The world was still asleep, shrouded in predawn darkness, when Kong Ming opened his eyes. He lay quietly, staring up at the wooden beams above his bed, his heart tapping a steady rhythm of nerves and excitement. No amount of deep breathing or forceful meditation could lull him back to sleep. He had already tried.
With a soft sigh, he sat up and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. A strange lightness coursed through his limbs, his muscles didn’t ache, and his breath didn’t catch like it usually did in the morning.
Strange…
He stood, testing his balance, and realized his steps felt smooth, controlled. Energized. His brows lifted.
Is this… the medicine finally kicking in?
Not wanting to wake the others, Kong Ming tiptoed outside into the crisp morning air. Mist clung low to the training courtyard. The boulders rested where they always did, like quiet guardians of the Kong brothers’ hardship.
He eyed the first stone. Fifty kilograms. The one he used to fear even glancing at.
He rotated his shoulders, performed a few stretches, then approached the boulder. Getting into position, he braced himself and pushed with his legs.
The stone lifted off the ground, with no resistance. In the next instant, it hovered above his head.
Kong Ming stared at the weight, blinking.
“What…?” he whispered. He barely felt anything.
He gently set it down and stumbled back in disbelief.
Two weeks ago, I feared being crushed by its shadow… now…
His gaze shifted to the second boulder. One hundred fifty kilograms.
Ming approached cautiously, heart racing. He adjusted his stance, focused his breath, and heaved.
A strained grunt escaped him, but the boulder rose, wobbling slightly, but steady in his grip. He lowered it, breath ragged, sweat beading across his forehead.
“Hah… haaaah…”
A smile broke out across his face.
He turned to the third boulder, three hundred kilograms. This time, he had no illusions. He crouched, drew in a breath, and pushed with every fiber of strength he could muster.
The stone trembled… lifted just slightly from the earth, then dropped with a dull thud. He exhaled sharply, collapsing to one knee.
He didn’t feel disappointed.
He felt alive.
This is beyond anything I ever imagined. No technique, no spirit qi. Just… the foundation. But it’s mine.
He sat cross-legged and calmed his breath. Closing his eyes, he began to circulate his qi gently, sensing the soft pulse of energy through his meridians.
Each level of Body Tempering opens three meridians.
I have… 1… 2… 3… 4… 5… 7… 8 open meridians.
I’m at the peak of the second level
of Body Tempering. And now that my meridians aren’t hurt, the flow of physical qi through them isn’t inhibited, and I can utilize strength befitting my cultivation.
If I feel this strong only at the second stage of Body Tempering… how strong would I feel at the ninth?!
At peak level nine, thirty-six meridians flow as one.
While at peak level eight, it’s only twenty-six meridians.
The leap from peak level eight to peak nine… is a ten-meridian gap!
It’s not a step, it’s a chasm.
?
The sun had begun to crest when Kong Tian emerged from the side hall, topless and barefoot, practicing the first level of Profound Fist.
Each strike echoed with sharp purpose. There was no wasted motion, only focus and momentum. His spirit energy coursed naturally now, awakening subtle sensations deep within his flesh. He felt it stir again, that whisper in his blood… something ancient. Familiar, yet unnamed.
He had told no one.
When the others stirred and the household came alive, the brothers dressed and set off toward the martial school.
But they didn’t make it far.
A group of six masked men stepped into the narrow path that led to town, cutting them off. Their movements were sharp. Confidence. And reeked of bloodlust and killing intent.
Their presence radiated… that aura!
“They're at the Spirit Apprentice-level”.
Kong Tian’s brows furrowed.
“The one in back is even stronger, I can’t see through him.”
Kong Tian stepped in front of his younger brother instantly.
Ming’s heart skipped. “These guys… they’re cultivators.”
Tian’s fists clenched.
The lead bandit’s voice rasped from behind the mask, “Hand over your valuables. And your lives.”
Kong Tian didn’t reply. His eyes narrowed.
