The Courage of an Orphan
The forest was silent, save for the distant rustling of leaves stirred by the wind. Huang, a fifteen-year-old boy standing about five feet seven inches tall, with a lean, fair yet athletic build, walked shirtless, his shirts often tore for no apparent reason. He wore dark pants and simple sandals. Crouched behind a tree, his heart pounded in his chest. He could hear the heavy breathing of the beast pursuing him.
It was a Rank 1 beast monstrous, humanoid rabbit nearly two meters tall, with glowing red eyes and razor-sharp fangs.
Huang knew he was in danger. He was just a mortal, with no martial training, but life at the orphanage had taught him resilience. He gripped a piece of wood he had found on the ground his only weapon against the creature now staring at him with a sadistic grin, its teeth stained with blood.
With an agile leap, the rabbit lunged, moving with surprising speed. Huang barely managed to react, narrowly dodging its fangs. Spinning, he tried to strike the beast with the stick, but it was too fast, easily evading his clumsy blows.
The fight was clearly one-sided, and Huang knew it. He was exhausted, his legs trembling from fatigue, and his wounds were bleeding heavily. But he couldn’t give up. He thought of the other children at the orphanage, who depended on him for food and protection. With a shout of determination, he attacked again, aiming for the beast’s eyes.
Suddenly, a powerful presence made the air around him tremble. Huang felt a surge of energy flow through his body, and the rabbit froze mid-attack, its eyes wide with fear. The boy looked around, trying to find the source of the overwhelming sensation.
About a hundred meters away, an elder hovered in the air. He wore a green robe with golden patterns and accessories that amplified his power. His penetrating gaze was fixed on the scene below he was the cultivator of the Lower Sky Rank, an imposing figure with an aura of authority and wisdom. With a simple gesture, he unleashed an ocular technique that caused the beast to explode into a cloud of dust.
Still stunned, Huang watched the Elder descend slowly to the ground. His green robe bore the insignia of a diamond crane with emerald eyes. The elder smiled enigmatically.
“You have courage, boy,” the elder said, his voice deep and resonant. “But courage alone is not enough. Come with me, and I’ll teach you the true path of martial arts.”
Huang stood in silence, both shocked and grateful. He knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Hesitantly, he asked the man’s name.
The elder chuckled.
“You may call me Elder Emerald. And you, young one?”
“Huang,” he replied instinctively.
“Then you shall be Di Huang,” the elder said with a smile.
Huang grimaced.
“How about Huang Di? That sounds better, doesn’t it?”
The elder hesitated. Giving one’s family name to another was a high honor, and the boy didn’t seem to understand that. Still, he agreed, though slightly disappointed.
That day would forever be marked on Huang Di’s life calendar as March 9th, 1548, of the Empire, on the Blue Waters Continent.
Preparing for Destiny
In the years that followed, Huang Di was taken to a mountain near the Golden Crane Sect, where the Elder subjected him to rigorous training. He learned about the various cultivation ranks, from the Foundation Rank to the highest levels, such as the Emperor Rank. Every single day, he dedicated himself fully, determined to prove his worth and become a true disciple of the sect.
The mountain was cloaked in a light mist; its steep slopes covered in dense vegetation. Huang Di stood at the entrance of a small wooden hut, watching the sunrise with a contemplative gaze. He had spent the past few years living on that mountain, under the tutelage of the Emerald Elder, who though not officially his master had become a central figure in his life.
The Emerald Elder, a man with a stern appearance and commanding presence, refused to teach Huang Di the techniques of the Golden Crane Sect.
“You are not yet an official disciple,” he would say, his voice firm yet not without a hint of kindness. “You must first prove your worth.”
Despite the lack of formal instruction, the Elder subjected Huang Di to harsh training. He made him run up and down the mountain, carry heavy stones, and repeat basic combat movements countless times. The goal was to strengthen both his body and his mind, preparing him for the true path of martial cultivation.
“A true warrior is not measured by skill alone,” the elder often reminded him. “But also, by determination and endurance. You must be ready to face whatever trials destiny puts in your path.”
