Chapter 5- Vows Beneath the Moonlight.

  The courtyard of Iron Root Martial School fell into a stunned hush.

  The divine jade totem blazed with nine distinct layers of light, each one radiating with growing intensity. It stood like a silent monument to what had just occurred.

  Kong Tian stepped down from the platform, the faint hum of physical qi still dancing around his skin. He didn’t smile. He didn’t puff his chest. He simply turned and walked back to Kong Ming.

  Kong Ming looked up at him with wide, astonished eyes.

  The crowd broke out in an uproar.

  “Incredible… Ninth level of Body Tempering at age thirteen!” someone shouted.

  “He’s been this strong while not showing it this whole time…”

  Whispers turned into excited chatter as the watching crowd, dozens of townsfolk, junior disciples, and elders, began to buzz.

  “Which clan does he belong to?”

  “None… I heard he lives in a crumbling courtyard on the edge of town.”

  “Such talent…what a waste without a proper family to nourish such a treasure.”

  A voice murmured in the audience.

  In the distance, seated atop a shaded pavilion, representatives from the three great families of Iron Root Town exchanged glances.

  Patriarch Chen Wei, of the Chen Clan, stroked his beard with narrowed eyes. “Interesting, I thought for sure today's glory would have belonged to Chen Kai.” His eyes sparkled when he looked at Kong Tian, as if he found treasure.

  Bai Ronghua of the Bai Clan leaned in. “That child… If he can be persuaded to join one of us, the sects would elevate our clan's importance.”

  Fang Tieshan, the youngest elder of the Fang family and a known martial enthusiast, grunted. “He doesn’t belong to anyone yet. But he’ll make waves. I must inform the Fang to acquire this wild dragon.”

  Their gazes lingered on Kong Tian for a long while, filled with the unspoken language of ambition.

  “Instructor Fang Duan,” the announcer barked, “next student, Chen Kai.”

  Chen Kai approached the stage as he passed by Kong Tian.

  He paused in acknowledgment.

  “You’re powerful, but the road of cultivation is long and full of surprises. I look forward to the moment we see who is truly the top genius of our generation.”

  Kong Tian merely returned a subtle nod.

  Chen Kai smiled in a calm, carefree manner.

  A ripple of expectation moved through the crowd. The Proud scholarly youth stepped forward, back straight and expression composed. He placed his hand on the jade totem.

  He made a quick, barely perceptible strike, precise, fluid, and controlled.

  His technique resembled the brushstroke of a master painter: elegant and effortless.

  A moment later, seven bands of light appeared in succession.

  “Chen Kai, Age 12. Seventh Level of Body Tempering!”

  The crowd erupted in scattered cheers.

  “A genius, as expected of the Chen Clan!”

  “He’s even younger than Kong Tian!”

  Chen Wei, Patriarch of the Chen Clan, gave a proud nod from his seat but said nothing.

  Head instructor Fang Duan gazed at Chen Kai.

  “I guess this young master from the Chen is more than just a knowledgeable brat.”

  “Next, Fang Hong!” The instructor shouted.

  A youth in stylish blue robes, bearing a family crest, approached the stage; he had a rugged appearance that did not belong to a child.

  He got into a fight stance and landed a solid punch.

  Crackack!

  The totem's 1st section lit up but quickly stopped at the 4th level.

  “4th Stage Body tempering age 13!” The instructor announced.

  The crowd didn't react; more accurately, they didn’t dare.

  “The current batch of martial artists from the fang clan is lacking,” whispered someone in the audience.

  “Quiet, do you want the fang clan to hear you?!” Rebuked a member in the audience.

  The members of the Fang Clan all had long faces. An Elder sighed.

  “They can’t all be as talented as Fang Longwei from two years ago.”

  “Next, Fang Zhu!”

  A handsome and arrogant looking youth approached the stage, he had spiked hair, giving off a rebellious aura.

  The crowd looked with anticipation.

  “These tests can be an indicator of who will rise the most between the great families in the future.”

  “Howot!”

  Fang Zhu shouted as he kicked the totem.

  Five lights lit up a moment later: the 5th stage of body tempering, at age 13! The announcer shouted.

  The crowd all sighed in unison.

  The results were good, but for a top noble family, they felt… lacking. Maybe if Fang Zhu were 12, like Bai Yuyin of the Bai clan, he might’ve been considered impressive, but he’s already 13…

  Next "Wu Long!" The Announcer shouted!

  A tall, Skinny youth with plain grey robes approached the totem. His short, styled black hair gave him an earthly appearance.

  First Art: 7th layer palm strike!

  “Boom!”

  The totem hummed as six layers lit up!

  “6th level of body tempering. Age 13!” The announcer shouted.

