《A Wave of Life》


 Chapter 1 - Rippling Reflections

    ¡°He fell from the maw of the golden beast. For us, he cast down gifts from above. Facing death to stop all who meant harm to his home. In the sky, he died.¡±


    - An excerpt from Volume 3, The Lasting Song of the New Summer. Death of the Lord of Waters, the beginning of fall, year 60 New Summer.


    *****


    Water rippled, cutting the three moons into countless pieces. That was more interesting than looking straight up. The night sky was featureless without the moons, unsteady water added variety for the eyes.


    A second of silence prompted the same discussion as the night prior.


    ¡°Do you think they are honest in their promise? Or.. or do you think they¡¯ll do something to us?¡± Nial asked. The same voice squeaking out the same question. His eyes jumped from person to ground to person, like a fish washed ashore during a storm.


    Everyone gathered there were of similar ages, ten to fifteen.


    Nial, the one who was speaking, was somewhere in the middle, maybe on the younger side.


    While most ignored his shaky voice, some gave a snicker, making a joke of his question.


    Hao did not bother lifting his head. It was just last night repeating itself. Mundane wagging tongues, hoping to hear their own drivel.


    ¡°Hoho, ¡®Do something to us?¡¯ who? Do what?¡± The same person answered each time, the only one old enough to be called an adult. He was not part of the group. His appearance and features were different, even his clothing. Well-made cotton robes looked glorious compared to the clothing of Islanders, with their brown burlaps patched together.


    ¡°Be grateful, you babies are being taken to the temple of water!¡± The older boy shouted over the group.


    Taller and standing higher, looking down on all below with disdain. He stretched his nose high every time he spoke. not that many were looking at him.


    Hao leaned against the boat''s railing, looking down.


    Ocean water in small waves made by the tiniest shake of the boat changed everything about the moons.


    It seemed impossible until you saw the moon in the water.


    Hao was older than the average child corralled in the back of the boat. He didn¡¯t know his own age by number; he was a summer child after all.


    Whenever he was not sleeping, he was looking down at the water. Tuning out the words of those around him.


    The older boy continued to speak harshly.


    His name was Gils, his constant introductions made it hard to forget, and so did his unpleasant words and way of speaking.


    He splattered spit with every syllable, singing songs praising the southeastern city where he was born.


    Of course, in his self-praise, he never forgot insults. ¡°shacks of sticks and stones, on soiled muddy lands. People with skin dried by salt and sand. The same sand and sun above make their hair shine, turning it gold. The beast''s color!¡±


    Hao did not care for the words. They were not kind, but far from threats. Normal insults whispered about for islanders; beast, or barbarian. It was nothing most of the boys had not heard before, common whispers from crude merchants'' mouths.


    Hao had other worries; why did a ship like this go to so many Islands this early? It was not unheard of, ships coming to the Islands to find kids to join the temple of water. Having one person to serve as a local monk at the temple on the island.


    If the recruitment was done with a shred of resemblance to the expected way, it would have been welcome. However, they''re two summers late and two summers early.


    There was another thing that was itching at Hao. The ¡®invitation¡¯ was forceful, carrying more threat than benefit.


    Hao arrived at the short-lived announced ¡®invitation¡¯ late. They were already on land, shaking a bag of coins, with tugging fingers on sheathed swords. His great-uncle was someone to stand by during it. Hao should have known it was a terrible decision.


    The only thing Hao heard from him was a warning; ¡°keep your eyes and ears sharp and steady. Summer will be long.¡± Such dramatic words from his great-uncle were usually in reserve for when the village was out of wine.


    Hao wanted this at one point. But the new creeping hesitation left him half-stunned.


    After Hao failed his Breaktide, it was something long discussed.


    A debate held by those who remained of his father¡¯s surname.


    The best option ended up being Hao joining the temple of water.


    Back then, it was a good thing. To his younger self, it was a way to see the world before returning to the island.


    Finally capable of repaying his village for the food he failed to contribute.


    More often than not causing trouble and strife in places he wanted to help.


    But the entire event was too strange, too out of tone.


    The way the ship landed on shore, making demands and threatening for recruits, froze the village still.


    Inciting a silent panic among those gathered.


    Hao gathered enough courage to take half a step forward, before being pushed forward ten.


    His only farewell was an urging forward from his great-uncle, who if he got the coin would drown the village in wine.


    If nothing else, Hao wished he demanded a chance to see his parents to say something to them.


    Even if his father was stuck in a slumber, and mother would not respond to his words.


    At least then he knew he tried.


    Hao took a big breath in, blowing out as hard as he could onto the water. The first moon, the largest and closest during the kinder seasons, shook, vibrating from the breath. It was a fun and fascinating thought to the child; the moon shaking because of him.


    It calmed him for a moment, but did not last. A big shake disrupted the reflection in the water, interrupting Hao¡¯s thoughts.


    Having no time to turn, bodies crushed into Hao.


    His stomach and waist met planks of wood as air escaped his lungs, nearly falling to the water below.


    Hao saved himself by pushing against the railing, which he spent most of the past two days sitting on.


    As the people behind him moved, he fell back. With a clatter and a voiceless shout, Hao slammed the back of his head on the deck.


    Standing as he gathered his breath, holding his head, finding the wound, just a bump.


    It took only a glance as fast as a blink to gather the situation.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    The largest boy among those from the Islands was driving his shoulder into Gils.


    Someone finally got sick of the constant harsh words and actions.


    Deciding it was better to fight the older boy than hear insults.


    It took a second look to confirm what Hao saw, leaving Hao surprised.


    Zui was a boy from the Islands¡¯ far taller, and broader than the rest. His neck was rather uniquely long and thick.


    His large body and brooding face had yet to show anything but kindness before.


    Hao took a liking to him when they first met. Receiving a warm welcome and hot food from Zui¡¯s stern face on the day he boarded the boat.


    The situation only escalated before Hao was back steady on his feet.


    The once cowardly Nial charged with a courageous face, perhaps fueled by his discontent from constant insults.


    The three moved back again, knocking against Hao.


    Hao was already upset, lost in thoughts then having them interrupted before they could resolve themselves.


    Only ever timid in words, never in actions, Hao leaped into the frenzy.


    The wrestling match of the four gathered laughs and cheering.


    Grabbing, pushing, pulling, the only hit landed was Gils hitting Zui in the eye.


    A shout from the front of the boat cut their somewhat pathetic battle short.


    ¡°If you keep making noise, I¡¯ll throw you off the boat myself!¡±


    It was instant, the crowd snapped to quiet and the four that had a battle rolled away from each other.


    Hao, with a sore head, returned to the room they all shared, wading through his thoughts.


    With a knot in his stomach, he blinked his last for the day.


    The sound of a gong and shuffling feet woke Hao the following morning.


    Everyone was in a rush to go outside. Hao was quick to jump up and follow.


    Today was supposed to be the last of their day on the boat.


    The people from the Islands were eager to see land and confirm if any of the stories they heard were true.


    Hao didn¡¯t have to push past anyone; there were less than a dozen people on the ship eager to see the view.


    Out beyond the water, they could see a gray and white shore leading up to a hill of brown with green stretching even further.


    There were more trees than Hao could count.


    He practiced counting every tree on his island, something he prided himself on.


    He was expecting them to reach towards the sky like in his great uncle''s stories.


    The land only continued to grow.


    Hao was eager, leaning further even more when a voice came from behind him.


    ¡°Bah, what are you all so excited about? It¡¯s a fishing village,¡± Gils said.


    Last night didn¡¯t dampen his mood or attitude, maybe even made it worse.


    He made a dumbfounded face and continued, ¡°Or have you already forgotten what your villages looked like?¡±


    I guess it is better. I wonder what faces you fools will make when you see a road.¡±


    Gils chuckled and the men manning the ship joined along.


    Gils¡¯s words dug into a soft spot for many of the islanders.


    Nial was not around, probably sleeping in or hiding, but Zui was charging toward Gils with burning eyes, one of them swollen.


    ¡°Enough!¡± an older voice poured over everyone.


    Even the laughing group went frozen and pale as snow.


    They regained their composure, ducking their heads before starting their work again.


    ¡°Everyone should be getting ready to step on land. Instead, you''re playing some game.¡± The old voice said.


    Stepping into Hao¡¯s view, the person leading the group stepped onto his village''s shore and dragged Hao away.


    The Senior''s eyes tore into Gils. ¡°This little one greets Senior Ran!¡± Gils said. Continuously lowered his posture like he was going to bend in two.


    Most of the people outside of the Islanders on the boat did something similar, not as formal.


    ¡°Hmm, yes, yes, I want to return to the Great Silver Valley as soon as possible.¡±


    The Senior¡¯s face swept the group. ¡°You,¡± the Senior looked back at Gils, ¡°Check the carriages are ready to take us as soon as we land.¡±


    The Senior said to Gils, who was quick to respond, ¡°Yes, Senior Ran¡±.


    The Senior scanned the group again, turned, and walked away.


    Leaving many people to stare at Gils. He had been bragging and insulting everyone who stepped onto the boat. But it seemed like he was just a servant to the one he called Ran.


    Gils was slowly turning red, scowling in silence getting orders in such a manner in front of those who he insulted.


    Everyone was quick to move after hearing the words spoken by the elder. The ship seemed to double its speed toward the shore.


    They all had one last bowl of yellow slop before the second part of their journey.


    Lining up to grab the bowl of food the workers called porridge.


    On nights previous, a few among the children said they heard of porridge ¡°It''s just wheat and water.¡±


    Hao didn¡¯t believe it. How foolish, there is no way this is wheat. Besides, how much wheat would you need to feed this many people?


    They probably believe all their elder¡¯s stories about the continent.


    Hao had seen and eaten bread made from wheat before. He had to break it with a rock and dip it in water. It was too hard to eat otherwise.


    Trades were quite frequent, people coming to his village with boats full of oddities, mostly food, one time even a live animal. Sometimes a group of the older men in the village, along with an elder, would go out themselves.


    Stories were brought more often than real goods, and there were common stories repeated by both strangers and the people he grew up listening to.


    From Hao¡¯s perspective, they were being silly; but nothing as ridiculous as the temple monk¡¯s ramblings.


    Hao was quick to eat his food, not knowing how long it would be till he tasted fish again.


    He had nothing to prepare before leaving the boat. He had no time to bring anything. No one gave him anything, truthfully he had nothing of his own. At least I can earn something now.


    The mood from the scolding of the elder carried well past the meal and kept the ship quiet.


    Many of the island kids were eager to step off this boat, almost bouncing up and down in their silence.


    Occasionally there was a whisper, questions of legend and tall tales.


    ¡°Do you think there are giant armies and flying fish?¡±


    ¡°I want to see an immortal.¡±


    ¡°What about a goddess that has the ocean in her eyes?¡±


    Hao was among them, ignoring their words. He was calm and collected except for a foolish smile.


    With a bang, the boat hit the shore and in that instant, people flooded off.


    Gils was one of the first to dash by.


    Heads of either gold or black hair blocked Hao¡¯s sight as he tried to look around.


    He was silent as his feet touched the stones.


    The countless stories he had heard whisk by in his head;


    The continent is just like the ocean, but with land, you can¡¯t see the end of it¡­


    The trees stretch to the sky¡­


    They build entire houses from stone¡­


    They have massive villages with thousands of people.


    Shoved forward then and now, the islanders ignored the pushing from behind. Eager, nervous, a few trembling with excitement.


    Hao finally saw a chance to contribute to the village that raised him.


    That thought rallied him a bit from his long trip, but when his eyes got the chance to scan his surroundings, he was stunned back.


    Some legends of the continent were true already.


    Buildings with walls built from square stones.


    Dozens of people working around them.


    He couldn¡¯t have imagined it, but it was in front of him.


    Someone was shoving Hao harder and harder from behind. ¡°Hurry, hurry!¡± The mad elder from before was having his underlings shove others forward.


    ¡°What of our carriages? They should remain ready!¡± Senior Ran shouted.


    It took a second for anyone to respond.


    Gils, who dashed off a moment ago, returned with a red face. ¡°The carriages are readying the horses. They will only take a moment, Senior.¡± Gils said, head bowed.


    He kept his posture desperate to catch his breath.


    ¡°All of you, go help quick, now. That would be faster. They are carrying you anyway. It still smells of fish and moss here. Hurry!¡±


    Hao didn¡¯t like this Ran to begin with, and his dislike grew every time he saw the Grayed man.


    He was in a constant rush and spoke often of the ¡°smell¡±. What else could you smell other than fish? To Hao, that was normal.


    Hao¡¯s village had drying racks near the shore facing the sun. The one called Ran didn¡¯t like that.


    A few of the ship''s workers remained, the rest of the group going forward.


    Just going a little uphill, they already walked the distance of Hao¡¯s island.


    All was ready before they arrived, the rush wasted, but not over.


    Everyone was quickly crammed into the carriages according to the elders'' wishes as soon as they arrived.


    ¡°I''ll be taking one to myself.¡± Ran said. He glared at the first person to mention there were more than a dozen people, and three, four-person carriages.


    ¡°Then cram all these together and fit someone to keep them quiet,¡± Ran said. Carelessly swinging his hand, Ran boarded the frontmost carriage without looking back.


    Ran¡¯s subordinates fit the islanders in one, taking one for themselves. Any extra adults just sat with the drivers who they knew. Gils was unlucky in that regard.


