《Against the Murim Tide》


 Chapter 1

    The first light of dawn crept through the thin, worn curtains of Lian Yi''s chamber, casting delicate patterns across the wooden floor. The soft glow illuminated the modest room, revealing its simple yet elegant furnishings¡ªa low writing desk cluttered with scrolls, a polished bronze mirror reflecting the early morning light, and a narrow bed draped with a faded but lovingly maintained silk canopy.


    A gentle knock interrupted the morning silence.


    "Miss Lian, it''s time to rise," came the soft, familiar voice of Mei, her personal maid and closest confidante within the Wind Flower Sect.


    Lian Yi stirred beneath the embroidered quilt, her dark lashes fluttering open to reveal eyes still hazy with sleep. She took a deep breath, savoring the crisp morning air tinged with the faint scent of dew-covered lotus blossoms that drifted in through the open window.


    "Come in, Mei," Lian Yi called softly, pushing herself up and brushing loose strands of ebony hair away from her face.


    Mei entered with practiced grace, balancing a tray laden with steaming tea and delicate pastries. Her own simple attire was neat and well-kept, though the fabric showed signs of wear¡ªmuch like many things within the sect these days. Despite this, her eyes sparkled with unwavering devotion and warmth.


    "Good morning, Miss Lian," Mei greeted, setting the tray down on a small table near the window. "I hope you slept well."


    "Well enough," Lian Yi replied, offering a small smile as she swung her legs over the side of the bed. "Is there a reason for such an early wake-up call?"


    Mei hesitated for a moment before replying, her hands smoothing over the wrinkles in her apron. "Master Lian has requested you dress in your finest attire today. He mentioned an important guest arriving before midday."


    Lian Yi''s brows furrowed slightly. It was unusual for her father to make such requests without prior notice. "Did he say who this guest is?"


    Shaking her head gently, Mei began to lay out a series of intricately folded garments from a nearby chest. "No, Miss. But he seemed quite anxious about the meeting. I thought it best not to press for details."


    Lian Yi rose from the bed and moved towards the garments now spread across her dressing screen. The centerpiece was a breathtaking silk dress she had not worn in over a year¡ªa garment reserved for only the most significant occasions.


    The dress was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, woven from the finest silks that shimmered subtly in shades of azure and silver, reminiscent of a clear sky meeting the first light of dawn. Delicate embroidery adorned the fabric, depicting intricate patterns of wind-blown flowers¡ªthe emblem of their sect¡ªintertwined with flowing motifs that suggested both grace and quiet strength. Tiny pearls and crystals were sewn into the design, catching the light and adding a subtle sparkle that enhanced the ethereal quality of the gown.


    As Mei assisted her into the dress, the cool silk glided over Lian Yi''s skin, the fabric hugging her slender frame before cascading elegantly to the floor. The skirts swirled around her like a gentle breeze stirring a field of wildflowers, each movement breathing life into the intricate designs.


    Mei stepped back to admire her work, her eyes shining with pride. "You look stunning, Miss Lian. Like the very embodiment of our sect''s spirit."


    Lian Yi turned to face the tarnished mirror, observing her reflection with a mixture of appreciation and apprehension. The dress transformed her, lending an air of maturity and poise that belied her fifteen years. Yet, beneath the surface, uncertainty gnawed at her. The sudden formality, her father''s uncharacteristic secrecy, it was all so weird.


    "Thank you, Mei," she replied softly, adjusting a stray lock of hair that had escaped the elaborate braid Mei had woven. "I only hope I can live up to whatever expectations father has for me today."


    Mei''s expression softened as she placed a reassuring hand on Lian Yi''s shoulder. "You always do, Miss. The Wind Flower Sect is proud to have you as our future."


    Lian Yi offered a grateful smile before taking a deep breath. "Well then, shall we?"


    Stepping out into the courtyard, Lian Yi was greeted by the familiar sights and sounds of the Wind Flower Sect coming to life. The compound, nestled amidst rolling hills and ancient willow trees, held a serene beauty that spoke of a proud history and enduring traditions. Graceful archways and delicately carved wooden structures dotted the landscape, connected by winding stone paths that had been trodden by generations of disciples.


    Yet, beneath the surface elegance, signs of neglect were evident. Roof tiles sat askew, moss crept over once-pristine stonework, and the paint on ornate columns had begun to fade and peel. The gardens, though still vibrant, bore the telltale signs of needing a more attentive hand the koi pond''s water was not as clear as it once was, with weeds threatening to overtake the carefully arranged flowerbeds.


    As Lian Yi walked along the main path, several servants paused in their duties to bow respectfully.


    "Good morning, Miss Lian," greeted Lao, an elderly gardener who had tended the sect''s grounds since before Lian Yi was born. He straightened from his work pruning a rose bush, his weathered face breaking into a warm smile.


    "Good morning, Lao," Lian Yi replied, pausing to admire his work. "The roses are blooming beautifully despite the dry season."


    Lao''s eyes twinkled with pride. "They thrive under care, much like our sect. A little attention goes a long way."


    Lian Yi nodded thoughtfully, sensing the deeper meaning behind his words. "Is there anything you need?"


    He waved a dismissive hand, though gratitude shone in his gaze. "Just knowing our future leader is attentive to such details is heartening enough."


    Continuing her walk, Lian Yi couldn''t shake the feeling of responsibility weighing heavier on her shoulders. The Wind Flower Sect had seen better days, even if they were before her time, but she was determined to restore it to its former glory. Her father''s leadership had been steady but cautious, and she hoped to bring renewed vitality and purpose when her time came to replace him.


    As she approached the central pavilion, Mei caught up to her, slightly out of breath.


    "Miss Lian, your father requests your presence in the main hall," she said, her cheeks flushed from haste.


    "Now?" Lian Yi asked, surprised. "I thought the guest wasn''t arriving until later."


    But just before Mei could respond, a commotion near the entrance gates drew their attention. The heavy wooden doors, adorned with intricate carvings of wind and flora, creaked open to reveal a lone figure silhouetted against the morning sun.


    The man strode into the courtyard with an air of unhurried confidence, his steps leisurely yet purposeful. He was of medium height, his frame solid and robust, though softened by a noticeable paunch that stretched the fabric of his simple, travel-worn tunic. Despite the casualness of his attire, there was an undeniable presence about him, a latent strength that belied his relaxed demeanor.


    His hair was a wild mop of raven black, strands falling haphazardly around a face that seemed perpetually amused. Sharp, discerning eyes scanned the surroundings with a lazy curiosity, taking in every detail without seeming to focus on anything in particular. At his side hung a sheathed sword, the scabbard unremarkable and worn, suggesting a weapon that saw more travel than combat.


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    As he drew closer, Lian Yi noticed the faint smell of rice wine that accompanied him, confirmed by the well-used gourd tied loosely to his belt. He took a swig from it openly, smacking his lips in satisfaction, before his gaze settled on her.


    "Well, aren''t you dressed to make the flowers jealous?" he drawled, a mischievous grin tugging at his lips. "If I''d known there was a banquet, I''d have worn my better shoes."


    Lian Yi blinked, momentarily taken aback by his audacity. Gathering herself quickly, she fixed him with a cool, measured gaze.


    "And who might you be to walk unannounced into our sect and make such bold comments?" she replied, her tone polite but edged.


    The man''s grin widened, seemingly unfazed by her poised retort. "Just a humble traveler seeking old friends and new wines," he said, taking another casual sip from his gourd. "Name''s Ahmad Fadl Xu. Perhaps you''ve heard of me, though I won''t hold it against you if you haven''t. And by your presence, I assume you are the little princess? Your mother must be gorgeous to offset that ugly mug of his,"


    Lian Yi blinked again, stunned yet again by the audacity of the comment. It took her a moment to realize that he must be referring to her father. When the meaning finally sank in, she felt a flush of irritation rise to her cheeks.


    Her glare could have cut through steel, but the man seemed entirely unaffected. His eyes, despite their lazy demeanor, had a sharpness to them that made her feel like he was evaluating her, sizing her up in a way she couldn''t quite understand.


    Though before she could respond, the doors to the main hall creaked open, and her father, Lian Wei, stepped out. His face, usually so calm and composed, was etched with worry lines that hadn''t been there a few weeks ago.


    "Ahmad!" Lian Wei called out, his voice a mix of forced warmth and underlying anxiousness. "You''ve arrived earlier than expected."


    Ahmad turned away from Lian Yi, his grin turning into an even more joyous one as he nodded to her father. "Has it? I can still clearly see your drunken face, so it hasn''t been that long."


    Lian Yi looked between the two men, confusion gnawing at her. She had never heard her father mention this man before, yet here he was, strolling in like he owned the place. And her father''s reaction, relief, yes, but also something more, was equally puzzling.


    Lian Wei approached, his eyes flicking briefly to his daughter before settling on the man. "I see you''ve already met my daughter."


    Ahmad shrugged. "We had a little chat. She''s got your personality, and that seems to be the only thing she inherited."


    Lian Wei managed a thin smile, trying his best to ignore the rude comment. "Come inside. We need to talk."


    He nodded and started to follow Lian Wei into the main hall.


    Lian Yi watched him go, a mix of emotions swirling in her chest. She had no idea who this man was or why her father seemed so concerned about his arrival. But something told her that it wasn''t anything good


    As the doors closed behind the two men, she found herself frozen in place, caught between curiosity and apprehension. She knew she should go back to her quarters, but instead, she lingered in the courtyard, her thoughts a chaotic mess.


    ¡ª


    The heavy wooden doors of the main hall creaked shut behind Ahmad and Lian Wei, leaving Lian Yi standing in the courtyard, her heart pounding with unease. The early morning light, which had seemed so tranquil, now felt heavy with foreboding. She stared at the closed doors, torn between obeying her father''s implicit command to remain outside and the gnawing curiosity that urged her to follow.


    Inside, the hall was dimly lit, the soft glow from the narrow windows casting elongated shadows across the room. The main hall of the Wind Flower Sect was a place of tradition, with walls adorned by tapestries depicting the history of their sect, from its founding to its most glorious victories. But like everything else in the sect, the hall showed signs of wear¡ªthe once vibrant colors were now faded, the wood polished by generations had lost its luster.


    Ahmad walked casually to the center of the room, his eyes scanning the space as if assessing its worth. He finally turned to Lian Wei, who had been watching him with a mixture of wariness and expectation.


    "You''ve let this place go to seed, Wei," Ahmad remarked, though his tone held no malice, just a blunt observation. "I remember when the Wind Flower Sect¡­ actually never mind, I was quite drunk back then."


    Lian Wei winced slightly but said nothing, choosing instead to take a seat at the low table in the center of the room. With a gesture, he invited Ahmad to do the same. The two men sat facing each other, a silence settling between them that spoke volumes.


    "There''s no easy way to say this," he began, his voice low. "I need your help."


    Ahmed leaned back, resting one arm over the back of his chair, his eyes thoughtful. "And here I thought you just wanted to have a drink. Guess you''re finally doing good on that promise I made you?"


    Lian Wei''s gaze fell to the table. "I am. It''s about my daughter, Yi. The Wind Flower Sect¡­ we''re in trouble. There''s pressure from the hidden blade sect, and they want to marry her off to strengthen their own position. I can''t let that happen. She''s too young to have her future decided like that."


    The man remained silent, listening intently.


    "I need her to be strong, strong enough to choose her own path," Lian Wei continued, his voice thick with emotion. "But I don''t have the time or resources to train her properly. That''s why I called you. I know you''re not just any martial master, Ahmad. I need your help to protect her."


    "Can''t I just kill them? No sect, no pressure." He proclaimed nonchalantly.


    "Absolutely not!" Lian Wei said, raising his voice. "They are a subsidiary sect of the Tang Clan. Even if you are strong enough to do that, it would only make things worse. She''s still 15, so I can hold them off for a while, in that time I want you to train her, so strong that they can''t simply ask me to give them my own daughter those bastards!"


    Ahmad sighed deeply, the amusement in his eyes giving way to something more serious. He set his gourd down on the table and leaned forward, his expression turning thoughtful.


    "Considering the time, there are three ways to train in martial arts without it taking forever," the man began, his voice deep and unhurried.


    Lian Wei stopped pacing and fixed his old friend with a glare. "I didn''t bring you here for riddles, Ahmed. I need a real solution."


    Ahmed shrugged, unperturbed. "You want to save your daughter from that marriage, don''t you? Then hear me out." He held up three fingers. "There''s the dangerous and expensive way, the expensive way, and the dangerous way."


    Lian Wei''s eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"


    "The dangerous way," Ahmed explained, lowering one finger, "is to send her out into the world with only the basics. Let her learn by fighting for her life. She''ll either die or become strong very quickly."


    Lian Wei recoiled, horror in his eyes. "Are you crazy? What father would wish that for his daughter?"


    The man smirked. "Thought you might say that. The second option is the expensive way, send her to a top sect. If she has talent, they''ll nurture her into a powerful martial artist, maybe even eliminating the expensive part. If not... well, there''s no helping that."


    "No," Lian Wei said, shaking his head firmly. "If I send her to another sect, she might be safe, but if it''s any clan other than the Tang it would be used as justification to destroy our clan. And if I send her to the Tang I might as well give her to the Hidden Blade Sect."


    Ahmed sighed and lowered another finger. "Then there''s the expensive and fast way: buy a mountain of medicinal herbs and train her in the three-way approach."


    Lian Wei raised an eyebrow. "The three-way approach? What''s that?"


    "It''s simple," Ahmed replied, leaning back in his chair. "You beat them up every day until they can fight back. You hit them, so their body grows stronger. They don''t want to get hit, so they learn to dodge, block, or redirect the blows. And when they get tired of the pain, they learn to hit back. After that, you bathe them in medicinal herbs to heal them up for the next day. Rinse and repeat."


    Lian Wei''s face twisted with disgust. "Absolutely not! Ignoring the ridiculous amount of money that would take, having my daughter beaten up every single day and telling myself it''s for the best is not something I can do! The other two also have too many problems. I sent for you to come teach her, and two of those solutions don''t even involve you!"


    Ahmed studied the sect master''s face before offering a final option. "There is one more way, but I''m not sure if you''ll like it.


    Lian Wei sighed, shoulders slumping. "I don''t have many options. Just say it."


    "I could take her with me, make her my disciple." he answered. "We''d travel the world, challenging other sects, and she''d learn through experience and under my guidance. She wouldn''t be here for years, but the favor isn''t enough, I''d need additional compensation"


    Lian Wei hesitated, the weight of the decision pressing down on him. His eyes were tired, filled with the worry of a man who had been pushed to his limits. "And you believe this will make her strong enough?"


    "Oh, don''t worry, she''ll be strong. Strong enough to make her own choices when¡­ if she returns. To grow you must face danger, she''ll be safer than if she went alone. But I''m not guaranteeing anything" Ahmed replied.


    The room fell into silence once more as Lian Wei considered the offer. Finally, with a heavy sigh, he nodded. "I guess I can claim she ran away after learning the truth. It would at the very least buy some time." He sighed, "Take her. Make her strong enough to forge her own destiny."


    Lian Wei watched him leave the hall with a sigh, he couldn''t shake the feeling that this was the right decision, even if it was the hardest one he had ever made. His daughter''s future was now in the hands of a man he hadn''t seen in years, a man whose true nature remained a mystery even to him.


    All hinging on a stupid favor promised to him while they were both drunk.

 Chapter 2

    Lian Yi stood frozen in the courtyard, her mind spinning with the revelations from the past hour. The lingering warmth of the morning sun did nothing to soothe the chill that had settled deep in her bones. Her father¡¯s words echoed in her ears, each one a shard of ice piercing through the haze of confusion and disbelief.


    The Hidden Blade Sect wanted to marry her off to solidify their power. Her father, the venerable master of the Wind Flower Sect, had agreed to let this strange man, with an even stranger name, Ahmad Fadl Xu train her. But could she even call it training?


    Ahmad was no wise master or revered warrior, he was a wandering drunk, with a perpetual smirk that showed no seriousness. How could her father trust this man with her future? And why had her father never mentioned this marriage before? The thought that her father had been silently bearing this burden instead of rightfully sharing it with her gnawed at her heart. Was her fate to be reduced to a mere pawn in a political game?


    She clenched her fists, her fingernails biting into her palms. The idea of being forced into marriage with some stranger was terrifying, but so was the thought of leaving her home, her family, and everything she knew to train under this¡­ this man.


    She looked at the main hall, the heavy doors now closed, shutting her out of the decisions being made about her own life.


    She felt the weight of the situation pressing down on her, and for the first time, truly understood the precariousness of her position.


    Her thoughts however, were interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. She turned to see Ahmad sauntering back towards her, his posture relaxed, as if he had just concluded a casual conversation rather than an arrangement that would decide her entire future.


    ¡°Well, little Missy,¡± Ahmad called out, his voice tinged with that same infuriatingly casual tone, ¡°looks like you¡¯re stuck with me for a while. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll try not to make it too miserable.¡± After finishing, he glanced at her, scanning her body with his infuriatingly relaxed eyes.


    Lian Yi¡¯s eyes narrowed, her irritation flaring. ¡°What exactly is your plan, ¡®Master¡¯ Ahmad? Or are you just going to take me along on your drunken escapades and call it training?¡± The mockery in her voice didn¡¯t escape him.


    Ahmad grinned, clearly amused by her defiance. ¡°Not even trying to hide that you were eavesdropping? Well, with skills like that it¡¯s not like you could, but I like your spirit.¡±


    He turned abruptly, calling out to a nearby servant. ¡°Oi! Bring out everything that could be used as a weapon. I don¡¯t care if it¡¯s a rusty rake or a broken broom. If it can be swung, stabbed, or thrown, I want it here.¡±


    The servant hesitated, blinking in confusion before casting a glance at Lian Yi, who remained silent, her expression a mix of disbelief and frustration. The servant took her silence as confirmation and scurried off to fulfill the bizarre request.


    Lian Yi watched the exchange, incredulous. This was her new master? The one who was supposed to make her strong enough to defy the Hidden Blade Sect, stronger than her father? Ahmad¡¯s nonchalance grated on her nerves. She had imagined many times that she would meet some wise master who would take her to explore the world, a childish fantasy of hers. But instead she got a drunken fat fool. ¡°You can¡¯t be serious.¡±


    Ahmad heard Lian Yi¡¯s muttered words and chuckled, the sound grating against her already frayed nerves. He leaned against a nearby pillar, his expression one of lazy amusement as he watched the servant scurry away.


    ¡°Serious? Missy, the only thing I¡¯m serious about is getting through this favor as quickly as possible, so I can get back to my¡­ more enjoyable pastimes,¡± Ahmad said, sarcasm dripping from his words. ¡°But until then, we¡¯re going to do this my way. So if you¡¯re expecting some grand lesson on the philosophy of martial arts, prepare to be disappointed.¡±


    Lian Yi¡¯s mouth tightened into a thin line. She had no idea who this man really was. The way he carried himself, the nonchalance with which he approached everything, made it hard to believe he was anything more than a drunkard her father happened to know from back before he became the sect master. No one in the sect had ever mentioned Ahmad Fadl Xu before today, and it was strange to think that someone so important could have escaped the notice of everyone she knew.


    But now, here she was, facing an uncertain future with a man who seemed more interested in mocking her than teaching her anything useful. She couldn¡¯t help but believe that her father had made a terrible mistake in trusting this man.


    As they waited for the servant¡¯s return, Ahmad pulled out a small, worn gourd from his tunic, taking a long swig. The faint smell of rice wine drifted through the air, and Lian Yi wrinkled her nose in distaste.


