Chapter 6: Clashes and Discoveries
A few weeks later.
The midday sun hung high above Iron Root Martial School, casting harsh rays across the stone courtyards and tiled rooftops. In the southern courtyard, the clang of fists against training dummies echoed like drums of war.
Kong Tian stood shirtless, sweat glistening across his defined frame as he completed another round of the Profound Fist Technique. His strikes were clean, powerful, and sharp, each punch flowing with internal rhythm. He breathed through his lower dantian, rotated his hips at precise angles, and aligned each strike with meridian nodes for maximum output. These were not the wild blows of a brawler, but the carefully honed techniques of a martial savant.
From a shaded corner, a group of older students observed him with cold eyes. Jealousy boiled in their chests, their pride wounded after being overshadowed by someone who wore tattered robes and came from a nameless background.
“That damn peasant…” one of them spat. “Who does he think he is? Showing us up like that.”
The leader of the group, Yuan Fei, son of the influential Yuan family, cracked his knuckles. Like his lackeys, he wasn’t from the current class. He and his gang had enrolled the year before and were already in the 5th to 8th stages of Body Tempering, each with some battle experience under their belts.
“He thinks lighting up the ninth totem tier makes him special?” Yuan Fei scoffed. “Time to teach him the difference between genius and experience.”
As Kong Tian moved to the stone well to cool off, the five older boys surrounded him.
“You’ve been showing off too much, Kong Tian,” Yuan Fei sneered. “Time to learn your place.”
Kong Tian’s eyes narrowed. He set his bucket down slowly.
“Learn?”
“What qualifications does trash have to instruct me?”
“GET HIM!” Yuan Fei barked, flushed with embarrassment.
The first strike came from the right, a sharp jab aimed at his ribs. But Kong Tian pivoted, shifting into a low stance, letting the blow skim past his side. He seized the attacker’s wrist, twisted, and redirected the energy, sending the boy flying.
Another charged from behind, but Kong Tian sensed the footfall vibrations through the ground, a trick he’d learned from observing mortal beasts. He ducked under the hook and delivered a palm strike to the man’s abdomen, using soft force to rupture internal flow rather than brute power. The attacker coughed up blood and crumpled.
A third came with a sweep kick. Kong Tian countered with a spiral pivot of his waist, maintaining centerline balance. His leg snapped out in a whip kick that struck the hinge of the attacker’s jaw, knocking him out cold.
The final two, Yuan Fei and another boy, charged together.
“You’ll regret this, mongrel!”
Yuan Fei led with an overhead punch imbued with heavy Qi, aiming to break bones. But Kong Tian’s foot slid across the dirt at the last second, adjusting his angle to deflect the force. He let the punch graze his shoulder and countered with a rising elbow to Yuan Fei’s chin, then a straight-line punch using the “one-inch burst” technique from the Profound Fist style.
It was too fast to follow.
Yuan Fei’s head snapped back, blood spraying. He stumbled, staggered, and fell to one knee.
The courtyard went silent.
Head Instructor Fang Duan arrived, arms folded. He surveyed the scene, bruised bodies, cracked stone, Yuan Fei groaning in the dirt.
“Interesting,” he muttered. “Five seniors… taken down by a single junior.”
Kong Tian wiped blood from his lip. “They attacked first.”
Fang Duan nodded. “That they did. Still, next time, try not to make such a mess”
He turned and walked away, his voice drifting back.
“Good form, though.”
Bruised and breathless, Yuan Fei wiped his lip and spat blood on the stones. “You’ll regret this. Just wait…”
They picked up their unconscious brothers and fled…
?
Southern Courtyard Balcony
Lady Bai had witnessed the earlier battle from the upper balcony, unmoving.
Beside her, Lee Chan-Chan fanned herself with a lace fan, frowning. “Why does he wear rags like that? Does he not know what robes are?”
Lady Bai glanced sideways in confusion. “He’s poor, Chan-Chan. Likely orphaned, or worse.”
“Oh…” Chan-Chan said with real confusion. “But… don’t they know how ridiculous they look? Of all the clothes they can wear in the world, they chose those rags?”
Her question was innocent and filled with pure bewilderment. Being raised in a powerful, secluded clan meant the concept of poverty had never been taught to her.
“Attendant Gu, please find clothes fitting this young lady’s standards for those two.”
“Oh? You mean those youngsters from the entrance exam the other day?”
Steward Gu gazed at Kong Tian from the window with intrigue before his figure slowly disappeared before the eyes of Chan-Chan and Bai Yuyin.
Still, her gaze lingered on Kong Tian as he helped a bruised student to his feet, the same one who mocked him days ago.
“…Strange,” she murmured. “He doesn’t act like a brute.”
?
Back at the Training Courtyard
A frail youth could be seen walking with the support of his cane, eyes filled with concern and worry.
