Chapter 3 THE CRIPPLE AND HIS MOUNT.

  Morning sunlight trickled through the holes in the worn roof, casting slanted rays across the shabby courtyard where weeds grew between cracked stone tiles. Kong Tian stood at the water basin, shirtless, his body glistening with sweat as he finished his final round of morning strikes.

  Each punch echoed with strength and discipline, his knuckles calloused, his breathing steady.

  Inside the single-room shack, Kong Ming coughed lightly, his frail form bundled under patched blankets. Despite his pale complexion and thin limbs, his silver eyes remained sharp and clear.

  A steaming bowl of rice soup was set beside his bed.

  “You didn’t sleep again, did you?” Kong Tian said, stepping in, wiping his face with a cloth.

  “I wanted to hear Uncle’s story again,” Kong Ming replied with a soft smile. “I was hoping he’d tell us more about Father.”

  Kong Tian’s expression faltered for a second before he sat beside him and ruffled his brother’s hair. “He’ll tell us once he’s back. One day, we will go into the outside world, and seek those answers ourselves.”

  Kong Ming Nodded.

  Just then, the wooden door creaked open, and Lao Shenwu stepped in, dressed in a long traveling robe and carrying a small satchel.

  “Uncle, you’re leaving today?” Kong Tian stood and bowed respectfully.

  Uncle Lao nodded, his usual carefree air subdued by a grave seriousness. “I’ve delayed it long enough. If there’s even a chance someone out there can help Ming’er awaken his meridians…and improve his condition, I have to take it.”

  He knelt beside Kong Ming, placing a warm hand on his forehead.

  “While I’m gone, listen to your brother and be brave. I’ve recommended you both to Iron Root Martial School. It’s not a grand sect, but it will teach you the basics, enough to prepare you guys for the Cloud Seeking Sect tryouts next spring.”

  “Your body may be weak, but your will is strong. Never forget that.”

  He turned to Kong Tian, resting a hand on his shoulder. “Protect your brother. Stay low. And don’t let the looks or words of others shake your spirit.”

  Kong Tian nodded, clenching his fists.

  “I couldn’t protect mom and dad, but I won't let anything happen to my family ever again!” Kong Tian said inwardly.

  With a final glance at the boys, Lao Shenwu turned and left the courtyard, his figure slowly swallowed by the morning mist rising over Iron Root Town.

  ?

  Later that morning, Kong Tian helped his brother into a makeshift harness, stitched together from strips of cloth and faded leather straps for demon beast hides, then carefully hoisted him onto his back.

  Their shabby courtyard resided on the northern outskirts of town.

  Iron Root Town is considered a mid-tier town, with a bustling population of 200,000. The rich scent of wood and iron wafted through the air from the surrounding Spirit Iron Ore caves and forested mountains surrounding the town.

  The road into town was dusty, and their appearance drew quick, mocking eyes.

  Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

  “Isn’t that the Kong Brothers who live on the outskirts of Iron Root Town?”

  “Look at them, beggars trying to enter a martial school.”

  “Did that cripple on his back come to polish floors?”

  “I heard those kids are the bastard children of bandits. Whispered a voice.”

  “They really think they’ll become cultivators? I bet they don’t even have a spiritual root. A villager sneered.”

  “Hey, Kong Tian, I have some poop that needs shoveling later!” A villager shouted.

  Laughing Echoed.

  Kong Tian kept walking, jaw clenched. His eyes locked forward, every insult striking a nerve beneath his calm exterior. He could take it, he always had, but the moment someone insulted his brother…

  “Why do these villagers feel the need to harass us every chance they get?” Kong Tian thought as he clenched his fist, withholding his anger.

  A rock suddenly struck the ground near his foot.

  “Maybe you should sign up for the school of cripples instead!” a boy jeered from the wall of a nearby shop. Laughter echoed around him.

  Kong Tian stopped.

  “Don’t.” Kong Ming whispered, tightening his grip on his brother’s shoulder.

  But it was already too late.

  Tian’s body dropped low, and in a flash, he was in front of the jeering boy, collar in hand. He slammed the boy against the wooden wall, which was enough force to rattle the shop sign.

  “You think you’re funny?” Tian’s voice was low, sharp. His dark eyes with starlights burned with fury. “Say one more thing and I’ll make you eat those teeth you seem tired of having.”

  The boy stammered, face pale. Behind him, the others scattered.

  “Tian let him go,” Ming said from his place on his brother’s back, though his voice didn’t carry softness. “He’s not even worth a single qi-less breath.”

  Tian held the trembling boy for another second before releasing him with a shove. “You insult him again,” Tian growled, “and I’ll show you what a cripple’s brother can do.”

  He turned, lifting Ming higher on his back. His expression softened the moment he met his brother’s eyes. “You okay?”

  “Better than you,” Ming said with a wry grin. “You almost broke the poor idiot’s spine.”

  They shared a moment of rare laughter.

  “Brother, my body has been getting stronger.”

  “I can even walk a little with this walking cane Uncle Lao gave me.”

  Kong Tian smiled. He knew that Ming’er’s words were to raise their morale after receiving ridicule from the townsfolk.

  The Iron Root Martial School gates loomed ahead. Though far from grand, they were still a symbol of power in this humble town. Several new students gathered around, forming small groups, most already in clean robes, some laughing as if they’d already succeeded in graduating.

  Iron Root town is ruled by the top 3 clans.

  The Fang clan, the Chen clan, and the Bai Clan. Also known as the 3 great families.

  The families often watched the opening ceremony of the younger generation to see if there was anyone who may threaten their position, in the future, as well as poach any young talent to their family's side.

  When Kong Tian stepped onto the martial school's courtyard carrying his brother, silence spread like a ripple.

  A few boys laughed under their breath. “What, bringing your luggage to school?”

  Kong Tian’s eyes flickered coldly. “Better luggage than trash,” he snapped back. “Tian, put me down. I can speak for myself.”

  Tian hesitated, but obeyed. Ming stood on trembling legs, using his brother’s shoulder for balance and a cane.

  “You guys love to call me a cripple like it’s a curse,” Ming said, voice clear and sharp. “But if this cripple one day surpasses you, what would that make all of you?”

  The silence grew heavier. No one laughed.

  The boy was frail, and despite his 1.6-meter figure, they felt the determination of a giant.

  A tall, muscular instructor approached, arms crossed. His gaze swept over the two brothers.

  “Are you here to enroll?”

  “Yes,” Tian said, standing straight.

  The instructor paused for a moment, eyes lingering on the makeshift harness. Then he nodded. “We don’t turn people away. Even if they start from the dirt.”

  Kong Tian’s fists loosened slightly.

  “But remember,” the instructor added, “this is where you shed weakness, or get buried by it.”

  Kong Tian looked at his brother, then back at the school beyond the gates.

  “We’re not here to be buried,” he said. “We’re here to rise.”