    ¡°Relax, kid,¡± Ahmad said, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. ¡°It¡¯s just a bit of training. Oh wait, don¡¯t tell me you never swung a sword before today? Then it might be too hard for ya.¡±


    Lian Yi crossed her arms, her gaze steely. ¡°I¡¯m not afraid of hard work, and i have trained my fair share¡± she said. ¡°But I need to know if you¡¯re actually going to teach me something valuable, or if this is just some game to you.¡±


    Ahmad paused, the grin fading slightly from his face. He studied her for a moment, his sharp eyes narrowing as if trying to gauge her resolve. The casual air he wore like a cloak slipped for just a second, revealing a flash of something deeper, something more serious.


    ¡°You want something valuable, eh?¡± he said quietly. ¡°Fine. Here¡¯s something valuable, the world doesn¡¯t care if you¡¯re ready. It doesn¡¯t care abut who you are, what you want, or where you¡¯re going. It¡¯s going to throw everything it has at you, and the only thing that matters is whether you¡¯re standing at the end of it. Training with a weapon onyl because someone else uses it is idiotic. You have to find the best one for you, or the entire journey is pointless. Which is why those guys are coming here.¡±


    Before Lian Yi could respond, the servant returned, followed by a small group of others, all struggling under the weight of an assortment of weapons and tools. Swords, spears, staffs, axes, hammers, and even a few farming implements were piled on the ground before them. The collection was chaotic, a mix of finely crafted weapons and everyday objects, some rusted, others in decent condition.


    Ahmad looked over to the pile, nudging a few items with the toe of his boot. The servants didn''t bother to organize them in any way. ¡°Here we go,¡± he said, almost to himself. ¡°Time to see what you¡¯re made of, Missy.¡±


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    Lian Yi watched him with a mix of skepticism and curiosity. She had trained with swords before, the standard weapon of the Wind Flower Sect, but the idea of trying all these different tools was new to her. Could this really be the way to determine her strengths?


    ¡°Or not,¡± he said suddenly, surprising her. ¡°You don''t intend to train in¡­ That. Or do you want to ruin your dress?


    Lian Yi looked at Ahmad, her brow furrowing in confusion as she processed his words. She glanced down at herself, suddenly aware of the rich, but slightly dirty, fabric beneath her fingertips. She had been so consumed by the tension and revelations of the day that she had not even noticed she was still in her formal attire. A flowing silk dress embroidered with intricate patterns of lotus flowers, its sleeves long and delicate, and the hem trailing slightly on the ground. It was the kind of garment meant for ceremonies and important meetings, not for rigorous training or handling weapons.


    The realization hit her all at once. Her cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and irritation at herself for not noticing sooner, and at Ahmad for pointing it out so casually. Without a word, she turned on her heel and hurried back towards the inner quarters of the estate, the edges of her dress whispering against the stone path as she went.


    Inside, Lian Yi made her way to her chambers. The weight of everything she had learned that day pressed heavily on her, but she forced herself to focus on the immediate task.


    She needed to change, physically and mentally, if she was going to take this training seriously. She was still hesitant but until she got a chance to discuss it with her father she decided to go along with the mans commands, at least for now.


    Once in her room, she stripped off the formal dress, carefully folding it and placing it aside. She then reached for her training attire, garments she had worn countless times before. The outfit was simple but functional, a light, sleeveless tunic made from a durable, breathable fabric in a deep shade of green, paired with fitted trousers that allowed for easy movement.


    She tied a leather belt around her waist, securing the tunic and giving herself a sense of readiness. Her boots were sturdy, well-worn from years of practice, their soles tough enough to withstand the rough terrain of the training grounds. Finally, Lian Yi pulled her hair back, securing it in a high, tight knot to keep it out of her face. She caught a glimpse of herself in the polished bronze mirror as she did, a stark contrast from the elegant figure she had been just moments ago.


    With a deep breath, she left her chambers and returned to the courtyard where Ahmad waited. As she approached, she noticed the way he appraised her, his gaze sharp and calculating, as if assessing her anew. Lian Yi stood before him, shoulders squared, the formalities of her previous attire replaced with the practicality of her training clothes.


    "Better," Ahmad said with a nod, a hint of approval in his voice. "Now, let¡¯s get to work, pick one,¡± he said, gesturing to the pile. ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter which. We¡¯re going to go through every single one of these until we find something that feels right for you.¡±


    Lian Yi hesitated, her eyes scanning the assortment of weapons. The thought of having to wield each one was daunting, but something about the challenge sparked a flame of determination within her.


    She reached out and picked up a sword, one that felt familiar in her grip. Ahmad watched her with a bored expression as she took a few experimental swings. Her movements were precise and fluid, honed by years of training in her sects techniques, but something about the sword movements felt¡­ off, at least to Ahmed they did.


    ¡°Not that one,¡± Ahmad said, shaking his head. ¡°Try something else.¡±


    Lian Yi set the sword down, feeling a surge of frustration, she had trained with a similar one for years, yet he dismissed her efforts as if it was her first time. She picked up a spear next, the weight of it more satisfying in her hands. She thrust it forward, feeling the resistance of the air as she moved. But again, Ahmad shook his head.


    ¡°Nope. Next¡±


    Gritting her teeth, she dropped the spear and grabbed a pair of twin daggers. She moved with speed, slashing and twirling the blades in a flurry of motion. For a moment, she thought she saw approval flicker in Ahmad¡¯s eyes, but it turned out he was simply yawning.


    ¡°Not quite.¡± he muttered after finishing the yawn,


    One by one, Lian Yi tried every weapon in the pile. Axes, bows, hammers, staffs, even the odd farming tools and throwing weapons. Each time, Ahmad would watch silently, his face unreadable, before dismissing her efforts with a shake of his head or a grunt of disapproval.


    Sweat began to bead on her forehead, and her muscles ached from the strain of wielding so many different weapons. She was exhausted.


    Lian Yi¡¯s hands trembled slightly as she reached for the last weapon in the pile, a guan dao, its long, curved blade gleaming dully in the afternoon light. The weapon was a combination of spear and sword, with a broad, sweeping blade attached to a sturdy pole. It was a weapon of power and grace, requiring both strength and precision to wield effectively.


    She hesitated for a moment, the weight of it unfamiliar but not entirely foreign. Lian Yi had trained extensively with swords, mastering their elegance and finesse. She also enjoyed the brief thrusts she had performed with the spear. But this weapon was something in between, a fusion of the two one could say.


    Ahmad watched her closely, his earlier amusement gone, replaced by a rare focus. ¡°Try it,¡± he said quietly, his voice devoid of its usual mocking tone. ¡°Let¡¯s see what you can do with that.¡± ¡®I hope she¡¯s good, there is another option¡­ but no, won¡¯t let her.


    Lian Yi tightened her grip on the guan dao and took a deep breath, centering herself. She began with a few basic moves, feeling out the balance of the weapon. It was heavier than a sword, but not as cumbersome as she had expected. The pole gave her reach, but not as much as a spear, while the blade allowed for powerful, sweeping strikes. As she moved, she began to understand the potential of the weapon.


    She started slow, her movements deliberate and controlled. With each swing, the guan dao felt increasingly like an extension of her body. The weapon¡¯s weight was demanding, but she began to find a rhythm, the frustration of earlier trials slowly melting away. The guan dao, while challenging, seemed to whisper possibilities in her ear.


    As her pace quickened, the weapon sliced through the air with increasing speed and precision. She spun it around her, combining the slashing strikes of a sword with the thrusting power of a spear. Her earlier doubts seemed to dissolve with each practiced movement, replaced by a growing sense of confidence. Yet, she still grappled with a lingering question. Was this truly the right path for her, or was it just another fleeting moment of hope?


    Ahmad¡¯s eyes narrowed with approval as he watched her. ¡°Good,¡± he murmured. ¡°You¡¯re starting to get it.¡± He had even put his gourd away.


    Lian Yi pushed herself harder, testing the limits of her skill. She could feel her earlier frustrations melting away, replaced by a growing sense of confidence.


    But it wasn¡¯t perfect. There were moments where her balance faltered, where the weapon¡¯s weight pulled her slightly off course. She wasn¡¯t yet fully attuned to its rhythm or weight, the weapon demanded of her. Yet, despite these imperfections, the guan dao felt right in a way the other weapons hadn¡¯t. It challenged her, pushed her to be better, to refine her technique and embrace the weapon¡¯s dual nature.


    Finally, she stopped, breathing heavily as she sat on the floor, the guan dao still gripped tightly in her hands. Her heart pounded, sweat dripped down her forehead, and she felt both the physical exhaustion and an unexpected surge of satisfaction. As she gazed at the guan dao, she allowed herself a brief moment of reflection. The weapon had tested her limits, but it also offered a glimpse of what she might achieve if she persevered. Her doubts, though not entirely gone, were overshadowed by a budding determination.


    She looked at Ahmad, who was observing her with his usual casual demeanor. Despite his earlier dismissiveness, she felt a flicker of resolve ignite within her. Perhaps, just perhaps, this was the challenge she needed to find her own strength and prove her worth.


    Ahmad stepped forward, his expression relaxed as always. ¡°Not bad, not bad at all.¡± He reached out and gently pushed the guan dao with his foot. ¡°Unless you got a better crafted one around here, then what you''re holding right now will accompany you for the foreseeable future.¡±


    Lian Yi nodded, her breath coming in steadying gasps. She glanced down at the guan dao, its weight now feeling like a promise rather than a burden. A newfound resolve took hold of her. Despite the doubts that had plagued her throughout the day, she was ready to embrace this challenge. The guan dao might not be the perfect fit, but it was a start, and she was determined to make the most of it.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t seen my fist techniques yet.¡± She said in between heavy breaths. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t i try?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Ahmed said harshly. ¡°Fist arts are ment only for a few, and you are not one of them.¡±


    Lian Yi took a deep breath, feeling the tension subside from her body despite Ahmad¡¯s harsh words. She glanced down at the guan dao, the weapon now feeling like an extension of herself. Determination flickered in her eyes as she met his gaze.


    ¡°Fine,¡± she replied firmly. ¡°The guan dao it is.¡±


    Ahmad shrugged. ¡°Good. Let¡¯s see how far you can push it.¡± He turned back to the pile of weapons, already losing interest. ¡°Someone clean this up.¡± He declared to nobody in particular. ¡°The day is still young. You will get familiar with your weapon for a week, after which we will leave.¡±


    As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the courtyard, Lian Yi felt a newfound resolve settle within her. This was just the beginning, and she was ready to prove herself, despite her¡­ unconventional teacher. Her worries drowned by the exhaustion and excitement aimed at her new weapoon.

 Chapter 3

    The courtyard of the Wind Flower Sect was still. Lian Yi could hear nothing but the quiet rustling of leaves in the wind and the faint whistle of her guan dao cutting through the air. Her swings were forceful, but they lacked finesse. Sweat beaded on her brow, and her arms ached from the relentless repetition. She had been practicing for hours, muscles burning with exertion, but the frustration in her chest burned hotter.


    The forms were familiar, ingrained in her through years of training, but the weapon itself still felt foreign. The guan dao was heavier than she was used to, its long blade demanding more precision and strength than her usual sword. Every time she thought she was getting the hang of it, her body would betray her with a faltering step or a wobble in her grip.


    Ahmad stood nearby, leaning lazily against a stone pillar, his arms crossed and his eyes distant, as though watching her was an afterthought. He might be called her master, but he did not seem particularly interested in being one. His disinterest was evident in the way he occasionally offered curt corrections imbeteeen the sips of rice wine he was taking, almost never elaborating on what he ment. It frustrated Lian Yi more than she wanted to admit.


    ¡°Relax your grip,¡± Ahmad said without looking at her. ¡°You¡¯re too tense.¡±


    Lian Yi gritted her teeth, her patience thinning. She adjusted her hold on the guan dao, but the annoyance lingered. He didn¡¯t teach her the way she was used to. Her previous masters at the Wind Flower Sect including her father, were precise, hands-on, and thorough. They had nurtured her talents with discipline and care, but Ahmad?


    Ahmad was¡­ none of those things. He watched, he criticized, but he didn¡¯t instruct, not in any way that felt meaningful to her. He was like an older brother forced to do homework with his younger sibling.


    Her legs wobbled as she pushed herself into another set of forms, the weight of the weapon dragging her down. She could feel her technique slipping, and her frustration flared. She wanted guidance, real instruction, something more than the occasional offhand remark.


    She stopped, catching her breath, and wiped the sweat from her brow with the back of her hand. Her body was trembling slightly from the effort, but her spirit was what felt truly drained.


    ¡°You barely teach me,¡± she said, the frustration slipping into her tone before she could stop it. ¡°You watch me struggle, and then you give vague advice. What''s the point of you even being here?¡±


    Ahmad glanced at her, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly in what might have been amusement. ¡°I¡¯m not a master. Never claimed to be one.¡±


    Lian Yi blinked, startled by the bluntness of his response. ¡°But you¡¯re strong, right? My father wouldn¡¯t have asked you to train me if you weren¡¯t. Surely you can do mkre than taht¡±


    He shrugged. ¡°Strong enough to stay alive. So far, at least.¡±


    That answer didn¡¯t sit well with her. ¡°So why are you here, then? If you¡¯re not my master, what am I supposed to learn from you?¡±


    Ahmad straightened, his gaze sharpening slightly as he looked at her. ¡°Your father didn¡¯t have many options. He picked me because I''m the strongest man he had ever seen, at least back then i was, and he knew I wouldn¡¯t sell you out to another sect.¡±


    She blinked, his words cutting deeper than she had expected. So that was it? She was with him because there was no one else? Because the Wind Flower Sect was too small, too insignificant to have its pick of masters? It stung, but deep down, she knew it was the truth. Their sect had always been fragile, surviving only by avoiding conflict with the larger, more powerful groups.


    Ahmad continued, ¡°You want fancy techniques? You won¡¯t get that from me. I teach you by letting you figure it out. You¡¯ve trained enough to know the basics. Now it¡¯s about learning to adapt, to make those techniques your own. Experience is worth more than a thousand practce swings.¡±


    Lian Yi shook her head, trying to wrap her mind around his approach. ¡°But how can I improve if you don¡¯t show me what to do? Won''t blindly swinging around possibly damage my foundation?¡±


    ¡°You think strength comes from copying what others did?¡± Ahmad scoffed. ¡°Martial arts aren¡¯t about memorizing forms and repeating them perfectly. They¡¯re tools. The best martial masters created their own paths because the ones they learned weren¡¯t good enough. You¡¯re wasting your energy on perfecting something that might not even work for you."


    After a short pause he continued. "The worst saying i have ever heard is ¡°A martial art isn¡¯t weak or strong, it all depends on who uses it.¡± That¡¯s something only an idiot would say, the best martial masters make the best martial arts which the next generation use and improve to create even stronger martial masters who will improve or create new martial arts. Sure, you can become the strongest with the same martial arts that bandits use. But you won¡¯t, at some point you WILL discard or change them to the point they might as well be their own thing.¡±


    His words unsettled her, but they also intrigued her. She had never thought about martial arts that way. In the Wind Flower Sect, they were taught that mastery came from perfecting the techniques passed down through generations. Ahmad¡¯s philosophy was¡­ chaotic. It was as if he didn¡¯t believe in the things she had been taught her whole life. Yet she couldn¡¯t deny what he was saying, much to her dismay.


    ¡°Then what am I supposed to do?¡± she asked, exhaustion creeping into her voice.


    ¡°Stop fighting the weapon,¡± Ahmad said, his voice calm but firm. ¡°You¡¯re treating it like an obstacle, something to be controlled. You have to remember that at the end of the day you''ve only been learning for half a day, what you need most isn''t advice but time.¡±


    Lian Yi stared at him, her mind spinning. She wanted to argue, to push back against his vague advice, but she was too tired to do so. She had been training for almost the entire day by now, half of it with the guan dao.


    Her body was heavy with fatigue, and her mind was clouded with doubt. She didn¡¯t understand him, didn¡¯t understand why her father had chosen someone so unorthodox to train her.


    With a sigh, she lowered the weapon and turned away. The day was slipping into evening, and she knew she couldn¡¯t continue much longer without collapsing.


    Her legs were trembling from the exertion, and her arms felt like they were made of lead.


    ¡°I¡¯m done for today,¡± she said quietly, not meeting Ahmad¡¯s gaze.


    He didn¡¯t respond, and she didn¡¯t expect him to. She had learned quickly that he wasn¡¯t one for encouraging words or praise. He simply watched as she walked away, his eyes as unbothered by the world around him as always.


    ---


    As the sun set, casting long shadows across the Wind Flower Sect¡¯s modest courtyard, Lian Yi made her way to her father¡¯s study. Her body ached from the day¡¯s training, and her mind was weighed down by her growing doubts. Ahmad¡¯s words echoed in her head, challenging everything she had believed about martial arts, about strength.


    Her father looked up as she entered, his expression softening when he saw her. He sat behind a small wooden desk, scrolls, and books spread out before him, as they usually were. Despite the quiet air of authority he always carried, the lines of weariness on his face were unmistakable.


    ¡°Lian Yi,¡± he greeted her, setting aside the scroll he had been reading. ¡°How was your training today?¡±


    She hesitated, unsure of how to answer. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ different. Ahmad doesn¡¯t teach me the way I¡¯m used to.¡±


    Her father¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°He barely teaches me at all,¡± she admitted, her frustration bubbling to the surface again. ¡°He just watches, makes a few comments here and there, but he doesn¡¯t actually show me what to do. It¡¯s like he expects me to figure everything out on my own.¡±


    Her father leaned back in his chair, his expression contemplative. ¡°Ahmad is not like the masters of our sect. Or any sect for that matter, but he is strong, and that is a fact.¡±


    ¡°But why him?¡± Lian Yi asked, the question that had been gnawing at her finally slipping out. ¡°Why not ask another master from a different sect? Someone more¡­ traditional?¡±


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    Her father sighed, the weight of his decision evident in his voice. ¡°My daughter, the truth is, our sect is small and weak. We¡¯ve survived because we¡¯ve stayed out of the way, because we haven¡¯t drawn attention to ourselves. The larger sects wouldn¡¯t have agreed to train you without expecting something in return, something we couldn¡¯t afford. And those i can trust are too weak to protect you.¡±


    Lian Yi frowned, her heart sinking. She had always known their sect wasn¡¯t as powerful as the others, but hearing it laid out so plainly was still painful.


    Her father continued, ¡°Ahmad was the only one I could trust. He has no ties to any sect, no ambition for power. He¡¯s strong in his own way, not because of any title or rank. Not only that, but he survived in ways few others have. Even if most wouldn¡¯t call what he¡¯s doing living.¡± The last sentence he whispered, the words missing Lian Yi¡¯s ears


    Lian Yi sat quietly, absorbing his words. ¡°But he doesn¡¯t even know our ranks. I told him I¡¯m at the late general stage, and he acted like it didn¡¯t matter.¡± She pouted slightly. Reaching the late general stage at 15 was no easy feat and she was proud of it.


    Her father smiled softly. ¡°To him, it probably doesn¡¯t. He¡­ is special, ranks don¡¯t realy apply to him, so he might not apply them to others. Or he doesn''t know what it means, he''s originally from the east, and they might call it something else. Honestly, you can never know with him.¡± He sighed.


    Lian Yi bit her lip, feeling conflicted. ¡°But can I really become stronger without following the traditional path?¡±


    Her father¡¯s gaze softened as he leaned forward. ¡°The Wind Flower Sect¡¯s teachings have kept us alive, but Ahmad is right. If you want to thrive, if you want to truly grow, you need to go beyond what¡¯s been taught. You need to find your own way, Lian Yi. Ahmad can help you with that.¡±


    She met her father¡¯s eyes, seeing the truth in his words. The path ahead wasn¡¯t going to be easy, but it was the only one that would lead her to the strength she needed. She stood, her resolve hardening.


    ¡°I understand,¡± she said quietly.


    Her father nodded, his expression filled with both pride and concern. ¡°Good. Trust yourself, Lian Yi. And trust Ahmad, even if his methods seem strange. And don''t mind the alcohol too much. Actually, that''s something I wanted to talk to you about before you left, but I''ll just do it now.¡±


    She looked at him with a questioning gaze.


