A New World: Middle Kingdom Book 1

by Mike Han

  Many a times our sword dueling practice would end in stalemate as Elder Hao called for a halt. He would then give us pointers. As our night training progressed daily, our skills improved greatly.

  And each night after our training, I would accompany Yu’Er back to her room. Though it was late, we would spend time talking and if it not because we had duties and chores the next day, would have probably talked through the night.

  During our rest days, Yu’Er would often pull me along with her as we spent the day at Balance Village or sightseeing the attractions and wonders nearby.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Character Name: Jun

  School: Balance

  Strength: Breath of Fresh Air

  Fame: No one know about you

  Ability:

  Comprehension (25%). Give a chance to comprehend a deeper meaning to your inner or skill learnt and evolved them into a different level. As your mastery of this ability improved, you will be able to learn skills faster.

  Inner:

  Calmness of the Lake (43%), Balance beginner Inner Technique. Gaining mastery in this inner, will strengthen your body and enhance your movement.

  Turbulent Waves (21%), a martial world inner Technique. Taught by the vagrant Feng Ren. Can be used with Finger Striking technique.

  Skills:

  Silky Palm (41%), Balance palm technique. A soft palm technique that scale with the inner technique used.

  Ghost Steps (38%), a movement technique. This technique improves the speed and evasion of the user. It was rumored to be the requisite for learning Chasing Shadow Sword, the legendary sword skill that had since been lost to the martial world.

  Chasing Shadow Sword (40%), a sword technique. A legendary skill that appeared in the martial world twenty years ago welded by Elder Hao from Balance Sect. Considered one of the top ten sword skills, it had been considered lost after he retired from the martial world.

  Finger Striking (31%), a range technique using pellets. This extraordinary skill feared by opponents for it lethality.

  The classroom training, personal tutelage and sparring with Yu’Er had greatly improved my understanding and usage of inners and skills.

  My understanding of this virtual world had also increased, as I realized that this world focused on skill based attacks and defense, which kind of made sense to me. Like the real world, no matter how much you train, realistically, you will die of any knife thrust into you. However you could learn defensive moves that could foil an attack and allowed you to live longer. Or probably wear some armors to give better protection, which I had yet to see anyone doing so.

  I mused that this might not make this virtual world appealing to gamers. A definite feedback to the developers.

  Thinking about this made me despondent, as I calculated that I had about a month of game time left. I could no longer differentiate if I was in a real world or virtual world. The interaction that I had, be it Elder Hao, Yu’Er or even the villain butler Wu, felt so lifelike, that if not for the constant stats page that I could call up, I would never believe I was in a virtual world. Sometime I wonder once I log out, would the developer reset the server, and that if I am ever back, would anyone remember me. I realized that thinking about this would not help me, and I resolved to enjoy this world as much as I can before I was brought out.

  “Jun! Jun! Where are you?” A voice called out above the dins of the noises in the mess hall, startling me from my thoughts. I looked up and saw Yang looking for me at the doorway. Half standing, I waved him over. At the sight of me, he hurried over. “Jun! You have been summoned to the Hall of Sages.”

  I was last to reach the Hall of Sages, in what seemed to be a gathering between the Grandmaster, Elders and Deacons. Acknowledging my hastily drawn bow with a nod, Grandmaster spoke up, “Now that everyone is here. Let’s start our discussion. This year the Five Sect Gathering is being held at Swallow Villa, Flying Dagger Sect in two weeks’ time. It seems that all the five sects will be sending representative for the “Swordsman Challenge”. Do we have anyone in mind to send for this year competition?”

  Noticing the puzzled look on my face, Elder Ming explained, “Since the defeat of the Evil Demon Clan, the five major participating sects have been organizing a yearly gathering between us, the sects taking turn hosting the event. The facedown between the righteous order and the Evil Demon Clan let the then-sect leaders realized the need to band together as a united front to prevent the rise of another unorthodox sect bent on evil doing. This gathering allowed the sects to come together in a yearly affair to share intelligence, build relationship and more importantly, a show of force to everyone on their strength.