The bandits are pretending to be robbers.
Real bandits wouldn’t waste time robbing some kids who are practically beggars. Kong Ming thought inwardly.
They’re most likely hired mercenaries or assassins.
Kong Ming was able to analyze the truth behind the matter instantly.
Kong Ming laughed.
“If you’re trying to pose as random bandits, you should do a better job. What kind of bandits would waste their time to target a bunch of kids who are practically beggars…?”
Kong Ming's Eyes Narrowed.
“..Who sent you!?!…”
The bandits chuckled.
Another bandit cracked his knuckles. “The younger one thinks he is so clever, and has such fragile looks.
Think he’ll scream if we take a finger?”
The Bandit leader chuckled. “Do you really think knowing why you died would make dying any easier?!? He sneered.”
Kong Tian shifted his stance.
“Gu Bi. Ming.” His voice was calm. “When I move, you run. I’ll open a path.”
Kong Ming immediately shook his head.
“No!”
Kong Ming grabbed his sleeve.
“Tian, don’t be stupid! You’re outnumbered. Spirit Apprentice cultivators, there are six of them. Why must you always sacrifice yourself?”
Kong Tian moved his arm, freeing his sleeve.
“I said run!”
Kong Ming hesitated…
Brother, we can try running together… or even fighting together. I'm not a cripple anymore.
Kong Tian was agitated by Kong Ming’s stubbornness..
“I said no! Staying means we all die. You want that?”
Gu Bi, wide-eyed,
Sensed a silent confidence in Kong Tian.
He tugged at Ming’s arm.
“We have to go. Master Tian can handle it!”
“I’m not leaving unless, ” Ming’s jaw clenched. “Promise me you will run as soon as possible. Promise we will meet in the school yard after. Swear it.”
Tian looked back at his brother. A silent pause passed between them.
“I swear,” he said.
Ming turned reluctantly, his fists shaking. Gu Bi pulled him, and the two dashed toward the side woods.
Two bandits moved to pursue.
Before they took two steps, Kong Tian scooped a rock nearly the size of his torso and hurled it with terrifying speed. It crushed one bandit’s head like a melon and slammed into the trunk of the tree, debris showering on the second bandit.
Kong Tian didn’t have time to process the fact that he killed someone for the first time…..
“Go after the runners!” the leader barked.
But only one broke off. The others were blocked and forced to face Kong Tian.
“You’ll regret that, boy.”
Tian rolled his neck. “Doubt it.”
Kong Tian felt strange today; his blood felt hot like it was on the brink of erupting from inside.
They attacked.
Kong Tian’s senses sharpened. Every punch felt like thunder. His newly formed Spirit Qi burst through his limbs like wildfire. He dodged the first sword strike and struck the second bandit clean in the chest, crackack! The bandit's collarbone shattered under the force.
Steel met flesh. Sparks flew.
He took a shallow cut to his ribs, but he twisted low and swept a leg, sweeping another bandit off his feet, causing him to fall sideways.
Kong Tian’s adrenaline was rushing, his heart racing, and his senses reaching a whole new level.
Before the bandit could hit the ground, Tian sent a powerful kick, sending him flying toward the rest of the bandits.
Knocking them down like bowling pins.
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The leader avoided the flying bandit's body and made a move towards Kong Tian.
but in that brief moment of distraction…
The Boy ran..
“Dammit!”
The leader kicked his fallen henchmen.
In the chaos, he found an opening and sprinted into the woods.
Behind him, the remaining bandits shouted curses, but none could match his momentum.
Somewhere, in the deepest part of him, something smiled. This was the first time he felt such a rush and danger.
?
Gu Bi and Kong Ming scrambled through the underbrush, breath ragged. Behind them, they heard one bandit’s footsteps growing louder.
Gu Bi turned. “We have to split!”
“No!” Ming’s eyes were wild. “I can fight, ”
“No, you can’t! We both know that!”