    ¡°He¡­ Has problems, a lot of problems actually. And I doubt they got better in the years since we last met.¡± Her father said with a weird tone, something between sadness and concern. ¡°Just¡­ Keep him drunk, and don''t let any young masters near him.¡±


    Lian Yi stared at her father, taken aback by his strange advice. "Keep him drunk? What do you mean?" she asked, her voice filled with confusion and concern.


    Her father sighed, rubbing his temples as though weary of the explanation he had to give. "Ahmad¡­ he''s been through more than most people can handle. When I met him years ago, he was already on the edge, frankly speaking I took advantage of that, that''s the reason he''s here, I helped him and he is helping me in exchange. A man like him, well, let''s just say while listening to some of his stories I called him a liar more often than not, only for him to prove himself each and every time. As for young masters¡­ well, the last one who told him he was courting death has srill not been found to this very day.¡±


    Lian Yi frowned. "But how can I trust someone like that to teach me?¡±


    Her father looked at her with soft eyes, his expression heavy with understanding. "I know it sounds strange, but Ahmad is stronger than you realize, stronger than anyone realizes. When he¡¯s sober, he remembers things he¡¯d rather forget. It¡¯s better for both of you if he stays¡­ mellow. He can still teach you, he just needs a little help to stay calm."


    She bit her lip, the idea of relying on someone so broken unsettling her. But her father¡¯s trust in Ahmad was clear, even if the man wasn¡¯t the traditional master she had hoped for. "And what happens if he doesn¡¯t stay drunk? What if something happens?¡±


    Her father¡¯s eyes darkened. "If Ahmad is pushed too far, or his demons catch up to him¡­ he can be dangerous. That¡¯s why I¡¯m telling you to be careful, Lian Yi. Don''t let him near anyone who might provoke him. He won''t hurt you, of that i am sure, but I can''t say the same about those who pushed him.¡±


    Lian Yi nodded slowly, her mind swirling with doubts. She had seen a glimpse of Ahmad¡¯s disinterest, his aloofness, but now she understood it came from a deeper place of pain. It wasn¡¯t just that he didn¡¯t care, it was that he was trying not to.


    With nothing else to talk about, she bid her father goodnight and proceeded to leave.


    As Lian Yi left her father¡¯s study, her mind buzzed with their conversation. Ahmad''s unpredictable nature was now more apparent, however, it did not diminish the frustration of her training. She walked slowly down the dimly lit path toward the front door, her steps heavy with the weight of her father¡¯s advice.


    As she left the main building, the cool night air brushed against her skin, and the distant sounds of the Wind Flower Sect settling down for the night were faint in the background. Just as she neared the secluded area where her room was located, Ahmad appeared from the shadows, walking toward her with his usual lazy stride. His arms were crossed, and he didn¡¯t seem to care that he had appeared out of nowhere.


    ¡°Done chatting with your old man?¡± he asked, his voice low, as though what she had been talking about didn¡¯t matter in the slightest.


    Lian Yi tensed for a moment, but quickly relaxed. ¡°Yeah, we talked for a while. Mostly about you, actually.¡±


    Ahmad gave her a lazy glance, his expression completely indifferent. ¡°Good for you.¡±


    His lack of interest in what had just felt like a significant conversation between her and her father only deepened Lian Yi¡¯s sense of frustration. For someone who was supposed to be guiding her, Ahmad didn¡¯t seem to care about anything she did outside of the practice courtyard.


    They walked side by side in silence, Ahmad¡¯s attention shifting to the stars above, like her presence was little more than an afterthought. Eventually, he spoke again, his tone as casual as ever.


    ¡°So, what¡¯s with all these ranks you people keep talking about? General this, soldier that. Do they mean anything, or is it just something to brag about?¡±


    Lian Yi blinked at the sudden question, surprised that he was asking now. ¡°You don¡¯t know about cultivation stages?¡±


    He shrugged, unconcerned. ¡°In the east we call them realms and within them are stages, that¡¯s it. First realm third stage that kind of thing.¡±


    Lian Yi shook her head. ¡°Well, we also have stages, but instead of numbers we use names. Soldier Stage is the first, then, General, weapon master, Saint, and Unity realm. Each is further divided into early, mid and late. They¡¯re how we measure progress and strength.¡±


    Ahmad snorted softly. ¡°Ok. Where does that put you?¡±


    She nodded. ¡°I became a Late general half a year ago.¡±


    ¡°And what can you do?¡± Frustration in his voice as if she was the annoying one for not predicting how much he knew and what he wanted to ask.


    Lian Yi frowned, her frustration bubbling back up. ¡°I can move the ki around my body, and i can infuse it into a weapon. I¡¯m working on becoming a weapon mater, but i¡¯ve only been a late general for a year. How about you, what stage are you at?¡±


    Ahmad gave her a sidelong glance, a grin tugging at the corner of his lips before saying with a dismissive wave of his hand. ¡°None of those. I¡¯m a bit special, you see¡±


    Lian Yi sighed, rolling her eyes. Of course, he wouldn¡¯t give a straight answer, she wanted to strangle him right where he stood. Still, her father had insisted Ahmad had his own strengths, even if they didn¡¯t fit neatly into the ranks and titles the sects held dear. But, hadn¡¯t her father also called him special? But after looking at his distant face she decided against asking about it.


    As they continued walking, Ahmad¡¯s gaze wandered lazily over the buildings of the sect, as if he were scanning for something. After a few moments, he finally asked, ¡°So, where am I supposed to sleep?¡±


    Lian Yi raised an eyebrow. ¡°You¡¯re asking me? Didn¡¯t my father arrange something for you?¡±


    Ahmad shrugged, as if the idea didn¡¯t concern him in the slightest. ¡°Didn¡¯t ask. Don¡¯t really care. Just thought I¡¯d check before I found a spot under a tree.¡±


    She bit back a smile, amused by how little Ahmad seemed to care about his own comfort. ¡°Well, if you¡¯re not too picky, there¡¯s a barn out back. Plenty of hay, andmaybe a few rats to keep you company. Should be perfect for someone you.¡±


    Ahmad chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that held little actual mirth. ¡°Sounds like home. A little girl like you doesn¡¯t know but sleeping under a naked sky is the norm for travelers. And on hay? That¡¯s a dream come true.¡±


    She grew even more annoyed by hisesponse. She sighed. ¡°There¡¯s a guest house not far from here. I¡¯ll show you.¡±


    As they walked toward the guest house, Lian Yi noticed how relaxed Ahmad seemed, like he had no care in the world. His nonchalance both frustrated and intrigued her. There was a weightlessness to him, as though nothing could really touch him.


    When they reached the guest house, Ahmad gave it a quick glance, nodding in apparent approval as if what was inside didn¡¯t matter in the slightest. ¡°This¡¯ll do.¡±


    Lian Yi crossed her arms, her smirk returning. ¡°Not as good as the barn?¡±


    Ahmad gave her a half-grin, his eyes glinting in the moonlight. ¡°I¡¯ll survive. Just don¡¯t wake me too early. I¡¯m not a fan of mornings. Wake me after you collapse at least 3 times from exhaustion¡±


    She chuckled. ¡°Noted. Goodnight.¡± At least he could joke, so she wasn¡¯t doomed to die of boredom.


    He nodded, already heading toward the door. ¡°Night.¡±


    As Lian Yi turned to leave, she couldn¡¯t help but feel that despite his lack of interest, Ahmad was someone worth learning from, just in a way she didn¡¯t quite understand yet. His indifference, while frustrating, seemed to hide something deeper. For now, though, she would let it be and get some rest of her own. Heavens knew she needed it more than anyone else.


    Fill section. You do NOT need to read this. I am leaving this here for future reference. All stages and realms will be explained as the series goes along.


    Soldier: A practitioner who wields a weapon but has yet to cultivate ki. This stage is commonly referred to by a distinct name, as for most individuals, it takes several years of diligent training to accumulate enough ki to progress.


    Early General: At this stage, a martial artist possesses sufficient ki for passive enhancement of their physical body, increasing strength and resilience.


    Mid General: The practitioner gains a basic understanding of ki manipulation, allowing them to channel ki into specific body parts. For example, they can imbue a fist with ki for a powerful strike, though other parts of the body will lack ki during this time.


    Late General: Is capable of imbuing ki into objects, reinforcing them with energy.


    Early Weapon Master: The practitioner can now manipulate ki across multiple objects, including their own body and one or more weapons simultaneously. However, dividing ki between multiple entities weakens its overall effectiveness. At this stage, they possess approximately double the ki of a Late General significantly enhancing their durability and potency in battle


    Mid Weapon Master: With further refinement and understanding of ki, the martial artist achieves greater ki reserves and control, enabling more complex and sustained usage.


    Late Weapon Master: At this point, ki becomes even more condensed and refined, nearly doubling the amount of ki possessed by an Early Weapon Master. This allows for much more powerful and precise control of ki infused techniques.


    Early Saint: Upon reaching this level, the martial artist undergoes a bodily transformation, often appearing visibly younger as their body is reshaped for optimal combat performance. However, many approach this stage with a mix of excitement and dread, because while the process makes them significantly stronger, it may also ¡°decrease¡± or even remove certain prized physical features, like muscles, beards, or even more¡­ private attributes. Much to their dismay. Their lifespan is significantly extended, roughly doubling that of a normal person. They also gain the ability to project ki from a distance, making ranged attacks, like arrows, more viable by enhancing their speed and power without the ki dissipating over distance.


    Mid Saint: A practitioner at this level is able to control multiple objects from afar or manipulate larger, heavier objects with ki, demonstrating their increased mastery over ki projection and manipulation.


    Late Saint: Though extremely challenging, the martial artist can achieve limited flight by imbuing the object they stand on with ki. They can also lift fully grown adults or other large objects from a distance, displaying a high degree of ki control alongside the higher amount.


    Early Unity Realm: This stage is named for the martial artist¡¯s near-perfect unity with ki, both inside their body and in the surrounding environment. With their greatly increased ki reserves passively affecting their speed, strength, and reflexes it makes them virtually invincible against those below the Unity Realm. If enough ki is concentrated it can even become visible to the naked eye, it¡¯s color ranges from transparent white to dark blue depending on the amount of ki.


    Mid Unity Realm: Martial artists at this stage can launch ranged ki attacks without the need for weapons, with the strength of their attacks rivaling those of a Late Saint¡¯s ki imbued weapon strikes. They can now achieve flight simply by willing the ki within and around their bodies to lift them.


    Late Unity Realm: At the pinnacle of the Unity Realm, the martial artist¡¯s ki reserves have doubled. When fully concentrated into the body, they become impervious to attacks from anyone below the Unity Realm.

 Chapter 4

    The sun beat down relentlessly on the small clearing where Lian Yi struggled with the guan dao. Its curved blade felt like it weighed a hundred stones after hours of practice. Sweat soaked through her clothes, plastering her hair to her forehead as her grip tightened around the long shaft.


    Ahmad watched from a distance, slumped lazily against a tree, half a bottle of wine dangling from his fingers. His posture screamed indifference, but Lian Yi knew better by now.


    "Don''t get hung up on it," Ahmad mumbled, sounding more tired than stern. He took a swig of wine without looking at her. "It''s a guan dao, not a walking stick."


    Lian Yi adjusted her hands, taking deep breaths. It had been seven days since she had chosen the weapon, and in that time, Ahmad¡¯s training had left her muscles screaming, her pride shattered, and her patience tested beyond reason.


    Her father, Lian Wei, had always spoken in calm, measured tones when instructing her. Ahmad was the complete opposite. He offered no mercy, no carefully worded lessons, and certainly no encouragement.


    It was like he didn¡¯t care whether she succeeded or failed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t hesitate!¡± Ahmad barked, lurching to his feet. He stumbled a few paces forward, waving the half-empty bottle around like a sword. ¡°The moment you stop to think is the moment you¡¯re dead. You should¡¯ve swung that damn thing three times by now!¡±


    Gritting her teeth, Lian Yi resumed her forms, the guan dao slicing through the air. Ahmad¡¯s constant drunken slurring grated on her nerves. How was she supposed to learn from a man who couldn¡¯t even stay sober for more than an hour?


    She completed the final movement of the form, the blade sweeping down in a last arc. Ahmad clapped slowly, mockingly.


    ¡°Not bad, not bad,¡± he said, staggering closer. ¡°But if you were in a fight, you¡¯d be dead.¡±


    Lian Yi¡¯s grip tightened around the guan dao. She was drenched in sweat, her entire body trembling from exhaustion, yet Ahmad acted like it had all been child¡¯s play.


    "You think this is funny?" she snapped, unable to hold back her frustration any longer. "You¡¯re barely paying attention, and you¡¯re constantly drunk! How is this supposed to help me?"


    Ahmad blinked at her, then grinned as if she had told a joke. "Sweet kid. You think I need to pay attention for you to get better?"


    Before she could retort, he swayed forward and, with a surprising amount of grace, pulled the guan dao from her hands. She barely had time to blink before he spun it around, his movements clumsy and loose, until they weren¡¯t. In a split second, the air surrounding them hummed, and the blade whistled through the air in a blur of motion.


    He stopped, holding the guan dao out like it was nothing more than a twig, the blade hovering an inch from her throat.


    Lian Yi stared at the blade, frozen. Ahmad¡¯s grin remained, but his eyes, sharp and cold, burned with something far more dangerous than she had ever seen in him before.


    "See? Paying attention¡¯s overrated." He tossed the guan dao back to her, the blade sinking into the dirt between her feet. ¡°And as for the drinking, well¡­¡± He took another swig, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. ¡°I can¡¯t fix what¡¯s broken in me, so I may as well drown it.¡±


    Lian Yi took a step back, her heart pounding in her chest. What had just happened? Ahmad¡¯s movements had been so quick, so precise.


    "You think this training is pointless, don¡¯t you?" Ahmad asked, his voice quieter now. "That I¡¯m wasting your time?"


    Lian Yi didn¡¯t answer, but her silence was enough of an answer.


    Ahmad chuckled, leaning back against the tree, the fierce intensity that had flashed across his face moments ago dissipating as quickly as it had come. He looked at her with half-lidded eyes, a lazy grin forming beneath his scruffy beard.


    "Kid, I¡¯m not here to hold your hand," he said, his voice low and gravelly. "The world¡¯s going to knock you down, again and again. No amount of perfect training is going to stop that. You want power? Then earn it. Stop waiting for someone to hand you a map. Life¡¯s not fair, and neither is power."


    Lian Yi¡¯s fists clenched at her sides, her breath ragged from the day¡¯s exertion. His words, laced with indifference, were like fuel to the fire that had been burning inside her since the day they met.


    "You talk like carving your own path is easy!" she yelled, her voice cracking from frustration and exhaustion. "I''ve only been training with you for a week! You expect me to already have my own martial arts? How am I supposed to make something out of nothing?"


    Ahmad didn¡¯t flinch at her outburst. Instead, his grin widened, more amused than angry. He took a long swig from his jug, the wine trickling down the side of his mouth as he leaned back.


    "And you talk like creating your own path is impossible," he shot back, his voice calm, almost mocking. "You walk on the same grass a thousand times, and you''ll carve a path whether you meant to or not. Is it a good path? Who knows? Someone¡¯s going to walk it, though. I¡¯ve told you before, no martial art is perfect. So stop waiting for some grand answer."


    He leaned forward, his gaze sharpening as his voice lowered. "Just create what feels right to you. Try, fail, and change it as you go. You¡¯re not going to figure it all out today, tomorrow, or even a year from now. But that¡¯s the point. It¡¯s your path."


    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    Lian Yi stared at him, her breath slowing as the weight of his words sank in. He wasn¡¯t asking her to be perfect. He wasn¡¯t asking her to follow some ideal. He was telling her to trust herself, to make her own choices, even if they led to mistakes.


    Her frustration didn¡¯t disappear, but something shifted. Ahmad¡¯s methods were maddening, but maybe he was right. Maybe she needed to stop looking for answers from him and start looking for them within herself.


    She didn¡¯t say anything. She just picked up her guan dao and got back to training¡ªor at least, she tried to.


    ¡°No, that¡¯s enough for today. We¡¯re leaving tomorrow, and you need to conserve your strength for the journey. Go rest and think about what I told you,¡± Ahmad said softly.


    Lian Yi hesitated, her hands still wrapped around the guan dao, knuckles white from the effort. Her body ached in ways she hadn¡¯t known were possible, and every part of her screamed to keep going, to push further. Yet, Ahmad¡¯s words hung in the air, the rare softness in his tone surprising her more than any of his drunken rants.


    She didn¡¯t respond, not verbally at least. With a deep breath, she nodded and placed the guan dao down on the ground carefully before walking away.


    ¡°Oh, you''re just gonna leave it on the ground for me to pick up? Damn girl, it isn''t that deep. Aaaand you¡¯re just gonna ignore me. Okay, goodnight or something,¡± he said, half-mockingly, before picking the guan dao off the ground and walking away with it.


    Her muscles screamed with every step, but there was a different kind of weight pressing down on her now¡ªAhmad¡¯s words and the realization that maybe she was searching for something that didn¡¯t exist: a perfect form, a perfect technique, a perfect path.


    She couldn¡¯t stop her mind from racing, replaying the day¡¯s training over and over. The weight of the guan dao in her hands, the sound it made as it sliced through the air, the burn in her muscles as she fought to maintain control. Ahmad¡¯s words echoed in her mind.


    "Just create what feels right to you."


    But what did feel right to her? What did she even want? Power, yes. Strength. The ability to defend her sect, her father, herself. But beyond that? The question lingered, unanswered.


    Tomorrow they would leave. Tomorrow would mark the next step in her journey. She didn¡¯t know where Ahmad planned to take her, but that wasn¡¯t the most important part. What mattered was what she would do once they got there.


    The dawn light filtered through the trees as Lian Yi made her way to the main hall, the soft morning breeze carrying with it the scent of pine and dew. Her body ached, but it was a dull, familiar ache¡ªthe kind that came after days of hard training. Today, she wasn¡¯t thinking about the pain though. Today was about the next step.


    She found her father already waiting for her at the entrance of the sect¡¯s main hall, his posture straight, his hands clasped behind his back.


    The early morning light cast long shadows across the stone courtyard, and the Wind Flower Sect¡¯s banners fluttered gently in the wind.


    Lian Yi approached him, her guan dao strapped to her back, its weight both a comfort and a reminder of what lay ahead of her. She bowed to her father, but there was a tension in the air that neither of them could ignore.


    Lian Wei¡¯s gaze softened when he looked at her. His eyes, though weary, held a pride that made her chest tighten. He was still her father, and today, they both knew things were going to change.


    ¡°Are you ready, Yi?¡± he asked, his voice low but steady. It wasn¡¯t the voice of a sect leader, it was the voice of a father, worried for his daughter.


    Lian Yi nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. ¡°I am, Father.¡±


    He studied her for a long moment, his expression one of discomfort. Finally, he sighed, the weight of his responsibility and the burden of the decisions he had made resting heavily on his shoulders.


    ¡°I wish things could be different,¡± Lian Wei said, his tone softer now. ¡°I wish I could keep you here, train you myself, and protect you from the world outside. But we both know that isn¡¯t possible anymore. All because I''m too weak.¡±


    Lian Yi met his gaze, her own resolve hardening. She knew what was at stake, her future, her father¡¯s legacy, the survival of their sect. This journey with Ahmad wasn¡¯t just about her training. It was about protecting the Wind Flower Sect from the threats that loomed over them, from the Hidden Blade Sect and beyond.


    ¡°I¡¯ll come back stronger,¡± she promised, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling inside her. ¡°I¡¯ll protect the sect. I¡¯ll protect you.¡±


    Lian Wei smiled then, though it was a sad, bittersweet smile. ¡°You¡¯ve grown so much, Yi. I¡¯m proud of you, no matter what happens. Heh, who could have guessed my little Yi would become braver than I ever was.¡±


    For a moment, Lian Yi wanted to say something more, something to reassure him, but the words wouldn¡¯t come. Instead, she simply nodded again, the silence between them speaking louder than any words could.