  Though we are allies working together, it is still human nature to compete and often our younger disciples become hot-headed arguing which is the better school, which can result in fights and brawls. Therefore since the start of the Sect Gathering event, the “Swordsman Challenge” had been established, offering a chance for the individual schools to send representative for a friendly competition as an outlet for their combative nature. And no, it is not restricted to just swords, any weapons, bare fist or even hidden weapons are allowed. Though injuries and even death had occurred in the past, mostly there were unintentional. Winning is based on subduing the opponent or till one side called surrender.”

  “Does it mean that anyone can participate in the competition? Are there any rewards?” I inquired curiously.

  Deacon Woo, the youngest disciple of Elder Ming but already in his thirties, replied me smilingly, “There isn’t any limit set. Anyone could participate but mostly, the various sects would not send in their senior or new disciples, since the former would appear to be a break in protocol and the latter will be too inexperienced in combat. The winner will be allowed to choose from the rewards of the competition. These rewards are usually quite valuable items from the hosting sect and of course, the winner win fame as the disciple that beat the rest of the competition. The competition and gathering have become such a celebrated event, that other minor schools and sects have requested to join. So the competition will be rather fierce.”

  “I still can’t believe that Imperial School is so shameless to send in representation for this year gathering.” Yu’Er piped in angrily.

  “There was no evidence of their involvement in the attacks,” Elder Hao said soothingly. “We just have to be cautious in our dealing with them.” Yu’Er humph in frustration.

  “Do we have any suitable candidate that we would want to send from our graduating class?” Deacon Lee prompted.

  Elder Hao cleared his throat, drawing attention to himself, “Actually I would like to volunteer Jun for the competition.”

  “That’s an interesting proposal. Would it be a breach of protocol sending in one of our deacons?” Grandmaster asked.

  “Grandmaster, that is actually a very good suggestion from Elder Hao,” Deacon Lee interrupted. “Not only would it offer Jun a chance to gain experience and at the same time, build a name for himself when he takes up the post, it will also send a message to Imperial School. A dual message of strength and warning. Additionally Jun had only recently joined our sect and is still considered a junior disciple, and thus I do not see how it would be a breach of protocol.”

  Seeing that the rest of the Elders and Deacons were nodding in agreement, Grandmaster Tao accepted the recommendation, “Jun, you will be representing our sect. Do you have any questions or concerns?”

  Shaking my head, “I will do my best, Grandmaster and bring honor to our Sect.”

  With that my training intensified, especially the personal tutelage from Elder Hao and Yu’Er during the night. About a week before the event, Grandmaster had gathered everyone for the journey to Swallow Villa. Elder Ming will be staying behind to oversee the sect daily affairs as well as training of the rest of the disciples.

  Swallow Villa was located across the kingdom from Mount Pinnacle, where Balance Sect was located. A journey using mount would normally take two weeks
to reach our destination, but travelling using the central river running across the Middle would allow us to cut down our journey time to five days. Even so, travelling with such a large entourage required extensive planning and arrangements that was luckily managed by Deacon Lee, a very meticulous planner. The journey was pretty much uneventful and we were soon disembarking at the pier at Swallow Villa. At the pier, an escort of Flying Dagger disciples were awaiting for us, having received news of our arrival. We were brought to the guest lodging at Swallow Villa to settle in and I was soon summoned to join Grandmaster, Elder Hao and the Deacons in greeting the hosting leader.

  The leader of Flying Dagger Sect, Zhi Meng, a fortyish looking male, was accompanied by his eldest son and successor, Zhi Yu. Though the sect was well known in the martial world, it had always been shrouded in mystery and only after its participation in fighting the Evil Demon Clan was it acknowledged as one of the orthodox sects. The martial arts of Flying Dagger Sect were a different matter. There were no one who had not heard of their Flying Dagger skill, the namesake of their sect. Deadly and accurate, it was rumored that their expert can hit a falling apple from a hundred yards away. And if someone thought to eliminate their advantage in range by trapping them in a closed environment, they would be in a rude surprise trying to fend off their elegant but lethal Butterfly Knife skill, a set of close range twin dagger attack move, developed by one of their predecessor leader to counter such disadvantage. Yu’Er had given me a brief history overview of Flying Dagger Sect.

