Chapter 9 – The Chen Clans Scheme.

  The morning sun spilled over Iron Root Town, casting golden hues across the rooftops. In a shabby courtyard nestled on the outskirts, two silhouettes moved in rhythm beneath the sky’s warm gaze.

  Kong Tian grunted softly as he moved through a demanding sequence, his bare torso slick with sweat, muscles straining as he struck the training dummy with precision and power. Each movement flowed: palm, elbow, knee, pivot, strike.

  Beside him, Kong Ming and Gu Bi followed a gentler routine. The two performed breathing exercises and basic stances meant to build endurance and stimulate blood flow. Kong Ming’s movements were shaky but improving. Gu Bi lacked stability, but his eyes gleamed with quiet determination.

  Kong Tian slowed and wiped his brow. “Steady your hips, Gu Bi. You’re leaning too far forward.”

  “R-Right!” Gu Bi said, adjusting his stance.

  “I feel like I’m getting the hang of it,” Kong Ming said with a small smile, sweat dripping from his temple. “I can feel the blood moving faster when I exhale.”

  “Keep at it,” Kong Tian nodded. “Foundation is everything.”

  ?

  After the workout, the trio made their way to a nearby stream to wash up. The cool water felt like heaven against their sore muscles.

  Kong Ming stepped out of the water first, shaking droplets from his hair. His frail body was no longer deathly pale, his skin now had a rosy color that reflected the progress he had made over the past month.

  He reached into a satchel and pulled out a folded black robe, the luxurious garment gifted by Lee Chan-Chan. As he began to dry off with it.

  Kong Tian’s eyes widened. “You’re actually wearing that?” he asked.

  …

  “Are we really going to wear those robes…?” He repeated in hesitation.

  Kong Ming raised a brow. “They’re clean. And they’re not stolen. Why not?”

  “I don’t know…” Kong Tian muttered. “They’re flashy.”

  I see… Kong Ming pondered..

  But

  “So is bleeding in public,” Kong Ming smirked.

  “And you’ve never complained about that.”

  ?

  Iron Root Martial School buzzed with the usual pre-lesson chatter, students sparring, joking, and comparing techniques.

  Then a hush fell over the training ground as two figures entered, wearing sleek black robes embroidered with silver thread.

  Whispers rose like wind through the grass.

  “Wait… is that Kong Ming?! He’s walking on his own!”

  “Are those the same street kids? They look like disciples from a mid-tier sect!”

  “Is that… Kong Tian? He’s actually kinda handsome…”

  “He always was. You just couldn’t tell through the dirt and anger.”

  A few girls flushed. Others stared at Kong Ming in disbelief.

  “No way. That’s the cripple? What happened to the cane?”

  “He must’ve taken a miracle pill or something…”

  Kong Tian ignored the chatter as they passed through the crowd. Gu Bi followed close behind, wide-eyed and proud.

  From the side path, two noble girls approached.

  Lady Bai Yuyin walked with her usual grace, arms folded and a faint smirk on her lips. Beside her, Lee Chan-Chan beamed as if her plan had gone exactly as expected.

  “Well, well,” Yuyin said smoothly. “You two no longer look like you slept under a bridge.”Chan-Chan nodded proudly.

  “Those robes really do make you look ten years more civilized!”

  “You should repay me.”

  “How about calling me Big Sister from now on?”

  Kong Tian and Kong Ming exchanged a wry glance.

  “Thank you for the clothes… Lady Chan-Chan,” Kong Ming said politely.

  “Yes,” Kong Tian added, keeping his tone formal. “We’re grateful.”

  Chan-Chan pouted, hands on her hips. “So formal! You two are no fun.”

  Yuyin raised a brow, looking at the brothers with a hint of seriousness.

  “The monster hunt exam is approaching fast. I assume you’re both preparing?”

  …

  “We are,” Kong Tian said.

  “We’ll be ready.”

  Before more could be said, a sharp voice interrupted.