    They stood there, father and daughter, in the quiet morning air, the weight of the moment pressing down on both of them.


    ¡°Ahmad¡¯s waiting for you,¡± Lian Wei said after a moment, his voice returning to that of the sect leader. ¡°He may not show it, but he''s starting to care about you. You are his first disciple after all.¡±


    Lian Yi glanced back toward the path that led to the outer gates of the sect. She could see Ahmad lounging by the gate, his usual bottle of wine in hand, looking as indifferent as ever. But now, after a week of training with him, she knew better. There was more to Ahmad than he let on.


    ¡°I know,¡± she said quietly.


    Lian Wei stepped forward, resting a hand gently on her shoulder. ¡°Be careful, Yi,¡± he said, his voice softer now, filled with both affection and concern. ¡°The world doesn¡¯t show mercy to those who forge their own path. And¡­ do try to make sure I don¡¯t end up a grandfather before you return.¡± His lips curled into a faint, teasing smile. ¡°There¡¯s no telling how many young masters will try to steal you away.¡±


    Lian Yi blinked, her face immediately warming with embarrassment. She shot her father a look of exasperation, her cheeks flushing despite her best efforts to maintain composure. ¡°Father!¡± she protested, her voice a mix of indignation and embarrassment.


    Lian Wei chuckled softly, his smile widening at her reaction. ¡°I¡¯m only saying, I may be your father but you are truly beautiful, add to that how strong you will become and many will try.¡±


    Lian Yi shook her head, trying to shake off the blush that refused to leave her cheeks. "I¡¯ll worry about that when I¡¯ve become strong enough for them to become a problem."


    Her father smiled, nodding approvingly. "That¡¯s the spirit. Now go, but remember, this isn''t a goodbye, I''ll be waiting as long as I have to.¡±


    With one last look, Lian Yi turned and began walking toward the gates. Her father watched her go, his figure growing smaller in the distance as she joined Ahmad.


    ¡°About time,¡± Ahmad muttered, taking a lazy swig of his wine. ¡°Thought you were going to spend the whole morning saying goodbyes.¡±


    Lian Yi didn¡¯t respond, but there was a new strength in her step. The doubts and frustrations from the previous days still lingered, but they were no longer holding her back. She was leaving the Wind Flower Sect behind, but she wasn¡¯t leaving who she was.


    Together, they stepped through the gates, the familiar sight of the sect fading as they ventured into the town in which the sect was located. The first one of many they would visit.

 Chapter 5

    A man was sitting on a small throne in a large hall, the many decorations in it hinting at the owner''s wealth. A small black dog nestled in his lap, its glossy fur shimmering under the light as it wriggled with boundless energy. His stern, imposing presence contrasted with the dog¡¯s playful demeanor, making for an odd, almost humorous scene.


    The little dog was insatiable in its need for attention, constantly nudging its wet nose into his hands, demanding both to be used for petting. If one hand stopped, even for a second, the dog would immediately start licking and gently nibbling his fingers until the other hand joined in again, as if it couldn¡¯t bear even a moment¡¯s neglect.


    He was a striking figure, a man of about forty-five, broad-shouldered and muscular, with the kind of physique that spoke of years of discipline and training. His long, dark robe, made of rich fabric adorned with subtle, elegant patterns, alongside his demeanor hinted at nobility, though it clung to his powerful form in a way that emphasized the warrior beneath.


    His beard was full and well-kept, dark with the faintest hints of silver streaking through it, and his hair, neatly combed and falling just past his ears, carried similar touches of gray near the temples. The silver did not make him look old; rather, it added a certain distinction to his already commanding appearance.


    He carried himself with the quiet, natural authority of someone who was used to being in charge, his posture regal and upright even in the relaxed setting. His features were sharp and defined, a strong brow, high cheekbones, and piercing eyes that seemed to miss nothing.


    His gaze, calm yet intense, carried a depth that hinted at a life filled with challenges and experience, but softened briefly every time the little dog in his lap squirmed and sought his attention. Despite the seriousness of his expression, a tiny hint of warmth flickered in his eyes as he indulged the dog¡¯s need for affection.


    Next to him sat another black dog, much larger and clearly older. Its once glossy fur had long lost its appeal, as it lay peacefully beside the man, calm and alert. There was a wisdom to the way the older dog rested its eyes half-closed, as if it had seen enough of the world to be unfazed by it.


    Its saliva constantly hit the floor, leaving small puddles on it, the saliva itself was mixed with blood and some other black liquid, the dog was clearly past its best days.


    Sporadically, it would glance up at the younger pup with patient indulgence, almost as if remembering a time when it too had been that energetic. The younger dog, meanwhile, would occasionally look to the elder, as if reassured by its presence, before returning to its playful antics in the man¡¯s lap.


    Though his face revealed little emotion, the man¡¯s hands moved with a surprising gentleness over the younger dog¡¯s fur, each motion rhythmic and practiced. It was clear he was at ease with the animals, these were not just pets, but companions.


    Despite his intimidating appearance, the bond he shared with the dogs softened the atmosphere. He wasn¡¯t merely tolerating their presence; there was an unspoken understanding between them, a quiet comfort that came from years of companionship.


    His features, though stern, hinted at a man who had once known warmth and perhaps even joy, though those days seemed far removed from the present. His lips, set in a neutral line, gave the impression that they had long since forgotten how to smile. Yet, the way his fingers idly stroked the little dog¡¯s fur suggested that somewhere beneath the layers of discipline and authority, a gentler soul remained. It was a fleeting glimpse, one that disappeared as quickly as it came, buried beneath the weight of his commanding aura.


    The older dog, lying serenely at his feet, let out a soft sigh, its eyes closing fully now as it settled deeper into the ground. The younger dog, still wriggling with energy, finally paused to rest its head on the man¡¯s knee, content for the moment with the steady rhythm of his hands.


    The difference between the man¡¯s menacing appearance and the dogs¡¯ companionship created a scene that felt unexpectedly peaceful, like a delicate balance between power and gentleness.


    Though his silence filled the room with an air of authority, the quiet scene with his two canine companions softened the image of the man, giving the impression of someone far more complex than his imposing exterior let on.


    This was a man who had lived through trials, hardened by battle or experience, yet still retained a sliver of warmth, if only for these two dogs who seemed to understand him better than anyone else.


    ¡°How long has it been?¡± The man asked.


    ¡°Tomorrow will mark exactly 40 days.¡± An older man sitting on his right answered, he was one of many currently present in the room, but his position within the hall and the eye-catching clothes exposed him as more important than the others. A hood covered his face, yet nobody was commenting on it, as if leaving it on was for the best.


    ¡°Hmm, keep me posted on any new information and make sure nobody outside this room knows about his absence.¡± He sighed deeply, prompting the young dog to lift its head to look at him with its adorable eyes. ¡°Why am I even telling you, it''s not the first time, and we all know it won''t be the last.¡±


    ¡°Sect master, may I?¡± It was a younger man no older than 25 who spoke up.


    The sect master waved his hand in an approving motion, much to the dismay of the dog.


    The young man stood up. ¡°As you know, my appointment as an elder is a bit¡­ Special, adding to that the fact I have only been a member for less than a year.¡± He tried to continue, but the Sect master stopped him before he could.


    ¡°Get to the point.¡± He commanded.


    He bowed slightly before continuing, ¡°Then I''ll be straight. Why is it essential to keep his disappearance a secret? After all, no sect in the area would dare stand up to us.¡±


    ¡°It''s precisely because we are the strongest that we need to worry.¡± Said the older man with the hood. ¡°Any Unity stage master or even a group of Saints could come, defeat the sect master and claim ownership over the island. Our sect may be strong, but in the grand scheme of things, as much as it pains me to say, we are weak.¡±


    The hall fell silent, the weight of the elder''s words settling heavily upon the room. For a moment, even the playful dog in the sect master¡¯s lap seemed to sense the shift in the atmosphere, its wriggling slowing as the tension grew palpable.


    The younger elder¡¯s face tightened, his pride clearly stung, but he remained composed. "But surely," he began cautiously, "with the reputation of our sect and the strength of our disciples, no one would dare challenge us so easily, even if they knew."


    The sect master leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing as his voice, though calm, carried the unmistakable edge of warning. "Reputation is a fragile thing. We are strong as long as we are on the island. Outside of it? The Ceaseless Blade Sect might as well not exist."


    The hooded elder nodded in agreement, his voice rasping as he added, "The vultures are always circling, waiting for the moment we show weakness. One slip, and they''ll descend on us like wolves onto a wounded deer."


    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    The younger elder swallowed hard, his confidence visibly faltering. "I understand," he said quietly, bowing his head. "Forgive my ignorance."


    "There''s nothing to forgive," the sect master said, leaning back once more, his hand resuming its gentle stroking of the dog in his lap. "We are in a precarious position. And until the missing piece returns, we must ensure that no one outside these walls learns of our vulnerability. If they do, it won''t be long before the challengers come knocking."


    He glanced down at the older dog beside him, whose bloodied saliva pooled on the floor, a grim reminder of the toll time takes on even the strongest. The sect master''s eyes hardened once more. "We cannot afford to look weak. Not now. Not ever. Take this conversation as inspiration for your next training."


    ¡°Yes, Sect Master!¡± Everyone screamed in unison, startling the young dog quite badly and prompting the older to wake up and look around with a confused expression on his face.


    ¡ª


    The town surrounding the two of them was modest, a small cluster of life nestled at the base of the mountains that cradled the Wind Flower Sect. Narrow, winding streets of cobbled stone wove through rows of simple, sturdy buildings, each marked by weathered facades that spoke of years of steady living.


    The rooftops, lined with curved tiles that glinted faintly in the afternoon light, sloped downward in quiet harmony, casting long, soft shadows that stretched across the roads.


    Vibrant sounds of daily life echoed gently through the air, the calls of merchants from their stalls, the clatter of hooves against stone, and the distant ringing of a blacksmith¡¯s hammer shaping steel.


    Lian Yi walked silently through the busy streets, her eyes scanning the modest town with a sense of detachment. Her father¡¯s sect had always felt like a fortress, but now, as they moved among the ordinary people, she couldn¡¯t help but feel that everything was smaller than she remembered since last she visited.


    After a while she broke the silence. ¡°Soooo,¡± she drawled, his voice casual as always, ¡°what¡¯s the plan?¡±


    Ahmad turned his head slightly to glance at her, the familiar glint of mischief dancing in his eyes. ¡°What¡¯s the closest great sect or family?¡±


    ¡°The Tang clan,¡± she answered quickly. "They¡¯re not far from here.¡±


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll go there.¡± Ahmad said it with a tone that made it sound like the most obvious thing in the world.


    Lian Yi stopped in her tracks. ¡°Wait, what?¡± she asked, her eyes wide with disbelief. ¡°No! We can¡¯t go to the Tang clan!¡±


    Ahmad raised an eyebrow. ¡°And why not?¡±


    ¡°Because the Hidden Blade Sect is under them!¡± Lian Yi hissed, stepping closer and lowering her voice as if to keep others from hearing. ¡°Going to the Tang defeats the whole point of running away! Didn¡¯t my father tell you that?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s different,¡± Ahmad said with a dismissive wave of his hand. ¡°Once we get there, you¡¯re my disciple and nothing else. You can even use a fake name if it makes you feel better.¡±


    ¡°Fake name?¡± Lian Yi repeated, exasperation creeping into her voice. ¡°You can¡¯t be serious!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m always serious,¡± Ahmad replied with a grin that said the opposite. ¡°Look, we¡¯re going to visit every one of the Ten Great Sects and Five Families. In each one, you¡¯re going to battle a disciple.¡±


    Lian Yi¡¯s face paled. ¡°Wait, you want me to fight disciples of the Ten Great Sects?¡±


    Ahmad nodded, his expression unreadable. ¡°Of course. Why else would we got there?¡±


    Lian Yi opened her mouth to protest, but Ahmad cut her off with a raised hand. ¡°You¡¯re lucky, actually. Three of them are in Sichuan, so you¡¯ll get plenty of practice early on.¡±


    ¡°Practice?!¡± Lian Yi sputtered. ¡°This is madness! You can¡¯t just¡ª¡±


    But Ahmad wasn¡¯t listening. He strolled forward, his hands tucked behind his head, as if the matter was already settled. ¡°Starting with the Tang clan,¡± he continued, his tone light. ¡°Get ready for some fun.¡±


    Lian Yi could only stare after him, her mind racing. Fun? This wasn¡¯t training¡ªit was madness! But as Ahmad strode ahead with his usual casual confidence, a strange blend of dread and excitement bubbled up inside her. Could she really be looking forward to this?


    ¡®It sounds completely reckless... not to mention dangerous,¡¯ she thought. ¡®But... I can''t help it. I''m actually kind of excited. What if I win?¡¯ The thought sent a thrill through her, sparking something deep within that she hadn''t realized was there before.


    After finishing her line of thought, with a resigned sigh, she hurried to catch up to him.


    ¡ª


    Lian Yi hurried to catch up with Ahmad, her footsteps echoing lightly on the stone-paved streets. As they continued through the heart of the town, the narrow roads began to widen, revealing a marketplace bustling with life. Stalls lined both sides of the street, vendors calling out to passersby, displaying everything from fragrant spices to finely crafted weapons.


    Children darted between the crowds, their laughter mingling with the rhythmic hammering of a nearby blacksmith.


    Despite the liveliness surrounding them, Lian Yi found herself preoccupied with thoughts of the Tang clan and Ahmad¡¯s reckless plan. She shot occasional glances at her master, who seemed utterly unaffected by the chaos of the market, casually walking with his hands behind his head. His carefree demeanor did little to ease her growing sense of unease.


    They continued their walk, the streets slowly emptying as they approached the outskirts of the town. Fewer buildings lined the road now, and the noise of the marketplace faded behind them. Lian Yi¡¯s thoughts raced again, the idea of battling disciples from the Ten Great Sects sinking in deeper.


    It wasn¡¯t just reckless, it was insane. She had heard stories of their strength, of cultivators who had achieved stages beyond her imagination. But despite her worry, there was a small part of her, deep inside, that felt a strange thrill at the challenge.


    Lian Yi walked alongside Ahmad, trying to keep pace with his long, easy strides. The market was bustling with noise and color, and yet she felt herself growing more anxious with every step. Her mind replayed Ahmad''s reckless plan to visit the Tang clan over and over, but before she could voice her concerns again, a flicker of movement caught her eye.


    She glanced over her shoulder, and her heart skipped a beat. Amid the crowded town gate, she saw a small entourage making their way through, their elegant robes immediately distinguishing them from the common crowd. At the front was a figure she recognized all too well: Tang Shuren, the young master of the Hidden Blade Sect.


    Lian Yi¡¯s pulse quickened. Of all the people to show up now, it had to be him.


    She quickly turned back to Ahmad, her hand reaching out to touch his arm. ¡°Ahmad,¡± she whispered, trying to keep her voice calm, ¡°we have company.¡±


    Ahmad raised an eyebrow at her. ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°Tang Shuren,¡± she muttered, keeping her eyes forward, pretending nothing was amiss. ¡°We should keep moving. Act natural.¡±


    ¡°Natural?¡± Ahmad gave her a lopsided grin. ¡°I¡¯m always natural.¡±


    Lian Yi shot him a sharp look, not in the mood for his nonchalance. "I mean it. If he spots me, things could get complicated."


    Ahmad shrugged, "Complications make life interesting.¡±


    Lian Yi fought back a sigh. As usual, Ahmad wasn¡¯t taking the situation seriously. She had hoped they could slip out of town without any drama, but now it seemed that fate had other plans.


    Tang Shuren¡¯s presence was unnerving enough, but she couldn¡¯t afford to draw attention to herself¡ªnot when the Hidden Blade Sect was so invested in keeping her within their grasp. Marrying her off to secure political alliances was the last thing she wanted, and running into Jiang Yunfeng here could force a confrontation she wasn¡¯t ready for.


    As they neared the town¡¯s edge, she risked another glance back. The group was getting closer, but Tang Shuren¡¯s attention seemed focused on a conversation with one of his attendants. For now, he hadn¡¯t noticed them.


    Lian Yi picked up her pace, silently urging Ahmad to do the same. But of course, Ahmad remained as leisurely as ever, his hands tucked casually behind his head. She couldn''t decide if his lack of concern was comforting or infuriating.


    "Ahmad," she whispered again, "at least try to act like you''re in a hurry."


    He let out a low chuckle. "What''s the rush? We¡¯ve got time."


    ¡°They won¡¯t just let me walk away if he realizes I¡¯m here,¡± Lian Yi insisted, her voice tight with worry.


    "Wouldn¡¯t be so sure about that," Ahmad replied, glancing behind them. "Looks like he¡¯s more interested in his conversation than in finding you. The attendant seems to have some trouble with the needle storm technique and he''s explaining to him how it works.¡±


    ¡°You can hear them?¡± Lian Yi asked.


    But before he could answer they heard a voice. ¡°Is that you young lady?¡±


    It was an older man sitting in front of a house who said so.


    ¡°Old man Wang?¡± Lian Yi responded.


    ¡°How good it is to see you young lady! How is little Mei doing? Is she serving you faithfully?¡± The old man said, his voice filled with excitement.


    ¡°Your granddaughter is well, I wish we could talk but I am, we, are in a hurry.¡± She responded before taking off.


    But just as she started walking another voice could be heard. ¡°Is that you lady Lian?¡±


    The one saying it was of course Tang Shuren, who overheard the old man talking to Yi.


    His long black hair was tied back in a neat bun, his features sharp and noble, but his expression was calm, almost soft. Walking beside him were two older men, clearly bodyguards, both carrying themselves with the practiced ease of seasoned warriors. The Hidden Blade Sect crest gleamed on their chest plates, marking them as elite disciples.


    Lian Yi¡¯s stomach turned. This was Tang Shuren, the young master of the Hidden Blade Sect and the most likely candidate for her marriage partner. She had heard enough about him to know that while he was kind and gentle by nature, his father¡¯s influence weighed heavily on him. Seeing him here now, of all places, set her on edge.


    ¡°Ah, so it is you Lady Lian,¡± Tang Shuren said warmly as they approached, his dark eyes flicking briefly to Ahmad before returning to her. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to see you here.¡± His tone was polite, friendly even.


    Lian Yi forced a smile, bowing slightly. ¡°Young Master Tang, I didn¡¯t expect to see you either.¡±


    Ahmad stood to the side, watching the exchange in silence, though Lian Yi could feel his gaze flick between her and the young master.


    Tang Shuren¡¯s expression softened. ¡°You¡¯re far from the Wind Flower Sect. Is everything alright?¡±


    Lian Yi hesitated. She could feel the weight of his gaze. She knew he wasn¡¯t a fool.


    ¡°Just¡­ showing my new servant around town,¡± she replied, hoping her tone sounded casual enough to be convincing.


    Tang Shuren¡¯s lips quirked into a small smile, though his eyes remained serious. ¡°I don''t believe such a task is beffiting of someone of your status.¡±


    ¡°I wished to go on a walk regardless, so I simply took him with me.¡± She quickly replied, but his smile only grew bigger.


    Tang Shuren simply smiled.


    Lian Yi swallowed. He knew. Of course, he did. But what would he do? Surely, he would drag her back, report her escape to his father, and bring even more pressure on her sect. Yet, there was no malice in his tone, no threat behind his words.


    After glancing at Ahmad he said. ¡°Well then, as it seems both of us have something to do I won''t take more of your time, I wish you well Lady Lian.¡± He bowed before turning around and walking away.


    Lian Yi¡¯s heart pounded in her chest. Was he really going to let them walk away?


