C1 – Chu Yangxiang
In Zhenhai City, located within Xuanwu County of the Nine States Empire, the Chu Family was a hive of activity. The Emperor had issued decrees to the descendants of the five Marquises in Xuanwu County, a matter that directly impacted the Chu Family’s future. The family’s patriarch wasted no time, deploying every available resource to prepare for the arrival of the imperial messenger, Chuanzhiguan.
With tears brimming in his eyes, the patriarch of the Chu Family expressed his gratitude, “The Emperor has been so kind to us. At last, we are remembered.”
It was only after the Chuanzhiguan had disappeared into the distance that the patriarch returned to his mansion to pore over the imperial edict with great care. “The Zhenhai Marquis once earned illustrious merits for our nation, and I have not forgotten,” the decree read. “Should the Chu Family’s descendants place in the top three of the Martial Examination within two years, I will reinstate the title of Zhenhai Marquis and allow this honor to be passed down for seven generations.”
With trembling hands, Mater Chu reverently placed the edict before the ancestral tablets and knelt solemnly. “Ancestors of the Chu Family, please bestow your blessings upon us to restore our family’s former glory. No matter the cost, the descendants of the Chu Family shall harbor no regrets.”
Chu Yangxiang let out a groan as he slowly opened his eyes, which shone with a piercing coldness. His determined expression revealed a man of stubborn resolve. “Chu Xiaoxiang,” he declared, “if I fail to avenge this wrong, I am no longer human.” He enunciated each word with deliberate intensity.
Clad in a tattered gray hemp tunic, his body was a tapestry of bruises, a shocking testament to his ordeal. These injuries were inflicted by Chu Xiaoxiang and others after Chu Yangxiang had assessed his Martial Dao Talent at the Chu Family Courtyard and was on his way home.
The previous morning, upon receiving the imperial edict, Chu Qingyong had promptly ordered the family’s test to be held a year early. Children between the ages of ten and fifteen were eligible to partake in the assessment of their Martial Dao Talent, a measure of one’s potential longevity in the martial arts realm.
Individuals with Grade 1 Martial Dao Talent have the potential to become Profound Warriors, while those with Grade 2 Martial Dao Talent can rise to become Profound Masters, and those with Grade 3 Martial Dao Talent may reach the rank of Profound General.
Those blessed with Martial Dao Talent can cultivate Profound Power, a prerequisite for mastering Martial Skills. Without such talent, one might at best become a relatively formidable soldier.
For this reason, individuals with Martial Dao Talent are held in much higher esteem than those without.
Every parent dreams of their child’s success.
Peripheral members of the Chu Family seized the opportunity to have their children tested. Upon hearing the news, they wasted no time and promptly brought their offspring to the Chu Family Courtyard.
The Chu Family, the most prominent in Zhenhai City, descended from the Zhenhai Marquis, after whom the city is named. The Chu Family and its affiliates make up a fifth of the city’s population.
Over the past century, the descendants of the Zhenhai Marquis have grown to tens of thousands. The Chu Family’s records show a total of 36,560 individuals.
“This is truly enviable. I must go inform Chu Tianwen.”
After the test, a Chu Family elder beamed at Chu Yangxiang. “Young man, join us in the inner courtyard for training tomorrow morning. I see great potential in you.”
Chu Yangxiang bowed respectfully. “Rest assured, I will arrive bright and early.”
Overwhelmed with excitement, Chu Yangxiang could hardly believe he had a Grade 1 Martial Dao Talent. Now, his parents could look forward to a future free from hardship.
“Dad, Mom, I promise to provide you with a life of wealth.”
Chu Yangxiang was eager to return home and share the fantastic news with his parents.
Suddenly, a group of about a dozen individuals appeared. Leading them was a slightly portly man dressed in a green silk robe.
He was Chu Xiaoxiang, the son of the second young master, Chu Yuexing. Endowed with a Grade 2 Martial Dao Talent, he was a favorite of the family head.
He regarded Chu Yangxiang with a mocking air. “I see potential in you. I’ll offer you two choices. First, become my subordinate, and I’ll protect you. You’ll hand over half of your monthly resources to me. Alternatively, I beat you now, and you’ll never be able to cultivate again.”
The defiant Chu Yangxiang would never consent.
Chu Xiaoxiang smirked coldly. “You’ll come around.”
With a gesture, the children from the Chu Family Courtyard behind him lunged at Chu Yangxiang.
Most were warriors who had undergone cultivation. Chu Yangxiang, weakened by poor nutrition, was unable to fend off their assault.
Chu Huixiang’s father, a warrior of the Chu Family, sported a distinctive tuft of black hair on his right cheek, earning him the nickname “Tuft of Hair.” Despite possessing a Grade 1 Talent, he was known for his slow learning pace.
He gave Chu Yangxiang a sharp kick and threatened, “If you don’t agree, I’ll beat you every time I see you.”.