    As for the islanders packed like sardines, cramped and stinking, they fought for the little square window on either wall.


    Trying to peek through the gaps in the wood walls to see outside.


    Hao fell asleep after his round of curious gawking.

 Chapter 2 - Stone Roads, Shaken from the Mundane

    Hao saw only land where he was expecting water.


    It was his second day on land, his first morning waking on it.


    He was stunned by the sight when the sun finally came.


    It seemed like a different world.


    Tall trees, stretching green fields, and I can''t see the ocean.


    Hao noticed there was no ocean smell, it was terrifying and pleasant.


    No smell of fish or moss, and there wasn¡¯t salt in the air.


    He pushed it out of his mind, worried he would start to understand this elderly Senior Ran.


    Hao stood and watched the sunrise, scanning back and forth unable to stop himself.


    Others started to wake as the sky grew brighter.


    Talking quickly began as groups woke, waking one after another.


    Silence as soon as one gritting voice tore the morning peace, ¡°Up? Good, hurry, board, we must go.¡±


    They had yet to eat but boarded, knowing they would not see for the day.


    Quickly moving with the orders of Senior Ran.


    It was two hours later stomachs shook the second and third carriages in line but no one spoke up.


    They already tempted Senior Ran''s temper yesterday, not shortly after boarding the carriages.


    Gils was stuck together with the islanders.


    A sudden interest was sparking in everyone asking the non-islander questions.


    Zui was quick to mention it must be true that non-islanders were heretics to the lord of waters.


    Leading to a shouting match.


    No one wished to have the Senior speak up again.


    Hao slept through most of yesterday, not hearing the two fighting again.


    It was the inaudible shouting of senior ran that woke him.


    Senior Ran must be mad, Hao¡¯s thought was more than an insult.


    Hours ago, after the senior¡¯s scolding, the carriage reached a stop for the day, everyone getting out to sleep for the night.


    Hao winked off for a moment but woke during the night, already having a share of sleep.


    He wandered a bit in the moonlight, thinking the rest were asleep till he found the senior talking to himself.


    He tried to ignore the lights and pacing from where the senior was, hoping to forget and return to sleep.


    A mad wizard, or ghost, is it true some people who live on land mix with the dead?


    Rescue from the thought came with the morning sun before he got another wink of sleep.


    Back to the carriage after the night and they were moving again.


    The sun nearly was at its peak when the warm carriage stopped again.


    Greeting the islanders with something completely new.


    The smell of Break-tide¡¯s stronger than ever before.


    The smell of meats and sweets hit him like rain in a storm.


    It was hard to see inside of the carriage, but Hao knew; everyone else must be reacting the same way, right?


    Indeed, he was. All the islanders had bulging eyes and eager feet, but the carriage door was not open, and soon wheels moved again.


    As the carriage moved slowly past the gate outside, the islanders pushed against each other to see out of the tiny window.


    Hao caught only a glance before being shoved aside.


    Even after the assault, he had a silly grin on his face and wished to laugh into the air.


    We¡¯re on a road of gray stone, and the enormous buildings have different colors.


    Much of the carriage shared the same reaction and had similar thoughts.


    Not the one serving as a guardian.


    He was stunned by the reaction of the islanders.


    They continued down the road, warm air drifted through windows and gaps in the wood.


    Carrying one hundred different smells, all pleasant except one or two.


    Light beamed in, changing to a dozen different colors as the carriage moved.


    The horse stopped, and the light froze still.


    Only floating dust left to look at in the curtain of light.


    A couple of seconds after the stop, the carriage door popped open.


    Leaning out one by one, Gils burst from the carriage first.


    The rest followed Hao near the door, was among the first.


    All the islanders swallowed air at the sight.


    A Temple of Water much like the one they were familiar with.


    Ten times in size, pillars of blue and white stretched from the road to the sky, sitting under the roof.


    A monk in the water temple robes stood scanning over the group.


    He smiled when he found Ran, ¡°Ahh, good friend, it''s good to see you as always, have you brought an offering¡±.


    Ran looked at him with obvious hostility and threw him a coin pouch.


    The monk caught the coins with surprising agility, ¡°I¡¯ll send the offering to the temple head.¡±


    The monk bowed and pointed toward the temple, guiding everyone into the entrance.


    The children passed the monk, walking through the oversized entrance.


    Ran was last in the line, Gils at his side, the rest of the men staying in the carriage.


    The monks spoke to Ran as he followed behind him.


    ¡°Friend Ran knows the procedure. After an aptitude test, those who fail you can do as you wish.¡±


    Ran said nothing in response, just looking at the monk with sharp eyes.


    ¡°Everyone line up, and wait just a moment.¡± The monk said while he made a slow walk away.


    The recruits lined up side by side and stayed silent.


    Not only was Ran glaring even more than before, but they had to leave an impression on the monk.


    The monk soon returned with another monk at his side.


    He kept his eyes closed, not making the slightest noise as they continued.


    The new monk never spoke; he simply walked in front of the Islanders.


    Held a stone between himself and the Islander, stopping for a moment, then moving to the next.


    He continued before stopping in front of one child, raising his hand for a moment, lowering it, then continuing.


    Doing the same passing Hao, but not raising his hand.


    Hao wasn¡¯t fully sure what was happening, but his heart sank to his stomach.


    My future was just determined, wasn¡¯t it?


    He couldn¡¯t do anything but stand quietly as the monk continued for two more people.


    Zui was just to Hao¡¯s right. The monk raised his hand halfway.


    The last slightly out of line was Gils. The monk stopped in front of him.


    The monk was just about to raise the stone all the same when he started sliding backward.


    ¡°Not him.¡±


    Senior Ran stepped forward.


    His speed was far greater than Hao could imagine.


    The monk that brought them to the temple glared at the Senior but the Senior returned the glare, ¡°he is a nephew.¡±


    The monk''s glare disappeared as fast as it appeared.


    He bowed his head, as he said, ¡°Ahh, we didn¡¯t know the friend had any family¡±.


    ¡°Enough, you can take one as usual.¡± Ran was quick with his response.


    The two monks took several steps back, and the one with the stone walked away.


    ¡°Friend Ran saw for himself two passed. Perhaps a compromise?¡± The monk said, rubbing his beardless chin.


    ¡°We will take the better one, but as for this large one¡­ Ah, how about a messenger of sorts for correspondence?¡±If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Senior Ran had no reason to say no.


    He nodded his head. ¡°You know that the school head is the one who will decide that.¡±


    ¡°What if they go up the mountain?¡± The monk asked, one eye closed.


    ¡°You and I know there is nothing up the mountain. The sect has long given up that search. It''s nothing but legend now.¡± Senior Ran said.


    Hao turned his head for a second, he thought he saw Ran moping.


    Very well, The rest you can do as you please. With their consent, of course.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave an imprint on the large boy. The imprint will serve as a token of identity, you can discuss it with your school head.¡±


    Senior Ran dashed behind the cowardly Nial who seemed to mix in with the shadows during the entire journey.


    ¡°Step forward, you as well wait here. The rest of you go outside.¡±


    Outside, the questions started to rain on from the children''s mouths.


    Mainly around apprenticeship in the water temple.


    Hao was one of the islanders in the greatest panic.


    He thought he had a great chance to join the water temple.


    If not as his island monk then as a normal worker, it was no dream of his, but the benefits were countless.


    He had even heard you can work outside of the temple doing scholarly work.


    While he was a failure as a fisherman, he could count all his steps from one side of the village to the other on a good day.


    ¡°What of the scholar exams for the temple,¡± Hao called forward into the group hoping for even just a hint.


    ¡°Ha! It''s not something talked about outside the temple anymore.¡±


    ¡°It''s been more than a dozen years since they only take apprentices into the temple now. It''s not like any of you would actually pass.¡±


    It was Gils''s voice, still as arrogant as before, now only when Ran was not around.


    In just a few words, Hao¡¯s dreams were torn up like a fish''s fin washed up by the tides.


    Will I have to go home empty-handed? What about this Ran and his ¡®nephew¡¯? What do they plan for us?


    Hao was quick to imagine awful scenarios.


    Someone else with less tact voiced his worries for him.


    ¡°What do you plan to do with us?¡±


    Gils¡¯s smirk grew to a grin, eager to respond, perhaps having a comment he thought clever.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you that now.¡± an older voice came from behind Gils to the left of Hao.


    From the entrance of the temple came Ran.


    Senior Ran continued, "What you do now is your decision.¡±


    ¡°You can return to your villages, the coin given previously will not be taken back. Or you can continue to our sect.¡±


    The Senior walked to the carriage in silence, having nothing more to say.


    The kids started a discussion among themselves.


    Most of them had a slight idea of what a sect was. The Temple of Water was once a sect after all.


    The Islanders quickly split into two groups.


    Both groups were repeating the same action despite the separation, eyes glancing over at the temple.


    Things were still unclear, some questions were still unanswered.


    But the only chance they had of joining the temple was gone.


    They failed before they could try, now it was something out of reach.


    They waited, the sun passed its zenith and was on its way towards the ground.


    The groups had become stable, with one or two kids still shifting.


    Hao was one of them, struggling to stay still.


    The prospect of getting more for his village dragging him like a rope.


    Still, he wanted to return home, even if it was an unpleasant place for Hao.


    It had been only two days and one morning but he couldn¡¯t keep his home out of his head.


    It followed him from the shore to here; to the temple that shattered his imagination and expectations.


    Perhaps there''s even more to see on this land. Which stories could be true? Which ones are exaggerations?


    Hao finally built up some courage from his curiosity, it seemed to him, to take a lifetime.


    He walked forward in front of everyone, each person frowned when they saw where he was walking, Hao was frowning too.


    Standing a few paces away he mimicked the posture of Gils and others who manned the ship.


    His feet were side by side and hands together; one hand cupped over another.


    Hao¡¯s hands were cupped, but he did not bow.


    ¡°Senior Ran¡­¡± Hao said, his own voice surprising him.


    The elderly man who was sitting on a carriage wheel looking at the sky turned his head over slowly.


    Hao and the elderly Ran looked at each other, only for a second.


    Hao almost didn¡¯t recognize him when he was looking at the sky, he appeared unfettered, even younger and less intimidating.


    But it was slowly coming back, like the wrinkles were popping fresh from his skin.


    Hao lowered his head a little, avoiding contact with the eyes.


    He knew Ran would like it, and looking at the ground saved both of them a little face.


    ¡°If we serve at your sect¡­ do we get coins.¡± the question burst from Hao¡¯s mouth.


    Ran was stricken to silence with the rest of the carriage crew.


    ¡°Pfft. Coin. Coin? Hehehe, you can, you can if that''s what you want, as much as you may want.¡± Ran said.


    He turned his head and stared back at the sky, carrying a sigh in his face after his laugh.


    Hao wasn¡¯t sure about the answer he got, but it was an answer good enough.


    Hao turned, and a few of the assumed dock workers and shipwrights were red-faced and ready to burst into laughter.


    The island kids matched Hao¡¯s confusion.


    He hadn¡¯t even taken a step when he heard the senior''s voice again.


    ¡°Do you think those who battle free in the sky need coins?¡± The senior began to mumble, staring at the clouds.


    The red faces disappeared and turned white and Gils ran by bowing and whispering to his uncle.


    Ran''s face turned far redder than the ones of those who were stifling laughs before.


    Hao was less confused and more concerned now.


    He would get paid now, and that was a reason to stay.


    The amount paid before was fair, almost irresistible, enough to rebuild half the village and purchase new boats.


    I just hope not everyone on land is as mad as Ran.


    Hao moved with a hasty pace, almost a jog toward the two groups of Islanders.


    Standing with the smaller of the two groups, the group that was staying.


    The children were not silent in their wait.


    ¡°Do you think he was talking about immortals?¡±


    One child would whisper into the circle the island kids formed.


    ¡°Bullshit, there¡¯s no such thing.¡± Another would respond.


    The same conversation repeated the word immortal, being constantly used like a chair at the most popular inn in town.


    Among the many stories Hao thought he might run into on land, even after seeing his skepticism get crushed repeatedly.


    He didn¡¯t for a second believe he would see a few things in the stories.


    Immortals that could fly and control water. Nonsensical. They sound like great-uncle in a drunken shout.


    Next, they''ll mention the wizard that secretly controls the world.


    Or maybe the lizard people at the bottom of the ocean!


    Hao lost himself in thought, chuckling out loud.


    He did not get many friendly looks after laughing at their conversation.


    Luckily, he didn¡¯t have to handle their looks of displeasure for long.


    The monk came out with a woozy Zui in his hand.


    Hao saw tattoos of the word water on Zui¡¯s hands.


    The same thing repeated on his legs, more peeking from his sleeves.


    Ran had to grab him, dragging him along, placing him in the hands of Gils who bowed his head.


    ¡°Those who wish to return prepare to board the carriages. The rest take one carriage to the outskirts. My big sister will come to retrieve you. Gils, you can rejoin me after all is done.¡± Ran said.


    Senior Ran mentioned he would escort them back with a face of resignation.


    They left one carriage and some servants behind.


    Going a fair way outside the city to rest.


    ¡°Would this group be Master?¡± A soft voice chilled the air.


    Hao looked around but saw no one.


    Suddenly, everyone around Hao grew paler, falling to their knees.


    Their heads touched the ground after looking up.


    ¡°Immortals!¡± That was all anyone said.