    As they continued down the path, Lian Yi couldn¡¯t help but glance back. Tang Shuren was already out of sight yet she felt as if he was still watching her.


    Her heart ached, but she quickly turned back, focusing on the road ahead. There was no time for second thoughts. She had made her choice, and now, there was no turning back.


    Ahmad walked beside her in silence for a few moments before giving her a sideways glance. ¡°Seems like he¡¯s not the worst of the bunch, huh?¡±


    Lian Yi nodded slowly, though her mind was still racing. ¡°No. He¡¯s not.¡±


    And with that, they left the town behind, the mountains looming ahead as the sun dipped lower in the sky, signaling the beginning of a long and uncertain journey.


    "The fuck was that?" Said old man Wang.

 Chapter 6

    For the next hour, they walked in silence, the road stretching ahead like an endless ribbon under the afternoon sun. Though the quiet between them wasn¡¯t exactly awkward, it didn¡¯t feel comfortable either. Lian Yi chewed the inside of her cheek, resisting the urge to speak, even as thoughts buzzed in her mind. But finally, the question she¡¯d been holding back slipped out before she could stop herself.


    Finally, the words tumbled out before she could stop herself. ¡°I¡¯ve been wondering¡­ what kind of name is Ahmad?¡±


    Ahmad glanced over at her, a faint smile pulling at his lips. ¡°What kind of name is Yi?¡± he retorted, though there was no malice in his voice. Before she could respond, he added, ¡°I know what you mean. But, keep your voice down, I can hear you just fine.¡±


    She blinked, a little confused. She hadn¡¯t thought she was speaking loudly at all.


    Ahmad went on, ¡°My grandfather came from the West, like, far, far west. He was a merchant on the Silk Road and eventually settled here. My father named me after him. And... well, here we are.¡±


    Lian Yi mulled over this, trying to picture lands so distant they had entirely foreign names, people so different they¡¯d give a name like Ahmad to a child. She¡¯d never traveled far from home, let alone considered a world beyond her own.


    ¡°How long would it take to get there if it¡¯s that far?¡± she asked finally, looking over at him with genuine curiosity.


    ¡°Hmm... at our speed, walking from dawn to dusk, perhaps a hundred days?¡± he replied.


    ¡°Wow. What could possibly motivate anyone to go that far?¡±


    ¡°Money, it''s why my grandfather stayed. He made enough money and didn''t feel like going all the way back, also horses exist, so it doesn¡¯t actually take that long.¡±


    Silence fell between them again, though it felt a little less stifling now. She couldn¡¯t help feeling a bit more curious about the man who was now her teacher. They would be spending quite a lot of time together, after all, so why not learn a little more about him?


    After a while, Yi spoke up again. ¡°So, are we planning to keep quiet the whole journey, or actually, you know... talk?¡±


    After a moment, Ahmed replied. ¡°I¡¯m not talking because there¡¯s nothing to talk about,¡± he said casually. ¡°You¡¯re a fifteen year old girl, and you spent your whole life in a cozy sect run by your father. The only thing we really have in common is martial arts.¡± He paused, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye. ¡°Except, not really, because I could kill you by accident while turning in my sleep. It also doesn''t help that I was partially forced into this.¡±


    Lian Yi felt a mixture of offense and amusement at his bluntness. She wanted to argue that she was more than just a sheltered girl, but his tone left little room for protest. Instead, she just furrowed her brow, biting her lip to keep herself from snapping back.


    They continued walking in silence for the rest of the day and as the sky began to darken, a question that had been plaguing Yi for the last hour finally bubbled to the surface. ¡°Are we going to make it to a town before nightfall?¡± she asked, eyeing the thickening forest that surrounded the path they were walking on.


    ¡°No,¡± Ahmad replied, unfazed. ¡°We¡¯ll camp out today.¡±


    Lian Yi hesitated. ¡°Camp out?¡± The idea hadn¡¯t occurred to her. In all her years at the Wind Flower Sect, she¡¯d never had to spend a night in the wild, at worst she had slept inside a carriage.


    Ahmad shot her an amused glance, clearly aware of her discomfort. ¡°Let me guess, first time in the wilds?¡±


    She didn¡¯t answer, but her silence had answered for her. Ahmad chuckled softly, his laugh somehow easing Yi¡¯s nerves.


    Half an hour later they found a small clearing in the forest right next to the road, the remains of a couple of days old camp were still visible.


    ¡°Stay here, I''ll go get stuff for the fire.¡± Ahmed proclaimed and ventured off into the forest before Yi could respond.


    Before long he returned, a bundle of sticks below his armpit, and an already skinned rabbit in the other. But before Yi could comment on how he skinned a rabbit in the complete darkness of the forest, Ahmed had already gone to the remains of the fire. And with a single hit of a rock against another rock he set the sticks on fire.


    Right after finishing, he effortlessly skewered the rabbit and started holding it over the fire as it began to cook.


    ¡°Won''t you get tired? From what I know, it takes quite a while for it to be cooked properly.¡± Yi said.


    ¡°I skinned a rabbit in complete darkness not to mention caught it, and you''re wondering if I will get tired from holding it?¡± Ahmed asked, genuine curiosity visible on his face.


    ¡°Forget I said anything.¡± Yi muttered, looking away, her face a bit flushed.


    But after a couple of seconds, though, she turned back to him with another question. ¡°Um... quick question. How exactly do I... relieve myself out here?¡±


    ¡°Quick question,¡± Lian Yi began hesitantly, her cheeks flushing slightly. ¡°How do I¡­ um¡­ relieve myself out here?¡±


    Ahmed¡¯s face turned into a grin. ¡°Ah, the important questions.¡± He gestured toward a nearby tree. ¡°That one¡¯s got low-hanging branches. Grab a couple of leaves and go ahead. If you find something sticky, you can also stick them to a stick to get that luxurious experience.


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    Lian Yi stared at him in disbelief, but Ahmed¡¯s expression had turned dead serious while he was answering her.


    She shook her head, mumbling something about how absurd this all felt as she trudged off toward the tree. Ahmad¡¯s laughter echoed in the fading light as she disappeared into the underbrush.


    ¨C


    The fire crackled softly in the center of their camp, sending flickers of light dancing across the trees. The dense forest surrounded them, its shadows deep and endless. Lian Yi lay on a blanket Ahmed had given her sleep on, staring up at the night sky through the breaks in the canopy. The stars twinkled faintly, but they did little to calm her mind.


    She shifted uncomfortably, the sounds of the forest, rustling leaves and various animal sounds like the distant hoots of an owl filled the otherwise silent forest. Beside her, Ahmad sat propped up against a tree, his flask in hand, staring into the fire.


    His usual aloof expression looked a bit more relaxed out here in the wild, though he still had the same air of indifference that made him such a frustrating traveling companion.


    ¡°I can¡¯t sleep,¡± Lian Yi finally muttered, breaking the sounds of nature''s song.


    Ahmad took a sip from his flask but didn¡¯t respond immediately. The embers in the fire popped, and Lian Yi let out a sigh, feeling the weight of exhaustion, both mental and physical, press down on her.


    Eventually, he glanced over at her, the fires flames dancing in his eyes. ¡°That sure sounds like a you problem.¡±


    Lian Yi glared, though there wasn¡¯t much heat behind it. ¡°Well, now it¡¯s your problem, too, because I¡¯m going to keep talking until I fall asleep.¡±


    Ahmad sighed dramatically, leaning his head back against the tree. ¡°Great.¡±


    She sat up, wrapping her arms around her knees as she stared into the fire. The flames danced, their heat a welcome contrast to the cool night air. ¡°Tell me a story.¡±


    He groaned. ¡°I¡¯m not telling you a story.¡±


    ¡°Ah, come on,¡± she insisted. ¡°Can¡¯t you entertain your disciple for just a bit?¡± She put a lot of emphasis on the disciple.


    ¡°Entertain you?¡± Ahmed scoffed. ¡°I¡¯m not some bard.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Lian Yi said, ¡°but you¡¯ve been through a lot, haven¡¯t you? Surely you¡¯ve got some stories you can tell to help me fall asleep.¡±


    Ahmad stared at her for a long moment, then shrugged, as if resigning himself to her persistence. ¡°Fine. You want a story? I¡¯ll give you a story.¡±


    Lian Yi perked up eagerly, hugging her knees closer. ¡°Go on, then.¡±


    He stretched his legs out and took another sip of his flask before beginning, his voice carrying a lazy drawl. ¡°Alright. How about the story of a blacksmith¡¯s son who became a martial master for the most glorious of reasons?¡±


    Lian Yi blinked. ¡°Well, you''ve git my attention.¡±


    ¡°The guy was the son of a blacksmith, medium sized city, nothing special. His parents wanted him to take over the family business, as parents usually do, but the problem was he was both lazy and had almost no talent for it.¡±


    She raised an eyebrow, intrigued she asked. ¡°So, what did he do?¡±


    ¡°Well, when he turned nineteen, he got it into his head that he wanted to learn martial arts, but he needed money to get a master since he was too old to join any kind of organization. Naturally, his father told him no. Said if he wanted to get the money he had to earn it himself. So the kid tried finding work, but as you can imagine, he wasn¡¯t exactly a shining example of hard work.¡±


    Lian Yi smirked. ¡°Sounds like a real overachiever.¡±


    ¡°He was terrible at everything,¡± Ahmad continued, ignoring her comment. ¡°Eventually, he decided to make arrows for the local garrison. Figured it was simple enough so that even he can do it. The first month, though? He barely made any, and what he did make was complete garbage. The garrison didn¡¯t want them.¡±


    Lian Yi chuckled. ¡°Let me guess. He didn¡¯t give up?¡±


    ¡°Right. By the second month, the arrows were a little better. Still trash, but he sold them cheap enough that the soldiers used them for training. And by the third month, the kid actually got good at it. Not as good as his father, mind you, but good enough. And the garrison liked him because he was cheaper than a real blacksmith.¡±


    ¡°So, he earned enough money to finally hire a martial arts master?¡±


    Ahmad nodded. ¡°Exactly. A couple of months later he had saved up enough, hired a decent master, and started training. But here¡¯s the funny part. Turns out, he wasn¡¯t just some lazy bum. He had a ridiculous talent for martial arts, he just never tried it before. His master was so impressed, he took the kid to his own master at Mount Hua, and before you know it, the kid¡¯s one of the Mount huas three plum blossom swordsmen.¡±


    Lian Yi frowned. ¡°All because he made arrows for a few months?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Ahmad said. ¡°All because his back hurt.¡±


    She blinked in confusion. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You heard me,¡± he said with a chuckle. ¡°The reason he wanted to learn martial arts in the first place? It wasn¡¯t some grand dream of being the strongest or to become an escort warrior so he didn''t have to do blacksmithing. No, he overheard a young martial artist in a tavern one night, bragging about how after he advanced to the late general stage, his back stopped hurting.¡±


    Lian Yi stared at him. ¡°You¡¯re telling me this guy went through all that effort just because his back hurt?¡±


    ¡°Yup. He thought if he became strong enough, his backpain would go away. That was his motivation.¡± Ahmed replied with a smile.


    Lian Yi burst out laughing, the absurdity of the story hitting her. ¡°That¡¯s ridiculous.¡±


    ¡°Ridiculous, sure,¡± Ahmad said with a shrug, ¡°but it worked out for him. He¡¯s now one of the three plum blossom swordsmen, easily the top 1000 greatest martial masters out there, all because he couldn¡¯t stand having a sore back. And he started at 20 years old. Can you imagine how strong he would be if he started training at 10 or so like all others? That¡¯s easily enough for a stage with his talent.¡±


    She shook her head, still laughing softly. ¡°I can¡¯t believe that.¡±


    ¡°Believe it, for it is the truth¡± Ahmad said.


    Lian Yi smiled, the weight of her worries momentarily lifted. The forest around them felt a little less oppressive, and the crackling fire a little more comforting.


    ¡°Thanks for the story,¡± she said, lying back down and closing her eyes. ¡°I think I might actually be able to sleep now.¡±


    Ahmad took another sip of his flask, leaning his head back once more. ¡°Good. Maybe now I can get some peace.¡±


    As the fire burned low, Lian Yi drifted off, her mind now filled with the image of a lazy blacksmith¡¯s son cursing his back while on a road to becoming a martial arts master.


    -


    The morning came too soon for Lian Yi. She stirred under the thin blanket Ahmed had tossed her the night before, her eyes heavy and her body stiff from the rough ground.


    Her back ached, and every time she shifted, the dull throb in her muscles reminded her of the previous day¡¯s trek. She groaned, rubbing the sleep from her eyes as she sat up, the early dawn light casting long shadows through wherever the trees broke to let the sun break through.


    Ahmad was already crouching by the dying embers of the fire, poking it absently with a stick. He looked as if he¡¯d been up for hours, or maybe didn''t go to sleep in the first place, yet his face was free of any signs of exhaustion.


    "You''re up," he said flatly while glancing over at her. ¡°Good. We leave in five.¡±


    Lian Yi groaned. ¡°Five minutes? I barely slept.¡±


    "Not my problem," he replied with a shrug. ¡°You''ll sleep better after a few more nights of this. Your body¡¯s just not used to it yet.¡±


    ¡°I can confidently say this past week has been the worst in my life.¡± Said Yi right after a long yawn.


    ¡°The worst so far, you mean.¡± Ahmed retorted almost immediately. ¡°But don''t worry, don''t you know the saying? A hundred bad days make a hundred good stories, a hundred good stories make you interesting¡­ To talk to? No, that doesn''t sound right. I forgot the last part, but you get the point.¡±


    ¡°Whatever.¡± She responded before standing up. She then proceeded to amateurishly try to make her hair not look like total chaos, which was quite hard considering she only had her hands and no mirror. ¡°What''s for breakfast?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, we''ll arrive at a town in 3 or so hours, so you''ll eat then.¡± He answered while starting to depart.


    Yi did not look happy but realizing there was nothing she could do about it so she let it go, or at least wanted to. Yet another annoyance to add to the list.


    ¡°Any reason for it, or were you too lazy to make something?¡± She might not be able to do anything about it, but she at least wanted to know why she would go hungry.


    ¡°Because I''ve heard it''s healthier. Also, you''ll walk faster, which doesn''t hurt.¡± He said while starting to walk.


    Lian Yi¡¯s groans echoed through the forest, but they eventually faded. Replaced by the sounds of feet hitting the dirt.

 Chapter 7

    As the hours passed, Lian Yi¡¯s hunger only grew larger, a constant reminder of the comforts she had left behind. Her stomach wasn¡¯t rumbling yet, but she could feel the faint, nagging ache building up.


    The luxury of being the Wind Flower Sects Young lady, despite its lower status, had still afforded her regular meals, five of them each day to be exact. By now, nearly noon, she would¡¯ve already had breakfast and a mid morning snack, perhaps a sweet bun with a cup of tea or a bowl of fresh rice porridge. Out here, though, all she had was the dusty road and the faint sounds of birds chirping in the trees, as if mocking her hunger.


    She stole a glance at Ahmad, who walked with his usual nonchalance, eyes half lidded and his flask bobbing on one side and his sword on the other. He seemed unaffected by hunger, thirst, or anything else for that matter.


    She knew he was fully aware of the distance she¡¯d insisted on covering the day before, his unhurried pace merely humoring her determination to put as much space as possible between them and the Hidden Blade Sect. It did feel like a shame to skip a full day of training but to Yi it was a price worth paying.


    If her father truly had gone along with the plan to say she¡¯d run away, then there might be people tracking them right now.


    The Hidden Blade Sect could easily deploy their agents, and even her father¡¯s most loyal followers might be looking for her, convinced they needed to bring her back to ¡°safety.¡± Her father may have trusted Ahmad with her, but she doubted he¡¯d want to share the reason for her departure with the entire sect. Trust only went so far, and the larger the group it was directed towards, the thinner it stretched.


    Yi sighed, breaking the silence. "We¡¯ll need to get food soon."


    Ahmad raised an eyebrow, glancing over at her with a smirk. "Oh, are we? Didn¡¯t take you for the delicate type."


    She glared at him. "Needing food isn¡¯t delicate. And it¡¯s just¡­ different out here, is all."


    "Hunger will do that," he replied with a shrug, clearly enjoying her discomfort. "There¡¯s a market in the next town over, it''ll take an hour at most. If you actually decide to train today, we can stay there."


    ¡°Another hour?¡± she muttered, though she forced herself not to complain further.


    After all, she was the one who wanted to keep moving the day before. But now, after a night on the hard ground and no food all morning, her eagerness was catching up with her.


    ¡°Martial training¡¯s as much about the little things as the big ones, you know,¡± he added. ¡°Things like keeping a calm mind even when you¡¯re hungry.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d keep a calm mind if I had breakfast,¡± she shot back.


    Ahmad chuckled and walked a few paces ahead. And just as they crested a small hill, a commotion came to Yi¡¯s attention. A horse drawn cart was parked on the road, with an older man sprawled on the ground holding his hands up in fear. Two figures blocked his path, and from their appearance, it was clear what they were.


    Her stomach gave a lurch, ¡°Bandits,¡± she murmured.


    Ahmed¡¯s face remained impassive. ¡°In Sichuan? Considering they''re still alive, and based on their clothes, it must be their first victim, lucky him.¡±


    Without a second thought Yi started moving forward, ready to help the merchant, but Ahmad outstretched his hand in front of her stopping her. ¡°Why?¡± he said flatly while giving her a sidelong glance.


    ¡°Wha, what do you mean why? We must help him!¡± she protested, eyes fixed on the merchant¡¯s frightened face.


    Ahmad crossed his arms. ¡°Just because someone¡¯s in trouble doesn¡¯t make it your job to save them. How do you even know it¡¯s not his fault he¡¯s like that?¡±


    The merchant¡¯s voice carried over the sound of the breeze as he caught sight of them. ¡°Please! Please help me! I¡¯ll pay you!¡±


    The two bandits turned at the sound, their faces twisting into sneers. One of them laughed before calling out, ¡°Oh, now you¡¯re willing to pay old man? We only asked you for a few coins for passage and you wouldn¡¯t even give us that. But now that you¡¯re in trouble you¡¯re throwing silver around?¡±


    ¡°I told you,¡± Ahmed murmured.


    Yi glanced up at Ahmad, her eyes blazing with frustration. ¡°You can¡¯t be serious. We can¡¯t just ignore him!¡±


    ¡°Sure we can,¡± Ahmad replied while scratching his chin. ¡°Merchants make a living by taking risks, and bandits make even bigger ones by stopping them. He didn¡¯t have and guards and wasn¡¯t willing to pay, so i''d it¡¯s his fault. That¡¯s just how it works.¡± He looked at her, daring her to argue, but she held her ground.


    ¡°But if we can help, we should. I can¡¯t just stand by while they take everything from him.¡±


    Ahmad sighed, giving her a long, hard stare. ¡°Go on then, they''re all yours.¡±


    Yi felt the tension knotting in her chest. She understood the reality of his words, he wouldn''t help. The merchant¡¯s wide, frightened eyes found hers again, his gaze pleading for assistance, and she couldn¡¯t shake the feeling of obligation.


    Without thinking it through, Yi called out to the bandits. ¡°Leave him alone!¡±


    The taller of the two, with a scraggly beard and a scar over his brow stepped forward while cracking his knuckles.


    ¡°Oh, a hero and his little assistant huh?¡± he taunted while swinging his sword seemingly at random. ¡°You got a death wish?¡±


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    Ahmed stepped back with a sigh. But he stayed close enough to observe.


    Yi set her stance, her hand drifting toward her guan dao, though she didn¡¯t draw it. ¡°This isn¡¯t a wish. It¡¯s a warning. Leave him alone, and I¡¯ll let you walk away.¡±


    The bandits laughed and exchanged amused glances. The second bandit, a thin short man with quick darting eyes, drew a rusty sword from his belt before licking it. ¡°This one¡¯s got spirit! Let¡¯s teach her a little lesson yeah? And let''s have some fun after we''re done!¡±


    At that moment he suddenly got slapped at the back of his head, throwing him violently to the ground. ¡°The fucks wrong with you?¡± Said the taller bandit, who was the one who slapped him.