“Big Brother Tian, are you okay?”
Kong Tian smiled reassuringly.
“Those losers thought they could beat my 9th-level Body Tempering cultivation using numbers, but I wanted them to engrave in their hearts that not only is my cultivation above theirs, but so are my combat Standards.”
“Ming’er.”
He said in a serious tone.
Ming’er’s eyes showed a hint of nervousness at the tone shift.
“I think you should spend the training period in the knowledge pavilion. Aren’t you a fan of those dusty books?”
Kong Ming pouted. “You’re trying to ditch me.”
Kong Tian smirked and ruffled his brother’s hair. “No. I just don’t want you dragged into my mess. Not yet.”
Kong Ming sighed but nodded. He understood.
Right now, it’s better you don’t get involved in fights concerning me… for now.
And so, Kong Ming obeyed and headed to the knowledge pavilion.
?
The knowledge pavilion at Iron Root Martial School
Kong Ming entered the knowledge pavilion through the large, creaking wooden doors. The room was filled with the smell of old paper, ink, and wood.
An elder in a meditative state could be seen sitting in the central area. Kong Ming decided not to disturb him.
There was an open area in the middle where the sunlight shone down on a small pond. Two benches provided seating for those who wanted a serene atmosphere to read and cultivate.
He awkwardly strolled through the shelves until a gold-colored ancient book grabbed his attention. It was placed remotely in a corner of the shelf, seemingly untouched for years.
He reached out and pulled the book free, reading the title:
“Ancient Medicinal Refinement Record.”
For some reason, Kong Ming felt called by this book.
He sat down and began reading it.
“This can’t be…”
His breath quickened.
The book held remedies that seemed to cover everything, from common to rare ailments that cultivators suffered.
Heart pounding, he flipped through it.
There it was, a condition describing blocked meridians, weak bones, unstable energy pathways… similar to his.
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More importantly, it listed herbs and spiritual roots that might stimulate dormant meridians and rebuild the body’s core.
This medicinal book’s information regarding herbs and uses might be what helps me break through this physical bottleneck. What’s a profound book like this doing in such a remote town?
He questioned inwardly.
Hours passed without notice.
A scholarly youth with long, neat hair in a ponytail and a handsome face came walking into the knowledge pavilion . He wore expensive robes bearing the emblem of the Chen clan’s main branch.
His cool, aloof eyes landed on a young man with black hair and silver eyes, immersed in uncovering the truth behind the heavens.
“Isn’t that…” the scholar murmured.
Kon… Kong Ming! The name appeared in his head.
This youth never seemed quite as simple as others made him out to be.
He began walking toward the boy, curious what kind of book had him so captivated.
He hadn’t even noticed his presence.
Once the scholarly youth came within arm’s length, the black-haired, silver-eyed youth slowly looked up.
“Chen Kai?” he thought inwardly.
This was the genius young master of the Chen clan.
who ranked only second to his freakish brother in the strength test, And higher than me in the knowledge exam..
He glanced at the book in Chen Kai’s hand: "Silent Fist Technique.”
“You should stop using that technique,” Kong Ming said.
Chen Kai froze, stunned by his sudden words.
A moment of Silence.
“That technique creates a physical Qi blockage at the meridian in your left shoulder. Excessive use can cause long-term damage to the Qi channels from your shoulder to your fist.”
Kong Ming continued, returning his gaze to the medical book.
Chen Kai glanced at the technique book in his hands.
“You study fist techniques?”
Chen Kai asked in astonishment.
From his observations, Kong Ming's body looks like that of someone who hasn't spent a single day practicing a martial technique.
Kong Ming shook his head.
“Not exactly. I do have an understanding of martial dao and cultivation dao, but I’m best at understanding meridian flow and seeing imbalances of the body.”
Chen Kai's eyes widened in astonishment.
“Interesting,” he responded calmly.
He began to walk away.
Kong Ming spoke up.
“Your left arm… it’s paler than your right, signaling a difference in blood flow and Qi circulation. I’m sure you’ve felt discomfort in that shoulder when practicing the silent fist technique.”
Chen Kai cracked a rarely seen smile.
“…I’ve underestimated you, Junior Brother Kong.”
The way Chen Kai addressed him, became more respectful.
“I haven’t found a technique that's truly worthy of my talent.”
He sighed.
“Whether it's the chen clan or the basic techniques here at the school, they are all too simple.”
Chen Kai stared into Kong Ming's eyes, as if trying to probe his secrets..
“Does Junior Brother have any suggestions?”
Kong Ming ignored Chen Kai’s gaze and continued reading his book.
A moment of silence.
Kong Ming sighed and said.
“Your body structure is built more for speed, rather than power.”
“But your muscles reflect that you had a balanced training regimen up until now.”
“Since when did teaching fish to fly and birds to swim become a worthwhile endeavor?”