    Hao turned his head, trying to find what turned them pale.


    Up in the air stood a girl.


    Hao must have had some leftover courage and it just now decided to cut through any caution he had left.


    ¡°What the hell are you?¡± Hao said under his breath.


    Hearing the whispered words, her eyes jumped to Hao.


    His words had no effect other than a twitch, only looking down at Hao for a moment.


    A man appeared in the time it took her to lift her eyes.


    Hao was watching this time, which doubled the shock.


    Breathing in it was just her in the air, before he breathed out the man appeared.


    They were moving similarly, walking on the air like it was the ground.


    ¡°The rest of the area is clear, but there are too many unqualified bystanders.¡±


    The man spoke, his voice betraying his age.


    He appeared no older than Hao¡¯s father, bald and beardless.


    Yet spoke in the voice of some who had lived three times as long.


    Hao could only observe, debating whether to run.


    They were otherworldly, struggling to straighten his thoughts.


    The first thing he could gather was that the girl was ten times greater in looks.


    What is that? Can a human look so delicate? Hao had seen few girls his age, and none like this one.


    Pale soft features, black hair down to her waist, and big gray eyes.


    Common features in the typical person from land, or he was told.


    Her floating was a bit choppy compared to the man¡¯s, but both were spotless.


    Robes and skin were without dust or dirt, and even their shoes were shining pristine white.


    The only difference in their clothing was blue silks waving off the girl, which made her more eye-catching.


    Walking in the sky¡­ Hao questioned reality for a moment.


    The people burying their heads in the dirt were still saying ¡°immortal,¡±.


    The two were ignoring them.


    ¡°You can begin if you like before anyone else comes. Take those four, there are appropriate ages.¡± The man said.


    The man had yet to look down.


    He did not need to, pointing out the four Islanders, Hao could feel invisible eyes on his neck.


    ¡°Alright, you know what to do, wrap them with True Qi. We can use that carriage.¡± The man spoke, watching her.


    The girl started to walk in place, stepping like an invisible carpet was being pulled from under her.


    Her eyes locked, as her hands started to move in a flow.


    She moved in precise, overly practice patterns.


    Her feet stopped moving, toes clenched inside her shoes like she was perched in the air.


    Only for a moment.


    ¡°Wait, immortals, they are recruits going to a martial school. The school is willing to offer them to you if you take us in!¡± Gils shouted.


    It was just the beginning of his desperate shouts.


    ¡°Quiet, and keep quiet of today. The man yelled, making leaves shake as he threw a coin purse at Gils.


    Her footing in the air got dramatically worse.


    She was walking in place again.


    It was late for her to stop, Hao felt a weight gathering around him.


    He tried to leap back but got dragged in the other direction.


    An invisible hand had a grip on him.


    The carriage shook, its doors flapping, the horse ripping free, running from the slamming sounds.


    Hao could see who he was being dragged with.


    Zui, and two others, Hao knew neither, only knowing the angry faces they made when he laughed at them earlier.


    He thought they were fools for talking about Immortals, now it seemed he was the fool of the day.


    Now is not the time for this! Hao shouted in his head.


    With a slam, she pulled them all into the carriage, the proper size for four, but that did not mean it was comfortable.


    Hao suddenly felt like he was being pulled to the ground.


    The carriage moved, Hao knew it wasn¡¯t the horse.


    Mom, Dad, Great-uncle, this is madness, a damned Immortal.


    With that thought, Hao fell asleep on the carriage once again, joining the rest in their slumber.

 Chapter 2.5 (Short Interlude one: Zu Wairen)

    Outside the girl was dashing through the air one foot at a time.


    Moving great distances with each step.


    She had to adjust often, dragging the carriage behind her.


    The way it was shaking it was threatening to fall apart.


    ¡°Why did you take the worst mission for your skywalk technique?¡±


    The middle-aged man said drifting alongside, keeping up with the speed without moving his feet.


    She did not respond, there was no good answer, and did not want to get a scolding from her master.


    The man was Mo Ciyue, also known as the Silver Steps.


    She knew his temperament well, he would have disapproved of her even stepping into the mission hall.


    They did not have a true master-disciple relationship, there was no official announcement or ceremony.


    But he had been teaching her since she was a child learning to read.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    Ciyue had many concerns regarding an announcement, and his fame was just one part of it.


    He was a guest where he was currently staying, but just as famous here.


    All cultivators of the Southern Tip knew him for his skywalk technique, having extreme speed and control.


    With plenty of people wanting his life; it''s better to keep their blade point away from you. Until you''re done anyway.


    Your talent can shock, but it''s certainly not easy to teach. No, no, your stubbornness doesn¡¯t help any. Just read every book on Skywalk there all the same in essence.


    ¡°The technique pavilion of the Soaring Sect is better, it would always be open¡­¡± Mo Ciyue cut himself off.


    Oh, that was close, I almost broke the late lord''s first rule. Ciyue let out a long sigh and dashed forward without warning.


    His voice traveled back on the wind ¡°Make the technique yours and the sky yours. Do you remember the first rule of the old Heaven Treading sect?¡±


    Some whispered mutterings followed, ¡°This does count as breaking the rules does it?¡±


    If someone were to see what happened, mortal or Immortal none would believe the retelling.


    Her stability improved, and speed doubled, and all the strain from her face disappeared.


    For the first time in a while, the girl smiled. Finally, I, Zu Wairen, have made the sky mine.

 Chapter 3 - Pills and Cauldrons

    Hao woke the same way he fell asleep. His head slamming on the carriage floor.


    He could hear the commotion outside before his eyes opened.


    A few voices saying similar things going around in a circle, ¡°Senior Sister Zu, thank you for your hard work.¡±, ¡°Senior Sister works hard even though she is not a disciple of our Sect.¡±


    The carriage door swung open the moment Hao lifted his head, a face peering in. ¡°All of you out!¡± a man shouted.


    Hao turned his head away, trying to escape the echoing sound.


    Looking to the side, he found he was the lucky one.


    Zui was awake, or half awake, trying to climb up. The other two, the two Hao didn¡¯t know, looked like they got into a fight while the carriage was in flight.


    The man looking in forced the carriage door open as he took a step back.


    Zui was the first to get out. His face was scrunching up, pale, highlighting his swollen, bruised eye.


    Hao followed behind the stumbling Zui, confirming he was much better off than the others.


    Zui seemed eager to pass out, swaying with each step, lurching forward like he was going to puke.


    The other two had no chance of waking up today. The only few injuries the two didn¡¯t have were broken bones or bleeding skulls.


    For Hao, better off didn¡¯t mean uninjured. He was losing count of the knocks to the head since boarding that boat.


    He was holding onto the top of his head as he stepped outside. Groaning as he stretched his stiff body from days of being stuffed into the carriage.


    Looking around, Hao forgot the little pain he was feeling. The sky was closer, making the three moons of encroaching spring even more beautiful.


    There was a building as impressive as the Temple, torches burning at its entrance.


    Turning to the other side, a forest with tree tops lit by the moons, it almost captured and held his eye.


    This is not the land of mortal men. Hao wanted to run around and look at everything.


    His eagerness was cut short when he saw a bunch of people bowing. Following the direction of bent waists, his foot slid back as he looked into the eyes of this, ¡°Senior Sister Zu¡±.


    Locking with the icy glare made Hao want to jump back.


    One of the blue-clothed men was bowing to her with his head lifted.


    ¡°Did something go wrong? Senior sister Zu.¡± He asked.


    He followed the directions she was looking at.


    When the toad saw Hao, he gave him a look like he was a fly on a plate.


    I didn¡¯t say anything that bad, did I. Anyone would react with shock?


    Hao knew nothing about the people on land, let alone the Immortals who could walk in the sky.


    Perhaps it was my face? Hao touched his brow without thinking. He wondered if his face showed more than he wanted it to. Any person would be offended if you looked at them like they were a horrid monster from a mythical tale.


    Hao was a troublemaker, but helpful, with debatably a bright mind for problems. It was just the way he went about solving them that often caused more problems.


    ¡°Ouch!¡± Hao let out a moderately loud yell, his hands jumping back to his head.


    Clutching down as he swayed back and forth.


    Scanning the group as he waved around, his torso going forward and back like a cloth on a branch for a few seconds too long.


    Hao caught a glimpse of what he wanted to see, just a few details a little off.


    The eyes of the beauty thawed, getting softer. Almost turning to crescents like she wanted to laugh.


    He then saw the faces of the men in blue and gray robes. They stared at him like he was a comedic spectacle, not worth a laugh.


    Am I just making a fool of myself? He slowed his movements.


    Hao stopped writhing and pointed over at the carriage; ¡°Hurry, the other two are unconscious.¡±


    He needed something to make it seem he was doing more than making a little scene of himself. Now it seemed all was unraveling in the opposite direction to what he wished for.


    Everyone around turned quiet as Senior Sister Zu¡¯s face became dispassionate once again, even a little embarrassed.


    Hao¡¯s heart jumped, and his mouth started moving again before he could stop it.


    ¡°We received an attack during our travels. The carriage took some damage. It was our luck that the Immortal fairy rescued us,¡± Hao said. He did not struggle to keep confidence in his tone during the act.


    Divert the attention and remove the blame. Blame the boats! Not the people paddling!


    Hao had to try. He couldn¡¯t think of anything worse than being on the bad side of an immortal.


    The mood changed instantly. The robed people began bowing with clasped hands once again.


    ¡°Senior sister has worked hard, all while displaying a righteous heart.¡±


    The people in the blue robes did not care about what was true or false, even those who believed nothing from Hao¡¯s mouth began to bow and smile.


    They would not miss a chance to praise the famed Senior Sister Zu, who left the Fifth Peak at most once a year.


    They did not wait for their turn to congratulate her, speaking louder and louder over each other.


    The people in the gray robes were quick to act in the meantime. Taking the two unconscious people from the carriage.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure the mission hall hears of Senior Sister Zu¡¯s extra work and bravery.¡±


    ¡°Just help them. I¡¯ll report to the mission hall myself,¡± Zu said.


    She looked at Hao as she turned. The embarrassment was gone. Now it just looked like she wanted to leave. Perhaps that was a good enough outcome.


    Hao thought he saw a glint in her eye for a moment, another passing urge to laugh. Only then did he realize he was still bent forward in a strange posture.


    An itching feeling was tugging at him, telling him he got toyed with.


    Flying off with steadier steps than before, as both men and women stared.


    He stopped his act, only holding the bruise on his head instead of playing it up.


    This was the second time Hao heard her voice.


    Her voice truly left an impression similar to her appearance. The oceans flow beneath the layer of ice during a cold snap.


    That impression left by voice and appearance mattered little when a person was walking into the sky.


    Something truly astonishing to him and Zui. Almost as surprised were the people in blue robes who ignored Hao and the injured islanders.


    ¡°Truly inspiring, Senior Sister¡¯s skywalk has already improved.¡±


    They all nodded in agreement and complimented her even when she was not around, their movements more exaggerated than Hao¡¯s.


    ¡°Indeed, Senior Sister¡¯s talent and beauty belong far above us¡±


    They continued even when she was out of sight, sighing in infatuation and dispiritedness.


    Hao noticed the improvement too, it was hard not to notice. Not that he had anything to say about this ¡°skywalk¡±.


    He was still half-wondering what was happening. Flying beauties and infatuated fools, truly like the old stories of Immortals.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Now he just wanted to know what other legends of Immortals were true, the good or the bad.


    Uncle, did you have to tell me about immortals cooking people into medicine in giant cauldrons?


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s take unconscious ones to the medicine hall.¡± The talkative servant said.


    ¡°Senior Brother if you like, I can take care of these two.¡± Another person in a blue robe spoke up. He was quieter than the rest so far.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine, just don¡¯t claim extra contributions later. Even the servant hall leader won¡¯t hear it.¡±


    Hao wondered if the guys in blue robes were some type of leading class.


    They gave commands to anyone with a gray robe as they walked by.


    Hao was already growing to dislike them. They walked proudly while giving commands to people and talking down to them in the same sentence.


    Hao had a feeling Zui didn¡¯t like him much either. Zui probably didn¡¯t like anyone. Hao had only ever seen his scowl. But he was a fellow islander and kind enough to show Hao around the boat days ago.


    Zui did smile once, when he got told to stay behind in the Temple of Water.


    After that, walking back out, it was back to scowling, with more stumbling around.


    The person in front of them did not give much of an impression.


    He walked in silence with his head high, jumping at shadows.


    The walk was not long before all the buildings disappeared, leaving only the forest to look at.


    The buildings they landed near were astonishing. Hao wanted to see more of them. But the sight that greeted him now was something he wanted to see even more.


    Great trees, countless, stretching up towards the sky. These were more like the trees from the stories than any other so far.


    Hao stared at them as they walked along the forest¡¯s border.


    Taking notice that they seemed to be growing in what seemed perfect rows. It¡¯s hard to tell in the dark. If only the moons were a little bigger.


    Finally arriving at a wooden hut, with no windows, just four walls, a roof, and a bunk bed.


    ¡°Choose a bed to sleep in till morning. You¡¯ll get work then,¡± the man said, holding open the door.


    ¡°Those food pills are your food for the night.¡± The man said, his eyes dodge the two of them as they walked into the room.


    ¡°Food pills?¡± Hao said half of his thoughts out loud. Do those two words even go together?


    The search in the dark was quick, with the tiny bit of light coming in from the door open to the night sky.