    The smaller bandit quickly recovered, clearly used to such abuse. ¡°Intimidation you fool! You''ve ruined it! There''s nothing scarier than some crazy bandit who is trying to rape you, especially to a little girl like her!¡± He retorted, his voice doing a complete flip from crazy sounding to a completely normal one. ¡°Ah fuck It, I''ll take the girl you kill this old bastard and get his money. Prepare to die girl!¡±


    But before he could take a step forward, Yi¡¯s body tensed and she jumped forward with immense speed, her guan dao already in her hand with the blade pointing the other direction. She struck the bandit with the hilt of her weapon to avoid lethal damage.


    Her blow connected with the smaller bandit¡¯s shoulder, sending him stumbling back with a yelp, almost making him spin.


    The larger bandit growled, barely any time had passed, so he did not have enough of it to fulfill his task. He decided to ignore the merchant and started swinging his own blade toward Yi in a wide sideways arc. But Yi rolled to the side before springing back up to his right on the very opposite side of where his blade now was, her breath was steady, her movements quick and controlled.


    The bandit was slower than her, his reflexes dulled by surprise, and Yi used his misstep to her advantage, slamming her foot into his knee. He buckled with a grunt, nearly falling to the ground. That was followed with a quick slam to the abdomen with her guan dao which made him crumple forward before falling to his knees, vomit coming out of his mouth.


    When Yi saw the vomit she quickly back stepped to avoid any getting on her still decently clean clothes.


    The merchant¡¯s eyes widened with excitement, and he started inching back toward his cart, taking advantage of the situation.


    The smaller bandit, noticing that she was distracted, grabbed his shoulder snarled and lunged at her again, but Yi easily sidestepped his attack. She struck the back of his head with the butt of her weapon, sending him crashing onto the ground and rendering him unconscious.


    The larger bandit, still kneeling on the ground, he took one look at his fallen companion and then back at Yi, his eyes narrowed with fear and anger. ¡°Fuck this,¡± he muttered, barely standing up and not even bothering to pick up his weapon, he started going the opposite way.


    He shot one last glare at the merchant, then turned and hobbled away, leaving his partner unconscious on the ground. But before he could even reach the trees, Yi was upon him, and before he realized what had happened, he too fell unconscious to the ground.


    ¡°Not bad,¡± Ahmed commented while smirking at her.


    Without acknowledging Ahmed''s words, Lian Yi turned toward the merchant, her expression softening as she realized the weight of the situation. He was still trembling, but there was a spark of relief in his eyes now that the threat was over. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry,¡± she said with a gentle voice. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean for things to escalate like that.¡±


    The merchant, who had been hiding behind his cart, stepped forward as she spoke. His face brightened with gratitude, and he quickly pulled a small pouch from his belt. ¡°Thank you, thank you so much!¡± he exclaimed, holding it out to her. ¡°Here, please take this. It¡¯s not much, but it¡¯s all that I have.¡±


    She looked at the pouch, but before she could refuse Ahmad stepped forward, plucking it from the merchant¡¯s hands before she could so much as say a word.


    ¡°We¡¯ll take it,¡± he said cheerfully, pocketing the pouch with a satisfied nod. He gave the merchant a casual wave and started walking towards the city, his mood clearly improved.


    Yi apologized profusely to the merchant, who insisted it was okay. The merchant decided that if she helped him tie the bandits up, it would be good enough. He explained how these two might not be named bandits or part of any larger group, but the soldiers at the town he was going to would still give him some money for them.


    They weren¡¯t martial artists and were tied up, so the merchant assured her he could deal with them himself if they woke up. It took a while, but eventually she bid the merchant safe travels before running to catch up with Ahmed, who by now was quite far away.


    As Lian Yi caught up, she shot Ahmed a sharp look, her irritation overpowering her attempt at a calm expression. ¡°We didn¡¯t help him for money.¡± she said,


    ¡°So?¡± he replied while smirking. ¡°I didn''t take it, he gave it to us. If he didn''t want us to have it, he wouldn''t have pulled it out.¡±


    Lian Yi sighed before narrowing her eyes at Ahmad. She struggled to swallow her objections.


    ¡®It''s not worth it, he''s not worth it.¡¯ She repeated in her head, trying to calm herself down.


    Their walk continued, Ahmad¡¯s unconcerned expression still the same, while the small pouch loudly announced its contents with every single step he took. Part of her wondered if he¡¯d taken the money just to provoke her, to maybe push her to question herself. But after looking at the wine hanging on his belt, she quickly dismissed the thought.


    ¡°By the way,¡± Yi asked. ¡°Earlier you mentioned something about the bandits in Sichuan with a hint of surprise in your voice. What was that about?¡±


    ¡°Well, You probably haven''t traveled much so you wouldn''t pay it much attention, but Sichuan is probably the safest place for merchants, at least when it comes to bandits in all of China.¡± Ahmed stated.


    ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡± Yi asked while tilting her head with interest.


    ¡°Just think about it, you''ve got 2 great sects and the Tang clan all next to each other, the Qincheng and Emei sects pride themselves on helping the weak, and the Tang own quite a few merchant organizations on top of being a part of the Murim alliance, which makes them help people if only for the sake of their reputation. It''d be weirder if there were any bandits.¡±


    Yi nodded thoughtfully while processing Ahmed¡¯s explanation. Now that she actually thought about this, it made a lot of sense. Considering that the area was under the influence of multiple powerful sects, banditry would indeed be risky business. Yet those two had clearly taken the chance, perhaps out of desperation.


    ¡°Then why do you think those two were here?¡± she asked, glancing back down the road, where she had left the unconscious bandit behind.


    ¡°Idiots,¡± Ahmad said with a shrug. ¡°Whatever their reason for becoming bandits, they won¡¯t last long. Either someone like you shows up, or the local sects handle them, or worse case scenario, the soldiers get them. Regardless, the problem solves itself.¡± He gave her a sidelong glance. ¡°You sure seem to enjoy playing hero, though.¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t playing hero. I just didn¡¯t want to see someone get hurt for no reason.¡± Yi frowned. ¡°And why did you say soldiers getting them was worse than the sects? I don¡¯t know about the Tang, but Emei and Qincheng members wouldn¡¯t kill them. Actually, wouldn¡¯t they just turn the bandits in like the merchant would when he reached the town?¡±


    "Pff," he chuckled, laughing for a good while before he spoke again. "You really think the guards are going to cover the costs for a bunch of nameless bandits who don¡¯t even have any ki? Let me tell you straight, those bandits will end up as slaves, forced to work until they pay off that debt, if the commander has any decency, that might happen. But more often than not, they¡¯ll work themselves to death.¡± He paused, his gaze hardening as he looked at her. "When a sect captures them, they spend some time in prison, nobody wants to ruffle feathers with a sect. But when it¡¯s a merchant or anyone else without the power to back them up, it¡¯s a different story. It¡¯s hell. You didn¡¯t help those bandits by sparing their lives. You sentenced them for life, or at least for however much of it they still have left.¡±


    Lian Yi stood frozen for a moment, her mind racing as she processed Ahmed''s words. The weight of his statement pressed on her, a chill creeping through her chest. Her gaze dropped to the ground, and she clenched her fists, the truth of what he said hitting harder than she expected.


    Her thoughts tangled. She had wanted to save them, wanted to believe she had done the right thing. But now, the possibility of a life worse than death, one filled with endless toil and suffering, loomed before her. She thought of the bandits¡¯ faces, and for the first time, doubts gnawed at her heart.


    Her stomach twisted with unease, and she could feel the heavy silence in the air. Lian Yi swallowed hard, despite having drank some water not long ago, her throat was dry. The weight of responsibility, the crushing realization that her actions had consequences beyond what she could comprehend, made her feel smaller than ever before.


    "I..." She hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper. "I didn¡¯t... mean for it to turn out like that." The words felt hollow, like they couldn¡¯t possibly be enough to undo what had been done. ¡°Maybe¡­ Maybe i can still catch him and explain that we should release them. Just let them¡ª¡±


    Ahmed cut her off. ¡°Let them go so they can rob a different merchant? They lost their weapons, probably the only thing they could have exchanged for a piece of food. Now they have nothing, which will make them even more desperate.¡± He was looking straight at her, but she didn¡¯t look at him. Her gaze remained fixed on the ground, as if staring at the earth might offer some kind of answer.


    For what felt like an eternity, she stood frozen, her mind racing in frantic circles. Every time she tried to come up with a solution, it fell apart for one reason or another.


    Finally, Ahmed¡¯s voice broke the silence, ¡°Come, you''re not you when you''re hungry. The city¡¯s not far. You can be miserable about it over a bowl of pork rib soup.¡±


    Without waiting for a response, he lifted her effortlessly in his arms, cradling her as if she were lighter than a whisper. With the sun still high in the sky, he began walking toward the city, carrying her away from the chaos of the moment.

 Chapter 8

    Ahmad slurped noisily as he drank out of his bowl of pork rib soup, savoring the rich broth with a satisfaction that only a man who hadn''t cooked the meal himself could enjoy. Across from him, Lian Yi was sitting stiffly with her hands folded on the table, staring at the untouched bowl in front of her. The scent of the soup drifted toward her, savory and warm, but it did little to ease the discomfort in her stomach. She was hungry, but not hungry enough for it to triumph over her turbulent mind.


    She couldn''t stop replaying the fight in her mind. The clash of steel, the cries of the bandits, and the adrenaline coursing through her veins as she''d struck them down. At the time, it had felt so exhilarating. Now, in the quiet of the tavern, that exhilaration had turned to bitterness.


    Her fingers twitched involuntarily. She remembered how heavy her guan dao had felt by the end of the skirmish, it wasn''t the physical strain that bothered her now, it was the hollow feeling that had settled in her chest. The sense that something vital seemed to have shifted in a way she couldn''t take back.


    "Not hungry?" Ahmad''s voice broke through her thoughts. He was leaning back in his chair, holding the mostly empty bowl in his hands except for a big bone sticking out of it, the meat on it having been entirely devoured, he looked utterly at ease. His tone was casual, but the glint in his eyes suggested he already knew the answer.


    Lian Yi shook her head slightly. "I''ll eat later."


    "Later doesn''t count," he replied, setting the bowl down with a clink. "Soup''s hot now. You''ll regret it when it''s cold. I don''t know what you''re used to eating, but I''ve never seen someone not eat pork rib soup after tasting it."


    She didn''t answer, her eyes instead drifting over to the tavern window. The world outside looked remarkably peaceful bathed in the afternoon light, a stark contrast to how she had viewed it only a few hours ago.


    Ahmad sighed loudly, which make Yi take her eyes off the windows views. "Listen, in life, a lot of hard work will often get you nothing but a mess. And the best you can do is pretend to be happy with the result. You did the best you could, and that''s good enough."


    Lian Yi stared at him, her frustration warring with the guilt she felt. She hated how easily he dismissed what felt like a monumental mistake. To her, the idea that her actions had led to someone else''s suffering was unbearable.


    "Look at you," He continued. "You''re just sitting in the corner looking like a depressed fish gasping for air."


    Lian Yi''s jaw tightened as Ahmad''s words settled over her, the casual tone in his voice was like a slap to the face. She snapped her gaze back to him, her fists clenching in her lap.


    "Is this a joke to you?" she said, her voice perhaps sharper than she wanted it to be.


    Ahmad blinked, momentarily caught off guard, "What are you talking about?" he asked,


    "You keep acting like it''s nothing," she shot back, her frustration spilling over. "Like I didn''t just¡ª" She stopped herself, her throat growing tighter. "Like I didn''t do something terrible out there."


    Ahmad leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms loosely over his chest. "You mean stopping a group of bandits from killing and stealing?"


    "You don''t get it!" she nearly shouted, her voice trembling with anger. "I didn''t just stop them. I ruined them. I struck them down without mercy, without thinking about what would happen to them after. Do you know what I''ve done to their lives?"


    Her voice cracked, but she didn''t stop. "And now you''re sitting here telling me to pretend to be happy with it? To move on like it''s nothing?"


    "Then let me as you this. Was what you chose to do a mistake? Was it as mistake to help that merchant?" Ahmad asked, his voice calm but firm.


    Lian Yi didn''t respond right away. Her hands resting on her lap, fingers curling and uncurling as if searching for something to hold onto. The question lingered in the air, heavier than she''d expected. Finally, she shook her head, her voice quiet but steady.


    "No."


    "Then don''t ask them," Ahmad replied, his sudden serious tone breaking through her hesitance.


    She blinked at him, startled by the sharpness of his voice, but in the end Yi said nothing. Her gaze dropped to the table.


    "These kinds of questions only lead to regret," he continued, his tone mellowing slightly as he spoke.


    Lian Yi shifted in her seat, the feeling of discomfort on her face becoming apparent. Her chest felt tight, as if the unspoken words inside her were trying to push their way out. She didn''t agree with what he said, but she didn''t dare interrupt him. She didn''t want to.


    "What if? Could I have? Should I have?" Ahmad''s voice rose slightly with each question, the rhythm deliberate, almost mocking. "There''s a time for those questions, and that''s when you believe you did the wrong thing."


    Lian Yi frowned, her lips parting to say something, but Ahmad immediately began speaking again, silencing her.


    "But you didn''t," he said firmly, his gaze locking onto hers, "So don''t waste time asking questions that''ll only bring you misery. If what you did was right, but it still hurts, the pain isn''t a sign you should be second guessing yourself. It''s a sign you need to deal with it, not drag yourself down further."


    The words hit her like a punch to the chest. Lian Yi leaned back slightly, her fingers tightening into fists on her lap. Her mind was rife with doubts, but Ahmad''s voice made them feel small and fleeting, like murmurs in the wind.


    "But it still feels wrong," she mumbled as if muttering to herself. Her voice was tense and confused.


    "Of course it does," Ahmad said with a shrug. "Doing the right thing isn''t about feeling good. It''s about doing what''s necessary."


    Lian Yi looked away, her chest tight. She hated how much sense he made, how his words cut through her anger and left her with nothing but the raw ache of her guilt.


    "You''re right," he continued, "You hurt people today. You''ll probably hurt more before you even know it. That''s the price of trying to do the right thing. It''s not fair, and it doesn''t feel good, but it''s the truth. You don''t have to like it, but you do have to live with it."


    She stared at the table, her thoughts swirling like a storm. She desperately wanted to argue, to push against what he said, but deep down, she knew he was right. The tension in her body slowly unwound as she processed his words. It wasn''t the answer she was hoping for, but it felt like the one she needed. Taking a deep breath, Lian Yi sat up a little straighter, unclenched her hands and placed them firmly on the table.


    After a long moment of staring at the now slightly colder soup and the glistening ribs resting within it, she reached out with her still trembling hands, ignoring the utensils altogether. Slowly but surely she began to eat, at first tearing the tender meat from the bones with her fingers. But by the time she reached the second and last bone, she abandoned her fingers entirely, instead biting straight into the meat.


    The savory flavor lingered on her tongue, but no amount of flavor could mask the bitterness she felt. When the meat was gone, she turned to the broth, its warm and comforting aroma betraying the harsh taste it left as she forced herself to swallow each mouthful. It tasted heavenly, and she hated it.


    But as all things, be they good or bad, must come to an end. The soup was no exception, nothing left in the bowl except 2 bones completely stripped of anything so much as resembling meat. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    When Ahmad noticed the enthusiasm with which Yi devoured her meal, a soft chuckle escaped his lips. ''Nobody can resist pork ribs,'' he thought to himself, the corner of his lips curling upward in amusement.


    The savory aroma of the soup still lingered in the air, but like all things, no matter how delightful, the feast eventually came to an end. The once full bowl now sat empty, save for two gleaming bones stripped clean of anything even resembling meat.


    "Good job," he said, his tone laced with teasing approval, "But there''s no rest for the wicked I''m afraid. I already got you a room and reserved the back of the inn. If you''re ready you can begin training any time."


    "Alright," she said softly, her voice void of its usual vitality, or any energy for that matter.


    Ahmad pushed himself up from the table with a loud stretch, his chair scraping noisily against the floor. "Good. Let''s go. You always wanted me to teach you directly so I''ll teach you something today."


    She stood up without hesitation, picked up her guan dao which propped up against the wall by the table, and without a word followed Ahmed, her fingers curling tightly around the familiar shape.


    As Ahmad led the way through the bustling tavern, his steps relaxed yet filled with confidence, Yi didn''t notice the curious glances from the other patrons. To her, their whispers might as well have been nonexistent.


    The back of the inn was a small, fenced off courtyard, surrounded by not yet lit lanterns. The scent of damp earth filled the air, and the faint chirping of crickets provided a soothing backdrop. After reaching the middle Ahmad turned to her, and as he crossed his arms he began to speak.


    "Hand to hand combat is hard, and having you learn it and the guan dao at the same time would be foolish. So I''ll teach you something easy yet useful. But be warned, as it only works up close, as fist techniques usually do now that I think about it, and to an enemy that is underestimating you or straight up not expecting an attack. "


    Ahmad relaxed his arms, exhaled, and suddenly punched the air in front of him at the height of his abdomen, the force sending a gale towards Yi. He then launched a powerful uppercut which created enough air pressure to create a small dust storm around him.


    "It goes like this: you punch them in the stomach with your weaker arm, not full power, but enough force to make them lean their head forward." He spoke before the dust cloud had settled down. "Then you throw a full power uppercut with your other hand right into their chin. If it goes well, you''ll knock them right out. Easy right?"


    Lian Yi blinked before tightening her hold on the guan dao as she stared at the dust cloud. She wasn''t sure what she expected when he said he''d teach her a simple fist technique, but this wasn''t it. The sheer force behind the blow was enough to make the ground tremble under her feet.


    "That¡­ doesn''t exactly look easy," she muttered, her voice tinged with a mix of awe and doubt. "You just turned the ground into a dust storm with a single punch."


    "Don''t worry, you won''t be punching hard enough to make a scene like that for at least a decade. The point is the technique, I only used so much strength so you''ll pay attention. Kids like flashy things"


    Ahmad smirked, though he was covered in dust, he made no effort to brush it off. "Relax. You won''t be punching hard enough to stir up anything like that for at least a couple of years. The point is the technique, I just used a bit of extra strength to make sure you''d pay attention. Kids like flashy things"


    She frowned, skepticism and irritation flickering on her face being called a kid. "You make it sound easy, but I''m not even sure I can pull it off without snapping my own wrist."


    "Of course you can," Ahmad replied, his tone light but firm. "You''ve been training the guan dao, but also your body. By now, you can swing that thing like it''s an extension of your arm. Throwing a punch is kind of similar? Okay not really but it''s easy trust me. Just make the fist correctly, focus your strength properly, and don''t flail around like a scared cat."


    She raised an eyebrow. "You make it sound like I''ve been punching wrong my whole life."


    "Well, you have," Ahmad said bluntly. "Almost everyone does, if throwing a punch was so easy people wouldn''t be using weapons would they now? Nobody gets it right the first time, or the next, or maybe ever. Anyway, just put that thing away and do what I did."


    She raised her eyebrow even higher. "Did you forget you were the one who told me to figure things out on my own instead of copying others?"


    "Ah, yes, the wisdom of past me, so inspiring, so profound," he said mockingly. "But here''s the thing, past me wasn''t dealing with a student who''s about to complain about breaking her wrist from a single punch. Present me, however, has to adapt." After finishing, he lifted his right hand up and clenched his fist majestically.


    Lian Yi folded her arms and gave him a flat look. "So you''re just going to ignore your own words because it''s inconvenient?"


    "Exactly," he replied with a mock serious nod. "Adaptability is the hallmark of a great teacher. Besides, if you copy me just this once it won''t kill you."