  “Welcome to our humble abode, Grandmaster Tao and honored guests of the Balance Sect.” Leader Zhi Meng greeted us, giving me a curious look in passing.

  “Thanks for having us, Zhi Meng. It has been a long time since we met.” Grandmaster Tao replied with a smile.

  Zhi Meng chuckled, “Yes it was. I see that you have someone new in your niche group. Who is this young man? Don’t tell me it’s Yu’Er husband-to-be?”

  Yu’Er blushed furiously, “Don’t tease me, Uncle Zhi Meng. He is Elder Hao’s disciple and just joined our sect.”

  He gave a laugh and continued, “Alright, I won’t tease you. It had been a long time since you visited us, we have missed you, especially Zhi Yu.” Turning to take a longer look at me, “Elder Hao’s disciple? That’s a first. I had thought that he would never take a disciple. Anyway, it had been a long journey for you all and you must be tired. With your arrival, all the accounted guests are here and we will be starting the event tomorrow. Have an early rest and I will see you all again tomorrow.”

  Taking our leave, we returned back to our guest abode.

  “Granddad, since it still early, can I go take a look at the nearby town?” Yu’Er pleaded with Grandmaster Tao. “I had heard from Zhi Yu that the shops in town sell exquisite items.” Yu’er was after all still an eighteen lass.

  Grandmaster Tao grunted, “I am astonished that you have still so much energy after such a long journey. I supposed so, if you willing to bring an escort along. Maybe you can…”

  Yu’Er grabbed my arm and pulled me off, shouting in passing, “Thanks granddad. I will bring Jun along to accompany me. Be back in a while.”

  “There are many other sect disciples around. Don’t antagonize anyone.” We were out of the doorway, and out of earshot before Elder Hao could finish his sentence, causing the rest to chuckle. “Young people. So much energy at their age.”

  Getting direction from one of the Flying Dagger sect disciple who was doing sentry duty, we were soon at Swallow Town. Swallow Town, having the namesake of Swallow Villa, was situated beside the central river that we had taken from Mount Pinnacle. Trade and security from being situated near Flying Dagger Sect were the main reasons that people had started setting up shops there, and the trade was so profitable that the town had become prosperous and was one of the major trading hubs in the western part of Middle Kingdom. As one of the gateway to the barbarian nations bordering to the west, it had brought in many exquisite imports from those nations, which interested Yu’Er.

  With lots of “woo” and “ah”, Yu’Er was pulling me from one stall to another as she gazed in admiration at the many rare imported items. One particular stall caught her attention. Many delicate bricked sized boxes were placed on the stall table. Yu’Er gingerly picked up one beautifully crafted box and looked at it with wide eyes.

  “That’s a very good selection that you picked there, miss. That jewelry box was crafted by a master craftsman from one of the barbarian nations far to the west. I got this from a trader that travelled 2 months to bring it here.” The stallholder pitched his sales to the mesmerized Yu’Er. “Look at the material of that box. It is fine wood that took many months to craft and plane to get that finishing. You can’t find it anywhere else.” Looking at me, he gave a wink and continued, “Young sir, why don’t you get this as a gift for your sweetheart.”

  With a start and a deep blush, Yu’Er stammered, “He, he is not my sweetheart.”

  Chuckling, I asked the stallholder, “How much for that box?”

  A voice interrupted, “isn’t this Miss Yu’Er from Balance Sect. How have you been? You liked that jewelry box? Let me get that for you.”

  Looking up, it was Shi Ting from Imperial School, and accompanying him were his crones, as well as Bulter Wu.

  “Well, well. If it isn’t the jackals from Imperial School. I was wondering what animals are making so much noises.” Yu’Er replied insultingly.