    ¡°Is this it?¡± Zui said, holding up a small white bottle.


    It was a medicine bottle Hao had seen a few times in the past brought by merchants.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take my leave and see you in the morning.¡± The man said, leaving the door half open.


    Zui shook the bottle and then gave it to Hao. It was small and cold to the touch.


    Hao popped the lid, letting the smell burst out.


    It was not awful, but nothing pleasant either. The closest Hao could compare it to was mold.


    He could hear several rolling around in the bottle, tipping it slightly let one fall out onto his hand.


    About the size of his fingernail, slightly yellow, was a pellet.


    His eagerness to eat something overtook him as he threw it into his mouth.


    One bite turned it to dust, quick to dissolve. With a swallow, his hunger dissipated.


    It¡¯s alright, but it¡¯s not enough.


    He wanted something to chew on after a few days of porridge.


    He could use some meat brought over by merchants, or a chicken slaughtered for celebration.


    He could almost smell the streets of that city he didn¡¯t get to explore. All of those new things he didn¡¯t get to see, sweets and snacks, fresh meat from animals that lived on land, flesh, fat, marrow.


    Could things be even better here? Hao let the thought come and go, yet to dodge his worries.


    ¡°Have the rest if you like.¡± Hao tossed the bottle back to Zui.


    Walking toward one of the beds, which was closer to the door.


    Hao was pulling back the blanket when he heard a question, ¡°They taste alright?¡±


    Hao was not surprised by the question, just who asked it.


    Zui was a decent person judging from his actions, but rarely did he speak without insulting someone.


    ¡°The taste, nothing too bad,¡± Hao said, turning in the bed which held him in welcome comfort.


    Hao slept much of the journey, but none of it was in a bed. And the bed here would not hold him for long.


    He was wide awake again before the sunrise struggling to enjoy the comfort.


    It was not easy, hearing Zui talk and cough in his sleep. A repulsive smell was coming from that side of the room as well.


    It¡¯s here again. There was something wrong with those pills.


    Hao suffered a slight stomach ache but nothing crippling.


    Zui however, had yet to wake up but was making noise endlessly in his bed.


    Hao had to go outside multiple times, luckily the door was never shut, Hao could only imagine¡­


    While away from the house, no sense of feeling tired, Hao explored the area nearby using the dim lights coming from the moons.


    As someone who had only ever seen water and mud, the forest captured his imagination. He could have wandered forever.


    At it for hours, the only thing that would have made it better was if he was without worry.


    He didn¡¯t want to be cooked in a cauldron by Immortals wandering the forest, so he never wandered far.


    Hao was back at the house, leaning against a wall outside, not daring to go in.


    Hao spent the rest of the night listening to hinges squeak as he waited for the morning sky.


    The day started to sink in a little more as the moons began to fade with the sun¡¯s slow rise.


    Seeing Immortals, a man, and a girl fly.


    He questioned the very sky he looked at. He had seen the four Heavenly Bodies all his life.


    They seemed much closer on the land and even closer when standing on the mountain.


    But that morning the familiar seemed a new kind of far away.


    The last hours of the new morning passed, and the sun scraped the darkness from the land and sky.


    ¡°What is that smell?¡± A shout from downhill made Hao jump slightly.


    It was the voice Hao was expecting. He waited as he stomped to the door.


    ¡°Wake up! Don¡¯t you islanders wash yourself?¡± the blue-robed man said. Veins popped from his face. Hao could see clearly now that the white light of the sun was assisting him.


    Even if Hao was not looking at the man from the side, just hearing the words would have made his dislike grow.


    He was middle-aged, something Hao already knew.


    Ugly, yes, but certainly not the ugliest


    He and Zui were similar in face, but one was still a young man without an ungroomed, patchy beard.


    Most of the unattractiveness came from the bulging eyes that made hiding his emotions impossible.


    One of the old female elders on the island used to say, ¡®The eyes show every intention¡¯.


    Right now, they showed his displeasure at the smell, but he was not showing the surprise that was in his voice.


    ¡°Sorry, it seems there was something wrong with those pills last night!¡±


    Hao purposely shouted louder than he needed to.


    ¡°Eek!¡± The man let out a screech like a ship rat that got stepped on, jumping to the side.


    He regained his composure in a snap, showing the gray in his black hair was not for naught.


    ¡°Oh, they weren¡¯t green, were they?¡± He scratched his chin, eyes ducking.


    If they were closed within their bottle, they should have been fine. But if they go bad, you can get food poisoning, yeah.¡±


    The man spoke, taking steps back.


    On the Island, all of Hao¡¯s free time was spent with the Elders.


    One of the minor things he was teased for by others on the island.


    They prepared him for the time he would be a monk or scholar at the Temple.


    He didn¡¯t join the Temple of Water and still had many things to learn. But he still knew everything he learned, which was something he was proud of.


    One thing his Great-uncle taught was how to spot an inexperienced trader.


    He used that knowledge for all sorts of things, not many of them good.


    ¡°They were yellow sir, should we worry?¡± Hao spoke.


    Fast in putting on a nervous expression bordering on panic, he spoke again.


    ¡°Could we die! Should we go to the medicine hall as well?¡±


    Quickly walking towards the man, taking note that he swallowed twice wearing his panic.


    ¡°No! No no. There is no need to worry about the medicine hall. There are a few streams where you can get a drink from around here. You can wash up before we go to our destination.¡±


    The man was quick to spit out his words.


    Zui was up and inspecting himself, moving to the two of them. Hao was the one to jump away this time.


    The man glanced at Zui up and down, then said, ¡°Just follow me this way.¡±


    Hao might have been just a little paranoid, but that was better than dead or worse.


    Questioning the man, he was hoping for information, guessing the man was involved in some way. Now he was too nervous about his wrongdoing to say anything more.


    The walk was silent for a while, the stomach of the three the only thing making any noise.


    Zui was stumbling, tripping over his own feet.


    Having frequent fits of coughs followed by gasps for air.


    Hao was only a tad light-headed. He had a rare cough, but it was nothing to take note of.


    ¡°What should I call elder brother?¡± Hao asked.


    Trying to create conversation to hurry along their journey.


    Hao got a side eye, one he did not expect from the jumpy man.


    ¡°You don¡¯t. You will be part of the servants¡¯ hall. I am a disciple of the Sect. You will hear of this when we get to the hall.¡±


    His words were not respectful the way he spoke to Senior Sister Zu, also not entirely condescending in tone.


    He could have said it while yawning.


    If he wanted to save the breath it took to speak, he could have just spat on the ground instead of answering.


    They had already stopped at the stream.


    Where the flow of the water ended was close to the cabin.


    They had to walk a little upstream to find a part wide enough.


    Hao went first, taking a drink and bathing, leaving Zui to his own devices afterward.


    Hao walked in stride with his thoughts as they moved through the forest.


    None of the three were good for conversation.


    Zui spoke as often as it rained stones and the one leading them was getting more skittish by the minute.


    I¡¯ve been kidnapped, and a man tried to poison me. I¡¯ll have to run if I see a cauldron.


    The three broke free of the line of trees, the large buildings from last night coming into sight.


    Only one stood out. It was not much smaller than the temple of water in the town.


    A little shorter, and wider on either side.


    The size of the hall only got larger with every step closer they got.


    The person escorting Hao and Zui was the only one with blue robes.


    The rest of the people were rushing around in gray robes, pin-like eyes locked in the direction they were walking. Their heads lowered, looking at the ground when the three passed by.


    ¡°When we go in, just take your robe and badges and be on your way.¡± The man said, turning his head to look at Zui a few times.

 Chapter 4 - Servants Hall

    ¡°He grew bored of wild forests and tame streets, so he took to the sky. He saw every tip of every mountain top, found every flake of falling snow, growing bored of all that below toe called home, land, reality.


    He rose higher, finding every shape in every cloud, many men did not yet know, till he grew bored of the stretching white and blue. He took a cloud as his bed drifting far beyond his dreams.


    Waking to the same sky he had always seen. He went below to see the mortal lights that shined bright every night, a gift that brought old memories. Yet below the clouds, he saw the ocean, blue stretching further than his eyes could see. Remember old tales of powerlessness before the ever-darkening depths.


    His skin felt nothing, yet his insides curled, shivering, fear found his marrow crawling into his bones. It died inside him, yet lingered rotten till he found it again, a powerless fear.


    - An Excerpt from Volume 0, A Dream of New Summer. Presumed Date: Seventy Years Before The First Year of New Summer.


    *


    The man leading them seemed comfortable with the area, his head high as they passed people in gray robes. Even opening the door and walking through the large halls, there was confidence in his haste.


    That disappeared the moment the three of them approached a large desk. His feet slowed, and fingers began tapping together, his head pulling back down to his shoulders.


    ¡°Qingjin? Where have you been? Hall Leader Taoyi was looking for you.¡± The person behind the desk asked.


    He was another in a blue robe, leaning forward and looking down on the three, his head tilted resting on his hand.


    The person leading Hao and Zui reacted to the name Qingjin, pulling his head back to the words.


    ¡°Hall leader was¡­ Then I will go see him now.¡± Qingjin said.


    Turning back the way they came from, he ran off at an impressive speed. Not bothering to look back at the two he was escorting.


    This Hall Leader Taoyi must be impressive to get one of these blue robes to run off like that.


    ¡°Are you two a part of the last group that landed last night? I heard you all went to the medicine hall.¡± The person behind the desk lifted his head enough to speak, spinning a writing brush in his fingers.


    ¡°Yes, we landed last night,¡± Hao said, guessing his answer. Not sure how to answer with no real context.


    ¡°Hmm, the lucky last recruits,¡± the man chuckled, ¡°Well, it doesn¡¯t matter much. You should see the Senior. Just go down the hall there, to the last door.¡±


    Hao started walking, following the direction pointed out by the brush.


    ¡°Hey, is your friend okay?¡±


    Hao turned, having to go back, seeing Zui swaying, struggling to keep up.


    Not sure if he could trust the man at the desk, Hao wrapped an arm around the fellow islander. Taking a second to get his arm around the large neck.


    The person at the desk said nothing more, watching them walk as he twirled his brush.


    Hao quickly went down the hall, feeling a chill wind coming from the last door where he heard shouting.


    ¡°I am destined to be a monk at the Temple of Water. I don¡¯t want to be a servant.¡±


    Hao could see the red-faced kid beyond the open door at the end of the hall. Watching as the bold little kid shot his mouth off in front of the blue-robed, gray-bearded man.


    ¡°Hahaha, more recruits, you should finally be the last. You can call me Cultivator Wu, the current head of this servant hall.¡±


    Hao didn¡¯t have time to react as he was pulled into the room, Zui under his arm.


    ¡°Come now, this will be quick. I¡¯ll send you all on your way.¡±


    The man looked at the kid when he spoke. He was waiting for a chance like this.


    ¡°Two, three, two, three,¡± Wu counted off while looking up at the people in the room. ¡°Hmm, is your friend alright?¡± Wu said, placing a few things on the desk.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Hao said. He had to at this point. Zui was getting heavier in his hands by the second.


    The one called Wu sighed. ¡°Well, he can go to the medicine hall once he gets assigned to a task. Just grab your stuff here, then go to the front desk.¡±


    Zui lifted himself, doing his best to stand and walk with Hao.


    The two Islanders approached together. Hao reached out first, taking the things from the first pile.


    A gray robe, sitting on top of it, a book, and a badge. The book had ¡°Water Breaking Fist¡± written on its cover. The robe and badge had something written as well.


    It was a symbol Hao had never seen before.


    ¡°Cultivator Wu, what is this symbol?¡± Hao had to ask.


    ¡°Ah, that, no one is sure, everyone thinks it means water or deep water,¡± Wu said.


    The last thing Hao had to grab was a medicine bottle just to the side of the robe.


    Hao picked it up, putting it on top of the robe along with the book and badge. Hiding his hesitation towards the object to the one called Wu.


    Hao stood straight, having everything just in time to watch Wu pick up the third badge in the line.


    He took the badge, leaned forward, and dropped it near the red-faced child.


    For a moment, to Hao, it looked like Senior Ran was standing there.


    Zui was just grabbing the medicine bottle when Wu looked down.


    Wu instantly grabbed his hand. ¡°This. This is a monk¡¯s mark. What relationship does he have with the Temple of Water? No, golden hair, he¡¯s an Islander.¡±


    ¡°I have to report this to the mission hall. If I tell the Mission Hall Leader, or better, the Mission Hall Elder, I could get my job working back at the rewards hall. Even better, there is a rumor that the first elder is looking for a disciple, have the Heavens finally shined on me.¡±Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    ¡°Cultivator Wu?¡± Hao said, looking at the man whose eyes jumped faster than his mouth.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, no need to worry. I will take him to the medicine hall for now. Your friend could have a bright future.¡±


    Wu marched by Hao, carrying Zui like he was a leaf.


    Hao tried to follow but lost him before he turned the corner to the front desk.


    Hao could only gulp, chasing away thoughts of unknown fates.


    Left with no choice, no other path, and nothing else to do, Hao went back to the desk.


    The person with the brush saw him, pointing his brush at the badge, not bothering to move his hand away from his chin, which held his mouth shut. He was about to take the badge when he looked to the side.


    Hao looked over as well, seeing the red-faced child walking out from the hall.


    Too short to place the badge on the desk, Hao had to help the child.


