Wutong City, located within the Dawu Dynasty, was an ancient and vibrant place. Its towering walls, constructed from sturdy bluestone, had stood the test of time and remained unyielding. At the city gates, guards clad in gleaming armor and armed with long spears stood in solemn vigil over the entrance.
The streets of Wutong City were wide and orderly, with throngs of pedestrians moving across the paved bluestone. The shops lining the streets were filled with an array of goods. From the taverns came the clamor of merchants and travelers exchanging the latest news. At the heart of the city, the magnificent mansion of the Xu Family stood out in particular.
The Xu Family was a prestigious and wealthy clan in Wutong City, with business interests spanning commerce, agriculture, and many other sectors throughout the city. The mansion's main gate, crafted from thick mahogany and carved with intricate patterns, served as a testament to the family's glory and status. Inside, the grounds were shaded by lush trees and vibrant flowers, with a fountain bubbling nearby—a scene as beautiful as a painting.
In a spacious room within this mansion, a young man sat quietly by the window. This was Xu Tiancai. At fifteen years old, he was handsome, with eyes that revealed both intelligence and determination. His dark, lustrous hair was tied back neatly. As he gazed out at the world beyond the window, his heart was filled with visions of the future.
Xu Tiancai had grown up in this affluent household, yet he had not become arrogant or spoiled. On the contrary, he was diligent and eager to learn, filled with curiosity about everything around him. Throughout his upbringing, he had heard countless legends and stories about the lands of other worlds—tales of mysterious Mages, powerful warriors, wondrous Alchemists, and awe-inspiring beast tamers, all of which fascinated him.
However, in this world where martial prowess was paramount, Xu Tiancai ultimately chose the path of a warrior. This was not a moment of impulse, but a decision born of deep reflection. He knew well that in a world fraught with danger and challenges, only by possessing formidable strength could he protect himself and his family, and realize his dreams.
To achieve his goal, Xu Tiancai began his arduous training. Every morning, as the first rays of sunlight touched the earth, he would rise and head to the family's training grounds. The grounds were expansive, paved with hard stone, and equipped with various training apparatuses.
Dressed in light training gear with a black belt tied around his waist, Xu Tiancai looked full of vigor. He began with physical conditioning, including running, push-ups, and sit-ups. His movements were precise and powerful, each one radiating strength. Sweat rolled down his cheeks, but he paid it no mind, remaining focused on his training.
Running was a mandatory part of his daily regimen. He would circle the training grounds with a steady, powerful stride. As time passed, his speed increased and his breathing grew heavy, but he did not stop. He knew that only by constantly challenging himself could he improve his physical fitness.
Push-ups and sit-ups were also key focuses. With his hands planted on the ground, he kept his body in a straight line, slowly lowering himself before pushing back up with force. Every movement was imbued with power, his muscles working through constant contraction and expansion. For sit-ups, he would lie on the ground, knees bent and hands behind his head, lifting his torso with intensity to thoroughly work his abdominal muscles.
After finishing his physical training, Xu Tiancai moved on to weapon practice. He had chosen the longsword, a common yet practical weapon. Standing in the center of the training grounds with his sword in hand, his gaze was focused and resolute. He began with basic sword forms—thrusting, cleaving, chopping, and flicking. His movements were fluid and natural, full of power and speed.
The thrust was one of the most fundamental techniques. Xu Tiancai held the sword, leaned forward slightly, and struck out with force. His motion was swift and accurate, the tip of the blade piercing toward its target like a lightning bolt. When cleaving, he would raise the sword high and strike down as if to split everything before him in two. His chopping and flicking techniques were equally impressive, each infused with both power and finesse.
During his practice, Xu Tiancai also emphasized practical application. He would set up dummies as targets to practice both offense and defense. His movements were agile, allowing him to react instantly, evade attacks, and deliver a lethal blow.
Beyond physical and weapon training, Xu Tiancai also focused on cultivating his internal energy. In this world, internal energy was the source of a warrior's power. Through meditation and breathing exercises, he worked to elevate his internal strength. He would sit in a corner of the training grounds, close his eyes, and regulate his breathing to bring his body and mind into a state of tranquility. Then, he would guide his internal energy to flow through his body, sensing its formidable power.
Cultivating internal energy was a long and arduous process, requiring great patience and perseverance. Xu Tiancai spent a significant portion of his day on this, knowing that only with a powerful reserve of internal energy could he exert his full potential in battle.
During his training, Xu Tiancai encountered many difficulties and challenges. At times, he was injured from overexertion, but he never gave up. He would seek treatment from the family doctor and immediately return to his training. Occasionally, he would encounter advanced sword techniques that were difficult to master, but he remained undeterred, practicing repeatedly until he succeeded.
Xu Tiancai’s effort and persistence did not go unnoticed by his family. His father, Xu Feng, the head of the Xu Family and a powerful warrior himself, saw his son’s progress and felt a sense of gratification and pride. He decided to hire a superior teacher to guide his son’s training.
After some searching, Xu Feng finally found a grandmaster of swordsmanship named Li Jian. Li Jian was an experienced warrior with masterful technique and profound internal energy. He had earned great honors on the battlefield and was a highly respected figure.
Upon arriving at the Xu Family, Li Jian put Xu Tiancai through a rigorous assessment. Recognizing the boy’s potential and dedication, he agreed to take him as a disciple. From that day on, Xu Tiancai’s training became even more grueling. Li Jian did not merely teach him advanced sword techniques; he instructed him on how to maintain composure and reason in the heat of battle, and how to unleash his full potential.
Under Li Jian’s guidance, Xu Tiancai’s progress accelerated. His swordplay became increasingly refined, and his internal energy grew more profound. He began participating in internal family competitions, sparring with other members of the clan. In these contests, he displayed his formidable strength and combat skills, winning unanimous praise from all.
However, Xu Tiancai was not satisfied with his progress. He knew that his path was long and that many more challenges awaited him. He decided to leave the family and head out into the wider world to explore and seek greater opportunities to sharpen his abilities.
Before his departure, Xu Tiancai went to his father’s study. He looked at his father with a gaze filled with determination and confidence. "Father, I have decided to leave the family and venture into the outside world. I believe that only by constantly challenging myself can I become a truly powerful warrior," Xu Tiancai said.
Xu Feng looked at his son, feeling deeply moved. He knew that his son had grown up and now had his own dreams and pursuits. He nodded and said, "Very well, my son. I believe that you will surely realize your dreams. In the world out there, be cautious and prudent; do not give up easily when you encounter difficulties. Remember, the family will always be your support."
Xu Tiancai nodded, then turned and left the study. Carrying his dreams and convictions, he stepped onto a new journey. In this world of unknowns, he would continue to write his own legend.