Just then, a massive crash echoed—the sound of rock against flesh.
The footsteps stopped.
Ming turned back, pulse pounding. Silence.
They waited. Nothing came.
“…He did it,” Ming whispered. “He actually did it.”
?
At the school, the three boys reunited. Cuts on Tian’s arms had already begun to clot, but the wound near his rib would need more time to heal. He quickly ate a recovery pill that he obtained from Steward Gu, his chest heaving.
Ming ran up and punched his brother’s shoulder.
“You said you’d leave when there was an opening! Liar!”
Tian smirked. “That was the opening.”
Instructor Fang Duan’s eyes swept over them. He said nothing, but a shadow crossed his brow.
Some students' eyes shifted to the group of brothers.
“Isn’t that the Kong brothers?…’
“They've been missing for weeks.”
“Why is Kong Tian wounded? He looks like he’s already been fighting demon beasts.”
Chuckles can be heard.
The brothers sighed and ignored them..
“I’m just happy we escaped those bandits.”
Gu Bi said in relief.
?
Before long, two hundred students gathered.
Fang Duan stood atop the stone platform and raised his voice.
“The Annual Demon Beast Hunt begins now!”
Listen up, you brats!
“The one with the highest score will receive a rank 3 spirit weapon of their choice, a spirit-ranked cultivation technique, and 30 rank 9 mortal healing pills. “
2nd place will receive a rank one spirit weapon and 5,000 silver coins.
3rd place will receive 2,000 silver coins and a rank nine mortal weapon.
The students cheered in excitement!
And the spectators' eyes were filled with envy.
Fang Duan's eyes scanned the students.
Any students with points below 21 will be expelled from the martial school. You need 21 points or higher to pass.
Kong Ming felt a subtle gaze from Fang Duan after stating those requirements. (As if Fang Duan was personally reminding him)
The scoring is based on the level of demon core you obtain.
Mortal Rank 1 demon beast earns you 1 point.
Mortal Rank 2 demon beast is 4 points.
Rank 3 is 6.
Rank 4 is 8.
Rank 5 is 10.
Rank 6 is 12.
Rank 7 is 14.
Rank 8 is 16.
Rank 9 is 18.
If any of you bastards are tired of living and fight a spirit beast, we will reward you with these points for the Demon core.
Rank 1 spirit Beast 80 points.
Rank 2 spirit beast 300 points.
Anything Higher will be put under strict investigation before we announce the point value.
If your achievements are called into suspicion, you can prove it by defeating a cultivator of the equivalent Rank.
He listed the rules clearly:
- Teaming up causes evenly shared points regardless of individual contributions..
- Do not kill fellow students..
- You can break your Red emergency talisman to request rescue by an exam proctor…but doing so ends your trial as a failure.
- The exam will last seven days. Early return ends your participation, and you’ll be unable to earn more points.
- External power aids and spirit tools are prohibited. Rank 2 or below, Mortal weapons are allowed..
Rank 1 mortal weapons are available upon request…
The crowd stirred.
Each Gate leads to an area of iron root forest, with different levels of Demon Beast..
Don't be arrogant and wander too deep into the forest, and die because you overestimate yourself…
We have martial school instructors in the forest as well, but they can’t be everywhere.
Rely on the teachings and training you’ve all received, and you will be able to survive..
“Group A, north gate!”
“Group B, south!”
“Group C, east!”
“Group D, east!”
“BEGIN THE HUNT!”….
Fang Duan whispered into another instructor's ear, then left the hunting grounds.
His face was solemn.
Kong Tian and Kong Ming were split.
Tian placed a hand on Ming’s shoulder. “The east is safer. Stay calm. Survive.”
Ming nodded. “Don’t get eaten.”
Tian grinned. “No promises.”
They bumped fists and separated.
Murmurs erupted immediately as the top 50 students began to move toward the northern gate of Iron Forest, while the rest scattered toward their respective zones.