Chen Kai seriously pondered Kong Ming's words…
“Is he really 11 years old??” He thought inwardly.
He then responded in a lofty tone,
“I strive to stand at the apex of Geniuses of the new generation. And as an apex cultivator I strive to be superior in all aspects.”
Kong Ming did not respond.
Chen Kai sat down across from him.
After a moment of silence.
He spoke as if he were talking to himself.
“Do you blame the heavens for giving you such a body?
“Do you have thoughts like, ‘why isn't the world fair?’
“ If only my body could be useful?”
Kong Ming’s brows twitched and stared at the youth in annoyance….
“Chen Kai really thinks he understands what I’ve been through!?” Kong Ming snorted inwardly.
Seeing the slight change in Kong Ming’s Expression.
Chen Kai smiled.
“You’re probably thinking that I don’t understand your life.
or what you’ve been through.”
He threw the book in his hand, and it perfectly landed back in the crevice of the bookshelf.
“Does understanding why we kill demon beasts stop you from eating them?”
“Do we need to understand why demon Beasts annihilate humans?”
“Does understanding the river…stop it from flowing?”
“Does understanding the Sun stop it from rising?”
“Do we need to understand why someone strong suppresses the weak?”
“The 7 heavens are ruled by one principle, the strong controls‘ fate.”
“The Dao is in motion, before we even step.”
“So why question the rising sun?”
“It's a futile endeavor.”
Chen Kai paused, tightening his fist.
“Instead, the worthwhile questions are, where does strength come from?”
“And how can I obtain it?”
Chen Kai paused as he watched Kon Ming ponder his words..
He began to walk away.
“All strength comes from struggle.”
“If it's not you, it was someone before you.”
“Even those born with Strength were given it from an ancestor who had struggled to earn that strength.”
“Then that reward is passed down for the future generation to climb higher.”
“Unfortunately, many don’t climb higher and mistake the merit of their ancestors for their own…”
“No matter how much you curse, complain, there's no escaping the struggle if you truly desire to control your fate.”
“The heavens do not love the weak, the heavens favor the strong, the resilient, whether it's a demon beast, cultivator, or even a plant.”
“The ones that persevere until the end, reap the rewards.”
“That is the will of heaven…only the truly qualified deserve to truly stand at the peak.”
“You may hate your struggle, but that means you must hate strength…”
“Why would the heavens grant you something you outwardly rejected?”
“So ask yourself, do you truly desire strength?”
If you do,
Confront your struggle directly! Respect it! embrace it!
Chen Kai left with those final words.
Kong Ming stared at the youth’s departing back.
“What a strange guy,” Kong Ming thought inwardly.
?
That Evening – Instructor’s Hall
The atmosphere inside the instructor’s hall was tense. Fang Duan stood at the head of the room, arms crossed, while representatives of the three great families, Chen, Bai, and Fang, spoke in veiled tones.
“Talent like the Kong boy should not go untethered,” said Elder Chen, his scholarly gaze sharp. “The Chen clan is ready to offer him a full scholarship and personal tutelage.”
“We of the Bai clan can offer spiritual stones, techniques, and a private cultivation courtyard,” Lady Bai’s uncle added smoothly. “It’s only natural to guide the talented into proper homes.”
The Fang representative leaned forward, tone laced with warning. “And if his path is poorly guided, he may find his journey… difficult.”
Fang Duan’s brow furrowed. “So long as they remain students of Iron Root Martial School, I will not allow anyone to coerce them. Even members of my own clan.”
“Don’t think I have forgotten about the assassination attempts on my son, Fang LongWei, two years ago, you old foxes always covet the talented and cripple them if they refuse to become your tools. “
The Fang representatives' eyebrows twitched.
“Brother Duan, our fang clan had the utmost support for your son, we even considered making the successor to the patriarch! Why would we assassinate him?!?
Fang Duan laughed menacingly.
“Act koi all you want.”
“The only reason I didn’t create a blood bath in the clan that day, was because of my son.”
“He didn’t want me completely falling out with the clan, but trust me one day I'll bring you old fellows' schemes into the light.”
“His Aura serged..”
Lady Bai’s uncle narrowed his eyes at the fang clan representatives... “You misunderstand.”
“We at the Bai clan merely offer an opportunity. Surely you wouldn’t stand in the way of a brighter future.”
“I believe students should walk their own path,” Fang Duan replied, voice like iron.
“If the boy chooses you, so be it. But if you try to take him…”
His killing intent stirred slightly. The room cooled.
Silence fell.
Then Elder Chen smiled thinly. “We understand. Let us hope the boy is… wise.”
?
Nighttime.
At the Stream by the Old Courtyard.
Kong Ming waited until his brother’s steady breathing signaled sleep. Then he slipped from bed and crept to the stream behind the courtyard.
Kneeling at the bank, he looked into his reflection.
