Before Zhao Xuanqi stood a sprawling estate with at least three courtyards, its eaves intricately carved. Above the main gate, a large plaque bore the words "Xiaolin Martial Arts Hall" in powerful, elegant calligraphy. A pair of stone lions, each over two meters tall, flanked the entrance, where two powerfully built Guards in gray Martial Arts Uniforms stood watch.
Zhao Xuanqi stepped forward, presented his Named Disciple Token, and entered the Martial Arts Hall.
He entered to find a very spacious courtyard filled with various kinds of training equipment: wooden posts, stone locks, and an array of sandbags.
Nearly a hundred youths, both boys and girls between the ages of fourteen and seventeen, were already gathered in the courtyard.
Zhao Xuanqi's arrival immediately drew the attention of the other youths.
Some glanced his way before quickly returning to practicing their techniques or chatting with their friends. Others, however, watched him and whispered amongst themselves, clearly discussing something.
Zhao Xuanqi could guess what they were talking about. The Martial Arts Hall held classes daily, and it had been at least four days since Zhao Qi had last attended, following a mishap in his training. Zhao Qin had requested leave for him back then. By now, all the Named Disciples must have heard that he had pushed himself too hard and ended up bedridden.
'I wonder how many of these onlookers are enjoying my predicament.'
"Zhao Qi, what are you doing here? I heard you were badly injured from training. Shouldn't you be resting at home? I mean, you shouldn't push yourself so hard. If you end up with a serious health problem, it won't be worth it."
Just then, a voice called out from behind. Zhao Xuanqi turned to see a tall, powerfully built, square-jawed youth staring at him in surprise as he slowly walked in through the gate.
Memories of the youth surfaced in Zhao Xuanqi's mind.
Zhou Ze. He was part of the same group of students, and his family background was similar to Zhao Qi's. His family had all but bankrupted themselves to send him here to study the Martial Dao.
When they first joined the Martial Arts Hall, they often trained side-by-side. Since their circumstances were so similar, they hit it off and spoke quite often.
Later, however, their paths diverged. Zhao Qi's aptitude was mediocre, and his progress was consistently poor. Zhou Ze, on the other hand, was born with a strong physique and excellent potential. He advanced rapidly in his training of the Nine Tiger Forms and was highly regarded by the Martial Arts Hall. During every major training session, he was placed in the front row, allowing him to observe the instructors' movements up close. He was considered one of the top students in their group.
After that, they spoke less and less. Theirs was a fleeting acquaintance, not some novel-worthy brotherhood where they'd promise to never forget each other after finding success.
"It was nothing serious. I actually had a bit of a breakthrough, which is why I stayed away," Zhao Xuanqi said, shaking his head.
"That's good, then."
Zhou Ze assumed Zhao Xuanqi was just putting on a brave face and didn't press the issue, seemingly not wanting to wound his pride.
"Zhou Ze! Over here!"
At that moment, a crisp voice called out. In the distance, a pretty girl in a Martial Arts Uniform was waving at Zhou Ze. Her hair was tied in a ponytail, giving her a spirited and energetic air.
She was surrounded by a group of other youths who, judging by their clothes and bearing, all came from well-off families.
"I'm heading over," Zhou Ze said to Zhao Xuanqi. "Take care of yourself. The Martial Dao isn't the only path in life. As long as you're alive, there's always a chance for greatness. Don't push yourself too hard."
Zhao Xuanqi nodded with a faint smile.
Zhou Ze then walked toward the girl and her friends.
Zhao Xuanqi knew the girl's name was Xia Qing. She was the daughter of a wealthy family in Celestial Sea Prefecture, quite well-off and talented. It was said she had already managed to achieve the Three Sounds.
Female Martial Artists might lack slightly in raw strength, but their aptitude for finesse and delicate techniques was generally much higher than that of their male counterparts.
In that group, it wasn't just Xia Qing; the other youths were either from wealthy and influential families or were talented enough that they were practically guaranteed to pass the upcoming assessment.
Birds of a feather flock together.
Cliques form everywhere.
"Qing, what was the hurry?" Zhou Ze asked Xia Qing in a low voice.
The two of them had grown very close recently. They were young, experiencing the first stirrings of romance, and it was easy for feelings to blossom when they trained together day after day, sharing in the sweat and toil.
Xia Qing's family was quite wealthy. And although Zhou Ze's family was poor, his talent for the Martial Dao was exceptional. He was favored by the Martial Arts Hall and would likely make a name for himself in these chaotic times, making them a suitable match in a way.
"Why are you even talking to that Zhao Qi?"
Xia Qing said with a frown, looking rather displeased. "He managed to injure himself just by training. There's no way he'll pass the assessment. After tomorrow, you probably won't ever see him again. Besides, I heard he's wrapped up in some serious trouble. Don't be a fool and get involved."
"I was just saying hello."
Zhou Ze was taken aback and frowned slightly.
"You shouldn't even do that!"
Xia Qing's voice rose a little. Then, as if realizing her tone was too harsh, her expression softened. "Zhou Ze, you and people like him are not on the same path anymore. You have a bright future, while they're destined to keep struggling in the filthy streets. It's cruel, but that's reality. I know that because of your background, there are things you haven't been exposed to and don't quite understand, so there are some habits I want to help you correct. Associating with people like that is beneath you."
"From now on, the people we'll be associating with will be the rich and powerful of Celestial Sea Prefecture. They care about things you might not. They're all proud, and they're experts at judging people by the smallest details. If you keep associating with people like Zhao Qi, they'll think you aren't part of their circle. I don't want them to look down on you or gossip about you. So, please, try to change some of these habits, okay?"
Gazing into Xia Qing's pleading, teary eyes, Zhou Ze finally nodded after a long moment. "I understand. I'll change."
'She's right. After tomorrow, my status will be completely different. I won't be that poor kid from the slums anymore, the one who had nothing and had to struggle for everything. Some things do need to change.'
'After all, this is what it means to grow up, isn't it?'
Meanwhile, Zhao Xuanqi was oblivious to Zhou Ze and Xia Qing's conversation. Not that he would have cared about such trifles anyway. He found his designated spot, stood in place, and calmly centered himself, waiting for the assessment to begin.
A few of the disciples around him shot him curious glances, but they quickly looked away. No words were exchanged.
The Xiaolin Martial Arts Hall arranged its disciples for lessons based on ability. The stronger and more talented you were, the closer to the front you stood, which allowed for a better view of the senior instructors' demonstrations.
It was also rumored that some wealthy students would privately offer "tributes" to the senior instructors in exchange for extra guidance. As for students like Zhao Qi, the instructors generally paid them no mind. They were left to fend for themselves.
Thus, those standing near Zhao Xuanqi were all in a similar situation: poor family background, mediocre progress, and an assessment looming just over the horizon. They were all on edge, their hearts burning with anxiety. Who had the energy for idle chatter and laughter?
That was a luxury for others to enjoy.
「Time passed quickly.」 When the appointed hour arrived, the heavy gates of the estate boomed shut, and the Martial Arts Hall's assessment officially began.