Chapter 2: New Martial Dojo
This day is the start for the registration of new students and all enrollees have the same chance to impress the teachers and elders of the Ancient White Sect.
The sky is gorgeous red, with no heavy clouds blocking the sunlight. Underneath are thousand people, mainly boys above the age of 11 and their parents accompanying them. They marched forward to the newly built martial dojo. As expected, the school was never lacking in any aspects. It was very wide able to fit them all, and the school is tall and majestic-looking. They eyed the emblem of Ancient White Sect plastered on its plaque, even larger than the name of the school. At entrance, the most eye-catching are those arenas in the middle of the ground. Boys sweat in nervousness as their parents cheer them up. They nodded but their determination once again weakens when they saw more teenagers coming holding large swords and sabers. There is grim look on their faces as if they are ready to slaughter anyone on their way. The crowd willingly opened a path for them as they headed to the chairs near the stage.
"Ah, what a nice day is it. I'm excited for the battle scenes. I hope little brother won't be paired with those ferocious-looking youths."
"Ah yes. I hope so. They are tigers among lambs. I won't be surprised if they break their opponent's bones."
"Don't praise them. They are nothing but proud pigs. I can slaughter them one-handed."
"Don't say that. You might offend their clan. Don't you know they are well-known young masters? Maybe most of them are money-throwing debauchees but I heard some really practiced hard everyday. It seems we are not the only determined ones to fight for the school."
"No, they are not eyeing for a position in the school. After all, they could hire private tutors themselves. It's just that being a top member of school ranks automatically makes you an inner disciple of the Ancient White Sect. And I heard only the members of the sect can travel abroad for a better education. Aren't they envying?"
"Ha!-ha! We'll see about that."
The groups of commoners and rich gang eyed each other, silently threatening each other. Nobody is willing to back down. Not until the host for the program made his way to the stage and announced the arrival of the founder sect.
"Everybody please take a sit as we will about to start the most awaited of all. But before that, let's welcome the sole founder of the school, the greatest, and most powerful sect of all -the Ancient White Sect!"
Clap clap clap clap clap clap...
Elder Zu, the head of the sect motioned for everybody to settle down. The elder looks kind and cheerful but has a dignified aura of a strong cultivator. Levi could feel his vibe released openly. He could not resist to look at the beautiful maiden Marell dressed in a white martial robe. She is turning her gaze around, must be trying to find him. He smiled. The announcer continued.
"And now, I want to introduce to you the teachers who will be responsible for teaching these future geniuses the path of greatness. They will also judge the young men's performance. Here they are!..."
Another applause after the long introduction.
"And now, for everyone to be clear, let me restate the rules and regulations:
This is a friendly competetion for young men to be able to showcase their talent, ability, potential for practicing martial arts. Their flexibility, endurance, stamina, and other more will be judged and as long as you perform well, even if you did not win, you can have the chance of attracting the attention of our esteemed teachers.
Under no right can a fighter take the life of his opponent unless by accident. Paralyzing, amputating or decapitating of any parts of your opponent is also prohibited and is punishable by the same act. In short, if you kill your opponent, you will be killed. If you cut their hand, your hand will be cut. As simple as that.
And lastly, boys with the age not lower than twelve and not higher than eighteen may only participate. But if you are a girl and wishes to partcipate, you are also welcome, however with an additional fee of 200 silvers. Anyone who partcipate in the trial must also pay an exact amount of 500 silvers and must sign his enrollment contract with his parents. Now, if anyone violates the rule, you will be casted off.
We have 90 participants for today. And you will be paired with an opponent of the same age. Let the battle begin!"
The crowd cheered as the gongs are striked loudly. The hosts announced the name of the partcipants who will fight. There were five arenas which means 10 will be on stage. All these boys were hot-blooded and they did not hesitate to enter the arena with a determined face.
"Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!..."
Ten were immediately on stage. Crowd were screaming their name. Under the blazing rays of the sun, they all stood motionless, observing their own opponent like a snake would do on its prey.
