Chapter 14 He Needs to Be Treated Normally

Zhou Yan gazed at Luo Xuan with utmost seriousness.

He needed to grow stronger.

No matter how he looked at it, this was an absolute necessity.

On the surface, this planet didn’t seem much different from Earth—there were airplanes, cars, computers, cell phones, and the internet. Yet Zhou Yan could faintly sense that the powers ruling behind the scenes were utterly different from those of his old world.

Take, for example, the Celestial Sovereign Empire, where Zhou Yan found himself now.

The imperial capital was located in the central region of the empire and was named “Yinglong Celestial City.” Dominating this region was the empire’s unrivaled, supreme power—Yinglong Palace.

In the empire’s title, the “Sovereign” referred directly to Yinglong Palace.

Correspondingly, there existed four other top-tier powers: Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise. Each of these dominated one of the empire’s four cardinal regions, and even the regions themselves were named after these preeminent forces.

The “Tianzun City” where Zhou Yan now resided was a subordinate city of “Wing City,” a major urban center within the Vermilion Bird region.

Aside from the four great regions named after the celestial beasts, the empire’s territory also contained other areas, some large, some small.

When Zhou Yan learned that this country was governed by a network of entrenched powers, he couldn’t help but feel as if he had stepped into the world of a fantasy novel.

This was the information age, with an abundance of channels for people to access knowledge—deception seemed nearly impossible. The government didn’t appear to implement any special measures to control information, either.

In other words, this system of rule seemed perfectly reasonable and accepted as normal by the empire’s citizens.

Perhaps because of this, a strong martial spirit prevailed throughout the nation.

People weren’t enamored with fleeting celebrities, but rather revered veteran champions, prodigies, and rising stars.

Zhou Yan had watched several videos online and on TV—officially sanctioned professional combat tournaments or weaponry competitions. The participants performed as if they were filming a movie; though they didn’t soar through the air or unleash energy blasts like in martial arts films, their strength, speed, and reflexes rivaled those of Captain America from the Marvel films.

...

In such a world, even though public safety was excellent and the vast majority of people lived in peace and contentment, Zhou Yan still felt a chill in his heart.

If the “experts” in the open could reach the level of Captain America, what about the hidden “super masters”?

For example, the leaders of Yinglong Palace and the other great powers—what kind of prowess would they need to command respect from their legions of “Captain Americas”?

Yet amid his unease, Zhou Yan also felt a sense of yearning.

If—if he could become that strong, what exhilaration that would be!

This was one of the reasons he pulled himself together after a week of depression brought on by his disability, following his arrival in this world.

In a world of “true martial arts,” a minor handicap was nothing.

Although he later acquired the ability to walk the “Calamity Realm,” and obtained his Fate Gear and the power of Ultra-Fusion—a formidable golden cheat that allowed him to become stronger through battles in the Chaotic Calamity Realm—for now, the Fate Gear was still an external aid.

No matter how powerful that aid, it didn’t conflict with improving himself through martial training; in fact, the two could complement each other.

Practicing martial skills would let him handle difficult situations in the real world without revealing his Fate Gear abilities—and give him more cards to play during his next foray into the Calamity Realm.

*

When Zhou Yan requested to study swordsmanship, Luo Xuan met his gaze in silence.

This young prodigy of the sword, whose hair cascaded down her back in a waterfall when at home, softened her usual crisp ponytail into a look of gentle tranquility.

She said, “Zhou Yan, your swordsmanship has just barely risen above the level of a novice—you’ve reached the threshold of true learning. You do meet the requirements to take the next step in your training.”

Zhou Yan nodded and replied candidly, “About the tuition... I wonder if I could pay in installments? I’ve picked up delivery work from the old shops on this street, so I should... be able to cover both tuition and lodging.”

Luo Xuan’s eyes lingered on Zhou Yan’s eyepatch and then dropped to his mutilated left hand.

Feeling her gaze, Zhou Yan instinctively drew his arm back.

The young swordswoman lowered her eyes and said softly, “Very well, you can pay in installments, but the total amount must not be reduced. Is that all right?”

“Big sister, why are you...”

Before Zhou Yan could respond, Luo Ke—standing nearby—burst out in agitation.

But Zhou Yan interrupted her before she could finish.

“Agreed. It’s a deal.”

He smiled, his expression even brighter than before.

He bowed to Luo Xuan with grave sincerity. “Xuan, I’ll study hard.”

Luo Xuan nodded and said, “If you’re finished eating, head to the training hall and get ready. Ke and I will join you after we tidy up.”

“Tonight, we officially begin your initiation into the South Ming Sword School.”

“Understood!” Zhou Yan replied, then took his leave.

Once Zhou Yan was gone, Luo Ke glared at Luo Xuan in discontent. “Sister, Zhou Yan is... he’s in that state—why won’t you lower his tuition?”

But Luo Xuan only glanced at her calmly and replied in a gentle voice, “What Zhou Yan needs isn’t pity...”

“What he needs is to be treated just like anyone else.”

Luo Ke was taken aback, then quickly understood. She bit her lip and fell silent.

*

About ten minutes later.

When Luo Xuan and Luo Ke entered the training hall of the sword school, they found Zhou Yan already working out with the equipment.

As a martial arts establishment, South Ming Sword School was well equipped for strength training. Even though the Luo sisters’ school seemed a bit old-fashioned, the quality of their gear was impeccable.

After Zhou Yan finished a set, Luo Xuan approached him. “Good. Although your basic sword skills are passable, your physical condition is still lacking. Right now, building up your body is the most important thing.”

Zhou Yan was lightly perspiring—he’d already completed several sets before the sisters arrived.

He set down the weight in his right hand and said with a smile, “You’re right, Xuan. I have my shortcomings, so I’ll have to work many times harder than others just to keep up...”

He was well aware of his limitations. Missing his left hand, he found it much harder than most to maintain balance, whether in strength or technique training.

If he wanted to achieve anything, he had to put in more effort than anyone else.

Luo Xuan nodded and motioned him over.

She said evenly, “Zhou Yan, let’s officially begin your lessons.”

Zhou Yan nodded and stood silently, waiting for her to speak.

Luo Xuan picked up a wooden sword and spun it deftly in her hand.

“South Ming Sword School is the lowest tier institution under Vermilion Bird Palace. Besides charging tuition and generating revenue for the organization, its schools in each city also serve to scout talent for Vermilion Bird Palace.”

She paused, then continued, “We’re authorized to teach three levels of martial arts.”

“Any beginner can pay to study ‘South Ming Swordsmanship.’

“When you reach a certain level of mastery, you can progress to the ‘South Ming Secret Sword.’”

She glanced at Zhou Yan before adding, “Those who advance rapidly and display exceptional talent may be eligible to learn Vermilion Bird Gate’s primary core secret skill—

“The Breathing Technique: Crane’s Cry.”