The path to the northern entrance buzzed with energy as the top-ranking students began walking together. Some were calm, others grinning with bloodthirsty excitement. Everyone had something to prove.
Fang Zhu, fifth-ranked and arrogant as ever, tossed his spatial pouch into the air and caught it lazily.
“So, does anyone want to admit defeat before we step inside?” he called out to no one in particular.
Chen Kai, walking a few paces ahead, didn’t turn…
He said in an aloof manner.
“Only those with loud mouths usually have small cores.”
Fang Zhu smirked. “Funny. I don’t remember you coming in first in the last exam either.”..
A student nearby chuckled. “Yeah, but at least he doesn’t style his hair like a rooster.”
“Careful,” Fang Zhu said, still smiling. “I hear ugly jokes lower your battle IQ.”..
Farther behind them, Bai Yuyin walked with serene grace, her hand resting casually on the hilt of her sword. Several students stepped out of her way without thinking.
One of the younger boys from Group A whispered, “That’s Bai Yuyin… she’s even prettier than the rumors.”
“Prettier?” his friend hissed. “She broke someone’s arm during warm-ups last week!”
Not far behind her, Kong Tian moved quietly, expression calm, steps purposeful. While others were flexing or boasting, he said nothing.
But that silence drew attention.
“Is that him?” someone whispered. “The one who took down Spirit Apprentice Yuan Jin in a one-on-one?”
“That’s Kong Tian, yeah,” another answered. “Freak strength. I heard he didn’t even use a weapon.”
Bai Yuyin glanced at Kong Tian with a glint of intrigue in her eyes.
Fang Zhu snarled.
“Hey, I’m glad you were able to arrive safely today…”
“It seems the heavens favor dark, brooding, pretty boys,” Fang Zhu mocked.
Kong Tian ignored him and proceeded to enter the forest.
Chen Kai threw a glance his way.
_____
High above the forest, Gu Bi had found a sturdy tree near the edge of the cliffside spectator zone. He dangled his legs from the branch as students vanished into the thick woods below.
A familiar voice piped up behind him.
“Well, look who survived another week following those crazy brothers.”
Lee Chan-Chan folded her arms, standing with her hips cocked to the side. Steward Gu stood silently beside her.
Gu Bi grinned. “Still better odds than stealing stale bread.”
She rolled her eyes but smirked. “You realize your friends are going into a spirit beast-infested forest. This isn’t a picnic.”
“Neither was escaping from those bandits,” Gu Bi muttered.
Chan-Chan raised an eyebrow. “What did you say?”
“Nothing,” he said quickly.
Below, the formations securing the forest shimmered as the groups began to enter.
?
Hours passed.
Kong Tian moved like a blade through the trees, striking beasts with fluid precision. Demon cores filled his pouch. No hesitation. No wasted strikes.
In another part of the forest, Bai Yuyin danced through combat. Her blade was elegant, her steps thunder. She was now seventh-level in Body Tempering, stronger than ever.
Bai Yuyin cut her way through a wave of shadow panthers. Her movements were like water, unhurried, merciless. Every swing of her blade painted elegant arcs of death.
In the deeper stretch of the northern woods, Bai Yuyin spotted someone moving between the trees, a slim figure, twin daggers glinting in the light.
Suddenly, she saw a girl.
Slim. Swift. Dual daggers gleaming.
She moved like mist, silent, lethal.
Yuyin watched with narrowed eyes as the girl dispatched a horned wolf in three heartbeats, vanishing before its body hit the ground.
“Impressive,” Yuyin said aloud, stepping into view.
Na Ran glanced at her, eyes unreadable. “Likewise.”
“You weren’t ranked very high,” Yuyin said carefully. “Yet… you’re moving like someone at the eighth level of Body tempering.”
Na Ran said nothing, only offering a faint smile beneath her half mask.
Then the ground shook.