    "I thought the point was to find my own way," she countered, while her tone got sharper but not aggressive.


    "And you will," Ahmad said simply. "But even a bird has to watch another bird fly before it jumps out of the nest. So, think of this as me flapping my wings for you. You can still fall on your face afterward, but at least you''ll know what not failing looks like."


    Ahmad continued before she could respond. "Now stop nitpicking, copy me, fail a bit, and then eventually do it better than me. That''s the whole idea, isn''t it? That''s what you''ve been asking me to do since day one, right?"


    She sighed before setting her guan dao carefully to the side. "You have a strange way of making sense," she said before stepping forward to mimic his earlier stance.


    Right as she did, he walked in front of her, puffed his chest out and poked his head forward and up, exposing his chin in an exaggerated way. "Give me your best shot."


    Lian Yi stepped forward until she was as close as humanly possible while still having enough space to attack, she drew a breath and steadied her footing. Her brows furrowed, and her knuckles whitened as she clenched her fists tighter. Ahmad remained in front of her, his chest puffed out and chin thrust forward, the very image of cocky nonchalance.


    "Let''s see it," he pushed his chin even more forward, all in all he looked comical. "Do it well once. That''s all I''m asking."


    Her left fist came first she drove it right into his paunch, yet weirdly sturdy stomach, with all the strength she could muster. She knew that wasn''t what she was supposed to be doing, but she really wanted to punch something. But even though she used her full strength Ahmad didn''t flinch, if he felt the impact he didn''t show it.


    "For your sake I''m going to assume that wasn''t your full strength considering I told you not to use all of it. Now continue."


    Frustration boiled over as her as she corrected her stance, after getting into position, she channeled every ounce of her ki to her right hand. She aimed straight for his unnaturally exposed chin. Her fist was fast, perhaps too fast considering her thumb was stuck inside of it.


    Ahmad noticed her mistake but didn''t move. He simply let her strike come. He knew what was about to happen, and he could have stopped her, but decided not to. The injury would not be serious enough to interrupt her training, yet as a lesson it was invaluable, at least in his mind it was.


    Her fist smashed into the bottom of his jaw with a satisfying crack. For just a split second, she thought she''d gotten him, after the impact she saw his head tilt ever so slightly upward. But the victory, if one can even call it that, was fleeting. Pain shot through her hand as if lightning had hit her thumb. The crack hadn''t come from Ahmad''s jaw, it had come from her own hand.


    As the sharp pain shot through her hand, Lian Yi let out a strangled gasp that turned into a high pitched yelp. Her first instinct was to grab her injured hand, but the moment she touched it the pain flared even more intensely, forcing her to recoil with a sharp cry.


    "Ow, ow, ow!" she shouted while clutching her right hand to her chest, tears coming out at the corners of her eyes. She doubled over but didn''t fall to her knees and quickly but carefully cradled her right hand. Her voice, strained and trembling, carried nothing but agony. "What is wrong with you?!"


    Ahmad raised an eyebrow while rubbing his jaw with exaggerated slowness. "What''s wrong with me?" he asked as if it was a serious question. "A lot but that''s beside the point. You''re the one who just broke her thumb."


    Yi''s face twisted with anger and pain as she glared at him. "You knew that was going to happen! You just stood there!"


    He shrugged. "You''re speaking in anger, and yet you''re correct."


    "Why didn''t you stop me?!" she demanded while shaking her injured hand as though it might help. The movement only made the pain worse, making her wince back to her earlier position.


    "Because you wouldn''t have learned," Ahmad said and crouched down to her eye level. His tone losing its teasing edge, instead it was filled with a steadier, comforting tone. "You''re angry now, but tell me, will you ever throw another punch like that?"


    She gritted her teeth, hot tears spilling over her face. "No," she replied. "But¡ª"


    "Exactly," he interrupted. "Pain sticks. Better a broken thumb now than a shattered hand in battle."


    She glared at him, unsure whether she hated him or begrudgingly understood his point. The pain was sharp, throbbing, relentless,


    "Now don''t be a crybaby and give it here," Ahmad said, simultaneously holding out his hand expectantly. When she wavered, he gave her a weird look. "Now come on and let me set it before it heals wrong. You don''t want to be known as Yi Sichuan''s crooked thumb, now do you?"


    After a moment of hesitation, she extended her hand. And while he worked, she just sat silently, biting down on her tongue to hold back a stream of curses, or at least to her they were. Someone of her status rarely if ever experiences actual insults.


    Ahmad carefully examined her hand, his fingers moving with practiced ease, before giving a satisfied nod. "You''re lucky. It''s a clean break. Hurts like hell now, but it''ll heal fine on its own. You''ll be back to punching my face in no time."


    "Good punch though, your ki control is impressive" he added casually.


    Lian Yi snorted despite herself before wiping her face with her still healthy left hand. "You''re insane."


    "Meh, I''ve heard worse," he said with a shrug. "Anyway, since you can''t do anything physical for a bit, go rest and circulate your ki. We''ll stay here until you''re healed. After that¡­" His voice took on a light, almost playful tone. "We''re visiting the Frogs."


    "The Frogs?" she repeated curiously while setting herself straight.


    "The Tangs," he said with a smile, still completely covered in dust. "Until then, focus on healing. You''ll need both hands, trust me on that."

 Chapter 9

    As the days passed, Yi¡¯s mind grew ever more restless. The entire purpose of the first day of their journey had been to put as much distance as possible between them and the Wind Flower Sect, yet here they were, staying still. A full week had passed, and despite her repeated protests, they remained holed up in the same place.


    For Yi, this wasn¡¯t just frustrating, it was maddening. Her days were spent in tedious stillness, with nothing else but circulating her ki to both refine her energy use and increase its reserves and aid in healing her broken thumb.


    The process, while necessary, left her feeling cooped up and powerless. She had done ki circulation many times before, but never for this long with nothing else to distract her. Was this how people felt in isolation training?


    Her only reprieve came in brief intervals when Ahmad appeared to deliver her meals. He¡¯d waltz in casually, but never without knocking, drop off her food, and leave just as quickly after exchanging a couple of words. His nonchalance was a notable contrast to her growing sense of urgency. She tried to argue with him, pointing out how staying in one place for so long was far riskier than moving on. ¡°At least let us head to the next town,¡± she¡¯d insist.


    But Ahmad was immovable. ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± he¡¯d say with an infuriatingly relaxed voice. ¡°They¡¯re looking for you, sure, but no one¡¯s going to check every room of every inn in the entire city.¡±


    That logic might have been sound to him, but to Yi, it was a flimsy excuse to stay idle. Every moment spent here felt like a gamble, and the tension of being discovered weighed heavily on her mind.


    Yet no amount of reasoning or protest could sway Ahmad from his infuriatingly calm approach.


    Her time wasn¡¯t wasted, however. Even if she wasn¡¯t progressing physically with her technique, most of her focus was dedicated to creating her own martial art, just as Ahmad had encouraged her to do, on top of improving her ki control and reserves.


    Yet even in her imagination, unbound as it was by the constraints of reality, it still felt inferior to anything she had been taught in the Wind Flower Sect. Yet, that didn¡¯t distract or frustrate her. Of course, her great grandfather¡¯s techniques were superior, he was the one who had founded the sect after all.


    She could only recall one thing about him, not his face, not his build. The only thing etched in her memory was the sheer feeling of supremacy he had exuded. To her, there was no shame in being outmatched by someone like him. But she was young and eager to change that.


    The first thing she planned to do after leaving was show her idea to Ahmad and hear his opinion on it. As much as Yi disliked his casual attitude towards¡­ everything, she was sure that at least when it came to pointing out her mistakes, he was going to find them, and make fun of her along the way. He had made it clear he wouldn¡¯t teach her any techniques, though he¡¯d already bent that rule, but from what she had experienced so far giving pointers was fair game.


    On the fifteenth day of her stay, Yi''s frustrations had finally reached their peak, so she decided to confront him the next time he came. Yet when Ahmad had come a couple of hours later to drop off her meal as usual, his appearance caught her attention.


    His clothes were wet, yet he didn¡¯t leave a trail of water wherever he walked, suggesting he had been wet for a while, despite the sunny weather and no sign of rain clouds. Unable to hold back her curiosity, she broke the silence that had defined most of their interactions lately.


    "Why are you wet?¡±


    "I took a dip in the river to clean myself," Ahmad replied matter of factly while droplets of water were still clinging to his clothes.


    "But why in your clothes?" Yi asked, her brows furrowing at the sight of his robes clinging to his frame.


    "I''m too afraid that someone will attack, and I''ll have to fight them naked," he said as if the answer were the most obvious thing in the world. Then, his tone shifted, becoming more serious yet still casual. "Take this as a word of caution, especially as a woman, never bathe unless you''re absolutely certain of your safety. It¡¯s too risky otherwise."


    His words hung in the air for a moment before shrugging off the absurdity of the situation. "Besides, it saves time. I don¡¯t have to wash my clothes separately this way."


    Yi couldn¡¯t tell if she was more baffled by his practicality or his complete lack of shame.


    ¡°But fine, if you¡¯re going to make it such an issue, I¡¯ll go dry myself.¡± He said before jumping out the window. Yi was not surprised, that was how he had left every day since she first entered this room. She did wonder about how he landed without making a noise considering she was on the third floor, but after the third time it stopped bothering her.


    Yi got up from the lotus position and took six steps to her left, intending to sit down on a nearby wooden chair. But before she could even reach it, Ahmed returned with his clothes completely dry. ¡°Happy?¡± He asked.


    Yi stopped, and her eyes widened in disbelief as Ahmad reappeared in front of her, his clothes looked as if they¡¯d never been soaked to begin with. Her mouth opened, but she didn''t say anything, her mind struggling to process the absurdity of it all.


    "You..." she finally began speaking, "How did you¡­ "


    Ahmad simply gave her a small, almost playful shrug. "I ran really fast. And then came back."


    Yi¡¯s jaw tightened as she tried to contain the mixture of confusion, annoyance, and reluctant admiration that bubbled up inside her. It was ridiculous, and yet¡­ she could deny just hoe impressive it was. She had half a mind to argue further, but in the end, she just shook her head, exhaling sharply.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    "You really are something else," she muttered, more to herself than to him. She looked at him once more, wondering just how much of his bizarre behavior was simply part of his strange, stubborn way of life, and how much was deliberate in order to annoy her.


    Ahmad just grinned, clearly pleased with her reaction. "I''d stop staring if I were you. I''m way out of your league. Unfortunately for you, I prefer women my age, don''t have to worry about meeting their parents."


    Yi rolled her eyes, finally sitting down. "Don''t flatter yourself¡± she muttered under her breath, though the smallest hint of a smile tugged at her lips. It was frustrating, but also, in its own weird way, oddly comforting.


    ¡°Anyway, your thumb should be, if not healed, then at least usable. So, I¡¯m giving you a choice, we can stay here, and you¡¯ll continue training until you completely recover, or we can keep going. And if we get there before you¡¯re healed, we¡¯ll stop somewhere along the way. I¡¯ve got time, so it¡¯s your decision.¡±


    She sighed. ¡°You really weren¡¯t joking. Why? Why take me to the Tang? Do you honestly believe I stand a chance of winning?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care if you have a chance. You¡¯ll fight them to gain experience, the result doesn¡¯t matter. Well, if i¡¯m being completely honest, there¡¯s no guarantee they¡¯ll even accept, they might be too proud to fight anyone, especially a woman with their patriarchal ways and what not. But even if they don¡¯t fight you, the trip will be worth it. You¡¯ll observe their techniques, and that alone will help you when fighting an assassin later down the line.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean they might not fight me?¡± she asked with a curious frown.


    ¡°Because I did the same thing when I was younger,¡± he said simply. ¡°I went to every sect, and won every duel. Now that I have a reason to travel I¡¯ll visit all of them, and we¡¯ll have a rematch, if they¡¯re still alive that is.¡±


    She hesitated, her brow furrowing as she considered his words. ¡°Tell me honestly,¡± she said with a low voice, as if reluctant to speak. ¡°If I do end up fighting a Tang disciple on my level, what are my chances?¡±


    Ahmad shrugged, the faintest trace of a grin tugging at his lips. ¡°That¡¯s the spirit. Depends on who you get,¡± he said with a casual voice while picking something from in between his teeth with his index finger. ¡°A direct descendant of the main family? You lose. No question.¡± He paused and met her gaze directly. ¡°The only ones you might stand a chance against are the average disciples, those who train exclusively in poison or hidden weapons. Only the most talented bother mastering both, and even then very few reach the peak this way.¡±


    Lian Yi felt her stomach tighten at the thought. ¡°So, it¡¯s basically a gamble.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Ahmad said with a chuckle before leaning his back against the window. ¡°But what sort of fight isn¡¯t a gamble? The most talented often die before they even get a chance to draw their sword, while the cowards who abandon their comrades at the first sign of trouble, will live long enough to die peacefully in their beds surrounded by family.¡±


    ¡°So,¡± He looked back at her. ¡°What will it be?¡±


    Yi stared at Ahmad for a good minute while thinking about what would be the best action. Part of her wanted to push for movement, but deep down, she knew that he wasn¡¯t wrong about needing the recovery time. With a reluctant sigh, she crossed her arms and asked, ¡°Are we really safe here?¡±


    Ahmad tilted his head and stopped his finger which was currently going towards his nose probably with the intention to pick it. ¡°Ye you''re fine, nobody is going to find you. Why do you think I''m the one bringing you your meals and not the inn workers?¡±


    The confidence in his voice was both reassuring and maddening. After a pause, Yi exhaled sharply and dropped her gaze.


    ¡°Fine,¡± she answered with determination in her voice. ¡°We¡¯ll stay until I''m fully healed, but afterward we depart no matter what!.¡±


    Ahmad grinned. ¡°Alright, just call me when you¡¯re ready.¡±


    She shot him a quick look before getting off the chair and walking back to the center of the room before easing herself back into the lotus position.


    She closed her eyes and began circulating her ki, letting it flow through her meridians slowly but smoothly.


    By now the process felt like second nature, she might not be the best at it, but 10 days of doing one thing and nothing else will make anyone confident in their ability. She focused on her breathing and the gentle warmth of energy through her body.


    As Ahmad left the room, through the window of course, Yi let herself settle into the rhythm of the practice.


    ¡ª


    By the time Yi decided she was ready to depart, an additional week had already passed, bringing the amount of time away from the Wind Flower Sect to a total of twenty three days.


    And considering it would take another couple days to reach the Tang clan, it was safe to assume a month was the fastest they would reach their destination.


    That morning she woke early, took a bath, and washed all of her clothes. She waited for Ahmad to arrive with the last meal she would eat at this inn while circulating her ki for, hopefully, the last time in a while.


    Despite the extended stay not being the most pleasant experience, Yi had grown oddly fond of the place. The room was small, perhaps even suffocating, but it was clean, and the bed was the very definition of comfortable.


    She wouldn¡¯t exactly miss it, but even so, she promised herself she¡¯d spend another night here once this journey was over and she was on her way home.


    After only an hour of meditation, a knocking sound followed by a soft creak of the door announced Ahmad¡¯s arrival. A faint aroma of something rich and savory reached Yi¡¯s nostrils before she even had the chance to open her eyes to turn and look.


    She glanced up from her meditative position, her curiosity piqued, and saw Ahmad strolling in with his usual nonchalance while holding a wooden tray in his left hand.


    Balanced on the tray was a steaming bowl of pork rib soup. It''s clear broth shimmered faintly as the morning light hit it.


    Tender chunks of pork ribs stuck out of the soup, their meat clinging to the bone while glistening with moisture. Thinly sliced green onions floated atop the surface, their bright color a vivid contrast to the shiny yet pale broth.


    Beneath the ribs, Yi could make out slivers of daikon and carrots that were softened to perfection, with their edges slightly translucent from soaking in the broth¡¯s essence.


    The comforting scent filled the room as Ahmad set the tray down on the table with a soft thud. He didn¡¯t bother announcing what it was, Yi¡¯s face made it clear she already understood. Despite not being that hungry, Ahmad¡¯s dislike of breakfasts which he forced on her steeled her in that regard, Yi looked as if she hadn''t eaten in weeks.


    Yi didn¡¯t so much as glance in his direction as she shot to her feet, almost tripping while running toward the table. Her movements were swift, almost frantic, as if the aroma of the meal had suddenly snapped her from a trance. Without bothering to sit down on the chair, she reached out towards the bowl and grabbed one of the ribs before tearing into it without care for any form of etiquette. She devoured the tender meat until the bone was stripped clean.


    This time though, she didn¡¯t hate it. The bitter feeling she had felt before was gone, replaced by something almost ethereal. The flavor wasn¡¯t just good, it was heavenly. The thought of returning here, if only for another serving of this soup, etched itself into her mind. It wasn¡¯t just a passing whim, but a promise, one she intended to keep.


    ¡®Nobody can resist pork rib soup.¡¯ Ahmad thought while looking at Yi with amusement, a massive smirk on his face.

 Side story 1. The Steel Tempest.

    The sun was high in the sky, its rays beating down on the desolate landscape beneath it, casting shadows that seemed to stretch endlessly over the chaos taking place below it. The air was thick with the scent of blood and sweat. Although the outcome had already been decided, faint sounds of struggling fighters reached across the battlefield, where a few isolated pockets of resistance still clung to life, unwilling to admit defeat.


    The bright sunlight glinted off the shattered blades of swords and spears, their gleaming edges now dulled by the grime of death. Broken banners, at least those which were still standing, fluttered weakly in the breeze, while casting long grotesque shadows across the field of battle. The bodies of fallen soldiers lay crumpled and broken below them, their limbs bent at unnatural angles, that is, if they were fortunate enough to still have any. It was a war zone devoid of honor, with nothing left but shattered pride and the quiet groans of whoever was lucky, or unlucky, enough to still be alive.


    The air itself was thick, heavy with the stench of blood and sweat. Flies hovered over the fallen, circling their grotesque feast, undisturbed by the distant sounds of combat still taking place. The midday sun beat down mercilessly on the carnage, casting harsh light on whoever was still left standing, making the scene feel even more surreal, as if the heavens themselves were looking down upon the carnage.


    Among the carnage stood Master Qiang Wei, renowned across the realm as the Steel Tempest. His breath came in ragged gasps, and crimson blood stained his once-pristine robes. His forces had shattered against the enemy¡¯s relentless tide, and despite cleaving through more foes than he could possibly count, even he could not turn the tide of battle.


    His body was a canvas of agony. A deep gash stretched across his abdomen, the brutal parting gift from the enemy vice leader he had slain moments before. His left arm hung heavy and stiff from a shattered shoulder, and his ribs ached with each shallow breath, likely cracked from a crushing blow he had barely blocked. Jagged cuts marred his legs, and bruises darkened his flesh where his clothes had parted. His left eye was ruined, a brutal slash had carved across his brow and cheek, leaving the eye itself a milky ruin veiled by congealed blood.


    In the moment of rest the death of his latest enemy had given him, he looked around, taking in the battlefield surrounding him.


    He had seen corpses many times in his past, he had created quite a few himself, but never had he seen this many, and never before had the deaths of others felt so... horrible.


    Brains, blood, bones, organs, fluids¡­


    Headless corpses.


    Bloody chunks too disfigured to identify what or who they were.


    What he was looking at didn¡¯t even feel human.


    It was just meat.


    He shook his head, forcing himself awake despite the crushing fatigue. Summoning the last dregs of his ki, he infused his voice with power and roared, "Retreat!" His command echoed across the battlefield, cutting through the haze of fear and pain. His surviving soldiers stirred, their broken forms dragging themselves away from the slaughter.


    The retreat had been desperate, a frantic scramble through smoke and chaos. Blood streamed from the Steel Tempest''s wounds, soaking his torn tunic even more, by now it was impossible to tell what color it had been before; all one could see was crimson.


