyi is at the prime age of fourteen years old. Puberty hits her, and she will mature quickly in a few years.

At that point, getting harassed by some lusty Young Master is not a matter of if but when. The less picky ones are the most dangerous.

...

The old father's fear was not unfounded. Soon as they enter the nearby town in the north, that imagined scene happens to some other girls.

Jingyi's father dressed modestly, like a small village trader coming to town. Jingyi, on the other hand, tried her best to erase every trace of femininity on her, unlike the town girls.

Town girls like them, due to personal pride, peer pressure, or family encouragement and dictate, always dress in the flashiest, most colorful way possible. The more visible their beauty is, the better.

"Young Master, please, I already have a fiancee!"

"Ah! That's easy to arrange. I'll come to your family later. As long as you come with me!"

Which makes them highly vulnerable to predators. Human-shaped predators. The boy, Young Master, wasn't that much older than Jingyi. Maybe fifteen? Yet, he already exhibits such an unpleasant, domineering drive.

Jingyi could not blame them, however. The rules of survival and the search for prosperity are different. What worked in the villages would not work in the towns. It's just that Jingyi doesn't want to get involved in things like that.

As if cursed by the Heavens, a muscular man slammed into her unapologetically, throwing her body to the ground. The man stopped and barked. "Do you not have eyes, brat? Dare to bump into me!"

Jingyi's father tried his best to suppress his anger and killing intent. The muscular man was clearly at fault since he strode on the wrong side of the road. Yet bullied his daughter just because of his inflated ego.

Still, Jingyi didn't let it into her as she kowtowed once. "My apologies. I'll pay more attention to the road next time."

"Maybe if you didn't wear your grandpa's hat! Clearly too big for your tiny brain!" The muscular man spat.

Hateful!

The pained face on the old father would make anyone pity him. However, he could not retaliate, for it would attract unnecessary attention. He also kowtowed. "Please forgive this child. As a father, I am truly lacking."

This is the dark side of the Pugilistic world. There is no room for kindness in deep black hearts. The weak could only grovel for mercy.

"Father? I wonder how young your wife is?" The muscular man ripped the star hat from Jingyi's head and widened his eyes. "Young Master! Look what I caught here!"

The Young Master perked up and approached the muscular man, most likely a family henchman. "What is it, Gu Cheng?"

"What a cutie we got here." Gu Cheng grinned as he forcibly grabbed Jingyi to make her stand up.

Jingyi was covering more than half her face with bloodied bandages. Only her eyes, nose, and mouth were left uncovered.

"You have a garbage taste." The Young Master pointed.

"Ey, Young Master Yue. You haven't learned about girls as much as I had." Gu Cheng bragged. "Bandages aside, the shape of her face isn't that bad!"

"Oh? Do tell."

At that time, Jingyi's father stood up. He knew it was unavoidable, so instead of gathering his Chi, he pooled a small amount of Jing. Not only wasn't he a body cultivator, but his aging self made his reserve very limited.

However, because of that, it was hard to detect.

One attack, one kill. Once it is done, there's no turning back.

"How about we stop here, Pang Yue." Another boy's voice called out. "You keep molesting and harassing random women you find nearby. Who are you going to fuck next? Your grandma?"

"WHAT?!" The Young Master Pang Yue responded with bloodshot eyes and calmed down when he realized who it was. "Che, it's just philandering scum Xing Mo."

It was another boy roughly the same age. In contrast to most people's, including Pang Yue's, pale complexion and brown or black hair, the boy had light tan skin and lustrous blonde.

"I may be a scum, but I'm not a molester or a plunderer." Xing Mo responded. "It takes two to dance under the sheet. You don't know the real pleasure of a willing woman."

Jingyi twitched.

"Father, were you this lusty when you were young?" She whispered. Does every fifteen-year-old think with their dicks?

"I have my share of urges, but I'm afraid not this much." Her father sighed. "Must be the pills they drank."

Or excess energy combined with money and boredom.

"Shut up. Does the Xings want to get in the way of Pangs?" Pang Yue pointed. "You know it's not worth it."

"No. This is personal, and make it so." Xing Mo frowned. "Let's make it a duel of honor. None of our family members shall interfere."

"Oh? What are the stakes?"

"If I win, you'll stop harassing random girls you see in this town. If I lose, I'll stop visiting all brothels in this town." Xing Mo chuckled. "Fair trade, isn't it?"

Pang Yue and many other males winced in disgust. "Che, you're just a crazy horndog. I'm not dealing with you!"