A silver-furred ape crashed through the trees, muscles rippling, fangs bared, a mortal rank nine beast.
The two girls didn’t speak, they moved. Instinctively, side by side.
Blade and dagger blurred, stepping in and out of the ape’s furious strikes.
“Why hide your strength?” Yuyin asked between attacks.
Na Ran’s answer was a whisper as she spun under a claw.
“Because sometimes...You survive longer when no one sees you coming.”
They fought side by side, dagger and sword.
But a rank nine beast is still a rank nine beast, after all.
The girls began being pushed back.
Na Ran growled,
“What a sturdy armor of muscle.”
The beast’s eyes fell on Bai Yuyin, but Bai’s gaze lingered, unafraid.
Bai Yuyin took a deep breath and began to analyze the situation.
From the fight, Bai Yuyin observed that Na Ran’s cultivation is indeed eighth-level Body Tempering,
but her speed resembles that of someone at the peak of the ninth level.
My heavy attacks can cut deeper into the rank nine silver ape’s hide,
but I have to move less to generate the force to land heavier blows.
Doing so would be putting myself in greater danger.
Suddenly, the ape lunged toward her, disrupting her thoughts.
She quickly rolled to the side to dodge.
Na Ran’s soft voice called out..
”Nooo!”…
The ape’s lunge was a bait to get Bai Yuyin to roll into a cornered area.
The ape quickly followed up with a fist strike.
Bai Yuyin, trapped and with nowhere to dodge, had no other option but to raise her sword, preparing for impact.
Skaaadooosh!
A clashing sound rang out, and a tall, scholarly youth stood in front of Bai Yuyin.
He had long brown hair, tied in a ponytail, and a handsome face.
Chen Kai!
Bai Yuyin was startled by his unexpected appearance.
“Twisted Fist Technique!”
Chen Kai released another burst of physical qi from his meridians, sending the rank 9 ape flying back.
Silence…
The entire area was silent.
Na Ran mumbled,
“Ninth-stage Body Refinement Realm…”
Bai Yuyin sighed.
“I guess I’m really doomed to remain 3rd place.”
Chen Kai ignored the melancholy expression on Yuyin’s face and asked,
“Do you mind if I claim this core for myself?”
“Do what you want!” she snorted while sheathing her sword…
“What are your thoughts?”.. Chen Kai asked, turning in Na Ran’s direction…
…Empty.
She vanished…
Chen Kai was surprised, he didn’t even sense her movement.
The ape got back on its feet and launched another attack at Chen Kai, and the two began to exchange blows.
?
Elsewhere, Kong Ming crept through the quieter eastern woods.
A shriek. A small beast, rank two.
He stepped forward, trembling. His blade rose.
He struck. Clean, but not perfect.
I knew what to do. I knew every strike, every weak point…
But knowing isn’t the same as doing it.
His hands wouldn’t stop shaking.
So this is real combat…
Books never prepared me for this.
?
Above, nobles placed bets.
But suddenly, Instructor Fang Duan returned.
A body dropped at his feet.
Bandit gear. Bloody. Still warm.
Then Fang Duan appeared, dragging a bloodied corpse wrapped in tattered bandit garb.
He let it drop before the elders.
“This man was found outside the Kong brothers’ home this morning.”
Chatter halted. Several elders paled.
The Fang Clan head shifted uncomfortably. The Chen elders looked downward.
Fang Duan’s aura exploded outward like a storm.
Some fell to their knees. Others looked away, gasping beneath the pressure.
Only the patriarchs, Chen Wei, Bai Huang, and Fang Zhen, remained unmoved, their expressions unreadable.
Fang Duan’s voice cut through the silence like a blade.
“If your hands are clean, then why do they tremble?”
Tension rippled across the platform like a gathering storm.
He looked across them.
“If no one is guilty, why do you all look so terrified?”
Silence. Tension.
The sun is shining brightly over the area.
The hunt had only just begun.
[End of Chapter 11]