Chapter 5: The Arrival of Crisis

In the days that followed, Yang Xing spent his days training at the Debao Martial Hall and dragged his weary body home each night. He was always the first to arrive and the last to leave, embodying diligence to the extreme. The other apprentices at Debao Martial Hall noticed his efforts, secretly calling him "Mad Yang." Some admired him, while others scoffed. They believed martial arts relied on talent and resources, not just effort.

Meanwhile, the Chen family managed their only general store. After covering food and drink, there was a bit left over. In the blink of an eye, a month had passed. Though winter had ended, the lingering chill of early spring was even more biting. Over the month, Yang Xing not only grew two inches taller but also gained muscle; his vitality far exceeded that of ordinary people, marking a visible transformation in his spirit and energy. His stance training became more proficient—he could now stand on the wooden stakes for the time it took to burn an incense stick.

[Void-Cutting Stance (36/100): Ten practices a day. Diligence makes up for lack of talent. Three months to minor mastery, a year to major mastery.]

That day, before dawn, Yang Xing was once again practicing his stance atop the wooden stakes. He was not alone; several other disciples were also training, including two who had only joined three days earlier. At that moment, a young man in fine clothes, fair-faced and handsome, called out, “Junior Brother Yang, how’s it going? Can you hold out for a whole incense stick yet?”

This was Zhu Kai, the third senior brother at Debao Martial Hall. He came from a wealthy family, was generous and upright, and was well-liked by all. “Almost,” Yang Xing replied, leaping down from the stake. “I’ve tried lifting stones, too. Two hundred pounds is no problem.”

Zhu Kai clapped him on the shoulder with a laugh. “Congratulations! Today, you can officially start practicing the Void-Cutting Palm.”

Stance training was meant to enhance one’s vitality and strength—foundations for learning the Void-Cutting Palm. “How about a little celebration tonight?” Zhu Kai’s brows arched playfully. “Let your senior brother show you the world. There are a few new girls at the brothel—pretty faces and wild spirits.”

Being well-off, Zhu Kai often frequented the brothel when not training. He made a habit of inviting new apprentices, and most eventually succumbed to the temptation, losing themselves in pleasure. Yang Xing always declined, but Zhu Kai never tired of asking.

“Not tonight,” Yang Xing shook his head. “I have to go home.”

Zhu Kai, somewhat disappointed, then remembered something. “By the way, the Black Snake Gang in Spring Breeze Alley has been fighting with the Tiger Gang lately. A lot of people have died. If you ask me, the Black Snake Gang will be swallowed up soon. Be careful.”

The Tiger Gang? Yang Xing’s brow furrowed. If the Tiger Gang took over, they’d have to pay protection money all over again. Who knew if they’d be even greedier than the Black Snake Gang...

In these turbulent times, even focusing on martial arts was a challenge.

“Get to work! Time to work!” Just then, a loud voice echoed through the courtyard.

Shen Lin, the head of Debao Martial Hall, had once passed the provincial examination, so he owned land granted by the authorities. The apprentices, except for those from wealthy families, often served as laborers for him—sweeping, cleaning, feeding and cutting grass for the horses, transplanting rice, harvesting wheat.

Spring had arrived; it was the season for planting rice. Yang Xing joined his fellow disciples in the fields.

“Why doesn’t Ye Tian have to work the fields?”

“You can’t compare yourself to him. I heard he didn’t even have to pay tuition, and the master teaches him privately and gives him meat to eat.”

“Looks like the master really is grooming him to be the young hall leader.”

Complaints drifted across the fields. Ye Tian had joined Debao Martial Hall half a month after Yang Xing, but his natural talent and understanding were exceptional. He mastered everything Shen Lin taught him with ease, prompting the master to give him special lessons—something the other disciples envied and resented. Many had dreamed of being prodigies themselves, but reality was a harsh teacher.

Shen Lin made his rounds and paused by Yang Xing. After appraising him, he said, “Your vitality is strong now. Your foundation is solid. Tomorrow, I’ll teach you the Void-Cutting Palm.”

“Thank you, Master,” Yang Xing replied. Shen Lin nodded and moved on.

The fieldwork continued until dusk. Yang Xing returned to the hall for dinner, soaked in a medicinal bath, and then made his way to Spring Breeze Alley. Tonight, he was meeting with friends there.

The streets were sparsely populated. As he walked, whispers reached his ears.

“Heaven is dead; the Yellow Heaven shall rise!”

“Heaven is dead; the Yellow Heaven shall rise!”

A group passed through the street, led by a Taoist in gray robes. Yang Xing quickened his pace, frowning. The followers of the Way of Peace were growing ever bolder, shouting treasonous slogans in broad daylight. At first, only poor commoners joined, but as petty gang members were recruited, their numbers swelled and their influence grew.

“I must become stronger as quickly as possible,” Yang Xing thought, clenching his fists as he hurried home.

At that moment, the Way of Peace followers stopped by a nearby rice shop. The Taoist said something, and an argument broke out. The shopkeeper was pushed to the ground, blood pooling around him. Several strong men then charged out from the back.

“Murder! Murder!” a shrill cry pierced the alley. “Run!”

Yang Xing inhaled deeply and hurried home.

Inside, Madam Chen sat by the bed, mending clothes. Seeing Yang Xing rush in, she asked, “Ah Xing, what’s wrong? Why are you in such a hurry?”

Yang Xing caught his breath. “Mother, I’m fine. Have you eaten?”

Without looking up from her sewing, she replied, “I just had some porridge.”

“I told you to add some lard, didn’t I? You have a weak stomach. How can you go without any oil?”

She shot him a look. “Your future mother-in-law is greedy and calculating. I heard another family went to propose to Yu Niang today. How can I not worry? I’m just hoping you’ll marry Yu Niang soon, so I can be at ease.”

She went back to her mending. Yang Xing shook his head and began tidying the store’s shelves.

Night fell before they knew it. Madam Chen stepped outside to continue sewing by moonlight.

“Who’s there?” she called out.

Yang Xing rushed over. “Mother, what is it?”

“Nothing,” she replied, shaking her head. “I’ve been sewing too long. My eyes are playing tricks on me. Let’s go in and rest.”

She shot him a look, and he nodded, understanding.

They returned to their small room. Once inside, Madam Chen shut the door, her expression changing to alarm. “Ah Xing, I just saw Black Snake Gang members outside. I think it was Old Cheng.”

Yang Xing’s brow tightened. The presence of Black Snake Gang members outside their home could only mean trouble. Their spacious general store, watched over by nothing but a woman and a boy not yet of age, must have seemed easy prey. He recalled Old Cheng’s last visit, when he’d kicked open their battered door—likely already eyeing their store, but Yang Xing had quickly handed over the protection money. Now, with the Black Snake Gang losing ground to the Tiger Gang, Old Cheng was probably looking for one last payout.

“Mother, let me handle this,” Yang Xing reassured her.

Outside the store, Old Cheng’s face was grim. “That woman nearly spotted us.”

A crony laughed. “Don’t worry, Boss. Didn’t she say her eyes were playing tricks?”

“The boss said we have to keep an eye on that mother and son. Maybe there’s still some oil left to squeeze out.”

Old Cheng licked his lips. “That woman’s not bad either. If all else fails, we’ll have our fun with her and then send her to the brothel…”

…