  The audience was shocked.

  A muscular man who wore a tattered weaponsmith robe nodded his head in pride toward the young Wu Long.

  "6th level at age 13 isn't bad."

  "Look at his robes, he's clearly from a commoner background!"

  "The year of the commoners!" A shopkeeper shouted. Tone dripping with pride.

  Wu Long cupped his hand at the instructor and smiled toward the blacksmith in the crowd like a proud son.

  One by one, the remaining students took the platform. Most scored between the 2nd and 4th stages of body tempering.

  The average age was 12-14, making Kong Ming the youngest at 11.

  It was common practice to let children’s bodies naturally develop before beginning physical cultivation.

  Rushing cultivation during their early growing years often led to dangerous complications later in life.

  To avoid those risks, most families wait until their children are 12 before beginning physical training.

  Senior Fang clapped his Hands, silencing the crowd.

  “The top ten will remain under my instruction,” Instructor Fang announced.

  “Their names will be recorded in the school’s seasonal scroll of generational talents.”

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  Instructor Fang just realized he forgot someone.

  “Kong Ming!”

  Fang Duan called.

  The courtyard fell quiet again, this time with a sharper edge.

  Random members in the audience whispered.

  “Do they really expect a cripple to take the test…”

  “I bet 500 silver coins he won’t reach the totem…”

  Kong Ming took a deep breath, eyes sharp with determination and a hint of desperation.

  Kong Tian clenched his fists, concerned for his brother. "Don't be afraid, Ming'er, big brother has your back." Kong Tian said inwardly.

  Kong Ming approached the jade totem slowly. Each step felt like a test. He swallowed hard, fragile legs dragging slightly, cane wobbling in his hand from fatigue, as he tried to walk with pride.

  He took a deep breath, raised his hand to strike the totem, and tripped.

  His foot caught on the edge of a stone. He stumbled,

  With a muffled gasp, he fell forward, barely catching himself with his hands before his face hit the dirt. The totem remained untouched. Its glow, unchanged. Silent.

  A beat passed.

  Then came the laughter.

  “He didn’t even touch it!”

  “Just go home already, cripple!”

  “Trying to keep up with his brother? Hah!”

  Kong Ming didn’t move. His fists clenched in the dirt. His teeth ground together in silent fury. But before he could speak.

  The air changed.

  A wave of killing intent swept the courtyard like a blade through silk.

  Kong Tian stood still, unmoving, but his eyes, those eyes, burned with deadly promise. The students closest to him stepped back instinctively. Jaws clamped shut. Laughter died on trembling lips.

  Not another word was said.

  Instructor Fang clapped his hands sharply.

  “That concludes the entrance ceremony. We will now announce the top ten scores from the physical exam!”

  10th place – Chen Yuan, Age 14 – 4th Stage Body Tempering

  9th place – Lu Gishan, Age 13 – 4th Stage Body Tempering

  8th place – Fang Hong of the Fang Clan, Age 13 – 4th Stage Body Tempering

  7th place – Bai Lian of the Bai Clan, Age 14 – 5th Stage Body Tempering

  6th place – Chen Yue of the Chen clan, Age 14 – 5th Stage Body Tempering

  5th place – Fang Zhu of the Fang clan, Age 13 – 5th Stage Body Tempering

  4th place – Wu Long, Age 13 – 6th Stage Body Tempering

  3rd place – Bai Yuyin, top genius of the Bai Clan, Age 12 – 6th Stage Body Tempering!

  2nd place – Chen Kai, top genius Chen Clan, Age 12 – 7th Stage Body Tempering!

  1st place – Kong Tian, Age 13 – 9th Stage Body Tempering!

  The crowd roared in disbelief.

  In a high tower overlooking the courtyard, a noble young lady watched through a narrow window. A slow, playful smirk appeared on her face.

  “Interesting…”

  “Young Miss,” an old attendant beside her said, “a small town like Iron Root producing a 9th stage genius is rare, but more importantly, if my senses are correct, he holds a very powerful dormant bloodline.”

  The young lady said nothing, only continued watching with amusement.

  ___________

  In a dark room in the martial Academy, two silhouettes carried a foreboding expression.

  A masked man with an imposing and sinister aura can be seen.

  “Didn’t you say Chen Kai was going to be this year's elite student heading into the cloud seeking sect trials?” He said coldly

  A nobleman in luxurious orange robes nodded his head. “The Dark Guild has nothing to worry about."

  "I do admit that Kong brat is talented, but he has no background to speak of."

  "I have faith that the talent of our top genius Chen Kai isn’t the least bit inferior.”

  Chen Wei paused.

  “I am also considering recruiting the youth into the clan.”