  “Hmph.”

  “What's with this crowd?”

  A youth approached, arms crossed, face twisted in disdain.

  Fang Zhu. Handsome in a smug way, he wore a light blue robe bearing the Fang Clan insignia.

  Ranked 5th in the Divine Totem Test. A rising talent.

  And a jealous boy seething at the sight of Bai Yuyin speaking to someone other than Lady Chan-Chan.

  “I didn’t expect these two to show their faces so soon,” Fang Zhu sneered.

  “Wearing robes they didn’t earn and pretending they belong.”

  Kong Ming opened his mouth to respond, but another voice beat him to it, calm and mocking.

  “Jealousy doesn’t suit you, Fang Zhu. It creases your brow and twists your tongue.”

  The crowd parted as Chen Kai stepped into view, hands behind his back, posture elegant. His noble robe shimmered faintly, and his gaze lingered on Fang Zhu like one might eye a fly on a meal.

  Fang Zhu scowled. “This has nothing to do with you, Chen Kai.”

  “Oh, I disagree,” Chen Kai said lazily. “I find barking hard to ignore.”

  “You act high and mighty,” Fang Zhu snapped. “But don’t forget, my brother, Fang Longwei, broke through to the 5th stage of the Spirit Apprentice Realm before his 15th birthday. And you? Still stuck in Body Tempering?”

  Chen Kai’s smile didn’t falter. He turned slightly, as though Fang Zhu weren’t even worth facing fully.

  “At twelve, your brother was only at the 8th stage of Body Tempering,” I already reached 8th level,” he said.

  “I’ll likely reach the 9th level before my 13th birthday. So if we’re comparing… who’s truly the genius here?”

  “By fifteen I’ll surpass him… maybe even more.”

  Fang Zhu’s face darkened, but Chen Kai had already looked away.

  Lady Bai’s smirk widened.

  Kong Tian glanced at Chen Kai, a flicker of battle intent in his eyes.

  ?

  Later that day, Kong Ming sat quietly in the knowledge pavilion, surrounded by dusty scrolls and aged books. His eyes scanned page after page, desperately searching for any clue about the burning pain in his meridians.

  Nothing matched.

  Most records described breakthroughs as smooth, even euphoric. But he has been agony.

  There was no mention of backlash from the basic medicines he had taken.

  What’s wrong with me…?

  He sighed, flipping another page. Then a scroll caught his eye, an old manual meant for rebuilding the strength of cultivators recovering from illness. The exercises were basic. Embarrassingly so.

  But…

  He traced a finger across the faded text.

  “For bodies unready to hold their own strength.”

  It fit him far too well.

  “…I’ll start with this,” he muttered.

  As Kong Ming sat down and began to immerse himself in the book.

  A scholarly youth approached, he had orange robes with white thread embroidered along the edges and the emblem of the Chen Clan.

  It was Chen Kai, the top genius of the Chen clan.

  “I saw you in the hall…you’re able to walk.”

  “Does that mean you decided to embrace the struggle?”

  Stolen story; please report.

  Kong Ming Nodded.

  “Good.” Chen Kai said in a resolute tone..

  “Your brother isn't the only one I’m itching to fight.”

  I look forward to your growth in the future.

  Don't disappoint me. “

  He continued to walk to the bookshelves deeper in the knowledge pavilion.

  ?

  Later that day.

  In the main training hall, ten students stood in a semicircle, those who had placed highest in the physical exam.

  Instructor Fang Duan stood before them, arms crossed, his gaze like tempered steel. Wind rippled through his grey robes.

  He extended one hand.

  “You will attack me, one at a time,” he said. “Use your full strength. Hold nothing back.”

  A few students hesitated.

  “You’re not here to be pampered,” Fang Duan continued. “I’ll only offer pointers if you show effort worth correcting.”

  One by one, the students attacked.

  And one by one, he deflected their strikes with minimal effort, correcting a flaw, adjusting a stance, or pointing out a weakness.

