A New World: Middle Kingdom Book 1

by Mike Han

  “You were great. I am not being conceit, but no one had defeated me in hand to hand combat before. This is actually the first time I lost.” Pu conceded tiredly as we walked off the ground.

  I gave a snort and said, “I was lucky. If your internal was just a slight better than mine, I would have lost.”

  We gave a smile to each other and promised to have a rematch someday. Then we gave a fist bump and left for our own section. Min was ecstatic as I passed her section and she gave me a big wave.

  Back at Balance Sect side, everyone was excited over my win, especially the fact that I had gone head to head with Iron Palm Sect using bare handed skills, their strength. Grandmaster and Elder gave me a nod of approval, while the Deacons were happy, justified of my ability as a future deacon. On the other hand, Yu’Er was visibly upset with me. I should have used my sword skill or use Finger Striking to deflect his attacks, were some of the issues that she brought up. The more she nagged though, the happier I got, as I realized that she was genuinely anxious about me, rather than my win. When she saw that I was grinning in spite of her scolding, she blushed and ignored me, turning back to the next match.

  When Butler Wu stepped into the dueling ground, it was obviously people were still upset with his previous wins, from some soft booing that could be heard in the background, some originating from the section Flying Dagger Sect was occupying. When Peng, the disciple from Beggar Sect entered next, seeing that Wu was bare handed, ignored that and drew out his quarterstaff. Apparently he was not as trusting as Zhi Yu had been, a fact that Wu had not missed. Giving Peng a wicked grin, he loosen his belt-chain from his waist and whipped it around, extending it to its full length, the chain now apparent as a weapon.

  As the match commenced, Wu whipped the chain towards Peng. Peng being cautious dodge the attack, rather than try to block with his quarter staff, and followed with a leap attack, swinging his weapon in a downwards blow at Wu’s head. Holding his chain taunt with both hands, he caught the blow, twisted the chain to entangle the quarter staff and with a violent pull, wrenched the weapon from Peng’s grip. Before Peng could retreat, Wu gave a swift kick into his abdomen. Wu’s inner strength was remarkable and more than Peng could withstand. Even if he could have the time to react and block the attack, his defense would still have been blown apart. Peng was unconscious even before his body landed. Giving his customary smirk, Wu turned and walked off the ground, naught sparing a single glance back at his opponent, who was hurriedly carried off, an easy win for him.

  The last match of the second round was between Monastery and Thunder Fist Sect. The two opponents contrasted greatly at the first appearance. While the disciple from Monastery was dressed in simple grey monk outfit, the representative from Thunder Fist Sect was flamboyant in his appearance; bright purple top with red flaming bottom. Monastery was the oldest martial institute in Middle Kingdom and scores of famed practitioners, both past and present, had originated from the sect. The current disciple representing was a simple lad known as Tou, was the crowd hot favorite to win the tournament highlighted. He was also rumored to be personally groomed by the Monastery abbot.

  His opponent, Killian, was famous too or rather infamous. Known for his philandering behavior, he had been accused on making indecent advances on some ladies in several towns. However his skills were undeniable good, as there were several cases of outraged martial practitioners wanting to bring him to justice but fell to him instead.

  The result was unexpected. It was either that had Tou underestimated his opponent or his opponent was deceptively strong. At the commencement of the match, Killian had rushed in, heedless of the staff that Tou was using. Tou must be concerned about Killian’s apparent suicide charge and suspected a trick. That could be why he hesitated to go for a killer blow but instead a half-hearted feint attack. Killian had easily dodged the attack and grasped the staff, trapping Tou’s both hands. With a twist and a hard pull, followed with a kick in Tou’s abdomen, he tore the staff away, while Tou landed a few feet away. A nonchalant throw and the staff was outside the ring, Killian casually strode towards Tou, emitting confidence in his strides. What followed was a short but furious battle. Tou sprung to his feet and immediately launched into his offense. His mastery of the Long Style Fist would bring pride to his master. His attacks were fast and deadly and his moves flowed smoothly, that he appeared like a grey dragon darting in and out to bring death to his opponent. But if Tou was a dragon, then Killian would be a dragon slayer. For every move that Tou made, Killian would easily counter. Every attack was defused. Every grab was broken. It was soon obvious that even though Tou was skilled, Killian was the stronger opponent. It was just a small mistake, a slight over-reach by Tou, but to a skilled opponent like Killian, that mistake was enough. He instantly countered with a flurry of strikes at Tou, each hit sounded like a clap of thunder, and with a final palm strike to the chest, Tou was already unconscious as he sunk to his knees.