He clenched his fists, remembering every insult and every time Kong Tian bled for him.
Chen Kai’s voice echoed in his ears. “Only the strong can control fate.”
Kong Ming's eyes shone with greater resolve.
“Standing by him isn’t enough. I want to be the one who protects him!“
And so, he began the breathing and body refining techniques he had discovered from a book in the knowledge pavilion.
A low… faint warm sensation began to spread in the body of the silver-eyed youth…escaping his notice..
?
A few days later –Lecture Hall.
Instructor Fang Duan’s Lecture.
“Today,” barked Instructor Fang Duan, “we begin our study of spiritual attributes.”
Attributes are a profound aspect of cultivation that is affected by many aspects…
Your Bloodline…
comprehension..
environment…
innate spiritual roots…
and the cultivation technique you practice… can all cause your neutral spirit Qi,
to become attributed spiritual Qi….
He wrote on the board in bold strokes:
There are Four Core Basic Elements: they can be comprehended by 95% of cultivators. or inherited directly through bloodlines.
– Fire
– Water
– Earth
– Wind
Hybrid Elements: comprehended by 1 in 50,000. It requires a dual-element spiritual root or greater.
– Ice = Water and Wind
– Wood = Water + Earth..
– Lightning = Fire + Wind…
– Metal, also called (Gold), is a hybrid of Fire + Earth + Wind …
The students' eyes widened, and they began to imagine their future as powerful cultivators with mastery over their favorite element.
A student asked suddenly. “Senior Duan, what elements do you have?”
Instructor Fang Duan smiled.
Suddenly, the natural energy in the lecture hall began to swirl, forming a sphere of half wind Qi and half fire.
“Dual Elements!”
The students in the lecture exclaimed in shock.
“Wait, isn’t wind and fire supposed to achieve lightning Spiritual Energy?” A scholarly student asked in confusion.
Fang Daun Nodded.
“True, but having both elements doesn’t automatically let one comprehend the method of combining them."
"I’m still currently trying to comprehend the lightning Dao."
"That's why I only possess wind and fire separately.”
Don’t underestimate the importance of comprehension in the journey of cultivation. And the elements hardest to comprehend are...
Ethereal Elements: about 1 in 500 million. Can comprehend. But I heard only cultivators in the upper heavens have comprehended these Ethereal attributes.
The few warriors who can use these attributes usually have them through bloodline inheritance, not through natural comprehension…
– Void also known as (Space)…
– Time also known as (Temporal)…
Once you are a spirit apprentice, we will test you for elemental affinity.
Gasps echoed..
“The last two element types are so rare that they may as well be legends. But should you comprehend one… the heavens may fear you.”
Fang Duan’s voice contained a rare tone of respect.
Chen Kai's eyes gleamed with fiery ambition.
“Those are attributes fitting for a true genius…” he thought inwardly…
Fang Duan pointed to the poor drawing of a person.
“Most people are born with neutral Qi. Your attributes can form through absorbing spiritual Qi in specific environments, bloodlines, cultivation techniques, and your comprehension. Choose your attribute wisely. Changing your attribute later is nearly impossible.”
Suddenly, a student asked.
Senior Fang. “How can someone have more than one attribute while others can only choose one?”
“You’ll find out once you inspect your spirit root…”
The kids were dazed in confusion
Duan sighed.
“There’s no point in understanding until you reach the spirit apprentice realm.
We will discuss how you determine attribute compatibility in a later lecture…”
Cultivation Realms in the Iron Kingdom:
– Body Tempering, also known as Refinement Realm
– Spirit Apprentice Realm
– Spirit Warrior Realm
– Spirit Lord Realm
– Spirit Master (flight becomes possible).
All realms have 9 minor levels before you can break through.
“Your attributes will shape your techniques.”
“ Your techniques will shape your battles.”
“And your battles will shape your path.”
“The Martial Path is profound and never-ending.”
Kong Tian sat quietly in the back, his fist clenched from excitement.
“Soon… I’ll awaken the bloodline Uncle Shenwu spoke of.” I’ll walk the world… and challenge the geniuses of my generation.
“Then find my parents!”
His Dark eyes sparkled with hints of starlight, one of the rare moments Kong Tian expressed genuine excitement.
The fire in his heart had only just begun to burn.
?
Later That Day – Outer Forest.
Yuan Fei knelt before a tall, broad-shouldered cultivator whose Qi was like a heavy storm cloud.
This was Yuan Jin, the eldest son of the Yuan family, already eighteen years old and at the 9th Stage of Body Tempering.
“You lost to someone younger and poorer?” Yuan Jin asked, not even hiding his amusement.
“He humiliated me,” Yuan Fei growled. “Everyone saw.”
Yuan Jin cracked his neck, and a faint Spiritual Energy leaked from him. “Then I’ll make sure he pays double.