  “Bai Yuyin! You’re too focused on keeping perfect form.

  It makes your attacks lose combat effectiveness.”

  She cupped her hand and retreated back to her position in the circle.

  Fang Duan sighed.

  “Next is my spoiled nephew. Fang Zhu, step on the platform!” He barked.

  Startled. Fang Zhu nervously stepped forward and proceeded to make a battle stance.

  Fang Duan shook his head in disappointment.

  “Are you just going to stand there? Or attack?”

  Fang Zhu proceeded to attack. His form was poor, strength behind his strikes was poor.

  The only redeeming quality this spoiled noble child had was his gift for avoiding strikes.

  “Zhu, you need to take your studies in martial Dao seriously. You’re too distracted by your lustful mind and baseless pride. This is why the Fang family will decline.”

  “Hmph!”

  Next!

  A scholarly youth in an orange robe approached.

  He cupped his hands.” Forgive the offense, senior,” and immediately moved.

  “Fang Duan didn’t use any of his cultivation when sparring with the children, only relying on his naturally tempered physique.”

  Fang Duan's eyes narrowed. “This Chen Kai’s brats' moves had a rhythmic flow; each strike acted as a setup for the next strike as if preparing for an opportunity to land the real blow.” Fang Duan thought inwardly.

  “But sadly… the martial art he studied is too restrictive to allow his real talent to show.”

  As Chen Kai was about to continue. Fang Duan casually pushed him back using repellent force.

  “That’s enough, disciple Chen.” He said sternly.

  “Your movements are good.

  You understand that martial arts is not to be mindlessly copied, but it’s there to be comprehended.

  I can tell you improved the original martial technique of the silent fist, you made it more useful in multiple situations.

  “Your mistakes come from choosing a martial art that limits your capabilities…”

  “Once you join a 5-star sect or higher, you’ll be able to find fitting martial techniques that matches your talent.”

  This was the first time instructor Duan praised someone so directly.

  Chen Kai cupped his fist. Face neutral. And returned to his position in the circle.

  Kong Tian’s turn came last. He moved like thunder.

  Fang Duan blocked with a single palm.

  “You rely too much on brute force. Learn when to release tension.”

  “I can tell from your fighting style you’re not used to fighting an opponent with superior combat standards. You mustn’t get lazy in your training.”

  “The Martial World is full of crouching tigers and hidden dragons, don’t fool yourself simply because you never left your cave!”

  Kong Tian nodded, teeth clenched.

  After the session, students began to disperse. But then,

  “You there, Blackie. Stay behind.”

  Kong Tian froze. “Blackie?!”

  His jet-black eyes, silver-streaked black hair, and matching robe gave him an almost imposing yet ethereal look. He resembled a handsome death reaper, cloaked in moonlight.

  Fang Duan’s voice was neither warm nor cold. “Yeah, I’m talking to you.”

  “Being talented is good. But it draws the greedy eyes of the older generation…”

  “You mustn’t become arrogant from being the strongest student in a tiny martial school…”

  “Have any of the great families approached you?”

  Kong Tian shook his head.

  Fang Duan snorted. “So those old foxes did take my warning seriously.”

  He stepped forward, placing a large hand on Kong Tian’s shoulder, making the boy’s tall frame seem like a child’s by comparison.

  “I know your brother is everything to you,” Fang Duan said. “But protecting him means having the strength to do so.”

  “There is always someone stronger, young man. And your strength is far from enough.”

  His aura flared, pressing down like a mountain.

  “…And yet…” he muttered.

  The aura faded.

  “My arrogance once cost me my wife and almost my son. I was blind to the schemes of my own clan.”

  He sighed. “I was the strongest genius of my generation, but failed to protect my own family.”

  “I have no doubt you’ll enter the Cloud Seeking Sect. But once you’re there, find a strong backer. Choose wisely.”

  “I’ve asked my son, Fang Longwei, to look out for you… until you become the disciple of a righteous elder.”

  Kong Tian’s eyes widened.

  He cupped his hands. “This junior thanks Senior for his kindness.”

  Kong Ming, watching from the side, bowed deeply. “So behind that hardened shell… he’s a thoughtful person.” Kong Ming thought inwardly.

  “And yet… he has a conflict with his clan?”

  ?

  Chen Clan Residence.

  Inside a marble hall, elders debated heatedly.

  “The Demon Beast Hunting Trial is near…”

  A voice bellowed in anxiety.

  “We can’t let a peasant disgrace the great families.”

  Another old man shouted.

  “His growth threatens our Chen Clan's position in the cloud seeking sect recruitment, ”

  The elders continue to argue with each other

  Bang! The armrest of a chair in the center hall shattered.

  “Enough!”

  Silence fell.

  The wind outside rustled through the leaves.

  At the head of the table sat Chen Wei, a red-haired, sword-browed, middle-aged man, radiating dominance.

  “Have any of you even tried recruiting the boy into our clan?” he asked.

  Silence…

  Absolute silence…

  A skinny-faced elder swallowed. “W-We didn’t dare. Head Instructor Fang is keeping tabs on all the students….”

  “Head Instructor Fang?” Chen Wei scoffed.

  “I doubt he’d object to a righteous offer.”

  The Elders smiled wryly.

  “Are all of you only good at scheming and stealing what isn’t yours?!” Chen Wei sighed.

  “Do we have any young beauties his age?”

  “It’s best to use honey before the stick.”

  “Ahh,” The elders echoed in realization.

  “Wise, Lord Chen. Very wise!”

  The elders nodded, like chickens pecking grain.

  A calm voice rang out.

  “What if it doesn’t work?”

  All eyes turned to Chen Zetian, father of the young genius Chen Kai.

  Chen Wei grinned coldly. “Then the Chen Clan… will offer the stick.”

  The elders' meeting ended, and the Chen Clan patriarch proceeded to his family quarters.

  As he approached the room, a servant carrying tea approached.

  The servant bowed respectfully, while keeping the surface of the tea free of the slightest ripple.

  “Patriarch Chen, I was bringing the young miss her medicine and her usual snacks.”

  Chen Wei nodded. He extended his hands and received the tray of tea and food from the servant.

  “I’ll take it from here.” He said in a tone of non-negotiation.

  The servant bowed and took her leave.

  The patriarch slowly opened the door to the room and walked in quietly.

  “Princess, daddy’s here with your medicine.”

  In the luxurious room filled with paintings and books, a young pale girl can be seen lying in her bed.

  “Daddy!” The girl beamed a bright smile. Her sickly face became slightly rosy.

  Chen Wei knelt by the young girl's bedside with her medicine and tea.

  “How is daddy’s favorite fairy?”

  “Bored!”The girl said, puffing her cheeks.

  When can I leave these quarters? She asked her dad impatiently.

  Chen Wei’s eyes carried a hint of sorrow.

  Soon, Daddy needs to get the medicine to cure your condition. After that, Daddy will take you all around the kingdom, and you can eat and buy whatever you want.

  The girl pouted.

  Daddy’s been saying that for months and …cough, cough!

  Chen Lishi!…

  Chen Wei panicked as his daughter began to cough up blood.

  Don’t worry, Lishi, as long as the Chen family is able to be the top recruit in the cloud seeking sect, Daddy will be able to get the medicine to cure your condition.

  And I won’t let any disciple stop the Chen family from

  Being next year's top disciple.

  Chen Wei’s eyes gleamed with a cold light…

  ?

  Meanwhile, at the Iron Root School.

  Food Pavilion

  The Kong brothers and Gu Bi sat at their usual secluded table, eating school-prepared meals.

  Gu Bi looked around nervously. “Are you sure it’s okay for me to be here?”

  Kong Tian laughed. “Relax. I registered you as our personal attendant. No one will give the school’s star prodigy’s servant trouble.”