  With that, the final match of round two was lost to Thunder Fist Sect.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Zhi Meng, the host for the Swordsman Challenge, announced, “Dear all, we have reached the final round for the Swordsman Challenge. Let me offer my congratulations to the finalists. Before we start the final round, I will speak on the new rulings. Since there are three of the finalists, we will randomly pair the finalists…”

  Before Zhi Meng could finish, the leader of the Imperial School stood up and interrupted, “I object to this new ruling. Let them do a three party fight. Last man standing should be the victor.”

  “I do not think this would be fair for the finalists…”

  “Why shouldn’t it? Let the sects of the finalists vote then. I vote for Imperial School to let them do a three party fight.” Shi Liang once again interrupted Zhi Meng.

  Zhi Meng looking troubled, but could not deny Imperial School leader’s request, turned to the other two sects’ leader and asked, “What do the other two’s leaders say?”

  Thunder Fist Sect leader Markie gave an unconcerned nod, announcing, “Thunder Fist Sect had no issue with a three party fight.”

  Grandmaster Tao, though concerned, could not but agreed to it.

  Zhi Meng with an unhappy look, announced, “Since all three leaders of the finalists have decided on a three party fight. The final round will commence shortly with all three participants. The last one standing will be the winner of the Challenge.”

  To say Yu’Er was unhappy was an understatement. She was literally spitting fire at the announcement. “That old fox must be planning some nefarious scheme. Jun, you must watch out for that old Wu.” She fumed. “Watch out for that Thunder Fist disciple too. It was no luck that let him won against Monastery.”

  Elder Hao beckoned me over and said to me in a low voice, “Jun, I have no doubt about your abilities. However Wu is a tough opponent and if both he and Killian were to take you on together, it’s no shame to retreat.” Yu’Er upon hearing of the possibility that Imperial School and Thunder Fist Sect might gang up on me, looked decidedly worried.

  “I wouldn’t, Elder Hao. I will do my best and not force things.” I replied confidently to assuage their worries. Though I tried to flaunt my confidence, inside me, I was deeply concerned. Dealing with Wu was hard enough, having to worry about Killian at the same time would be even harder.

  With the start of the match commencing soon, Wu was already on the duel ground with Killian and the both of them were talking earnestly. Still racking my brains on what I can do against both of them, I noticed a pack of peas that some of my guys were eating. A glimpse of an idea bloomed in my mind.

  “Hey guys, let me borrow this.” Without waiting for a reply, I snatched up the pack of peas and tied it to my belt.

  Yu’Er was looking at me in puzzlement. “Hungry?” she mouthed.

  Giving her a wry grin, I shook my head and headed off to the ground, ready for the match to begin.

  Worried and outraged whispers grew in volume as it soon became clear t
o everyone that Imperial School and Thunder Fist Sect would be ganging up on me. Though we three were standing in a relative triangular placing, both representatives were evidently ignoring each other as they both faced me squarely. At the sound of commencement of match, Wu immediately unleashed his chain, while Killian rushed towards me. It was obvious to the rest that Wu intended to restraint me, while Killian went in for the killer blow.

  When of a sudden, Killian started giving shouts of pain, “Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!” as he started hopping around with both hands covering his face. This sudden drama gave pause to the match as Wu stood still in amazement as his partner in crime continued hopping around, crying in pain, his chain forgotten in his hand. Silence turned to laughter as everyone started to laugh when once Killian removed his hands, everyone could see that his face was marked with red pocks as though he was stunned by bees.

  “How despicable! Using hidden weapons on your opponent!” Wu cried out indignantly.

