Entering the Realm of Spirit: 1. Fists Shatter Flying Swords!

The Great Qi Empire was a nation of cultivators, a land where all races coexisted—humans, beasts, and even demons and monsters lived in harmony. Its capital, New Jing, was a melting pot of every kind of school and trade, home to people from all walks of life. Among its institutions, none surpassed the Three Flavors Academy; it was the largest and most prestigious in New Jing, with no equal. Though cultivators of every persuasion could be found here, the academy was firmly rooted in Daoist tradition. It was established by the Jade Void Palace, and every year, it selected outstanding disciples to send there for advanced cultivation.

“Senior Brother, do you think you’ll be chosen to go to Jade Void Palace this year?” A mischievous little girl asked the youth beside her. He was refined and elegant, his features delicate as if carved from jade.

“Junior Sister, whether or not I go to Jade Void Palace doesn’t matter. I’d rather see you get the opportunity,” the youth replied with a gentle smile, a smile that would make any girl’s heart flutter.

The little girl, still young and accustomed to life within the academy, blushed at his words and fell silent, trailing behind him.

They crossed the long corridor and soon saw the words “Pure Heart Pavilion” hanging above a doorway. Two Daoist acolytes stood by the entrance; the girl, sharp-eyed, recognized them as her senior brothers and hurried forward.

“Greetings, Third Brother, Fourth Brother,” she called sweetly. The acolytes returned her greeting promptly. Though they were her seniors, she was the only daughter of Master Han Xiangzi—her name was Han Li.

Han Li knocked gently at the door. “Father, Senior Brother and I are here!” An aged voice answered from within, “Come in, both of you.” Han Li pushed open the door with a smile. “Greetings, Master!” The youth bowed deeply to Han Xiangzi.

“Rise, Ren Shou,” Han Xiangzi nodded in approval, addressing Feng Renshou. Feng Renshou stood and respectfully took his place at the side. Meanwhile, Han Li’s eyes darted about, lost in her thoughts.

“Renshou, do you know why I summoned you today?” Han Xiangzi stroked his beard. Feng Renshou hurriedly cupped his hands, “Your disciple is dull-witted and does not know for what purpose Master has called him.”

“Enough. Naturally, I’ve called you here about the Jade Void Palace. They have sent word—this year, three outstanding disciples are to be chosen.” Han Xiangzi lifted his teacup, sipping lightly.

Han Li’s eyes sparkled with anticipation. She tugged at Han Xiangzi’s sleeve. “Father, can Senior Brother go?” Han Xiangzi stroked her hair fondly and shook his head.

Feng Renshou, observing this gesture, felt a flicker of resentment in his eyes, though he betrayed nothing on his face. “What? Senior Brother can’t go to Jade Void Palace?” Han Li asked, incredulous.

“That’s right. Renshou is my most accomplished disciple. I intend to keep him here a while longer and impart all my skills to him.” Han Xiangzi smiled, then turned to Feng Renshou. “Are you satisfied with my plan?”

Feng Renshou quickly bowed, “If Master commands it, how dare your disciple refuse?” Han Xiangzi clapped him on the shoulder, laughing. “I’m asking for your opinion, not giving you an order. Speak freely if you have any thoughts.”

“Master only has your disciple’s best interests at heart. I am willing to continue learning under your guidance,” Feng Renshou replied respectfully.

“Good. Since you’re willing, you may withdraw. Li’er, stay. I have something to discuss with you,” Han Xiangzi waved Feng Renshou away.

“Disciple takes his leave!” Feng Renshou bowed and exited, closing the door behind him. He exchanged a few words with his junior brothers before leaving the Pure Heart Pavilion.

“Hmph, the old man makes it sound nice, but he just wants to keep me stuck in this wretched place!” Feng Renshou muttered as he walked, when suddenly he encountered his Second Brother, Ma Nan, who approached with a folding fan in hand.

Ma Nan’s family was one of the leading households in New Jing, and Han Xiangzi favored him greatly. Feng Renshou and Ma Nan rarely saw eye to eye, and it was certain Ma Nan would be among those chosen for Jade Void Palace.

“Well, if it isn’t Senior Brother. Why the long face?” Ma Nan mocked.

“Where did Second Brother get the idea I’m unhappy?” Feng Renshou’s expression brightened, as if nothing had troubled him.

“And where are you coming from, Second Brother?” he asked, moving closer and sniffing at Ma Nan’s clothes. “Why do you smell so strongly of perfume?”