"And Young Master Pang Yue isn't?" Xing Mo Retorted. "Not only a horndog but also a coward!"

Jingyi and her father were surprised at how deeply personal Xing Mo took it. Do these two have a history? Now that Xing Mo openly insulted him, Pan Yue could only answer yes. Otherwise, he would lose face.

"Xing Mo! You shut the fuck up!"

"Coward Yue."

"Right! Fight me in the town square tomorrow morning!" Pang Yue seethed. "Don't dare to run away!"

"No talisman above first grade allowed!" Xing Mo shouted. "Losers eat dirt!"

"Eits. Who told you to leave yet, Young Miss?" Gu Cheng grabbed Jingyi. "There's going to be an interesting show."

"I suggest you let go of that hand." Someone warned.

It was a boy who looked even younger than Jingyi, maybe around thirteen. He had a somewhat girly face, even for his age, due to his rounded cheeks and big green eyes.

"That clothes." Jingyi's father remarked. "[Blue Saint Peak]'s disciple?!"

"Uncle Tang Gudao had sharp eyes for sure." The boy smirked. "Now, Mr. Gu, please let her go."

"[Blue Saint Peak], my ass! You dare-"

Gu Cheng was stopped when four blades flew and nicked the skin of his cheek, neck, shoulder, and wrist.

So young and already comprehended sword formation! This can't be anyone but the most talented Disciple!

"My cultivation is very, very low." The boy smiled darkly. "But one stroke of my sword formation is all I need to kill. Do we have an understanding?"

Gu Cheng's eyes widened in shock and fear. Indeed, the boy didn't look strong or feel strong. But a sword formation is not something an average thirteen years old can master.

Let alone with such precision.

Gu Cheng pulled his hand and slowly stepped away. This brat is not to be messed with.

"You found them, Xuan Di." Xing Mo's eyes widened. "What are the chances? Heaven bless you!"

"Xuan Di?" Jingyi muttered.

"This is not a gift, merely a rightful return." Xuan Di gave a scroll to Jingyi's father, who he called Tang Gudao. "You owe me nothing. But if my goodwill is accepted, please find me in the town square during the duel."

Tang Gudao sharpened his eyes and then cupped his hand as he bowed deeply. Jingyi did the same thing.

The old father and young daughter hurriedly left the commotion. Rightly as the crowd dispersed.

"What was that?" Jingyi asked.

"I don't know." Tang Gudao responded. "Yet I feel a sense of warmth and longing. As if it was something I held before."

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

"Let's check it after we find a place."

...

Lodges are far cheaper than inns, as lodging only provides accommodation and nothing else.

However, to rent a big lodge for the same price as a smaller inn room.

Of course, generally speaking, lodges in a city like this tend to be the lowest bidder, of the bottom quality, due to poor maintenance. But for Gudao and Jingyi, a breathing room is better than comfort.

Tang Gudao unrolled the scroll only to lose breath when a book popped out of the storage scroll.

"This is... this is [Rebellion Blade] sword manual!"

Even Jingyi lost her composure for a second.

"The complete sword manual?"

"Yes." Gudao pulled his blade out of his storage, a wodao, a type of dao (blade) with a straight handle and a long, slightly curved blade. "This is the complete manual of [Rebellion Blade]!"

With a vigor rarely unseen in a sixty-five-old mortal man, Gudao began to practice the steps and movement of the sword. His legs were firm, and his eyes were full of resolve.

Jingyi wasn't well-versed in swords, but even she noticed how her father's swordsmanship improved in real-time. His movement became sharper, and his face became more and more serene.

And then her father stopped and sat down cross-legged. An explosion of energy filled the room with oppressive force, which made Jingyi kneel.

A breakthrough!

As if time rewound, her father's physique changed. His hair, almost gray and white, turned black with few streaks of gray. His skin loosened from aging, now tightened and smoother.

It was as if he did lose two decades of his age. He became someone visibly late thirties or early forties. Without a doubt, Jingyi was aware of what happened.

Her father had entered the Foundation Establishment stage of cultivation. Because he finally was able to comprehend and refine the half-baked [Rebellion Blade] sword arts he studied for three decades.

"Congratulations to Father Tang Gudao for entering the true warrior realm." Jingyi kowtowed. "Thank Heavens for granting my father this opportunity."

"Thank Heavens for granting me this opportunity!" Tang Gudao also kneeled and kowtowed. A copious amount of tears flowed down.

"Jingyi, we-"

Gudao became quiet. "Nevermind."

Jingyi wondered why her father had such a weird expression as if he was torn from the inside. She recalled what happened a few hours ago.