  “Oh! Pot calling the kettle black! What about that chain you are using? Not to mention two of you ganging up on Jun!” Yu’Er shouted out in delight in defense of me.

  Rebutted, Wu kept quiet while he eyed me guardedly.

  Truth to be told, I was worried about dealing with the two of my opponents, when it came to me a question as to why I had thought that I need engage with them at close range. I could use my Finger Striking Skill and subdue either one at range before I considered closing in for a fight. So when Killian had rushed at me, I had started using the bag of peas, I had borrowed, as ammo for my Finger Striking Skill. Since both Wu and Killian had not expected me to use hidden weapon, they were not prepared when the peas started flying. Though the peas were light and not meant to use as a weapon, it was sufficient for me to imbue them with enough energy using the Turbulent Wave inner, thus causing pain when hitting the naked skin. The peas had shattered upon impact, but enough force remained to cause the red pocks.

  Killian now approached me uncertainly, drawing a pair of daggers from his back. This was the first time in the Challenge that he used weapons, but what effects such small weapons could have to defend against my range strikes still remained to be seen. Wu started to circle from the opposite direction.

  Deciding that it was better to go on the offensive, I set off my Ghost Steps as I head towards Killian, when I suddenly spun back towards Wu. Wu had sped up towards me, thinking I was going to go for Killian first, and thus was surprised when I flicked off four fast strikes at him. Wu managed to knock off two of the peas with the chain but the other two struck him on the fingers holding the chain, causing him to release his grip in pain. I had continued rushing towards Wu, drawing my sword from the shoulder sheath. Showing him no mercy though he was weaponless, my sword edge flashed towards his throat. Backing away in fear, Wu tried to dodge my attack. In desperation, he threw out a kick, trying to stumble me. I swept out my right foot and kicked downwards towards his raised knee, preventing him from finishing his kick. Giving in to panic, he reached out with his left hand, trying to grab my sword, while his right hand swept back for a punch, hoping to take me down even as he sacrifice his hand. But even his last ditch effort was in vain. With a slight twist, I cut into the underside of his left wrist, before I slashed forward and did a mirror cut on his right wrist.

  Even though his inner was much greater than mine, in his weaken state, with both wrist tendon being cut, he could hardly activated his inner and could do no more than a token effort at defense, as I gave him a series of vicious kicks to his torso and chest, throwing him out of the dueling ground. The Imperial School leader was there catching hold of Wu before he hit the ground, his eyes filled with hatred as he stared right back at me. Ignoring him for the moment, I turned back quickly to Killian.

  Cheers burst out around the dueling ground at this unexpected turn of events. Everyone had thought that I was as good as gone the moment both Imperial School and Thunder Fist Sect disciples had allied themselves against me. However, I had guess that their alliance was fragile at most and they would most likely put their own wellbeing as priority over their partner, I had taken advantage of this. Killian after being humiliated by me, and no effort by his partner to help him, would likely reciprocate the inaction, especially if he feared that I would turn back on him. Lucky for me, I was correct and Killian was slow to come to Wu’s aid.

  Killian, by all rights, would be stronger than me in internal strength and bare hand skill. His speed and ease at winning the Monastery disciple all but proved that. However, the ease at my Finger Striking skill causing him pain and the win I had over Wu had made him cautious, maybe even fearful. But what he didn’t know was that my peas ammunition had all been used up, but the sight of my right fingers in the pouch gave him pause.

  Seeing the fear in his eyes gave me an idea. A quick spring and I was speeding towards Killian, my right hand coming out of the pouch in a pose as if to flick out a pea. Panicking, Killian started back treading with both weapons raised up to his face as to protect any attacks at that vulnerable area. Moving my hand back into the pouch as if to return the pea before I drew my sword and step in close and attacked his inner thighs.

  Killian’s reaction was impressive, the moment he realized that I was going in close to attack, he immediately went on guard. Fear became evident in his face as he misunderstood the area I was attacking. He must have felt regret as certainly this must be karma coming after him for his many lecherous acts.

