CHAPTER 2: NEW LIFE
They arrived at the massive gates of the Sky Sect, only to be stopped by two armored guards.
"What are you doing here, kids?" Guard #1 asked, eyeing them curiously.
"We're here to participate in the Outer Disciple Selection Tournament," Kesha said firmly.
"You know only those with talent are accepted here," Guard #2 scoffed.
"We understand. If we fail, we'll leave without question," Ajin added calmly.
"Alright—you may enter," Guard #1 nodded, stepping aside.
Inside the outer courtyard, they made their way to the registration area, where a long line of children and adults stretched across the plaza. They hurried to join the end of the queue—but just as they settled in, a familiar group approached.
Chen Su strode forward with his father, Chen Yu—the patriarch of the Chen Clan.
"Kesha! What are you doing here?" Patriarch Chen Yu's voice boomed, drawing stares from nearby applicants.
"We've come to join the selection, Patriarch," Kesha said, her voice tight with nervousness.
"You're competing too, Kesh?" Ajin whispered.
"I had no choice—he spotted us," she replied quietly.
"INSOLENCE!" The patriarch roared. "As a core disciple of the Chen Clan, you have no right to seek entry elsewhere! Return to the clan at once, or face punishment. And who is this boy beside you?"
"Father, that's the slave who cleans the training grounds—you know, the one with broken meridians who tried out for our clan's discipleship," Chen Su sneered.
The patriarch stepped close, his gaze piercing Ajin's face.
"A slave with broken meridians daring to break clan rules… Boy, if you return now and resume your duties, I'll only cut off your right arm. But if you stay and fail to make the sect, you'll never leave this place alive." He tapped Ajin's shoulder hard before turning to leave.
Instead of fear, Ajin felt a surge of determination. He clenched his fist, his eyes hardening.
"One day, I'll settle every score the Chen Clan has laid on me," he thought.
"Jin—are you okay?" Kesha asked, placing a hand on his arm.
"Don't worry about me. I'm the reason you're in this spot—you were already set for a good future as a core disciple."
"That doesn't matter," she said with a small smile. "We just need to win and start fresh here."
A sudden announcement cut through their conversation: "Twenty minutes remaining before registration closes! All late applicants will be turned away!"
They rushed to the desk and submitted their names just as the final bell rang.
"Registration is complete!" the receptionist called out. "The match list will be posted this afternoon, and the tournament begins tomorrow morning!"
"We need a place to stay tonight—let's head to the city just outside the sect walls," Kesha said as they left the plaza.
"I only have five silver coins—I've been saving for a month," Ajin said, pulling out his pouch. "Not nearly enough for a room."
"I'll cover the cost," Kesha grinned. "But you owe me—win your matches!"
=A FEW HOURS LATER=
In the bustling city streets, Ajin spotted an old man laying out martial arts manuals on a tattered cloth—his worn clothes and disheveled appearance made him look like a fraud. Still, Ajin walked over.
"Mister, may I look at your techniques?"
"Help yourself, boy—pick whatever catches your eye," the old man said with a nod.
Ajin sifted through the manuals until one caught his attention: "One Inch Punch." The cover noted it required no qi to master and had three major stages.
"How much for this one?"
"You've got good taste," the old man said. "But let me check something first—extend your arm."
Ajin held out his right arm. The man ran his fingers lightly over Ajin's wrist and elbow.
"Broken meridians, but a solid foundation. This technique is perfect for you."
"So how much?" Ajin repeated.
Just then, Kesha hurried over.
"Jin! What are you doing? You don't seriously plan to buy from this fraud—everyone says he only sells third-rate techniques!"
"I know what I'm doing," Ajin said calmly. "Mister, how much?"
"Ten gold coins normally," the seller replied. "But for a sect applicant, I'll make it five gold."
"That's ridiculous!" Kesha pulled at Ajin's hand. "We're leaving—this is a scam!"
"I only have five silver right now," Ajin said to the old man. "I'll pay the rest if I win first place and become a disciple. If not, you can take back the manual and keep my money."
"Deal," the old man said, handing over the book. "But remember—first place or nothing."
"Why would you agree to that?" Kesha groaned as they walked away. "Winning first place is impossible! We just need to make the top ranks for the Outer Disciple badge."
"I know the odds are tough, but I trust myself," Ajin said (adding silently in his mind: "And I have the system."). "By the way—did you find us a room?"
"Only one available… we'll have to share," she said, her cheeks flushing slightly.
"I can sleep outside the door."
"No, that's not necessary. We can share the room—I don't mind."
"Thank you, Kesh. I'll take the floor, then."
=AN HOUR LATER=
They entered their modest room at an inn. While Kesha settled onto the bed, Ajin pulled out the One Inch Punch manual and began reading.
"First Stage: Ten-Meter Punch. Assume horse stance, extend both arms forward, make fists… then bend the right arm at 90 degrees while keeping the left straight. Release with full force to send compressed air toward the target."
"What are you doing?" Kesha laughed, seeing his stance. "That position looks ridiculous—told you it was a scam!"
Ajin ignored her and tried to punch—but nothing happened.
"Again, Jin? What now?"
"I can't get it to work," he sighed. "Maybe you were right."
As he reached to toss the book aside, he noticed small numbers printed beside the instructions: "Strength Required: 20 | Stamina Required: 15."