  The masked man nodded. “It would be good if we could recruit such a talent into the dark guild. What would you do if the Kong Brat refuses?”

  Chen Wei smiled. “An unfettered dragon must remain chained."

  A malicious light gleamed in his eyes.

  "Or they must be smashed as an egg.”

  Due to a never-before-seen upheaval in this generation's exam expectations, a chaotic undercurrent began to move in Iron Root Town.

  While a new generation enjoys the limelight, the forces of darkness are actively at work.

  ____________

  Back in the training Courtyard.

  The spectating villagers and nobles discussed the exam results fervently.

  Fang Duan clapped, getting the attention of the crowd.

  “That concludes the public entrance exam!” Fang Duan shouted, signaling the spectators to leave.

  I’ll now announce the groups for this year's 200 students.

  Your groups will affect your placement in lectures and future exams!

  Group A- housed the highest-performing students: Kong Tian, Bai Yuyin, and Chen Kai and others in the top 50. The weakest in the top 50 were 15 year olds, 4th stage body tempering. And the strongest was Kong Tian, who was 13 years old and at the 9th stage.

  Groups B and C- held average performers. Most were in the 2nd to 4th stages of body tempering.

  Group D was the weakest. Most are in the 1st and 2nd stages of body tempering.

  It was there that Kong Ming had been placed.

  “Now, all of you follow me to the lecture halls!”

  ?

  Later That Day – Lecture Hall

  The students sat cross-legged on woven mats. The scent of incense drifted through the air as Head Instructor Fang Duan stood before a chalk-covered stone wall.

  “Today, you begin to understand what it truly means to walk the martial path.”

  He drew four symbols on the stone:

  Body Tempering Realm – “This is your current stage.

  This stage is crucial for your cultivation journey. Here, you set the foundation through Refinement of your bones, flesh, muscle, and meridians.

  36 meridians that must be opened to become a Spirit apprentice.

  Each Meridian gives you access to physical energy called Physical Qi.

  Some martial artists call the Body tempering Realm, the body refinement realm.

  If you brats have some minor talent, you should be able to reach the peak of this realm given enough hard work and training.

  Lady Bai Yuyin’s eyes narrowed. ‘I didn’t think there would be someone other than Chen Kai ahead of me in the rankings."

  She glanced at Kong Tian. "The world is truly vast, a low-born youth in rags is beating me, I truly am laughable.’

  Her inner thoughts didn’t change the cold, stoic face she presented in the lecture hall as Fang Duan continued his explanation.

  “Next!" Fang Duan pointed.

  Spirit Apprentice Realm! – “This is when spiritual qi begins to circulate freely inside your dantian.

  Spiritual Qi, also known as spiritual energy, pervades the heavens; it emanates from the sun and moon.

  Once you become a spiritual apprentice.

  You can actively absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth and store it in your Dantian.

  A breeze slowly began to pick up in the room as head instructor Fang began rapidly absorbing energy into his abdomen, demonstrating the energy absorption abilities of all cultivators who enter the spirit realm.

  “Think of your dantian as a fuel tank for spiritual qi.”

  Once you reach the spirit apprentice realm, we will hold an examination.

  This examination helps you discover your attributes and identify the cultivation techniques that suit your physique.

  Often, those of you with family bloodlines will begin to awaken in the spirit apprentice realm.

  Bloodlines are usually found in people of Noble birth.

  But some commoners can awaken a bloodline as well...

  “A Student Raised his hand.”

  The instructor glanced at them and permitted them to speak.

  The student nervously asked. “Why do nobles have bloodlines but commoners don’t?”

  “Aren’t we both humans?”

  The Students of Noble families sneered.

  The instructor smiled.

  “You’re partially correct.”

  "Nobles used to have a different meaning in ancient times than the meaning it has today."

  "Most people associate wealthy families with nobles, but the term initially referred to inherited talent through blood."

  "Nobles are descendants of Cultivators who reached a high realm. Only when a cultivator gives birth in that realm, would their talents and bloodline traits be passed down."

  "That's why people without family legacies can still have a bloodline, even if they don't know its origin."

  “Do you understand?” The instructor said,

  The student nodded in dissatisfaction.

  After breaking through the Spirit Apprentice realm, you’ll reach the spirit warrior realm.

  He drew a poorly made stick figure on the board of a person with a circle around them.

  "Spirit Warrior Realm – Your body and qi start to become one, and Martial techniques take on power beyond mortal limits."

  "People who reach this realm have a life span of around 150 years."

  Spirit Warriors' Qi, when released, can appear visible, similar to a thick mist in the air. The color depends on your attributes.

  “Most of you ants will never reach this next realm,” he laughed.

  "But I will tell you about it anyway."

  "After the spirit warrior, you’ll enter the Spirit Lord Realm."