Crack crack!
Their knuckles cracked when they clenched their fists tightly. Their glare becoming more and more intense. It's as if fire is literally burning on those eyes. Even the elders and teachers were slightly anxious and excited on the upcoming fight. They were petting their beard as they observed them very carefully.
"It will be bloody battle."
"Yes, Elder Sung. I agree with that."
"Hmm..."
"But they were only commoners. What martial arts can they execute?"
"Don't underestimate them. They all grew up living in hardship. This toughens their body and will even more. I can see hunger very much evident on their eyes."
"Yes yes, sure."
And the sound of the signal came unexpected.
Gong! Gong! Gong!
"Hyaaaaaaahhh!"
"Hyaaaaaaahhh!"
They rushed to each other very madly. Everyone is eagerly anticipating their clash.
"Hyaaaaaaaahhh!"
...
*punch punch punch!
*kick kick kick!
*stomp stomp stomp!
*knee knee knee!
*elbow elbow elbow!
*mug mug mug!
*wrestle wrestle
All the teachers wide-mouth and their eyes are as big as full moon.
While the crowds cheering in the loudest they can!
"Go brother! Go brother! Go go go go go brother!"
"That's it! Pummel him! Kick him!"
"That's my big bro! Go eat him! That's right!"
The elders immdiately closed their mouth but their eyes reflect disappointment.
"Elder Sung, didn't you say they are exceptional remarkable talented martial artists? I'm impressed! I didn't expect the elder to be a good jokester. Hahahaha!"
Elder Sung looked green and his lips twitch. "Shut up!"
Levi looked away after the clash. He looked at the direction of the young masters. He is keeping an eye on this Zhu guy. The Zhu guy actually noticed his gaze and turned to his direction. Their eyes met for a few seconds and Zhu frowned and paid no more attention. He joined the other young masters at laughing on the commoners silly moves that looks like cat and dog fighting.
The day was short and it's already noon. This time is the young masters' fight. All eyes watched them as they walked up to the stage in a slow motion. Every breath is loud like a snort and every stomp leaves deep footprints. The bored elders immdiately lightened when they saw their grandsons.
"So excited."
Gong! Gong!
All of them did not waste anytime. Raising their sabers and blades up high in the air, they charged to each other.
Slash!
A powerful shockwave pushed the crowd slightly upon the first clash. All of them were astonished while the elders are chuckling.
The Zhu guy unexpectedly made his opponent retreat six steps while he didn't even budge. Without waiting for his opponent to settle, he raised his saber and slashed it horizontally with a great force. His opponent blocked it but it was futile, he was holding a sword and the sharp edge back-fired him. The opponent was thrown to the edge of the arena. The wood balustrade aren't able to stop his inertia.
"Out! Zhu Fengtian wins!"
The crowd broke into louder cheers. Wow! The fight only lasted for three seconds! They can't believe that young masters are really powerful. They already have solid foundation and are the best candidates for becoming genius cultivators.
"Zhu Fengtian! Zhu Fengtian!..."
Zhu Fengtian has a proud expression. He saluted the crowd and the elders before he came down. All eyes are glued in him. But some eyes do not look too happy about it. Including Levi. There were something in his eyes which is envy. He could only sigh.
Most of the group performed extraordinarily well. They are clearly taught martial skills from their clan. Especially three of the rich gang and two of the commoners' group were the hot favorite, including a fierce female holding a broadsword. The teachers were not that satisfied by today's outcome but they were eagerly anticipating the later rounds and trial be performed tomorrow. Today was the last day of registration. Levi submitted his enrollment form.
"Why don't it have the name and signature of your parents?"
"I'm an orphan. I live alone."
"I see." He pressed a stamp and included it on the stack of forms. "Come early tomorrow. You will take the trial."
"Yes, sir." Levi glanced at the direction of Marell once more. He saw her talking happily with Zhu Fengtian. Sigh... He turned around exactly when she glanced at him.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone