“You! I’m going to kill you!” Kwong bellowed in an all-consuming rage. Nobody knew what to do, this all happened in a span of a few seconds.

The air around him trembled and a scorching Qi shot towards Ryu. The pressure emitted from Kwong has completely paralyzed Ryu. Kwong’s fist turned gleaming red and a petrifying aura could be felt.

The lord of the city hesitated at the start. The Wang family had monopoly of weapon retail in the city. Their blacksmithing business is prominent in the region. If he were to cross him, things would be difficult even for him. If it wasn’t for the fact that he was appointed by the Lin Empire, he would have conflicted with the Wang family over power already. However, that split second hesitation caused him to be a step too slow to save Ryu.

The two other patriarchs were one domain weaker than Kwong so naturally they couldn’t stop him even if they wanted.

Ryu felt death approaching for the first time in his life. He has been chased and attacked by monsters in the Forbidden Forest before, however the monster levels were never above level 20. Against a Grandmaster Domain opponent, he realized how weak he truly was.

Out of nowhere a blue flash appeared and collided with Kwong. Kwong flew backward five meters in the air and stumbled another meter after he landed. He was fighting back the urge to cough up blood. His palm was numb and a sharp pain was tingling throughout his arm.

The dust settled around the blue glow and a figure could be seen. It was one of the administrators, Jin-Yang!

Impossible, an administrator is just a disciple from a martial art sect. They are all in their early twenties accompanying a sect’s elder! Kwong couldn’t believe what just happened.

Jin-Yang bowed and cupped his hands towards Kwong and spoke politely. “Honorable patriarch of the Wang family please let this youngster go. As for your son, if you don’t mind my meager skills I could help with his injuries.”

In between Jin-Yang’s hands was an incredible sword that gives off a strident aura. The aura itself feels like it could cut you if you approach it.

“Is that… the Wudang Sect?” The lord of the city said with a tremble. Shock could be heard in his voice.

Kwong stood there dumb founded, the Wudang Sect? How is it possible? Why would one of the top two sects in the whole continent appear here in this small city? Everyone around held their breaths.

“Correct honorable lord, I am indeed a disciple from Wudang Sect.” Jin-Yang replied as he walked towards Guan-Jia’s body. He took out a vial of sparkling teal liquid and fed it to Guan-Jia. The effects were instantaneous. The burnt skin started recovering at lightning speed. Jin-Yang put two fingers on his neck.

After a few seconds, Jin-Yang spoke. “The wounds are superficial, there is no damage to his inner organs or cultivation. However, take this quartz pill made from the horn of a Rampant Minotaur. It can help a Grandmaster Domain cultivator immensely. A wooden box appeared in Jin-Yang hand and flew towards Kwong. Kwong caught it and felt the superior aura given off from the box. This truly was a phenomenal pill, not something that can be bought in this city at all. In fact, this is enough to make best friends turn on each other.

Rampant Minotaurs were level 45 monsters in the northern region of the province. The terrifying aspect of these monsters is that they are always in large packs the size of a small army. Even the lord of the city felt a tinge of jealousy.

“Our Wang family will forever remember this act of kindness. My son lost because he simply did not have enough skills. Please forgive him.” Kwong said in a polite tone. His attitude turned one hundred eighty degrees. Since Wudang Sect intervened, forget him even if the government tried to step in they wouldn’t be able to.

Wudang Sect along with Shaolin Sect ruled over the martial arts world on this continent. They are a neutral force that is not part of any provinces or governing powers. They are known for upholding justice throughout the land. The empires that rule over the five provinces on this continent wouldn’t dare offend them even if they all joined forces together. During great wars in the past, it is because of these two sects that the Heaven continent was able to repel foreign invaders.

“I hope with this, the grudges between your Wang family and this kid could be erased. I have only met this nine year old kid yesterday but I believe he has an upright personality and will surely become a legend someday.”

What? Nine year old? No one could remain calm besides the ones that knew Ryu. His level was certainly above 10. He was able to defeat a disciple from a Rank 5 sect. He could also produce an element already at such a young age. Guan-Jia’s ego took another devastating hit as he fell back on the ground dumbfounded.

Kwong sighed inside. This youth will definitely be troublesome for our family in the future but he has the backing of a Wudang disciple!

“This is a pleasant surprise, someone from the great Wudang Sect actually graced our city with his presence. Please, allow me to host a banquet for you tonight.” The lord said after recovering from his shock.

“No need, I’m only a lowly disciple. I’m actually undercover regarding a different matter. Sorry for the disturbance and the deception.” Jin-Yang said politely and then turned around towards Ryu. Ryu stood still all this time since he was paralyzed by the strong and profound aura given off by Kwong and then now Jin-Yang.

Lowly disciple? You are stronger than everyone present. Wudang Sect truly does live up to their reputation. A youngster in his thirties is actually in the peak Grandmaster Domain. The lord thought but he just smiled and nodded.