  He first tried backing away but quickly realized he could not move as fast as I could move forward. He then tried dodging but it was impossible to move that part of the body away to make much of a different. As a last resort, he thrusted downwards cross-blade, catching my sword lunge just barely and pushed down hard in panic. He was so distraught that he did not catch my left hand reaching towards his face, and with a finger flick, I struck his forehead with all the inner strength that I had been gathering. His head snapped back before his body followed, and he landed with a loud crash on the floor. Silence abound while everyone held their breath, waiting to see if Killian would get up.

  After a long minute, Zhi Meng of Flying Dagger, walked and crouched beside Killian. Smiling he stood up and shouted, “The winner for this year Swordsman Challenge is Jun from Balance Sect!” A few of the Thunder Fist sect disciples quickly went to the stage and carried the unconscious Killian away.

  Loud cheers and cries of congratulations filled the air, except the sections emptied of the Imperial School and Thunder Fist Sect, where both leaders turned and left the ground abruptly with their followers. A quick glance showed Yu’Er grabbing Grandmaster Tao in excitement.

  Beckoning to me to follow, Zhi Meng led me to the back hill of the sect, the crowd following at a distance. Eventually we reached a huge door locked with three huge padlock, guarded by no less than six disciples, who all appeared to be quite skilled from their cool demeanor. While the crowd stood away at a distance, Zhi Meng continued leading me into the cave after the door was opened, a few steps into the cave, he turned to me and said, “As the winner of the Challenge, you can feel free to pick any item inside here as your prize. But you can only choose one.”

  At this point of time, I was hardly listening to what he was saying as I took in the sight of the interior of the cave. The cave was easily the size of the dueling ground and could have easily hold everyone that had attended. But what caught my attention was not the rows and rows of shelves that filled the cave, but it was the items they hold that caught my attention. There were all sort of books and weapons and stuffs.

  “Master Zhi Meng, there are so many items here. I could hardly know where to start. Please choose something on my behalf.” I pleaded with the Flying Dagger leader.

  Giving a laugh, he gave a nod. Stroking his chin in concentration, he paced around the cave, one moment looking at this item, then gave a shake of his head and walked to the other side. After a long while, he called me over to an empty table by the entrance of the cave. When I reached there, I saw that he had
placed three items on the table.

  “Jun, I have helped you narrow down to these three items that would suit you best. You can decide which one you would like.” He smiled. “The first item is a skill manual. We have many skill manuals, but as you lack the inner foundation for our sect, they might not benefit you. Not to mention that your Finger Striking Skill and Chasing Shadow Sword are already superior to most of our hidden weapon and weapon skills manual located here. This Stride-less Kick skill would however complement your Ghost Steps. The internal strength technique is similar to your Turbulent Wave, gathering power at your lower limbs…” His recognition of my use of the internal technique taught by Vagrant Feng Ren surprised me. “… It will not only allow you strengthen your kick attack, better kick technique but also allow you to soar higher with improved jumping ability.

  This second item is the Iron Silk armor. The material was made by a famous blacksmith who was able to craft iron thread so fine and strong that it looked and feel like silk. This armor is one of his most famous crafted. It is light weight and can be worn beneath your normal clothes, providing you with hidden protection. But the strongest advantage is that this armor can turn away attacks, blade or blunt, unless of course…

  If the weapon being used is one of such legends that I am holding here.” He replaced the armor and picked up an elegant blade. About 24 inches long, the blade was supple and yet strong. The material used was unlike any I had ever seen and in the candles’ light, appeared to give the blade an unearthly white glow. The guard was craved in the shape of two phoenix flying away from each other. Elegant writing was craved on the blade but the writing unlike any I had seen.

  “This is the third item I like to show you. We have no idea of its origin or how it was made but we called her Moon Glow. The place where one of my previous predecessors found it gave a rumor of a blade that fell from heaven. When this blade was found, he indeed found that this blade made him undefeated, though his sword skill was at best mediocre. However his fame was his greatest enemy and he was at last injured so severely in his last duel that he died from his wounds. Of course he still won that duel. His disciple, the succeeding Leader, had then taken this blade and secure it inside our vault, so that no more meaningless battles would be fought over it. I now believe that you might be worthy to this blade.