    The man took the kid¡¯s badge first, pulling it from Hao¡¯s hand and reaching into a box on his left.


    Just as he pulled his hand out of the box, another person in a blue robe walked in.


    ¡°Senior Wu just ran off outside.¡± The new blue robe said.


    ¡°Old Wu has long reached his limit in cultivation. His lifespan is catching up. Usually they get erratic sooner.¡± The man with the brush said.


    He placed the brush down as he stood, clipping a little tag onto the child¡¯s larger badge.


    ¡°There are recruits left?¡±


    ¡°After today, just the ones in the medicine hall. There shouldn¡¯t be anymore cases like this for a while. That Zu girl who is living on the Fifth Peak got the last mission.¡± The man leaned forward over the desk.


    ¡°She has already reached that level with True Qi? Aw, it makes us look like trash. It¡¯s a shame she isn¡¯t part of the sect. Still, I don¡¯t understand why there was a bunch of one time recruit missions in the first place.¡±


    ¡°Does it matter that much? It¡¯s not like we could have accepted the missions. They were probably just to give the upper peaks something to do.¡±


    ¡°Oi, The First Elder may be looking for a disciple this way. Hehe. Or the sect just needed some fresh servants.¡± The new man said, standing at the desk side, trying to peek at the badge as the child took it.


    ¡°Was he lucky or really lucky?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Lucky, he got garden duty.¡±


    The man started to walk to the desk¡¯s exit after handing over the badge.


    ¡°Oi, oi. There is one more. Don¡¯t you want to determine his fate too?¡± The man at the side let out another laugh.


    Hao was just watching in discomfort, as they both looked him in the eye.


    Perhaps it was showing on his face, a falling pit starting from the back of his tongue and chasing down to his stomach.


    Determine my fate? Is that some type of joke on land? Hao shoved the feeling away. He knew keeping it would not help him, that feeling he had already conquered before on the Island.


    ¡°It¡¯s not a bad idea I guess, just so you know I have no ill will kid,¡± he said, rolling his hand over the brush.


    He walked to the box, reaching in and taking out another small tag.


    ¡°Oh shit, sorry kid, really lucky.¡± The man picked up his brush, placing its handle in his mouth.


    He clipped the tag onto Hao¡¯s badge.


    ¡°Damn, now I feel kind of bad.¡±


    ¡°You can tell them the rules, then.¡± The man with the brush stepped around the desk.


    ¡°You probably just don¡¯t remember them. I don¡¯t know why you carry a brush. You can¡¯t even paint a readable word.¡± The man at the side of the desk swapped places taking the seat at the desk.


    ¡°Shut up. I¡¯ve been practicing painting. Some little girl has been making bets for a few Spirit Stones.¡± The man with the brush gave Hao the badge, moving to stand behind the red-faced child.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah, I¡¯m sure that is going well.¡± The new guy behind the desk tapped his finger on the desk¡¯s top.


    ¡°Alright, there is not much to say. The tag is your assigned hall. You will have a job there. Complete your task hall¡¯s mission quota and get contribution points. You buy everything with them, real food and food pills, mortal world coins¡­¡±


    The man behind the desk continued for a few minutes.


    Hao checked his tag while listening, feeling unease, yet reading it did not help him much.


    The tag only had one word, the word ¡®mine¡¯.


    ¡°Anything you lose, you will have to buy to replace, so keep your badge and book safe. Lastly, check that book as soon as possible. It¡¯s your escape and now your life. There are also any rules you forget in the back.¡±


    ¡°Cultivate hard and you can become a disciple.¡±


    Hao looked at his badge a few more times, standing in the hall, unsure of where to go.


    ¡°Are you going back to the lower peak?¡± The man behind the desk said.


    ¡°I was going to take this kid to the gardens first. I¡¯m hoping it will balance out my karma a little.¡± The man with the brush said.


    He glanced at Hao one last time before leaving the hall.


    ¡°Oi, the mining hall is in the opposite direction of the trees outside. You will have to stop by the mining hall first. You won¡¯t miss it. It¡¯s like this hall but stone.¡±


    Hao heard the words, doing well to remember them, nodding to the man behind the desk.


    The man just gave Hao a looked of unconcealed disinterest and disdain, turning his head as other people in gray robes walked into the room with the desk. His look had less disdain, but was just as uninterested.


    Hao left the hall as badges clicked onto the desk. Not taking his time to turn toward his destination.


    It was hard to miss the cliff face where the mountain reached up.


    Finding a path that had been laid down by many feet of many sizes.


    He tried his best to read while walking, a passion that he got from his mother. Stumbling a few times on pebbles in the path, his mother would say it was the clumsiness he got from his father. Of course, his father would argue that point back.


    He was a little disappointed the book held nothing but instructions and rules.


    There was some type of technique, the one that was written on the book¡¯s cover. Hao skipped over it. Its very first page required him to focus.


    Skipping to the back, there was nothing but rules for page after page.


    They were more like expectations than rules, a few that made little sense to Hao.


    The most surprising to Hao was the section on when to kill. Failing to find the one on why one shouldn¡¯t.


    Hao was finished with the ¡®rules¡¯ just as he approached the large cliff face.


    He kept glancing over at the stretching wall of brown-colored stone as he moved along it until he found an interesting section of the book.


    Rewards he could get from the contribution points, and how to move up in the sect.


    For the first time since he left his village, he felt eagerness outside of curiosity.


    If a practitioner senses world energy twice during the practice of the ¡®Water Breaking Fist¡¯ technique. Shows control over that energy by achieving the third stage of the ¡°Water Breaking Fist¡±. They qualify to take part in the sect trials. Upon completing a trial, they will be promoted to the Outer Sect and be given the chance to earn resources to further their cultivation.


    Hao turned his head away. Putting the book away after seeing there was more to read. He knew most of the words, but was failing to understand their meaning.


    He left it for later, hoping the technique in the front would make clear what he didn¡¯t know.


    Hao had a few thoughts rushing in his head as he walked the foot-beaten path.


    Could I fly like her, like them?


    What man or woman, human or otherwise, excluding the birds as they were born to do it, had never had the brief dream to fly?


    Even if the thought lasted for just a moment, for a piece of a second in which they did not realize it.


    Leaving from the ground to fly free, stepping from the surface that cradled them since birth.


    An eagerness to know and learn more. That feeling had long been stuck to him like a starving leech since he heard his first story from his mother¡¯s mouth.


    He wanted to know no matter what path he led him on.


    That feeling that was once blinking out as he spent his young days sliding a blade along a fish¡¯s spine was rekindling.


    Now he could see the surrounding people, facial features, and hair colors he had never seen.


    His worldview was being battered, an uncomfortable feeling, but not entirely unwelcome either.


    Finally, Hao arrived at what he assumed was the mining site. Seeing dozens of holes ripped into the cliff face, stretching into the distance. He could not count them as they reached around the curve of the mountain wall.


    They look like giant mouths in the mountain with wide open lips.


    The grass was disappearing as he walked further. Dirt and brown dust covered most of what appeared above the ground. Only a rare green patch remained.


    Just a few paces away was a large building with a few people pacing around.


    Hao approached the building. It was not the thatched mud and stone fountains he knew well, but a monument of dark brown stone.


    It didn¡¯t have the slightest bit of wood in its construction. There wasn¡¯t a single tree around. The only piece of wood in sight was hanging above the large stone door which read ¡®mining hall¡¯.

 Chapter 5 - Mine

    Hao could smell the food before he entered the hall. It moved his heart and stomach. I want some actual food.


    It was just the people around the hall were dampening his enthusiasm.


    A group of four stood half awake in line in a small yard in front of the hall. Each waiting for their turn to hit some grass that was tied in the shape of a man.


    Five steps away from them was a group around a well, fighting over a bucket that dripped water.


    Just as Hao reached for the door, it opened, a new group leaving the hall.


    Slouched and glassy eyed, they stared forward like they couldn¡¯t see Hao. Brown dust hiding the gray of their robes. Nearly empty bags swinging around in their hands.


    All of them were silent and slow in their actions, even the ones fighting, moving like they had chains dragging down their hands.


    Is this a ghost town?


    Inside the hall was the opposite of Hao¡¯s expectations.


    Past the threshold, the floor was clean, only in a few spots could one see dust.


    The room was well lit for not having any windows. The brown-stone floors and wall shining from the odd yellow stones that hung from the ceiling.


    The familiar sound of a page-turning pulled Hao¡¯s attention.


    He did not have to wander the halls to find the place to go. In front of him was the large desk.


    A rotund man with black hair slowly losing its color was standing behind the desk, turning pages to a book.


    He looked up and noticed Hao before lowering his nose back down behind the cover.


    It was smooth, dyed red, and on either side of the cover was a woman falling back. On the front she was playing the flute. On the back, she was sitting on a bench, but somehow her dress was slipping off.


    To Hao, it looked like the wind was playing a mean joke on her.


    He was not na?ve about the relations between men and women. But he was an Islander yet to marry. Not all rituals had been complete, and foreign things still flowed through his blood.


    It was not like Hao could marry anyway he failed his Breaktide. Besides, even if I am my father¡¯s son, I am my mother¡¯s son as well. Hao reached up and touched his hair, its colors hard to hide.


    As Hao pulled his hand away from his hair, a few women entered the hall from behind Hao.


    They had straight backs as they walked in. Nearly bouncing with each step, the brown bags in their hands making a clacking sound. They were almost hiding their exhaustion, but the dust covering them and dark spots under their eyes was as clear as their smiles.


    Hao looked back at the desk just in time to see the book in the man¡¯s hand disappear like it never existed.


    He put on a serious look as the four women approached, handsome despite his age. Standing tall and looking down, with a small beard covering his second chin.


    The women rummaged in their bags the moment they stood still, each taking out a handful of tiny blue stones.


    ¡°Well done. As always, ladies, you hit your quotas. What about your team¡¯s bonus quota?¡±


    One of them dropped the stones down on the desk. Hao could barely see them, only the faint blue glow around them.


    Taking her hand back, she dug around in the bag again.


    Lifting five more slivers of glowing blue. She was about to drop them on the desk when the man reached out and grabbed them.


    He held her hand for a second before letting go.


    ¡°It¡¯s evil they make fairies like you work in this place. The only thing I can do is give you a warning. You shouldn¡¯t carry your spirit stones around in the open.¡± The man said.


    He had a genuine face of concern.


    Something Hao found unexpected from a person in a blue robe. Maybe it¡¯s just because he is a lecher.


    ¡°Old Ya, you don¡¯t have to worry. All of us are close to reaching reclamation. There aren¡¯t many who can steal from us.¡±


    ¡°You did well since you started eating food in the hall. Today as well?¡±


    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s thanks to the hall leader¡¯s advice.¡± the four did a slight bow.


    The man threw his head back, holding his belly, letting out a booming laugh that filled the hall.


    He took out a scroll and scribbled as he continued his laugh.


    ¡°Thank you, hall leader,¡± the group of women said, walking towards the smell of fat hitting open flame.


    The man lost a lot of his energy when the four were gone, Hao being the only one left in that room of the hall.


    Hao approached the desk while the man was looking at him.


    It was better to get in close when he still had a smile on his face.


    The man gave Hao an up and down. With every step he gave an even closer look, lingering on his hair for a moment, his eyes turning sharp.


    Hao stopped in an instant. He considered himself lucky no one had shown a real interest in him so far. He stood out less than someone like Zui for a few reasons.


    It would have been obvious to anyone who looked closely. Hao stared back, unwavering, preparing for the words forming on the lips beneath the small beard.


    ¡°Hm, a newcomer, and judging from your clothes, a real newcomer. Very well, that could be good.¡±


    Hao stood looking at the man.


    ¡°Come, take out your badge.¡±


    The man took out a pile of scrolls made from bamboo, similar to the one he was just writing in.


    He looked up and noticed Hao still standing there, tapping his finger on the desk.


    Hao took his badge that was tucked under his arm out as he approached with a half-bow.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    ¡°Hao greets the hall leader¡­¡±


    ¡°No need. No need. It¡¯s a temporary title. Just call me Old Ya.¡± the man said.


    He snatched the badge and ran his fingers along the scrolls.


    Ya looked at the badge for just a second, pushing it back into Hao¡¯s hands.


    Hao didn¡¯t know what it was, but he was writing information in the scroll.


    ¡°Those ladies should have been the last to bring me anything till late afternoon.¡±


    Ya walked backwards, going into a door on the far wall behind the desk.


    While waiting, Hao was looking in the direction the smell of food was coming from. Feeling a little relieved, his mind went back to food.


    It was too hard to ignore. He could almost hear fire crackling and chickens clucking. They¡¯re cooking some type of salt covered bird in there.


    He was hoping his job was easy enough to get some food for the night.


    Senior Ya appeared back in front of Hao with a bag. Before Hao knew it, the bag was taking up his vision, and the one called Ya was at the door.


    ¡°You will need the bag. Now, do you want to go to your quarters first, or shall I show you to your task?¡±


    ¡°Task please, Senior Ya,¡± Hao said.


    He hoped ¡®Senior¡¯ would work. It felt wrong to call someone he just met old.


    Senior Ya was already out of the door when Hao was putting all his things into the bag.


    Leaving him to rush outside. It was clear the man created patience for women that he did not bother with for Hao.


    Hao walked alongside the rotund and fast Senior Ya. They passed hole after hole in the cliff face.


