Chapter 2: The Po Family
The Po family was divided into three parts, first was the mortal. Slaves worked and expanded the farming land, small villages popped up alongside the streams that separated plots.
The outer family were martial artist, trained at local sects and schools they monitored the Po's county lands. Occasionally a martial artist would stand out and be accepted into the main family.
While the main family lives off in a city Atom knows little more than a single rumor; 'The Po family has immortal cultivators.'
As Atom wandered out of the forest none of this was on his mind. As the week came to a close he knew the twelve trees needed for the quota was impossible and lashings were inevitable. Since he was sold to the Po family he had not eaten enough, every day he grew weaker and every week he was whipped harder and harder.
At first his body was simply to small and weak to meet the quota. As the malnutrition and beatings began he never developed making each week tougher than the last. He managed to eat throughout the weeks but never enough.
Head down still short for his week - the young boy did not notice the small crowd forming around his hut.
"You there slave -You are Atom right?" A guard yelled out. "Come here now!"
As Atom scurried forwards he began to notice the few well dressed individuals, even the young master. His father standing behind him had a scolding look as he pointed, "this is the useless slave?"
"Yes master Po, he has never met a quota!" A guard replied.
"Fine tie him to the wagon we will sell him in town." The man said taking his seat, signaling to the others it's time to leave. His son the young master quickly took his rightful seat smile from ear to ear.
Atom was bound behind the caravan, he kept pace until under the bright moon his legs gave out - his last memory being pulled be hind the cart.
When he finally awoke, blood stained and wounded, they where already inside the city gates. Looking around struggling to stand, Atom heard the clear voice of Master Po off in the distance. "Unpack the slave and goods, we will take them with us. First to the sect recruiters, then the auction house and finally the slave market."
"Put the mule to work on the way right father?"
"Yes son, plus sometimes it's good to give the recruiters a small token of appreciation - silver or slaves usually works. It can make the difference between a heavenly sect or an earthly sect." Master Po informed his child as they began to walk away. Behind them guards stuffed Atom with packs and set off in tail.
Young master spoke of many sects and schools upon reaching theirngoal however the young man fell nearly silent as a single question quivered out "Father? What is the celestial school?"
Looking at the audacious banner the old man sighed, "if a heavenly sect is what you are aiming for the celestial sects are what the main family desires."
"So that is where the main family learns to cultivate?" The young master asked.
"Only three members have ever been accepted..." the father said with awe and sadness in his voice. "We shall take you to the heavenly sword sect, if your aptitude is good they should accept you with open arms." He continued voice growing with pride.
"Heavenly sword sect is very powerful in the region, that would be amazing!" The boy continued praising the sect as they wandered about, before coming across a shabby stall with the words "Black earth and sky sect" written poorly. Behind the table sat an old man with white hair and beard.
"Old master can you tell us where to find the heavenly sword sect? They should be close?" The father asked respectfully, fearing hidden masters he often spoke cautiously in the city.
"This old man can tell you but it's a waste..." he replied pointing to a street just a little further down.
"Why?" The young master asked sternly.
The old man opened his eyes looking the boy up and down before speaking, "you have an earth root."
As if all at once the boys father felt his knees nearly give out. These recruiters were often good with root detection, further more earth was the lowest rank. He felt his knees and hands shaking, "are you sure?" He pressed.
"There is nothing wrong with earthly sects, mine is proud of our roots." The old man said gleefully. "Many earth sects would accept you."
His words rang out in master Po's ears, "it must be a trick!" He replied, "my son is talented.... we will hear what the heavenly sects have to say first!" In a fit of anger and rejuvenated moxie he marched forward.
The old man looked over the group and slowly closed his eyes muttering to himself "might have a good little monster soon."
As the Po family moved forward they noticed small trinkets on each table. Pointing one out master Po said proudly "those are to measure spirit roots, I was caught off guard by that old man and nearly forgot."
As they approach the heavenly sword sect the Po family withdrew a small satchel filled with silver. "Great heavenly master this esteemed Po family would love for my son to be tested, please accept this silver as our thanks."
The sect recruiter waved his hand gesturing towards the small crystal on their table; "if the crystal reacts, you will be an outer sect member." He said calmly.
The young master approached, excitement on his face. Moment by moment that excitement faded to horror as the crystal remained in changed.
"Fail..." the man said waving the family onward.
Shocked an embarrassed the family withdrew. All the while mumbling about the earthly root. Two other sects showed the same treatment before the family retreated towards the earthly sects.
"What do we do father?" The boy asked nearly void of all emotions.
"Do not fret that old man had it right, be proud of your roots even if it's just earthly." Trying to cheer is son but all ambition was clearly drained from his voice.
Suddenly a soft tone reached their group "Your right this old mans is right and honestly, this old man is still willing to help - if you show me a little face."
Shocked and relieved the father looked to his son, "see this old man still has an intent.."
"No... not your son," the old man cut in, "I'm old and require a slave to carry these things to my sect. I'll buy that boy slave from you."
"You don't want my son but you want my slave!" Master Po yelled in anger, "I'd rather kill the boy than help you!"
The old man frowned reaching into his pocket pulling out a clear coin; "I said show this old man some face..."
Weekly Power Status
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