He opened his status panel:
Strength: 19 | Stamina: 16
"I'm just one point short on strength," he realized. "Tomorrow, when my stats increase automatically, I'll be able to use it."
They returned to the Sky Sect to check the match list.
"My opponent is Chen Su—he's at the Bone strengthening stage of Body Refinement," Ajin said, scanning the board.
"Mine's someone I've never heard of," Kesha shrugged.
[Note: Ajin's current physical strength rivals a Level 1 Qi Refining cultivator.]
"You've got an easy win," Ajin smiled.
Just then, Chen Su blocked their path.
"You're in for a beating, slave! Father said I need to teach you respect."
"We'll see about that," Ajin said, taking Kesha's hand and walking away.
On the way back to the inn, they stopped at a cafeteria for dinner. At a nearby table, a group of applicants was laughing loudly.
"Did you see the match list? There's a no-cultivation kid fighting Chen Su—Body Refinement,Bone strengthening stage! It'll be over before it starts! HA HA HA!"
"Ignore them," Kesha said quietly. "Prove yourself with your strength tomorrow."
Back in their room, Kesha fell asleep immediately, but Ajin spent hours practicing the technique's movements. With his 2x Comprehension trait, he mastered the form quickly—even if he couldn't yet activate its power. Exhausted, he eventually drifted off on the floor.
DING!!! Strength +1, Speed +1, Stamina +1
Ajin woke to find Kesha standing over him, looking panicked. When gentle shaking didn't rouse him, she'd slapped his face hard.
"OW! What was that for?!"
"Sorry!" she giggled. "We're almost late—hurry up! The tournament's already started!"
They rushed back to the sect. Two matches were underway before Kesha's turn, with Ajin's fight to follow. In the waiting area, they saw Chen Su surrounded by his followers.
"I thought you'd run away," Chen Su sneered. "Father wants you punished for your insolence."
"Save your words for the arena—strength speaks louder than threats," Ajin said, turning away.
Chen Su's face flushed bright red with rage. Moments later, the referee called their names.
SCENE: THE ARENA
Chen Su charged forward, unleashing the Chen Clan's signature Seven Phoenix Strikes—each punch trailing fiery arcs like bird wings.
Ajin stood his ground, dropping into the horse stance of the Ten-Meter Punch. He focused all his strength into his right arm, feeling a growing pressure build in his fist. As Chen Su closed to exactly ten meters, Ajin punched forward.
A visible wave of compressed air shot through the air, slamming into Chen Su's stomach and sending him flying clear out of the arena.
Silence fell over the crowd—then the Sky Sect's six elders leaned forward in shock, their eyes fixed on the rooftop where the Sect Master stood. He only shook his head slightly.
"That technique… it's the Sect Master's signature move!" Elder 1 breathed.
"He hasn't taken a disciple in hundreds of years—how does this boy know it?" Elder 2 wondered.
"Could he be a hidden disciple, revealing himself now?" Elder 5 asked.
"We'll watch closely—this boy has more to show us," Elder 3 said.
The tournament continued until afternoon. Both Ajin and Kesha won their first matches, then headed to the cafeteria to eat—they'd skipped breakfast in their rush.
=THREE DAYS LATER=
Ajin and Kesha had advanced to the top four. The semi-final match list was posted:
- Ajin (No Clan) vs. Broski (Lu Clan)
- Droi (Hao Clan) vs. Kesha (ex-Chen Clan)
"Jin, look at your opponent—Broski's at Peak Body Refinement, same as me, but everyone says he's far stronger," Kesha warned. "He's known to cripple his rivals. If you're not sure you can win, surrender—top four already guarantees us Outer Disciple badges."
"I can handle him. You should worry about your match—Droi's even tougher," Ajin said.
They spent the rest of the day training. For Kesha, reaching the top four was enough—but for Ajin, this was his chance to rewrite his life. He pushed himself so hard that his body visibly transformed, muscles defining under his skin.
"Whoa! You look completely different from when we were in the Chen Clan—you were so thin back then!" Kesha said, impressed.
"Guess all this training is paying off," Ajin smiled.
=SEMI-FINAL DAY=
The arena was packed with spectators from every major clan in the Maharlika Region, plus Sky Sect elders and disciples. As Ajin warmed up, he felt a sharp gaze on him—when he looked to the rooftops, only a shadow remained.
"What's wrong?" Kesha asked.
"Nothing—let's focus on our fights."
The referee called the first semi-final:
"Kesha of the Chen Clan vs. Droi of the Hao Clan! The winner advances to the finals, and receives an Outer Disciple badge plus one year of cultivation resources!"
SCENE: KESHA VS. DROI
Kesha drew her sword, weaving through the air with Flower Sword Style—each swing releasing sweet-scented petals that blurred her movements. Droi met her with Dragon Destruction Fist, his punches forming massive golden dragon illusions that roared through the arena.
Their techniques collided with a deafening crash, sending shockwaves and thick smoke across the stage. When the dust cleared, Kesha lay on the ground, her sword beside her, unable to stand.
Ajin vaulted over the arena railing, lifted her onto his shoulder, and carried her to safety. As he passed Droi, his crimson eyes blazed like burning embers.
"The winner—Droi of the Hao Clan!" the referee announced.
Moments later, he called out the next match:
"Ajin (No Clan) vs. Broski (Lu Clan)! This match will decide who faces Droi in the finals!"