Huang Di followed his guidance with unwavering dedication, even when his body cried out for rest. He knew that every drop of sweat, every aching muscle, brought him closer to his dream of becoming a sect disciple.
One day, after an especially grueling training session, the Emerald Elder finally spoke of the test.
“You’re almost ready,” he said, evaluating Huang Di with sharp eyes. “Soon, you’ll have the chance to prove yourself and earn your place in the Golden Crane Sect.”
A surge of anxiety and anticipation rushed through Huang Di. He knew the test would be difficult, but he was determined to face it head-on.
“What should I expect?” he asked, doing his best to keep his voice steady.
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The elder gave a faint smile.
“The test to become an outer disciple is only the beginning. It will challenge your strength, endurance, and determination. But you, young man, should not settle for the easy path. You must aim for the test to become an inner disciple far more demanding.”
Huang Di nodded, his resolve strengthening. He knew the road to becoming an inner disciple would be steep, but he was ready to take on any challenge.
“I’m ready,” he declared with conviction.
The Emerald Elder looked at him with a mixture of pride and concern.
“Very well. But remember this test is not only a trial of physical strength. It will also challenge your intelligence, your ability to make quick decisions, and your resistance to pressure.”
On the day of the test, Huang Di rose early, his mind sharp and his body prepared. He followed the elder to the sect’s entrance, where a crowd of candidates had already gathered. He scanned the other young hopefuls around him, bearing their own dreams and ambitions.
The Emerald Elder paused at the gate, turned to Huang Di, and placed a firm hand on his shoulder.
“This is your moment,” he said. “Go and show them what you’re capable of.”
Now eighteen years old his birthday recently passed on the 7th of March, Year 1551 of the Empire Huang Di was ready to face the trial that would determine his future. He knew the path ahead would be harsh, but he was resolute. With a determined gaze and an unshakable will, he took his first step toward destiny.
With one final look of confidence, Huang Di crossed the threshold into the sect, prepared to face the test that would change his life forever.
The First Confrontation
The long-awaited day of the disciple admission test had arrived. The central square of the Golden Crane Sect was a scene of controlled chaos. Young aspirants from all over the realm gathered, each waiting for their turn to apply for the coveted title of sect disciple. The air was thick with anticipation and tension as an elder, floating above the crowd on his gleaming sword, gave the signal for registration to begin.
Huang Di observed the scene intently, his heart pounding. He knew there wouldn’t be enough spots for everyone, only the most exception would succeed. He studied the movements of the candidates who stood out, trying to understand what it would take to shine. Like a parrot mimicking its master, he absorbed every detail, determined to earn a place among the best.
Despite his ragged clothing and humble appearance, Huang Di wasn’t shaken by the scornful and arrogant looks cast his way. Many of the youths present came from influential families, dressed in fine garments and equipped with gear that enhanced their abilities enchanted swords, protective amulets, and other magical artifacts.
When he finally reached the front of the registration line, a young nobleman eyed him with clear disgust and whispered something to his servant known as Mad Dog. He, understanding his master’s intent, stepped forward toward Huang Di, releasing a powerful third-level Aura of the Profound Rank that radiated menacing pressure.
“In a hurry, are you? Go right ahead,” Huang Di said with a wry smile, attempting to mask his surprise and confusion at the sudden hostility.
Mad Dog, annoyed by Huang Di’s apparent calmness, wasted no time with words. He lunged with a powerful punch aimed at the young man’s abdomen, clearly trying to cripple him and destroy his chances of practicing martial arts. Huang Di, sensing the danger, reacted instinctively and narrowly dodged the blow. Even the force of the attack’s wind pressure was enough to shake him he realized the Mad Dog hadn’t even used his full strength.
The crowd, excited by the prospect of a fight, formed a wide circle around them, eager to witness the clash. The young master looked on with disdain, his expression filled with impatience.
The Mad Dog sneered openly at Huang Di.
“You really are a bumpkin. Still at the first level of the Profound Rank at your age? What a waste.”
Huang Di, remaining calm, replied firmly,
“Age doesn’t determine talent. Let’s see who the real waste is.”