"This is not a gift, merely a rightful return." Xuan Di gave a scroll to Jingyi's father, who he called Tang Gudao. "You owe me nothing. But if my goodwill is accepted, please find me in the town square during the duel."

"He said you don't owe him," Jingyi told Gudao. "If it was a token of goodwill, it meant he had something he wanted from us and would offer an exchange. Possibly something even better than this scripture. Or trap us into inescapable debt."

"I know that." Tang Gudao said. "My heart is tempted, but my mind told me to go away."

"Father can decide by yourself. We have time until tomorrow." Jingyi said.

"Right." Tang Gudao said. "Let me ponder it as I wait for my body to rebuild itself."

Her father is old. He had seen the ups and downs of the Pugilistic world as a weak person, yet survived long enough to see old age. He had both patience and wisdom.

Jingyi might be cleverer and wiser than the average kid, but she wouldn't pretend she knew better than him. With this in mind, she took a spark pill and closed her eyes.

Her cultivation was all messed up...

....

"There is a saying in the Pugilistic world, with crisis comes opportunities. Those who obtain success, they're the ones who seize the chance even in the middle of disasters." Gudao said. "At the very least, let us listen to what he wanted to say."

"Jing-er understand." Jingyi nodded.

Though risky, Jingyi could not blame him. Now that he reached Foundation Establishment, he was granted a second youth, the body of a fit forty-year-old, and a lifespan of around a century and a half.

Not to mention the complete form of [Rebellion Blade]. It was like he was reborn anew. Even the Elders of smaller clans wouldn't be willing to mess with Gudao. With him like this, is there a point in running anymore?

Jingyi hoped that Gudao wouldn't start becoming greedy.

With roasted chicken skewers in her hand, Jingyi unenthusiastically walked toward the town square.

"Young Masters of the Pang and Xing family will be fighting!"

"Hear! Hear! Who do you bet gonna win?"

"Master Xing Mo might be a lech who frequents brothels daily. However, he never oppresses anyone! Other than his libido, what's there lacking in his morals?"

"Right! Pang Yue molested the daughter of my neighbor. The scum! I hope he suffers today!"

"I don't know. I hear Xing Mo was the weakest of his immediate family's sons. Tsk. What a pity."

Both came from wealthy and influential clans, the Xing and Pang families, respectively. And more than that, their family is already not on good terms.

But these people missed some key details.

"Jingyi, do you remember their words?"

"Yes."

"Shut up. Does the Xings want to get in the way of Pangs?" Pang Yue pointed. "You know it's not worth it."

"No. This is personal, and make it so." Xing Mo frowned. "Let's make it a duel of honor. None of our family members shall interfere."

"Pang Yue is a coward who often hides behind his family power, while Xing Mo detached them as far as possible from a problem of his own making," Jingyi said. "Regardless of what he was like away from public eyes, Xing Mo is an upstanding Martial Artist."

"Human communication is full of lies and deceit, but exact words matter under the Heaven." Gudao nodded. "If Martial Artists don't believe in themselves, they will never grow strong."

Is that why Gudao became bolder and more outspoken? Not only he got younger. Perhaps, it was because he rekindled his faith in the way of swords.

Gone the old and feeble Tang Gudao. Jingyi found that unsettling.

Xuan Di walked to the center as a referee, his expression full of joy and confidence. If Jingyi was a little more interested in boys, she would consider him charming and cute. And while that appearance is popular with girls, other boys would mock him as a sissy.

"This is a sacred duel of honor between two Young Masters. No one shall interfere. Fight until one gets knocked out, surrendered, or kicked out of the town square. No talisman above first-grade talisman. Pills aren't allowed. Now, put your wager and swear by the Heavens."

"I, Xing Mo, swear that if I lose, I will not visit any brothel in this town."

"I, Pang Yue, swear that if I lose, I will not harass any girls in this town."

"Heaven shall smite the violators, and none of the families shall take offense, lest you accumulate bad karma." Xuan Di gallantly walked out of the makeshift arena. "Begin!"

Pang Yue wasted no time as he unleashed a sword light toward Xing Mo, who opened up an umbrella and weathered the attack. Jingyi noticed the speed difference and concluded that Xing Mo knew this in advance since he couldn't outspeed a sword light.

Realizing his attacks weren't potent enough, Pang Yue charged and attacked Xing Mo up close with his sword. Xing Mo folded the umbrella and began to deflect the attack while occasionally stabbing with the spear-like tip of the umbrella.