    Hao had already taken all morning walking here. It was well past noon now. Now, once again, Hao was walking as the sun moved.


    Each hole they passed had markings, a carving of a number. The caves were to the left as they walked, and to the right a growing number of huts. Cabins like the one he spent the night near, stretching in rows in front of each hole.


    ¡°Hao was it? Have you read any of the ¡®Water Breaking Fist¡¯ yet?¡± Senior Ya asked.


    The topic made Hao forget the giant holes and small cabins.


    ¡°No, just a few pages in the back,¡± Hao said.


    ¡°Better than most than. The mines can be a good place to practice ¡®Water Breaking Fist¡¯. Only if you manage your quota for spirit stones. Collect five stones and the rest of the day and night is yours. Master the technique and you will never have to see the mines again. It¡¯s not a good place for anyone to stay long.¡±


    Ya stopped himself from saying any more, it was not his place.


    ¡°Thank you, Senior Ya, for the advice. I will remember it. But can I ask what True Qi and monk marks are?¡±


    Hao felt it was safe to ask a few questions. He felt comfortable around this Senior Ya. The man was casual in tone without sounding condescending, despite wearing blue robes. Not to mention a little more ¡®genuine¡¯ with his desires.


    Hao didn¡¯t have time to close his mouth before his feet and arms got locked in place.


    The friendly demeanor of the man did not disappear, but he stopped on the spot. Turning so fast, his blue robes lifted with a flourish. His hands held across his stomach, Senior Ya looked relaxed, yet Hao felt like there were ten spears at his neck.


    ¡°Where are you from? Where did you hear that?¡± Senior Ya asked.


    Hao couldn¡¯t step back if he wanted to, a pressure stronger than the one exuded from the girl named Zu was falling on him like a net.


    ¡°I am from the islands, others as well. We went to a temple before a Senior Sister Zu grabbed us. Two kids got selected by the monk there. I heard all of that stuff from the people at the servants¡¯ hall this morning.¡± Hao said.


    Was my trust displaced? This in not the power of a disciple, is it?


    ¡°Mm, hmm, it makes sense.¡± The pressure on Hao disappeared as Senior Ya gave a slight bow.


    ¡°I apologize. It¡¯s better to be cautious. No mortals would know such words. Not in a region like this anyway.¡± Ya said. Turning to continue the walk.


    The pressure caused no real harm or discomfort, not taking it to heart after the bow. Hao hurried behind after a second of pause.


    Ya started deep in thought, walking at a greater pace. Hao was going to reach a jog just trying to keep up.


    ¡°Grabbed¡­ So that is how the sect is recruiting now¡­ Conflict will start here before the war even reaches the disciples,¡± Ya said, not waiting for Hao.


    He turned and looked at Hao as he walked, his pace going back to something slower.


    Hao caught up in time to hear a few words.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t bother worrying about such things. Things like this are far above the disciples in reclamation. You should focus on getting out of the mine first.¡±


    The rest of the walk was silent. Hao was trying to gather his breath.


    The hours of walking with an empty stomach had long taken a toll.


    The only break in the silence was the occasional humming of sad songs from Senior Ya. He went through an entire catalogue of song, enough to make a demon cry before they slowed their walk. Seeing the last of the mines as they stopped appearing in the distance.


    They reached the last of the holes, turning to get closer.


    Hao lifted his head to see the mouth of the mountain.


    6 meters in width and a little taller, opening like a funnel, identical to the one to the left.


    Only a few details were different. The biggest one was the numbers Five and Eight carved into the stone at the side.


    ¡°This will be your home for a while. I hope you are strong enough to break the rock.¡± Ya said it with a straight face, looking at the skinny fish broth fed boy.


    ¡°You have a team you can work with. They will be in the last hut in this row. When you reach your own five stones, you can turn them in to me once a day at any time. Just don¡¯t trip and fall on your way to the hall, scavengers are eager to rule this part of the mountain. Especially when a new mine is cracked.¡± Ya said.


    Hao stared at the cave, a tinging sound echoing out of it at a rapid, unsteady pace.


    Strange tools were around the ground and in racks in front of hole Five Eight, and the hole to the left Five Seven.


    Pulling his eyes away from the entrance, Hao turned as he felt a tap on his shoulder.


    In front of his face was a semi-translucent blue stone. It was large compared to the one that the women in the hall took out a moment ago.


    Just as crude, but with a blue that was slightly lighter.


    ¡°Five today, five tomorrow, five the next. That is the only way you will get to eat food. I will give you a tip as an apology; don¡¯t rely on food pills, they only relieve hunger. There is a bonus team task every five days too. How you handle it is up to your team.¡± Yi said.


    The blue stone in his hand disappeared like the book before as he turned, walking back the way he came from. When he was out of Hao¡¯s sight, he turned to watch a little longer.


    Every step since leaving the shore brought uncertainty and now was nothing new. Something Hao wanted to welcome.


    Still, it was hard to deny that itching feeling on his tongue, the feeling of powerlessness he thought he long discarded.


    It was the reason he took his Breaktide early. And after he failed, he learned from the elders. When the elders had nothing to teach him, he learned and did the women¡¯s jobs.


    Yet he got a push from the Island without his say. Rejected from the Temple of Water without a chance. Dragged through the sky by a flying girl. Had his ¡®fate determined¡¯ by two guys he didn¡¯t know the names of.


    Now he was here before a mine, standing on an Immortal mountain.


    Hao sat for a moment as he puffed out a long breath of air.


    Trying to find the best way to carry his things. You can descale me like a fish before I leave this stuff on the ground.


    He began organizing his possessions, which had multiplied since sunrise. Before, he had just the hemp clothing.


    Now he took his medicine bottle, book, and badge, hiding them snuggly in his new gray robe, which he rolled up. Placing them deeper in the hemp bag he just received.


    For now food, tomorrow silver coins, till I can walk in the sky.


    Hao stood quick taking a tool from the rack. Carrying it along with his bag as he passed the earthen lips.


    He couldn¡¯t say much about the tool. It was sturdy, heavier than a knife, and that was the only remark he could make.


    It had a large metal head pointed at one side with a wooden handle.


    It was pretty beat up from use, only the tip of it was shining in the light.


    With his bag and pickaxe on his shoulders, Hao passed the lips of stone, expecting pure dark.


    He got a pleasant surprise, seeing blue light as soon as he walked a few paces in.


    A large blue pillar was in the center of the cavern. It had the dim glow of blue like the ¡®spirit stones¡¯.


    It was a deeper blue, darker than any he had seen so far, sprouting from the ground and stretching to the ceiling of the cave.


    Hao felt a temptation to walk up and hit it with the tool in his hands, but seeing as no one else was, he figured there was a reason not to.


    Instead, he watched what the others did, sliding their hands along the walls of the cave around the blue pillar.


    Tapping lighting while listening for a hollow sound.


    When they didn¡¯t hear a noise, they moved. If they heard it, it was an instant reaction. Everyone turned their heads and eyes.


    The person who found it lifted their tool, swinging it into the wall.


    If a blue glimmer shined through brown dust, they swung harder. When the uncovered spirit stones rolled out, hands jumped, grabbing them as quickly as possible.


    The people with teams worked together, mining, picking up the stones, and intimidating anyone who got close to what was theirs.


    Hao tried to replicate the process.


    He had to dance around the groups and people putting on their territorial displays.


    Ending up at the far end of the cave where no one was digging.


    There was a tunnel nearby, some type of cave-in that sloped down to darkness.


    It took a few hours for Hao to hear a sound.


    Finding a dull tunk sound, he poked a hole in the wall using all his strength, barely able to lift the tool back up after he swung it once.


    A single stone rested in the wall, large, about the size of his palm, bigger than even the one Senior Ya had showed him.


    The size was a surprise, but the color, or lack thereof, was even better.


    It didn¡¯t have the slightest tint of blue, shining a clear white light.


    Hao hurried to stuff it into his bag, wrapping it under his robe with the book and bottle.


    Exhausted and more people coming into the cave, Hao called his day. His stomach was only getting worse, and the thought of taking a food pill tugged at him.


    He found his team room easily. All he had to do was pass the identical huts until he found the last.


    The door was open, pushed inside. The only light was the sun, close to reaching the sky¡¯s end.


    Inside was nothing special, two bunk beds, making it four beds, nothing catching his eye, a table with nothing on it, a good place to put his bag.


    Hao entered further into the room, thinking there was no one inside until he saw movement out of the corner of his eye.


    Bundled up in the bottom bunk bed on the left side, the way the door opened, was a person.


    Or so he thought it was a person. Skinnier than Hao, who had to butcher a fish for a spoonful of broth.


    He stared at Hao and Hao stared back, looking into eyes like boats with tall masts on a sea of white. They were looking at Hao but they swayed, pupils unable to stay still.


    He said nothing to Hao, looking away in time. Hao said nothing either too tired for any games.


    But he kept one ear open as he closed the door, listening for the sound of dirt shuffling on the untended floor.


    To the bed, he crawled in, hiding his neck in a bunched-up blanket. He was not sure why, but it felt right.


    Using the stone wrapped in his robes tucked into his bag as a pillow, he closed his eyes.


    Bang! Hao opened his eyes to the door slamming.

 Chapter 6 - Axe

    Hao sat up, close to knocking his head on the bed above.


    He had to turn with a flop to see the door hurrying to stand, sliding his bag behind him, and pulling the cover over everything he owned.


    Standing at the door holding his hips was a man a dozen years older than Hao, well into the age of having children on the Island.


    ¡°I heard there is a newbie in our team!¡± He said.


    All his words were loud, unwelcome by Hao and everyone else in the other cabin nearby.


    You are not food, spirit stones, or silver coins. Why are you bothering me?


    Hao stood, wearing a mask to hide his tired, displeased face. The shake in his steps was far harder to hide.


    Hands cupped without the bow, Hao looked into the eyes of the man at the door. Grasping at the etiquette of this place.


    ¡°Newcomer Hao greets brother,¡± Hao said, returning his hands to his sides.


    The man remained still, his back to the outside. He was as big as the door frame. He fit like a puzzle piece, just narrow enough to let Hao see a hand holding a torch outside. The light from the torch wrapped around his face, making visible the bit of patchy stubble on the big man¡¯s baby face.


    The man started his sentence with a grunt. ¡°Just call me Leader Axe and bring me spirit stones,¡±.


    He walked towards Hao, revealing the donkey-faced man behind him with the torch, two bags slung over his shoulder. Acting as a carrier for this ¡®Axe¡¯ with a smile.


    As Axe approached, Hao wished he had brought the tool from the mines with him. Not sure what he would do with it.


    If he thought he would kill with it, that would be raving. He had never taken the life of anything larger than washed up blue-jelly, that was prohibited as he was not a full man on the Islands.


    ¡°Team-Leader Axe,¡± Hao said, his teeth grinding, ¡°I¡¯ve already received my mission from Hall Leader Ya.¡±


    Axe put his hand on Hao¡¯s shoulder, getting closer. He was two Haos tall yet pressed down, trying to change their height difference even more.


    Hao did not move, straining as he looked up.


    Axe smiled, his teeth like wilted grass. ¡°Haha, you know of the team mission? Every five days, we aim to get an extra twenty. Oh, don¡¯t forget my daily five either.¡± Axe said.


    He had no shame or hesitation in his voice, taking a step back.


    Looking around for just a moment, the other two present got the hint.


    The donkey-faced man walked in, taking a bottle of food pills out of one bag.


    He dropped the bottle on the eyes of the absent eye person, who threw a few stones out from under his cover. He handed over a few blue slivers in kind.


    Hao saw a hand like a branch reaching from below the blanket.


    The donkey-faced man held them up to Axe, along with some of his own he got about.


    Fingernail-like chips of blue stone, nothing like the one Senior Ya showed.


    Hao wanted to gloat about the fist-sized stone in his bag just to see the big guy¡¯s sour face, but held his tongue. He was not a complete fool.


    ¡°Don¡¯t take too long getting used to the place,¡± Axe said. Walking over to Hao again. He brought his free hand up and down on Hao¡¯s shoulder, the sound alone saying it was not a friendly gesture.


    ¡°I won¡¯t give you long to start taking a share of their burden. Perhaps I¡¯ll be promoted to Outer Sect before that time,¡± Axe said. Not pausing before his loud laugh of triumph.


    He turned and took the chips, dropping them in the bag his carrier had.


    Without a thought, he climbed into the bed above Hao like nothing happened


    The next few hours for Hao were just half-sleep. He was hungry before, but now the bed felt worn. The smell was not too great either, not sure who was the source. Am I contributing?


    The worst of it was welling in his chest, that powerlessness being fed by the pain in his shoulder.


    Hao didn¡¯t care to toss any turn again, walking out of the door.


    The night was lit by the three moons. It gave him just enough light to navigate.


    He did not have to go far opposite to the direction of the mines to find a drop. Only a blurry dark below, nothing beyond his arm¡¯s reach.


    Hao didn¡¯t even know how high he was.


    At least the clouds are still above me. If I had been awake during all my time on the carriage, then I would know the direction home was.


    It was hard to find anything on the ground of the mining area other than dirt and dust and a few stones. Hao managed to find a patch of grass untouched by feet.


    Their Hao sat, first a food pill. He couldn¡¯t wait any longer. The only thing he could taste as it dissolved was ¡®wheat porridge¡¯.