The crowd, divided between backing the Mad Dog and the arrogant noble or rooting for the underdog, watched with growing interest. Some had already started betting, while others murmured predictions about the outcome.
At the center of the Golden Crane Sect’s Plaza, a large crowd buzzed with tension and excitement. Elder Meng Lu, examiner of the entrance test and an external elder of the sect, observed the scene from above, floating on his sword. He was responsible for deciding who would be accepted into the sect a duty he carried with pride. When he noticed the fight threatening to erupt into chaos, he initially considered stepping in. But as he recognized the individuals involved, a cunning smile crept across his face.
“How can I benefit from this?” he muttered to himself, watching the confrontation with renewed interest.
The Decisive Duel
Huang Di and the Mad Dog were locked in a fierce battle. The crowd formed a tight circle around them, their cheers and gasps blending with the sounds of clashing strikes and the labored breathing of the fighters.
Confident in his superiority, Mad Dog advanced with heavy blows. He wore gray wolf-leather armor that gleamed under the sun, its small spikes tearing Huang Di’s skin with every impact, leaving red streaks across his arms and hands. Huang Di knew he had to end the fight quickly before exhaustion and blood loss overwhelmed him.
The crowd, once divided, began to favor Mad Dog, and the betting intensified. Many Elder Meng Lu, including wagered on the Mad Dog, convinced of his imminent victory. Odds stood at two to one for Mad Dog, and five to one against the ragged underdog. A brave few believed in an upset and placed bets on the dark horse.
Meanwhile, two elders watched the spectacle from above the clouds. One was Elder Emerald, Huang Di’s unofficial master; the other, his disciple Lu Feng, now the sect’s current leader. Lu Feng criticized his master for not preparing his chosen one better, not even giving him decent clothes. Elder Emerald, however, chuckled softly.
“I want to see how long it takes for him to reveal his true strength,” he said, his eyes narrowed with interest.
Realizing that the odds had soared to ten to one, Huang Di pulled out a pouch containing fifty medium-grade spirit stones and handed it to a young girl in the crowd who supported him. Surprised by the amount but trusting him, she hurried off to place the bet.
Despite the disadvantage, Huang Di remained calm. He recalled the elder’s teachings especially the “light steps” technique, which boosted his reaction speed and agility. At first, he used it with only modest success, but as the fight progressed, it evolved, becoming remarkably effective.
With a swift motion, he dodged a direct strike, spinning his body lightly. Mad Dog, surprised by Huang Di’s newfound agility, hesitated for a moment. It was the opening Huang Di had been waiting for.
With a rapid, precise sequence, Huang Di began targeting the Mad Dog weak spots. He struck between the armor plates, pressing into acupuncture points with the tips of his fingers. Feeling the shift in momentum, the Mad Dog tried to recover but Huang Di was relentless.
The crowd, once sure of the Mad Dog victory, now began to witness the raw talent of the ragged youth. The odds began to balance. Some in the audience even started cheering for Huang Di.
Sensing the perfect moment, Huang Di decided to end the fight. He focused, channeling all his energy and concentration. He delivered a powerful combo: a punch to the stomach to knock the wind out of his opponent, followed by a strike to the chin that caused Mad Dog to bite his tongue.
Staggering, off-balance and dazed, the Mad Dog swayed. Huang Di seized the chance and unleashed a spinning kick that struck the side of the Mad Dog head. The impact was so fierce it sent him crashing to the ground, unconscious, foam bubbling from his mouth.
For a moment, silence fell over the crowd. Then, like a crashing wave, applause and cheers erupted through the plaza. The little girl beamed as she ran up to Huang Di, holding the pouch full of winnings.
In the sky, Elder Emerald and Lu Feng wore contrasting expressions. The elder, smiling proudly, said,
“I knew he had it in him. All he needed was a little pressure to awaken it.”
Panting, Huang Di looked around. He knew he had earned more than just a victory he had won the respect of those who had once looked down on him. The girl handed him the pouch with a bright smile.
“Thank you,” Huang Di said, accepting the reward.
He knew that though this was only the first battle, the road ahead had only just begun.