  The students' eyes widened with excitement and respect in their eyes.

  "Spirit Lords, the true powerhouses of the Iron kingdom."

  "In this realm, you can manifest the qi out of your body with just a thought; your qi density is in semi-liquid form."

  "And your body has a natural Qi defensive outer layer."

  "Once you’re in this realm, you are capable of using divine sense."

  "Divine sense is a technique that allows one to perceive their surroundings within a certain area around them without using their eyes."

  Fang Duan paused before continuing to write… "I’ll state this realm because even ants should have ambition."

  "After Spirit lord is Spirit Master."

  "This Realm isn’t achieved by simple hard work, but is unlocked only to those who genuinely have a talent for comprehending the Martial Dao."

  Spirit Master Realm is the realm of those standing at the peak of the Iron Kingdom, and you’ll be considered a powerhouse in most of the 7th Heaven.

  You are no longer bound by the earth and are able to use spiritual energy to fly.

  You can easily exude qi outside of your body and manifest spirit qi in liquid form, and it is far denser than the previous stages.

  Spirit masters no longer need to eat, drink, or sleep.

  As long as there’s spiritual energy to absorb, they can survive. They are spiritual beings in the literal sense.

  Their lifespans can easily extend beyond 800 years if they avoid vitality loss from certain techniques.

  The realms higher than that are for those who live to see it.

  Gasps filled the room.

  “Spirit Master? Like in the old tales?”

  The students murmured to each other in quiet tones.

  “But the world is dangerous,” Senior Fang continued.

  “Enemy cultivators, Demonic Sects,” and most importantly.

  “Demon beasts roam beyond the town walls.”

  He then wrote a second list:

  Demon Beast ranks!

  Mortal Beast is Comparable to a Body Tempering cultivator.

  Spirit Beast – Matches a Spirit Apprentice.

  Warrior Beast – On par with a Spirit Warrior.

  Fand Duan paused…. Then began drawing a large, intimidating creature on the board…

  The students' cheeks puffed as they desperately withheld their laughter at Instructor Duan's doodle.

  Beast Lord! – Equals a Spirit Lord… if you’re part of the unfortunate bunch to see one, then please greet my ancestors for me because you’ll be seeing them soon.

  Pretty simple.

  He exclaimed while pointing to his poorly drawn doodle.

  He took a deep breath and rubbed his chin as if he were thinking deeply. "Hmm."

  “I only heard of this next stage in books, they’re known as.”

  “Enlighten Beast -and they are demon beasts capable of possessing human levels of intelligence, some even higher, and are usually able to talk. Their strength is on par with spirit masters, and most can fly at this level.”

  Some beasts are enlightened from birth, depending on their bloodline.

  “Study these stages so you know who you can and can’t offend, it will save your life one day.”

  Kong Tian's fist tightened from excitement.

  “There is such a vast world out there, I can’t wait to explore it with Ming’er.

  Maybe we can find out what happened to our parents.” He thought inwardly.

  “That concludes today's Lecture.”

  Head instructor Fang Duan said while stretching his arms lazily.

  “Until you can match a rank 9 mortal beast, do not set foot beyond Iron Root towns' territory, unless you’re tired of living”.

  The kid's face turned grave.

  They nodded their heads before getting up and leaving.

  ?

  That Night at the Old Courtyard.

  Moonlight draped the old courtyard like a silvery blanket. Kong Tian snored softly inside, exhausted from the day’s trials.

  Kong Ming lay in bed, staring at his open palms.

  Useless, cripple!

  That’s what they called him. And today, for the first time, he believed it.

  He slowly pushed the tattered sheets aside and slipped out into the night. He used his cane to hobble to the stream near the edge of their courtyard.

  There, beneath the cold stars, he fell to his knees.

  “Heaven…” he whispered, voice cracking, “what did I do wrong?”

  Tears rolled down his cheeks and splashed into the stream.

  “I just want to stand beside my brother… not behind him.”

  Memories of the crowd laughing at him falling during the totem test surfaced in his head.

  “Dammit!”

  He clenched his fists until they trembled.

  “I don’t care what the heavens decided, I’ll change it!”

  "I will show all who mocked me, my wrath in the future."

  His voice rose.

  “From tonight forward, I will not waste another moment. Even if my body breaks, even if I die from the pain… I will overcome this.”

  He began to train.

  He used branches as supports for his legs, forcing his noodle-like limbs through shaky squats. He pushed his arms, his breath, and his will until his muscles bled and his lungs burned.

  Every night, in secret, he returned to that stream.

  There, a boy battled his fate.

  The stream carried his whispered vow into the night.

  And unseen by all, a faint wind stirred the water, as if Heaven itself had heard him.

  ?