    At the very least, at home, there would be fish soup and, if he was lucky, berries picked from the platform behind the houses.


    Hao could have cried in the mine, spending hours tapping on the wall, but he imagined himself walking across the sea back to his village with bags of silver and chicken meat.


    It felt like his wind had no sail, that it was being torn apart, but if he had to, he would just force a wind stronger than a Breaktide storm.


    He ignored the pain in his arm, taking out the book, reading ¡°Water Breaking Fist,¡± using the stone he found in the mine as a light.


    Following the technique as it was written was easier said than done.


    The first part was not too hard, mostly stretching postures. It took him a few tries, and falls to all of them right.


    The next part was a drastic jump in difficulty.


    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    An exercise, moving from one posture to the next in a specific order, all while breathing in a rhythm.


    He practiced the postures again first, but added the breathing made it much harder.


    Requiring perfect focus, he had to take a break from reading the first pages again.


    Mind, Whole. Ignore the winds, seek the winds. What is around you?


    Hao tried again and again, restarting after each mistake.


    He was finding comfort in it. His breath soon led the movements. Losing himself in each breath and step¡­ breath and step. Not noticing the encroaching light.


    What shook him from his state was something more refreshing than the clearest water, but much, much more.


    It brushed his skin, touching his bones, swimming into place in his flesh he never knew, even further beyond the flesh, a place he had no knowledge of.


    He couldn¡¯t tell where it came from. It was everywhere at once. It danced and stood near him and far away.


    From dewed grass and dirt, it traveled up his feet and legs. In the air, it bounced off his skins and rolled down to his hands, trying to wiggle into his palms.


    Each breath from his nose was heavy with it, still light as air had always been.


    How have I never noticed?


    Then he was back in the dark. His stomach growling.


    The sun shone on him, the world as it had always been since before he could remember.


    He looked down at his hands. Was that world energy? Hao gulped. He was not wrong. He eagerly picked up the ¡®Water Break Fist¡¯.


    He had always touched it, but now a good small amount of it entered his body. Gathering near his center of gravity, a place untapped, unformed.


    Absorbing the world energy had already changed Hao permanently, in ways too minor to notice.


    His body did feel better, his shoulder hurt less.


    But now his mind was conflicted; he desperately wanted to feel that again.


    Is that why people are half-mad here?


    Hao was half-wrong. He had yet to know the strength World Energy provided. Having long till he realized the possibility of Cultivation outside of flight.


    Hao¡¯s eyes flicked and tried to flip through the book, putting it away when he saw the sun. He had many things to do, with his hunger did not let him think beyond his stomach.


    He caught the eyes of many as he walked to mine, having yet to change into his robes. He hoped he would get a few spirit stones this morning before returning to the Mining Hall for at least a drink from the well.


    Before leaving the rows of cabins, Hao looked back at the last one, the tree inside presumably yet to move. He wondered if they had some type of spirit stone stockpile somewhere.


    How many does he have hidden away? Do you plan to take all of mine once I have them?


    Three weeks passed, time moved, and the three moons with it, more evident as the first moon reached the edge of the sky. Soon it would disappear, followed by the others. Being the first one to show again when summer reaches its end.


    Hao had taken steps towards being a master miner. He could find at least one deposit a day.


    Some deposits had one, others had many.


    The largest one Hao found had seven.


    The competition in the mine was ruthless, often leading to violence.


    He watched large groups fight over blue fragments, it was not uncommon to see blood over tiny chips.


    Some teams form alliances, working together to take over whole sections.


    Hao was affected more than once, often being pushed away from the place where luck was to be had.


    Being shoved further down the tunnel away from the pillar. A place no one else bothered looking at.


    Hao found his first stone down there, it was a place that caught his curiosity but provided no stones.


    His strange sleep schedule ended up staying the same, so he just showed up at night to find spirit stones. When the teams came in, he moved down the tunnel using the white spirit stone to look around, often practicing the technique in the narrow opening.


    He managed to keep Axe off his back as well. Throwing a little chip to the man at the start of every five days. Neither in the exchange was happy about it. Axe was never shy with his threats. ¡°ten days¡± he repeated to Hao. Only to go missing for two days after his threats.


    Hao noticed it immediately. He had been using Axe as a timer. Axe would show up every night, make some noise, then leave or crawl into bed.


    In the past five days, he had been more aggressive. Hao¡¯s team was growing bruises like dirt grows grass. The odd part was Axe had just as many bruises, if not more.


    He might be preparing for the outer sect trial.


    Hao was planning on not receiving any bruises, but if Axe was planning to join the trial, that would mean he finished the beginning section of ¡®Water Breaking Fist¡¯. Touching on the reclamation realm.


    With such a difference between them, Hao wouldn¡¯t stand a chance if he were attacked.


    Hao¡¯s progress with the technique had stalled, his eagerness to improve his cultivation proving not enough.


    He practiced everywhere whenever he could since the first time. He was able to replicate everything he did that night and go further into the book. He only had a few pages of the technique to finish before he was done with the first half of the technique.


    He had yet to feel world energy again. It was tugging at the back of his mind along with the hunger.


    Reading the book over a dozen times, even skipping to the part he wasn¡¯t ready to read, going from cover to cover.


    Much like today, Hao had the book out, even during his times of relaxation. In the mess hall connected to the Mining Hall, a place he was only recently able to visit daily. He had his hemp bag nearly empty, strapped around his shoulder, his extra spirit stones were buried under the patch of grass where he first practiced.


    Except for the large one he used for light, which was still wrapped in his robe in his bag.


    Hao was eating today, enjoying the sound of people enjoying themselves, rare to come by unless you were in this hall. That joy did not stop him from eating, he placed a piece of flesh, the meat of a bird he did recognize or know the life of, sacrilege on the Island.


    Why am I so hungry, too much work? Whenever Hao was not thinking of the technique, he was thinking of food.


    Food pills no longer help either. They stalled his hunger for a few minutes, making him hungrier once the effects were gone.


    I even stopped sending silver home to feed myself. Focus, focus!


    He was starting to feel guilty about eating his points. The amount he could earn was limited by the day. They were food before he left the hall.


    Hao flipped the cover of the now worn book, scuffed, scratched, and stained. Then a few pages, passing the first few reading jus the caption as he passed them. The cloud gathers: After sensing the energy once a practitioner has already taken a step from mortals.


    ¡°Yes, I know,¡± Hao said. Placing more food in his mouth before flipping more.


    Relatively fresh hand-painted images of postures, stretches and stances. The cloud flows: World Energy has permeated the body. The ending of the section read Hao paid little mind to anything but what was written.


    Hao slowed for the next few pages. Each page had multiple paintings of sudden movements. Palm strikes, punches, kicks, and stomps are entirely different from the slow flow of the last section.


    This section had a caption on the first and last page. The water should dare to burst forth, the world will push back.


    Hao scanned the paintings one last time before going to the last page in the section. ¡°I¡¯m doing them right.¡± Hao said. Mumbling reaching the end. Clouds cleanse, opening the gate: blood and flesh return to one, the clouds seek the open, Reclamation begins.


    The page had a little note at the bottom that read ¡°Sect examination¡±.


    Leaving the book open, he finished his food, it was gone before he could enjoy it.


    Esoteric poems, word play. It¡¯s of no help. Hao out a long sigh.


    He didn¡¯t fully understand each caption, doubting many yet to reach Reclamation did.


    Even if he did, he knew looking at the paintings and reading the words again wasn¡¯t going to help.


    Hao reached out to grab the book when a finger came down, pointing at the words, ¡°You don¡¯t fully understand it?¡±.


    Senior Ya a man Hao was finding more enigmatic the longer he knew him. It was hard to tell whether the man was a wealth of wisdom or a fool for anything under a skirt.


    Still, he was a rare case of someone smiling in the Mining Hall.


    ¡°Yes, I don¡¯t, not fully,¡± Hao said.


    ¡°I guess it¡¯s a good thing you don¡¯t need to¡­ Have you tired practicing with a dummy?¡± Senior Ya said. Flipping backward through the book.


    Hao watching thick finger point at each attack. Finally stopping at the first words of the section, ¡°You should feel the energy rush, pushing to the edges of you body. You need intent, trying making contact with something instead of air.¡± Senior Ya said, closing the book.


    ¡°Raw speed and strength are the key to all things Reclamation,¡± Ya said, looking thoughtful.


    He turned to start walking, then stopped himself.


    ¡°Ah! Everyone in mine Five Eight will be moved soon. You should change into your robes before then.¡± Senior Ya said. Turning and speaking to a young lady with brown dust in her black hair.


    Hao went to the small yard just outside. It was afternoon, far later in the day than Hao had seen in a while.


    The yard was full, those leaving the mine coming to visit the Mining Hall for the well.


    Large groups were a line around the dummy as well, now whittled down to wooden posts. More people gathered like they were going to interrogate it.


    Hao was not eager to wait, and competition between teams was just as bad outside of the mines. He had no team behind him.


    He watched for just a moment, thinking of the silver he did not send, as his stomach just fed, began to rumble. Silver exchange was up to the hall leader and though Ya was generous, it was hard to buy food and silver unless points were saved up.


    The other option was to get the silver and food pills. Food pills are the cheapest and for a reason, but helped with nothing.


    Hao launched up, tired of hearing grumbling from both the crowd and his stomach. There was one place he knew he could practice with no one, or his stomach could distract him.


    He enjoyed the tunnel. No one in mine paid him attention as he walked by. Entering deeper into the cave. There his stomach did not roar, there he could place down his bag for a moment, knowing no one would come down.


    It was never part of the mine, just an area that collapsed. A few large spirit stones spilled out, gathering interest. White like the one Hao found near here.


    People dug to find more clearing out the tunnel to find nothing. Wasting their labors for no reward, they returned to the area around the pillar.


    Hao liked it here, the earthly smell, cold air. If I close my eyes, it¡¯s like I¡¯m on the mudflats. He could feel the salty winds blasting by. His toes sinking into the soft mud.


    His hunger disappeared while he was in memory.


    He took a stance the moment his eyes opened, starting from the beginning of the ¡°Water Breaking Fist¡± taking time with each step, breathing in rhythm, mind empty.


    The first steps were done with ease, then his breathing hastened, and reaching the last steps, he refocused.


    He replanted his feet, steps heavy like stomps, knees and hips bent. His body reached a soft state like water, then he placed his target. The soft water turned to a rush wave as Hao launched his fist. Speeding at the end of the tunnel, the stone of the mountain.


    In his ears he could hear the rushing water rising up from his feet to his stomach, then head, going back down to his shoulder, finally his fist.


    His fingers tingled with the thrumming of the wave.


    Contact.

 Chapter 7 -

    Tut~


    Hao only remained standing for half of a second.


    ¡°Fffffffff!¡±


    Leaning forward, Hao made the sounds of a man drowning. Stifling his yells as he continued downwards until his forehead touched the ground. His hand clutched to his stomach as he curled up, kicking his feet like he was trying to balance on ice.


    The pain was gone in time, putting on a stupid grin as he remembered a few words; ¡°If someone told you the ocean was a garden, would you try to water it?¡±


    Hao almost laughed in the cramped space, not sure why, his stupidity, the saying his father often repeated, or joy at the fact that he felt something.


    That was not a burst, but something close, if I can remember that.


    There Hao fell asleep, a short but dreamless sleep. The sound of wind and water chasing him in the empty void.


    Moments later Hao woke with dust gathering sticking to his eyelids and teeth. He felt refreshed after peeling it off. His hand still hurt, but far less. He used the large spirit stone to inspect it. Bruised but unbroken, I guess I¡¯ve gotten more durable. Hao praised himself but had no reference to go by, he had punched nothing hard before.


    He wanted to try again and dare to, just not with his limbs.


    This might work. The pickaxe he carried into the mine appeared less conspicuous, was sitting just behind him with his bag.


    So he tried, taking stance and posture, the tool in his hand. From his feet up to his head down, he swung. Finding the pattern to breathe with as the tunnel ringed.


    The stone could only go back and showered Hao and his belongings with shards of stone.


    He felt something, but it was not the wave he had felt before; it was like a splash from a spilling bucket. Disappointing, Hao continued anyway, dust trying to clog his nose.


    The feeling became stronger after a while, the water rocking, and the tingle appeared at the top of his swing.


    It was enough and getting better, and Hao was feeling good, so he went on longer. Stone dust turned to clay in his sweat before falling in clumps, digging a small hole at the side for his stone and bag.


    He left the mine well past the time he usually was sleeping. It was early night, the mine and path empty of people.


    He went straight to his team¡¯s cabin. He was too tired to count fifty-eight mines to fight over the well water or go further to the forest stream. The mining hall had a place to bathe, but it was communal, its water changed in the morning, and not even a fish would swim in it. He wiped off what he could, chewing on a stick to clean his teeth before finding his cabin.


    Given how late it was, Hao was expecting his full team to be there. Axe was still missing, his follower gone with him.


    The only person in the cabin made plenty of noise when Hao entered. ¡°It¡¯s just me.¡± Hao had to stay to stop the scuttling. Hao had only ever heard that ¡®team member¡¯ once, and he asked Hao for a food pill.


    Hao had plenty now but rarely used them, a few bottles half empty. The lower you got to the bottom, the worse they tasted, mold until the last few, which was like ash still warm from the fire. It wasn¡¯t from going bad. They were like that the moment they were bought.