Jin-Yang handed him a blue emblem with the words Wudang engraved on it. “This is a special token given to guests of our sect. In the future if you happen to be close to Wudang Sect, please drop by for a visit. May I ask who your master is?”

Although it wasn’t a formal offer, everyone present knew it was an invitation for Ryu to join the Wudang Sect if he wishes. No one in their sane mind would refuse. Thus all the recruiters present lost hope in attempting to rope Ryu into their school. The lord of the city was just about to suggest letting Ryu back into the competition but stopped after seeing Wudang Sect’s emblem.

Ryu accepted the emblem and replied in a low voice. “I don’t have a master, I learned the basics from the Inferno Fist School”

“Inferno Fist School? What rank is it?” Jin-Yang asked with a curious voice.

After a brief silence, Seo-Yon spoke up with a bit of shame. “It used to be rank 4 school however, nowadays it’s only a rank 0 school.”

For the first time Jin-Yang showed a look of surprise, a rank 0 school? How did such a genius get groomed there? However Jin-Yang smiled and said, “Well it seems like your school is destined to greatness in the future with such a young genius. I am ashamed to be called a genius myself in front of him.”

Ryu could join a sect and after graduation, come back to help out the Inferno Fist School. Or he could even just stay in the school and help it rank up. It is as Jin-Yang said, the Inferno Fist School will surely be prosperous in the future.

It went unnoticed but Kwong’s face suddenly turned ugly again. Something he heard is clearly disturbing him.

The lord ordered the guards to clear the crowd and the competition resumed. Jin-Yang apologized again and left with the lord to administer the rest of the competition. Ryu’s group went back to the inn and prepared to leave.

Everyone pampered Ryu with questions the whole way. Ryu didn’t have any answers for them though, he could only honestly tell them that he just self-taught himself to this level. Seo-Yon asked him what he intends to do next. Ryu honestly doesn’t know. Seo-Yon explained that a sect is usually an independent entity, like a town. They pay taxes to the empire and have their own laws. If needed, they’ll come to fight for the empire if the province is under attack. A school exists within a town and is much smaller than a sect, they are bound by the laws of the city or town.

Just as they were about to leave, a messenger came and told the group that a Wudang expert wants to meet Ryu alone to discuss some things in private. The messenger says he was only told the details of the location and time – The city’s cemetery at midnight.

“Ryu you better not forget us once you became famous! I bet Wudang Sect wants to recruit you.” Jia-Hua said excitedly.

“Man Ryu you are going to be so popular with the ladies.” Jia-Hui chipped in too.

“He’s not disgusting like you two.” Eu-Meh laughed.

The group made small talk and paid for one more night at the inn. The competition results were in and the Gong family won first place.

It was a tiring day for all of them so Ryu and the other teenagers took a nap after dinner. As midnight approached, Ryu woke up and told his teacher that he’s going since she was the only one awake. She told him to be careful and wished him best of luck.

As Ryu walked towards the cemetery, he could finally be alone with his thoughts. Today was an eye opener for him. He realized how weak he truly is. He might be superior to kids around his age but compared to a true expert with proper training, he wouldn’t last. He only won his fight against Guan-Jia because of his greater stamina. He needs to join a sect and find a master to teach him techniques! Even if he was disqualified from the Talent Examination, he could try again in three years! At that time he will definitely take first place.

It’s for the best anyways. I can’t leave grandpa and join a sect yet. Maybe I can stay at the Inferno Fist School. Since I can control fire, why don’t I make my own set of moves? Ryu thought as he daydreamed. He can’t wait to tell his grandpa all about this trip.

The cemetery was a desolate place with no one around as expected. It was located close to the Forbidden Forest. Ryu was a bit early so he took a stroll around. Sneaking around at night and collecting herbs became second nature for Ryu so he couldn’t help himself to some new herbs he hasn’t seen before by some bushes.

Suddenly a black hooded figure appeared in front of Ryu. This person appeared out of nowhere and Ryu didn’t realize he was there until he almost bumped into him. This person wasn’t giving off any aura but Ryu could feel unparalleled dread inside. This person felt substantially stronger anyone Ryu has met and his presence alone dwarfs Jin-Yang’s spectacular display of power earlier.

Upon closer inspection, Ryu noticed that the hooded figure has a similar sword to Jin-Yang on his side with the Wudang brand on it as well. This mysterious stranger was also taller than anyone Ryu had seen before, close to two meters tall. What’s more mysterious is that Ryu can see the Qi inside this person was darker than black, it seems like an endless abyss of obscurity.

The hooded figure spoke softly as he walked towards the Forbidden Forest, “Come with me quietly if you want to live and save your loved ones.”

Ryu starred suspiciously at the hooded man that walked away. Suddenly Ryu noticed something moving in the corner of his eyes and saw four masked men approaching stealthily from behind. These people, although concealing their Qi, is still emitting a small trace of aura visible to Ryu’s eye. From this Ryu could tell that they were just a little weaker than Kwong.