  The cronies drew up at the insults from Yu’Er, but a quick wave from Shi Ting had them stood down. He smiled and said, “I believed that Yu’Er had a misunderstanding with us. Why don’t we let bygones be bygones and let me get you that jewelry box you liked so much as an apology gift from us?”

  Turning dismissively from them, Yu’Er pulled me along, “Come on Jun. Let’s head back to Swallow Villa. My mood is now ruined seeing these despicable people.”

  Back at the villa, as Yu’Er began to make her way back to her room, I held out my hand and stopped her. Pulling out a jewelry box from my bag, her eyes were wide opened as I handed the box to her. “I noticed that you seem to like this jewelry box a lot. So I took the chance and got it for you as a gift.”

  “But, but, when did you get this?” Yu’Er stuttered in surprise.

  In an embarrassed tone, “Well, remember as we were walking off, I said I need to use the toilet. I went back and got this for you.”

  Yu’Er suddenly threw her arms around my neck and gave me a tight hug, and as sudden, pushed me away and ran off, blushing furiously. Leaving me very puzzled at her actions.

  Chapter Fourteen

  In the morning, after our breakfast, we were escorted by Flying Dagger disciples to the main hall. There, we saw the other major sects and schools, as well as some minor, entering the hall and the leaders and elders taking their seats, with the hosting sect at the head of the seats.

  Once everyone was settled, Flying Dagger sect leader Zhi Ming announced, “Welcome everyone to Flying Dagger Sect. This year, our sect is honored to host this gathering event and other than the major sects, we bid welcome to guests from the other schools and sects as well.

  The next two days will be private meetings and discussions between the leaders and elders of your sect or school. The highly anticipated Swordsman Challenge will be held on the third day. And our last day will be a feast to conclude this year event. We will now invite all the leaders and elders into the inner hall, while the rest of the disciples, please feel free to mingle or visit the town at your leisure.”

  With that, the leaders and elders from the various schools and sects were invited into the inner hall, while we were left to mix around in the main hall. Yu’Er and the other deacons had joined in for the meeting, however it was agreed that since I was still relative new and not yet a deacon, I would not have to join in. That had left me standing there wondering if I should go around making acquaintances, as I saw disciples from various sects and schools moving around meeting past friends and allies, when I felt
someone tapping my shoulder from behind.

  Turning around, I saw Min smiling warmly at me, with Mei and Ren just behind her. “Jun! I am so glad to see you. We were wondering if you will be turning up for this year gathering.”

  Glad to see someone I knew, “Min, Ren and Mei, are you all here to participate as well? Who else came with you?”

  Min grinned and said, “Priestess Changqun is here as well but she went in with the rest of the leaders for the meeting. Oh, why didn’t you go for the meeting? Aren’t you a deacon too?”

  “No. I am still a disciple in training only.”

  “Oh, that’s right. I forgot you just recently joined. Heh, blame that on your outstanding sword skill. So are you joining the ‘Swordsman Challenge’?” Min asked.

  “Yup. I be joining. Will you girls be joining too?”

  At my affirmation that I be joining the challenge, her face fell. “Oh, looks like I had no chance. I mean I knew the other major sects’ disciples will be strong too but with Jun joining, I would have even lesser chance.” Min mourned.

  Ren and Mei gave a laugh and pat her on the shoulder in comfort. “Well, at least your brother Jun can help avenge you if you lose early.” Mei joked, causing Min to blush.

  “Is Will here as well?” Min abruptly asked, obviously trying to change the subject.

  “He wanted to come but the elders reminded him that he still had classes to teach so he couldn’t make it. If he knew you girls are coming, I am sure he will disobey the orders and make his way here.” After that, we had then went into town and spent the rest of the day and the next exploring the town and the surroundings. Yu’Er had managed to join us after the meeting on the first day, but due to her responsibilities as a deacon, she couldn’t join us for the rest of the day, which caused her to complain incessantly to her granddad about missing out on having fun.