    His soldiers fell back in disarray, their numbers thinned to a pitiful few. Qiang Wei fought to keep pace but faltered, his strength draining with every labored step he took.Stolen novel; please report.


    Amid the retreat, Qiang Wei stumbled, collapsing against a shattered tree trunk, his hand slick with his own blood as he struggled to rise. The sounds of battle faded into the distance, swallowed by the nearby forest''s eerie stillness. Clearly, not all of his soldiers managed to retreat.


    He forced himself upright, staggering forward in defiance of the pain gnawing at his insides. His vision swam, and every heartbeat sent fresh waves of agony through his battered frame. Still, he pressed on, driven by instinct and pride.


    When the remnants of his forces vanished into the dense forest ahead, he found himself alone, isolated in hostile territory. Pain surged through his body, each movement a cruel reminder of his own mortality, which after countless victories he had forgotten applied to him as well. Gritting his teeth, he pressed forward, driven by stubborn defiance and the will to survive.


    Hours crawled by in agonizing silence. The towering trees seemed to close in, their twisting branches forming a cage around him. Despite his almost unparalleled mastery of martial arts, he had sustained grievous injuries. His ki could slow the bleeding, perhaps even close them given enough time, but he didn''t have the luxury to sit down and let them heal. His world blurred between shadow and memory, the taste of blood thick on his tongue.


    Many hours passed before his luck finally ran out, mere moments before nightfall. Enemy scouts stumbled upon him while he staggered through the forest''s underbrush. In a blur of steel and fury he struck them down, felling men like a wounded beast lashing out at his hunters. But victory came at a steep price. He had received yet another injury, this one was a cut near the elbow reaching all the way to the bone, rendering it nigh useless. On top of that, his abdominal wound tore even further open, alongside the many shallower wounds he had sustained that day which.


    Soon after, he stumbled upon a cave, its yawning mouth offering a fleeting promise of shelter. There, in the damp and dark, he bound his wounds with trembling hands. His breathing slowed, his body shaking with cold and exhaustion. He wouldn''t make it, that much was clear to him. For a fleeting moment, he considered staying, letting oblivion take him in the stillness and quiet of the cave. It was so peaceful, so quiet... But he snapped out if it. Such an end felt dishonorable, it was a coward¡¯s death.


    ¡°I am Qiang Wei, the steel tempest!¡± he barely whispered, his voice hoarse yet full of resolve. "I will not die hiding from those who killed my men."


    Summoning the last vestiges of his strength, he staggered into the night, using his sword as a crutch, as uncomfortable as it was. He was seeking battle or death, but found nothing but the indifferent wilderness. The forest stretched endlessly before him, its silence felt unnatural, or perhaps he had already lost his hearing from the blood loss.


    When he approached the caves exit his one working eye became temporarily blinded, it was morning, the blood loss distorted the passage of time for him, and he had spend more time in the cave than he thought.


    His steps grew slower, each one more uncertain than the last. The world around him dimmed, shadows twisting into familiar faces, friends, comrades, enemies. His breathing grew shallow as blood loss drowned his strength.


    Eventually, his knees buckled, sending him crashing into the dirt. There was no final stand, no dramatic duel, only cold earth embracing his battered body. He clawed at the ground, refusing to surrender, his fingers carving desperate trenches into the dirt. Or at least he though he did. He had lost feeling in his body a while ago. Even making it this far was a miracle, a testament to the sheer determination and mental fortitude he possessed.


    The wind whispered through the trees, a haunting serenade that rose and fell like distant song, although he heard none of it. The taste of iron filled his mouth, it was the only thing he could feel, the vision in his remaining eye wavered between past glories and the dirt in front of him.


    Qiang Wei lay sprawled amid the grass and fallen leaves. The forest¡¯s indifference was absolute, the mighty was Steel Tempest reduced to nothing more than a broken figure fading into the dirt like so many before him.


    His breathing slowed, then ceased entirely. Whatever blood he still had pooled around him, eventually soaking into the cold earth.


    Thus ended the life of the Steel Tempest, not in a blaze of glory nor peacefully surrounded by his grandchildren as he had always dreamed, but in the quiet solitude of a forest whose name he didn¡¯t even know.


    His body would never be found. He hadn¡¯t spent the night in the cave as he had imagined, but instead remained hidden there for three full days. By the time he left, the search had long ceased, and all available forces were mobilized to attack what remained of his sect.


    The grandchildren he had hoped to be surrounded by were all killed, as were his wife and everyone else who had stayed behind.

 Chapter 10

    Ahmad and Yi stepped out of the inn, its wooden door creaking as it opened and then closed behind them. It was a quiet farewell to the place she had called home for nearly a month.


    Ahmad adjusted the pouch strapped to his belt and glanced over his shoulder at Yi. ¡°Alright, time to move.¡±


    Yi stood with her gaze lingering on the inn. ¡°It feels strange to leave,¡± she admitted softly.


    ¡°Strange? I thought you¡¯d be eager to leave after the first week,¡± Ahmad said, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°I thought so too,¡± she replied with a thoughtful tone. ¡°But this town¡­ it¡¯s not like other places I¡¯ve been, not that i¡¯ve been to many others in all fairness. It¡¯s smaller than my hometown, but it feels genuine. Strangers, like us, are treated with curious smiles rather than hostility and suspicion. Just... life. The inn as well, even if not as comfortable as my room, had its charm.¡±


    Ahmad gave a slight nod. ¡°It has its charms, i suppose. But mostly it¡¯s a place like any other.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± she said, her voice wistful. ¡°But it felt safe here, peaceful. Even the imperfections, the sometimes burnt soup at the inn that was somehow still delicious, the noisy market that screamed through my window every day. None of it felt unpleasant.¡±


    He chuckled faintly. ¡°That¡¯s the problem with places like this. Stay too long, and you start to think the rest of the world isn¡¯t so awful.¡±


    After a short pause Yi responded. ¡°Is that such a bad thing?¡±


    ¡°Not if you plan to stay. But we¡¯re not staying, are we now?¡± Ahmad said.


    Yi followed him after stealing one last glance at the inn. ¡°I suppose not.¡±


    The town was modest but lively, with cobblestone streets on which wooden stalls opened every day, there were also more permanent, small shops selling everything from dried herbs to polished trinkets displayed themselves through various signs hanging above their doors. Lanterns dangled from the sides of these buildings, swaying gently as the breeze passed through the narrow streets. It was peaceful here.


    As Yi walked beside Ahmad she found herself glancing around more often than she was willing to admit. She had spent nearly a month here, longer than anywhere else except her home, even if the entirety of it was spent in her room. The Wind Flower sect didn¡¯t feel as distant anymore.


    It¡¯s essential to keep in mind that Yi was only 15 at this point in her life, with plenty to spare until she would celebrate her 16th birthday. While a month may not appear to be significant, the reality is that for someone as young as Yi, it can seem like an eternity.


    As they finally reached the outskirts of the town, the noise of humanity faded into the gentle rustle of trees and the occasional animal call. When suddenly, Ahmad began walking off the cobblestone road, and started heading towards the forest.


    ¡°Why are we going this way?¡± Yi asked while looking at the thickening canopy overhead.


    ¡°Because the last thing we need is an audience when you show me that fancy technique you¡¯ve been cooking up,¡± Ahmad replied without looking back.


    ¡°Makes sense, wait what? How do you know about that!?¡± she asked with confusion plastered all over her face.


    Ahmad chuckled, his tone light but teasing. ¡°I remember my first martial art. It was a piece of shit, don¡¯t ask about it. Anyway, that excitement on your face is way too obvious. You¡¯ve been itching to try something new.¡±


    Yi frowned, her lips tightening. ¡°I didn¡¯t realize i was being so transparent, should probably work on that.¡±


    ¡°Subtlety doesn¡¯t come naturally to most at your age, nor should it. It means you¡¯re eager to learn.¡± Ahmad said. ¡°It¡¯s not a bad thing, a stone face will only do you good in battle or right before it. Or in politics but trust me you don¡¯t want to go there.¡±


    The pair walked in relative silence for a few more minutes, the dense trees around them cutting off much of the daylight. Ahmad suddenly halted, almost making Yi bump into him. He then scanned the area and pointed to a small clearing up ahead.


    ¡°This¡¯ll do,¡± Ahmad said before stretching his arms. ¡°Show me what you¡¯ve got.¡±


    Instead of moving immediately, Yi hesitated, gripping the guan dao tightly. ¡°Before I do¡­ I¡¯ve been thinking about what you said. About how martial arts matter and how they improve over time.¡±


    Ahmad glanced at her. ¡°Go on.¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t that mean I should be learning techniques? My sect didn¡¯t have any for the guan dao, so I¡¯ve been figuring it out on my own, like you told me to. But shouldn¡¯t I be training in something already developed, changing it or creating my own based on it?¡±


    Ahmad sighed and sat down on the grass. ¡°You already did.¡±


    She frowned. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Let me give you an example,¡± Ahmad said. ¡°If in your life you¡¯ve ever only read a single book and decided to write your own, whether you wanted to or not, you were inspired or straight up copied the book. How could you not? So whatever you¡¯re about to show me is something you created on your own, you were inspired by the sword techniques of your sect. A guan dao is basically a spear with a single edge sword at its end¡±


    Yi nodded as she considered his words.


    Ahmad continued, ¡°If we ever come across guan dao, sword or spear techniques, learn them. Find the flaws, find the parts that don¡¯t fit your style, and compress them into something you can use. Like you did now, hopefully. Please tell it¡¯s not just a normal attack you gave a name to.¡±


    Yi ignored the last remark and let out a slow breath before unstrapping her weapon. As she stepped into the clearing, her grip tightened on the guan dao, the polished blade gleaming faintly in the sunlight.


    Right as she was about to begin Ahmad raised a hand. ¡°Wait.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s it called?¡± he asked.


    ¡°What¡¯s what called?¡±


    ¡°The technique. It has to have a name.¡±


    Yi blinked in confusion. ¡°It doesn¡¯t have one. I¡¯m still polishing it... depending on what you say, i might have to change it extensively, why would it need a name already?¡±


    Ahmad sighed like he¡¯d just heard the most ridiculous thing in the world. ¡°Of course a name is important, it makes you more familiar with the art. You can even use them as faints, scream the name of one technique and then use a different one. But most importantly! It spreads your names round¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Trust me,¡± He smirked. ¡°People fear names more than the techniques themselves, i dare you to name anyone from the mount Hua sect. You can¡¯t, but you have heard of the Plum blossom sword technique haven¡¯t you?¡±


    Yi rolled her eyes. ¡°I get what you¡¯re saying, but can we focus on the technique? I don¡¯t really care about being known and even if i did it would take a while.¡±Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°Fine fine, but we¡¯re naming it after.¡± He waved her on. ¡°Go on.¡±


    Yi took a deep breath and stepped into the center of the clearing. She carefully unstrapped her guan dao, its polished blade gleaming faintly in the dappled light. Her fingers tightened around the shaft as she took her stance, solid, grounded, ready.


    The guan dao roared through the air in a violent arc as Yi unleashed her attack. The blade carved a path that swept through the space in front of her, the sheer force of the swing making it impossible to dismiss for wherever was standing in the way. Its purpose was clear, anyone in its path would face either retreat or the risk of serious injury.


    Stepping back wasn¡¯t a decision to be made without thought. Against a weapon as long as hers, retreating often meant forfeiting ground, handing control of the fight to the opponent executing this technique. This split second of indecision was exactly what Yi aimed to exploit.


    Her feet planted firmly, she absorbed the guan dao¡¯s recoil as she channeled the energy into her next attack. As her, imaginary in this case, opponent had just finished stepping backwards, Yi made good on the opportunity which she had created.


    She shifted her grip, her arms tensing with coiled strength as she launched her follow up strike. The guan dao shot forward with lethal precision, its full reach extending toward the imagined target. This time, it came down in the form of a powerful overhead swing, though a thrust or sweeping slash from either side could have been just as devastating. This was the purpose behind the second attack, flexibility, speed, and power above all else.


    The blade cut through the air with a sharp, rising howl, its movement carrying a furious whisper as it descended in a powerful arc. The force behind it was enough to crush through any defenses or cleave cleanly through an unprepared foe who had just barely finished retreating.


    The power of the attack wasn¡¯t just in its raw force, it was in its timing and reach. The second strike was delivered from the furthest away possible. The difference in speed from the point where Yi was holding the weapon, and it¡¯s tip, which would collide with the opponent, was substantial. If it hit, the damage would be devastating, but if the opponent dodged, they would find themselves outside of her striking range, which meant they would have to enter it to resume their fight.


    This martial art had three possible outcomes. First, the opponent would be struck by the initial swipe, which would give an immediate advantage to Yi.


    Second, if the first strike was dodged as intended, the follow up attack, which was more powerful, would strike the opponent from the direction Yi decided they were the least likely to respond. This strike was designed to be the finishing blow if it connects.


    Third, even if the opponent evaded both strikes, they would be forced out of range, granting Yi the initiative to attack, time to think, or the space she needed in order to retreat.


    Her breath was ragged as she came to a halt, the weapon quivering slightly in her hands from the exertion.


    Ahmad stood off to the side, his expression unreadable as his eyes flicked over her stance, the precision of her strikes, and the way she carried the weapon¡¯s weight. His silence lingered, a reminder that in this world, perfection was as much a goal as it was an illusion.


    But the flaws were glaring. The initial horizontal sweep was too slow, her follow up downward slash lacked determination and, while visually impressive, wobbled slightly as her arms strained to hold the guan dao steady at full extension. Her footwork was sloppy, leaving her center of gravity unstable. But above all else she was open to an attack the entire time, forget fighting multiple, a single opponent could burst forward or even jump over the initial swing and be in her face before she could even blink.


    Ahmad watched her in silence as she completed the technique, his gaze noting every misstep within it. He didn¡¯t speak immediately, and the silenced felt far longer than it truly was.


    Her breaths were fast and shallow as she waited for his evaluation. While she knew breathing techniques that would prevent this, at that moment, she ignored them, those were techniques she would need to reforge for herself, to fit her own martial art. The excitement in her eyes was almost overshadowed by the nervousness within her.


    Finally, Ahmad pushed himself off the ground and gestured at her. "I like the idea, but you¡¯ve made too many mistakes."


    Yi stepped back, her breaths still coming in quick bursts as she wiped the sweat from her forehead, her gaze was fixed on him as she waited for the coming criticism.


    He took a few steps toward her, his eyes narrowing as he looked at her weapon. "The first swing," he began with a steady voice, "It was too slow. It should be fast enough to not give your opponent the time to think about anything except oh shit or i¡¯m dead, not only that but because of this you leave yourself exposed for a counterattack."


    Yi''s brow furrowed slightly, but she nodded without protest. She had felt the first strike was fine and that using too much strength would be an even bigger mistake. But after hearing Ahmads explanation, she understood it was the right thing to do, though she hadn¡¯t known how to fix it yet. She would have to work on her breathing and footwork to maintain more power from the first to the second strike.


    "Then there¡¯s the next move," Ahmad continued. "That downward slash lacked resolve. You¡¯re not trying to look flashy which is already better than most, but it doesn¡¯t have the weight it needs. When you extend that guan dao, you need to put everything into it. If you don¡¯t, it wobbles, and you give your opponent the chance to exploit that weakness. If it¡¯s meant as a final attack that will finish the fight, then think of it like it¡¯s the last one you will ever make in your life. Because when they deflect it or dodge not away but towards you, it will be your last."


    Yi grimaced slightly. She had felt the wobble herself, her arms trembling as they fought to control the weight of the weapon at full extension. Once again she didn¡¯t put her entire strength into the strike, leaving just a bit so in case of emergency she would have something. For example, she could let go of her guan dao and attack or defend with the remaining qi. Yet another thing to work on.


    "Your footwork is another issue," Ahmad went on, pacing around her in circles as he spoke. "Sloppy. If you can¡¯t keep your center of gravity steady everything else will fall apart. You can''t hold the ground you¡¯re standing on, and considering your entire strategy is about gaining ground as the worst possible outcome, you can imagine how that¡¯s not a good thing." He paused, then added with a slight shake of his head, "You can¡¯t afford to have an unstable foundation, it is the most basic part of all martial arts, even more important than breathing."


    Yi opened her mouth to respond, thinking the scolding was over, but Ahmad held up a hand to silence her.


    "And above all else," he said as his voice took on a more serious edge, "you¡¯re open to attack the entire time. I don¡¯t care if you¡¯re fighting one opponent or ten. Any skilled fighter could charge in the moment your first swing misses, or they dodge it. A single step forward, a leap over your blade, and you¡¯d be dead before you could blink."


    Her heart sank at his words, the previous things she had already considered how to fix, even if some of the solutions would take months. Like creating her own movement arts to shape her footwork and a breathing technique to go along with it. But such a fundamental flaw required her to possibly rethink or even throw away the technique entirely. But she didn¡¯t despair, even if Ahmad was the one who suggested it, she wanted it. She had to learn, no matter how harsh the truth was.


    Ahmad met her gaze, and as his narrowed eyes locked onto hers, all thoughts of his previous jokes and drunken demeanor vanished. In that moment, standing before her was a martial master, one whose presence made her realize how far out of reach he truly was, someone she couldn''t even begin to challenge. His constant jokes and casual behavior made her forget the conversation he had with her father, he was the strongest person her father had ever met. What she felt wasn¡¯t fear, it was the same thing she had felt in front of her grandfather all those years ago, awe of the power he exuded.


    "You''ve got potential," Ahmad said snapping Yi out of her thoughts. "But as you are now, using that in battle against anyone with real skill would be an instant loss. You need to close those openings. All of them."


    Yi stood still, absorbing every word, her mind already working on how to improve. She would fix them, she had to.


    ¡°Anyway,¡± Ahmad said suddenly with a childish cheer in his voice, as if an exciting idea had just popped into his head. ¡°How about that name, huh? I¡¯ve got a few ideas, but I¡¯ll let you go first!¡±


    Yi blinked in surprise, her thoughts momentarily scattered by Ahmad¡¯s uncharacteristic enthusiasm, he was usually relaxed but the only word that came to mind when she saw his excitement was childish, but in a good way. It was such a shift from his usual demeanor that she couldn¡¯t help but laugh lightly, the tension easing from her shoulders. She couldn¡¯t help but let out a giggle.


    ¡°How about Whirlwind slash? No, not enough spinning. Maybe Iron Edge? No, too simple, not catchy enough.¡± He scratched his chin, lost in thought. ¡°What about Thunder strike? It¡¯s got that power to it, a bit simple but i mean it has thunder in the name giving it awesomeness points, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    Yi laughed again. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say i¡¯d go first?¡±


    Ahmad leaned forward while grinning. ¡°Well yes, but you weren¡¯t saying anything were you now? So i went ahead. But seeing as you¡¯re interrupting me, what¡¯s your suggestion?¡±


    ¡°I think¡­¡± she said after a moment of silence, slowly testing the words as they formed in her head, ¡°I think¡­ Chrysanthemums Fall sounds nice. It just feels right.¡±


    Ahmad¡¯s grin faltered for a moment, his brow furrowing as he processed the name. Then, his eyes lit up with understanding, and with a humorous flair he broke into a fit of laughter. "I knew you had it in you! That sounds way better than all my shitty suggestions put together! Although it does hurt my self esteem a bit. Hmm, flowers is the theme ey? Guess it makes sense give the whole wind flower thing. Alright it''s settled, i¡¯ll be the one to name your next one, not because i¡¯m calling dibs but because it will be better than anything you come up with, mark my words!"


    Yi couldn¡¯t help but smile at his reaction, a silent satisfaction bloomed within her as the name resonated in her mind. It felt right, as if it had always been meant for her. "Yes," she murmured with a calm and steady voice, "Chrysanthemums Fall, the first of the techniques I¡¯ll make in my own name. The first of many to come."


    ¡°Chrysanthemums Fall, i like it.¡± Ahmad said with a playfulness in his voice.