    Does he shrink every time I see him? Hao went to his bed, maintaining the maximum distance from the shadow watching him, getting a few hours of uncomfortable rest.


    The next two days went well for Hao, turning in stones at the hall as soon as possible, washing and eating, before going to the mine. He would go to the tunnel after finding a few spirit stones to add to the stockpile.


    How far have I gone? Hao placed his hands on the stones ahead, uneven and cold. His hand saved him from a fall. Damn it, there is no place left to stand. The tunnel was becoming smaller from chunks of stone taking up the ground.


    Damn, it was just starting to feel right, starting to feel good! Hao was thinking of his last few hits. His impacts were bigger but more importantly, the rush was turning into a wave. All he had to do was get it to burst forward.


    He knew if he was practicing the techniques in the book, he would have more success. How could a makeshift tool-swinging technique made by a random islander kid compare to the real techniques it was based on?


    Focus on the rush turning to a wave, and the burst will follow. Hao was not sure if it was true, but he couldn¡¯t stop now. Just until my hand heals.


    Hao wanted to try once more, taking an awkward stance on the uneven stones below, and swinging down. The force was great, and the tingling in his fingers made Hao smile.


    BUNGK!


    On contact, Hao was expecting a burst of debris like before, but the pickaxe head stuck into the stone. The handle snapped in two, the cracking sound echoing up the tunnel.


    ¡°Lord of Water!¡± Hao said. Shouting as he places his hand on his head. What now should I try kicks? I can barely spread my legs down here! My other hand? Hao lifted his foot, aiming it at the bottom of the tunnel wall.


    ¡°Ey! Is anyone down there? This mine is being evacuated! A new mine is opening soon. You don¡¯t want to be in there when it does!¡± a voice called from the top of the tunnel.


    Hao threw things to the side of the tunnel, covering them in rubble, a couple of spirit stones, and opened pill bottles.


    He took his bag, and the broken pickaxe up with him.


    ¡°What are you doing down there?¡± A man said. He stood at the top of the tunnel, his robes a lighter grey than Hao¡¯s, almost white.


    ¡°Ah, haha, I was trying to bury the evidence but slipped,¡± Hao said. Holding the broken pickaxe up.


    The man gave Hao a strange look. ¡°Just throw outside in front of the racks. They break all the time.¡±


    Hao was escorted from the cave and sent on his way to his cabin.


    How long will the mine be closed? He was growing attached to the tunnel and had a few things stored there.


    Dirty and tired, Hao tried to push the hunger out of his head, looking at his beat up hemp clothes.


    As Hao approached the rows of cabins, he noticed the lack of people and lights. It was just turning night, people would be retiring but not sleeping.


    A loud yell tore through the night air. A commotion this early was rare, the usual suspects, his team.


    If Axe was back, there would be some loud proclamations, but no screaming.


    Hao¡¯s worries seemed true as he reached the end of the row. He could hear murmuring from a few dozen voices around the cabin.


    As his small building came into sight, he saw a crowd of people standing on one side of the door.


    No one was stepping beyond the threshold, but feet were just steps away from the bed Hao claimed as his.


    He knew and spoke to none of them since he arrived here at the mine, and he did care if they were there for show, if they weren¡¯t going to stop the source of shouting they could piss off make to their own beds.


    Hao place his tongue on the roof of his mouth, his jaw clenched tight.


    Another ¡°HEE!¡± sound rolling out through the door above the head of those gathered.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    A single person at the front peak his head in looking around the door, standing there and doing nothing more.


    Hao stomped through the crowd, pulling and pushing people aside, his feet drums, his bag a whip.


    ¡°What is this!¡± Hao said. His teeth gritted add effect, most of them looked, the man at the door included.


    ¡°We¡¯ve done nothin¡¯. He was like this when we arrived.¡± The man in the door said, brown dust shaking from his beard as he pointed.


    His finger going at the donkey-faced follower of Axe, who was unconscious on his knees, his head bent forward, blood falling from his head to his thigh. There were clean cuts on his clothing, but no wounds beneath. The only real strike he took was to his head.


    ¡°Then what are you just watching for?¡± Hao said, losing air in his voice.


    ¡°I ain¡¯t interfering with other teams.¡± The tall man said, lifting his hands. The answer he got seemed right to the rest around, but made Hao¡¯s foot twitch, pushing dirt.


    The disbelief and confusion, his previous frustrations, all that collected since far before he landed on this mountain mixed.


    It stirred in his stomach, there was no hatred or contempt in the brew, as each was their own but he could not help his disgust. How dare they act blind!


    Hao looked in the face of the man in the door frame again. He wore a neutral face, turning towards entertained. Leaping forward, Hao grabbed his grey robes, slamming him to the door frame. Hao wanted to hit him, a desire not so strange to hold.


    The man looked down at his lips pulled to the ends of his jaw, his shaking eyes shaking beads.


    ¡°At least call for help.¡± Hao said, shoving him to the side.


    Hao entered the door to the sound of cracking along with the groans. The smell of ash filled the room. Bottle that once held food pills on the floor.


    His bed was untouched, and so was the bed above.


    The other side was the opposite. The bunk was barely staying together, blankets thrown around.


    Axe, who had been missing for days, was there clawing at the bed. Hao only knew the other person was there because expected it and heard the sounds.


    Hao acted quickly after looking around, trying to pry Axe from the bed.


    Surprised at his own strength until he was reminded of the difference between them.


    Axe turned two Haos tall, flung Hao away, charging as he turned.


    Hao was suddenly pinned against the wall near the door, his bed in the reach of his foot. Gasping for air as the large stone in his back pressed against his back, stuck in a vice, Axe¡¯s hand pushing him harder against the wall.


    ¡°I know you have some, give them to me along with your stones!¡± Axe said, hot breathing hitting Hao in the face.


    Hao''s feet started to lift from the ground, his back rolling along the stone that dug in, unable to say anything.


    Axe was unsatisfied with no answer. Axe squeezed down his fingers, planning to throw Hao down to the ground. Left with confusion when he pulled back, only having a dirt hemp rag in his hands, looking back at Hao, now bare chested.


    Hao felt a drop of sadness land in the caldron of emotion that was spinning in his stomach.


    Then his toes touched the ground. A massive breath impacted his lungs as his feet landed, his face bright red, and his vision blurred, only able to make out shapes.


    His mind wasn¡¯t able to keep up as his body moved.


    Preparing to retaliate, his feet found a flat place to plant, taking their practiced posture.


    The rush of water turned to a wave before he had a chance to realize it. He did not feel the world push back in the slightest, but as he breathed out, his vision snapped back crisp and clear. Axe was reaching back towards him.


    Hao¡¯s stance was good, but the execution was poor. He was too used to using the pickaxe and his body defaulted to it.


    His hand came down with a long exhale. A wild but practiced swing, Hao felt the burst he was looking for, where his body touched the world pushing out. Hao knew it was wrong, far too early as his hand was still high.


    The wave continued a rushing endless flow raged inside him.


    Finally, his hand landed on Axe, who was reaching for his throat.


    Axe¡¯s two heads taller than Hao took the hit to the shoulder.


    A crack burst out. The image of stone breaking in the mine appeared in the minds of all those who heard the sound.


    Hao¡¯s fingers folded in, his wrist bent, the hand already injured sent heat all the way to the top of Hao¡¯s head.


    The rush, the wave of water flowed backwards just as fast, doing the opposite of what it has always done.


    Chough! Hao shot blood from his nose and mouth, hints of black in the red.


    The two bent forward at the same time, Hao managing to hold himself up. Axe stepping back before falling forward, hitting the ground.


    Cracking sounded as the ashy acrid smell got stronger in the room.


    Quiet followed. The only sounds remaining were shuffling feet and whispers from the people looking in.


    Hao didn¡¯t try to hear their words or look at them as he walked towards Axe.


    It took less than he thought to flip the man over. Grabbing the chunk of hemp shirt beneath his body.


    When Hao look back up, he saw bulging eyes, a horrifying face with a scowl, bruised and battered.


    Hao jumped back, the chunk of woven hemp in his hand. He could feel something sliding through his skin.


    A backhanded strike, a swipe across his chest, ¡°Stop him, he has a weapon!¡± one of the voice called from the door.


    Hao managing to get back and look, but the man was no longer going for Hao.


    Snip, a thin finger sized piece of spirit stone, shining blue, cut down Axe¡¯s cheek and ear. The hand holding the blade diverting at the last second. It was the tall man Hao pushed out of the door.


    It did take much to restrain him. He had become even smaller than before. His bone showed and bruises rose in bumps.


    Hao sat as he looked down, seeing the thin long cut on his chest, bleeding slowly, shallow in depth.


    Hao fell back taking a breath, he was feeling a hundred thing but paid them no mind, his mind overloaded.


    Inline with the door, his head on the floor, Hao looked up it was hard to ignore the people taking turns to stare at him.


    ¡°Did someone call for help?¡± Hao asked.


    ¡°Its only been thirty seconds.¡± The tall man said.


    It was hard to believe. Hao thought it would have been morning by now, yet he was looking at the sky identical to the one he saw a while ago.


    Hao got up shirtless, sliding his bag around to his arm and ripping the rest of the shirt off his waist.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go,¡± Hao said, putting away the remains of his hemp shirt.


    ¡°You can¡¯t your injured,¡± the tall man spoke again.


    ¡°Does anyone here know medicine?¡± Hao asked, waiting for a reply.


    His hand was in his bag and while he was there, he took out a porcelain medicine bottle throwing it on the floor.


    ¡°If you had more, you should have handed them over!¡± The man said, half alive yet still swinging his chip.


    ¡°What¡¯s he talking about?¡± The tall man asked, retraining the arm with the blade.


    Hao walked through the door. The people stepped back as he approached. ¡°He only ever talks of food pills.¡±


    ¡°Wait, can I ask brother his name?¡± The tall man asked.


    Hao¡¯s foot stopped, it was weird, someone asking his name, it felt good.


    ¡°Hao, no family name,¡± Hao said. Looking at the bag with the scraps of his shirt inside. ¡°Island rules say the big guy owes you ten live since you saved his. Make sure you take what your owed.¡± Hao said walking.


    He hopes the long walk would calm down the loud buzzing in his head.


    At the mining hall, things were done efficiently. Not everyone listened the to shirtless, dirt covered boy. Luckily the Hall Leader was Senior Ya.


    Hao was pulled in his from his treatment for a few questions. By the end, he had a single bandage wrapped on his chest.


    Senior Ya was the one question him, asking for a few details. Hao told Senior Ya what he knew of the people in the cabin and the events of the night.


    ¡°There is a smell of ash, but no fire at all?¡±


    ¡°Was it a fight over spirit stones?¡±


    Hao answered a few questions with, ¡°It might have been the food pills.¡± To Senior Ya unhappiness.


    Hao didn¡¯t say anymore. Every way he thought of saying sounded like he was accusing Senior Ya of handing out poison. Hao knew that wasn¡¯t the case.


    Thankfully, Senior Ya moved the conversation along. ¡°Well, no one died so far, that¡¯s good, but none of you are in a great condition. It¡¯s a good thing the main servants¡¯ quarter has a medicine hall in the sect. I¡¯m not sure what they do about the one who was severely starved. I don¡¯t know how he was even alive¡­¡±


    ¡°What about Axe, the big one?¡± Hao asked.


    ¡°Not too bad, broken collarbone, dislocated shoulder. He cuts on his face and chest and legs from falling on medicine bottles.¡± Senior Ya said, rubbing his forehead. ¡°He got a badge for the Outer sect trial. He was probably waiting at the trial ground before hearing about the trial being closed until the new mine was open. That would explain his outburst explained by people on the other teams.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s more interest you fought someone off with trial qualification unless you have them too.¡± Ya said. Giving Hao an expectant gaze.


    Hao could only shake his head. ¡°No, the rush of water went in many directions. I spat blood.¡± Hao said. Confused about his situation.


    Ya jumped forward, grabbing Hao¡¯s arm, running a finger down Hao¡¯s arm. ¡°Haaa¡­ This could have been worse. You could have crippled yourself.¡± Ya said, his face solidifying to stone.


    ¡°You have good comprehension. You learn fast, but your aptitude is not the greatest. Along with your injuries, you will have little to do here. This place used to be better. It once had pills that could repair bones and heal organs.¡±


    Ya shook his head, fiddling with a ring on his thumb, a nearly translucent bottle popping out. Ya placed the bottle into Hao¡¯s hand. ¡°If you have a place you belong, and don¡¯t belong here, you should leave the mountain.¡±


    ¡°Will they kill me?¡± Hao asked, his voice cracking.


    ¡°What? For a fight between servants? No, probably deduct contribution points.¡± Ya said.


    Hao¡¯s head went blank.


    ¡°Do you want to buy it then? The Mortal Mending pills? Just tell me where the rest of the spirit stones you hid are. They¡¯re trying hard to keep me from getting any,¡± Ya said, tapping the bottle down into Hao¡¯s hand.


    ¡°A patch of grass a short walk from my team¡¯s cabin. Wait, I thought you were saying I should run away.¡± Hao watched Senior Ya walking out of the room.


    ¡°I was, a lot of people will tonight and the next few days.¡± Ya said, ¡°Most of the facilities will shut down until the new tunnel is dug. Usually, it takes two days to prepare. Run if you want.¡±


    ¡°This place will only get worse until the Tiger returns to the mountain to punish the Monkey playing king.¡±