Ma Nan raised an eyebrow. He knew exactly where he’d been, and if the Master found out, his chance to go to Jade Void Palace would evaporate. Yet he wasn’t worried that Feng Renshou would report him—after all, Renshou always played the honest, simpleton before their master and would never risk harming himself just to harm another.

“Senior Brother, I was only having a meal. Surely I don’t have to report that to you?” Ma Nan emphasized “report,” eyeing Feng Renshou warily.

Feng Renshou’s expression darkened, but he smiled. “Just making conversation, nothing more. If there’s nothing else, I’ll be on my way.” Ma Nan gestured politely. “After you, Senior Brother.”

Feng Renshou patted Ma Nan’s shoulder, laughed loudly, and departed. Once he was out of sight, Ma Nan spat after him and went on his way.

Leaving the Three Flavors Academy, Feng Renshou wandered the streets, still fuming from his encounter with Han Xiangzi. He happened upon a gambling house and went in.

The place was thick with smoke—everyone here enjoyed Dreamleaf. Dreamleaf was a specialty of the Great Qi Empire: dried leaves could be lit and inhaled, or fresh leaves chewed. Both methods cleared the mind and lifted the spirit, so gamblers and beastfolk alike indulged in Dreamleaf, and strangely enough, it benefited cultivators as well.

Feng Renshou approached a gaming table, slapped some coins down. “I’m betting big!” he shouted.

Here, he could tear away his false mask and be himself. “Bring me two taels of Dreamleaf smoke!” he said to a scantily clad serving girl, slapping some coins onto her hip.

The girl glanced at him, recognized his status, and handed him a pipe, lighting the Dreamleaf for him. Feng Renshou inhaled deeply, his face filled with bliss.

At that moment, every worry seemed to vanish. “Wonderful!” he exclaimed, smiling. Suddenly, a pair of hands landed on his shoulders.

Interrupted from his pleasure, Feng Renshou turned to see a gaunt youth. He frowned, “Whose child are you, and why are you tapping my shoulder?”

“Feng Renshou?” The youth didn’t answer, but grinned and asked instead.

“You know me?” Feng Renshou was puzzled—few in New Jing dared call him by his full name.

The youth continued, “I’ve heard you’re one of the top swordsmen in New Jing, famed for swordplay that can move mountains and subdue demons?”

“Moving mountains might be a bit exaggerated.” Despite his modesty, Feng Renshou couldn’t hide his pride.

Suddenly, the gaunt youth threw a punch at Feng Renshou. Renshou’s expression changed—he drew his treasured sword and thrust at the youth’s fist. Sword and fist met; the outcome was clear.

Feng Renshou’s flying sword shattered into fragments under the punch, while the youth’s fist pressed on, still aiming at his face. Sensing danger, Feng Renshou dodged aside.

He crashed into several gamblers, sprang up, stepping on their heads, and fled the gambling house. Not far from the door, he coughed up blood.

He had forced himself to endure, but his flying sword was linked to his essence—its destruction wounded him deeply. Still, to have survived was luck enough.

Just as Feng Renshou was secretly grateful for his escape, a familiar figure appeared before him. Though small and plain-looking, this figure filled him with dread.

With a thud, Feng Renshou knelt, bowing repeatedly to the youth. “Spare me, hero! I don’t know how I’ve offended you—please enlighten me, and I’ll mend my ways!”

“Ah, it’s not that I wish to kill you. I’m a reasonable person—an eye for an eye, that’s only fair!” The youth sighed, then his expression twisted into a fierce grin, terrifying Feng Renshou so much he wet himself on the spot.

A yellow liquid seeped from his knees, spreading a strange odor. The onlookers began to point and whisper.

Feng Renshou no longer cared about disgrace. He’d long thought himself peerless in swordsmanship, making many enemies, but the youth before him inspired a fear that reached his bones.

The youth smelled the stench and frowned, sighing, “Forget it. I’ve no desire to waste effort on you. Feng Renshou, I’ll give you one chance—if you sever your right hand, you’ll live.”

Feng Renshou hesitated. If he lost his right hand, he’d never wield a sword as before, and even with his left, he’d never reach his current heights.

“I’ll count to three. Choose: your life or your hand.” The youth drew a knife from his waist and tossed it to Feng Renshou.

Feng Renshou dared not hesitate. He picked up the knife, gritted his teeth, and sliced through his right wrist.

A bloodcurdling scream escaped him as his severed hand fell to the ground, blood spraying from the wound. The youth shook his head and walked away.

The crowd gasped in shock. Among them, a little girl with a jade hairpin gazed at the youth’s receding figure, lost in deep thought. Then she hurried after him.