"That umbrella is also a shield and a short spear." Gudao rubbed his chin. "What a versatile tool. Even for a first-grade talisman, that can't be cheap."

"Your voice sounds like you're not convinced of its effectiveness," Jingyi remarked.

"When I was young, I was a sword purist, and still now. Of course, I would look down on a multitool." Gudao chuckled. "But I abandoned that ego decades ago. Everyone cultivates in their own way, and Mohists aren't that different."

"One of the rumored legends is [Everchanging Cinnabar], a toxic liquid metal said to fall from Heaven. The more you beat it, the harder, and if you let it rest, it will be soft as clay." Xuan Di pointed as he popped between the father and daughter. "As or how you use such an item, I don't know. But in theory, it can be shaped into any weapon."

"I've heard of such legend, yes." Gudao cupped his hand and bowed three times. "Tang Gudao, accept your goodwill, Young Master Xuan."

"Call me Di-er." Xuan Di said. "Let's talk about it later."

Jingyi looked at the boy and instinctively reached for his cheek, playing with them like dough. Not until three seconds later she realized her mistake and stopped.

"My apologies." She apologized. "I have offended you. How should I repent?"

"That happens. A lot." Xuan Di winced. Even the seemingly calm and collected Jingyi can't resist the babyface. "All the girls in the clan treat me like a doll."

The Xuan clan is a massive clan. The Xings, the Pangs, and the entire [Blue Saint Peak] can barely compare if they combine all of their men and resources.

But this is some backwater corner of the world. Many families were more influential than the Xuans, not to mention the top Martial sects.

The Xuan clan is the big fish of a tiny pond. But that doesn't matter. To the Tang father and daughter, they might as well be a demon sect with how scary they can be.

Tang Gudao knowingly plays with fire by approaching this young boy, but at the same time, if the Xuans are interested in him and his daughter, their chances of escaping are very slim anyway.

Xuan Di already knew Tang Gudao practiced the incomplete form of [Rebellion Blade]. There are things he knew that even the Tangs themselves did not.

"Anyway, the winner is clear." Tang Gudao said. "It was never a contest."

As they said this, Xing Mo slammed the head of Pang Yue to the ground, knocking him out. The hard stone floor under them actually cracked from the impact.

"The winner is Xing Mo!" Xuan Di jumped in and declared. "Congratulations, and no hard feelings."

The crowd exploded into cheers and congratulations. It was clear whose side had more admirers. Xing Mo cupped his hand and bowed three times to them, something unusual to do when you're a Young Master from an influential clan.

Xing Mo is really a humble guy in public. Action spoke louder than words, and Xing Mo could be an arrogant scum in private, but it doesn't matter. In this face culture, what you do in public defines your societal position.

"You... you...!" Pang Yue wiped the blood off the corner of his lips. "I have higher cultivation! You must be cheating!"

"..." Xuan Di approached Pang Yue and whispered something. Jingyi was able to read his lips.

"You should stop playing with swords. Only two kinds of people successfully cultivated the sword: the talented and the faithful, and you're neither." Xuan Di said. "I believe you have talent in something else."

"What do even a Xuan bastard know?" Pang Yue seethed. Unfortunately a predictable response. "Know your place."

"The line between confidence and arrogance is thin." Tang Gudao shook his head in disappointment. "But such is the nature of hotblooded youth, only learn through harsh defeat and experiences. Or die trying."

Well, luckily, I am not hotblooded. Jingyi thought to herself.

"Are you ready?" Xing Mo asked. "I'll get you a place to talk."

"Many thanks, Xing Mo." Xuan Di cupped his hand.

...

They were brought to the VIP room of the second most famous brothel in the town. Which weirded Jingyi and her father, but at least the food was good.

Most likely because it was legitimately more secure than an equivalent VIP restaurant room.

"No wine?" Xing Mo asked.

"No." The other three responded.

"Right." Xing Mo nodded. "Should I leave?"

"Honestly, I don't mind. But I will leave it to the Tangs." Xuan Di waved his hand.

"It would be good to have a trusted third-party witness," Jingyi said coldly.

"If he's close to me, he wouldn't be a third party, right?" Xuan Di pointed.

"Right. Doesn't matter. I am curious anyway, so let me invite myself in exchange for all the bills." Xing Mo grinned.

"I'll get straight to the point." Xuan Di took a deep breath. "I want Tang Jingyi to pretend to be my fiancee."

Jingyi was drinking and immediately spilled it from shock while Gudao choked on his food.

"What do you MEAN with pretend?" Xing Mo raised one eyebrow.

In a world where immortality might not exists, people still strive to stay alive.