  He patted Gu Bi’s back. “Enjoy your food.”

  Between bites, Kong Tian asked, “How’s your training coming, Ming’er?”

  “Slow… too slow,” Kong Ming admitted. “The exam is weeks away. I doubt I’m stronger than a first-stage mortal beast. But I found a strength training method today in the knowledge pavilion that suits my level.”

  “Oh really?!” Gu Bi’s eyes lit up.

  “Let’s study it together!”

  “My muscle development’s about the same.” Gu Bi said, flexing his tiny arms.

  Kong Tian stood up.

  “Then it’s settled. We’ll skip lectures and train your bodies for the next two weeks.”

  Just then, a girl approached the table.

  She had a shy yet alluring charm to her slightly rosy face. Her skin smooth as jade, her eyes, pools of celestial honey reflecting the sun, with long brown hair draped elegantly down her back.

  “Umm… aren’t you Kong Tian?”

  She had soft red hair and an innocent charm. Her cheeks flushed with shyness.

  “I’m Chen Ning,” she said. “I was wondering if… big brother Tian would give me some pointers?”

  Kong Tian didn’t blink. “Sorry. I’m busy.”

  His tone was neutral, like speaking to a rock on the road.

  Chen Ning’s lips twitched, but she bowed politely. “Then I won’t trouble you further.”

  As she walked off, Gu Bi sighed. “Big brother, that was cold.”

  “Cold?” Kong Tian scoffed…

  “You’re ten years old…What do you know about women?”

  In the distance, several students dressed in luxurious white robes sat at a table in the food pavilion. A beautiful girl wearing a bright blue and white dress can be seen.

  This girl was Bai Yuyin.

  She silently gazed off into the distance, looking towards the table of the Kong brothers.

  “Sister Yuyin. What’s wrong?” a white robed male youth asked.

  His robe carried the symbol of the Bai clan.

  She glanced at the youth. Then said.

  “I believe the Chen clan’s Chen Ning is trying to lure this year's top genius into the Chen Clan.

  The youth was confused…

  “Top Genius?”

  The Bai clan youth were from a senior class, and he didn’t pay much attention to the Juniors.

  “Kong Tian.” Bai Yuyin replied.

  The youth looked at Chen Ning's departing figure with clear lust in his eyes.

  I don’t think any man would refuse the Chen clan if it means junior sister Ning will become your woman.

  Bai Yuyin’s Eyes rolled.

  She glanced at Kong Tian’s face of indifference and smiled…

  “I wouldn’t be so sure.”

  __________

  Later that Day…

  Kong Brothers Courtyard

  “Listen up!…”

  Kong Tian mimicked Instructor Fang’s voice…

  “We have two weeks to turn you brats into beast-slayers!…”

  He pointed to five boulders placed in the yard.

  “Your goal is to lift at least the third one by exam day….“

  1st rock – 50kg…

  2nd rock – 150kg…

  3rd rock - 300kg…

  4th rock - 400kg…

  5th rock – 500kg…

  Each boulder was larger than the previous..

  “Each opened meridian adds roughly 50kg of strength,” he explained. “I’ve opened all 36. I’m at the peak of this realm…”

  “Each morning, attempt the first boulder. You cannot progress to the next boulder until you can lift it overhead.”

  “While you train, I’ll be meditating to sense spiritual qi…. I’m going to attempt a breakthrough.”

  He looked at them solemnly…

  “In this world, peace is a privilege of the strong…”

  “Love is a privilege of the strong…”

  “Even food requires strength in this world…”

  Gu Bi’s heart trembled. Not long ago, he was starving, too poor and too weak to hunt.

  Kong Tian took a deep breath…

  “Will you eat… or be eaten?!”…

  “EAT!!….” Gu Bi and Kong Ming shouted in unison.

  Kong Tian smirked, dropping the act.

  “Dismissed.”

  Kong Ming was full of motivation.

  In two weeks… I’ll transform this body!.