Gloomy, dark clouds filled the sky as rumbling thunder could be heard occasionally from time to time.
Surrounded by mountains and hills, a nameless village lay quietly there.
Near the outskirts of the village, inside a shed, a child around the age of 8 was sitting on a chair.
He was dangling his feet from time to time while observing the vast, ominous sky.
His gaze was vacant, inexpressive and lifeless.
If one was attentive, he could see a tinge of despair, longing and other complex emotions inside these deep, abyss-like eyes.
"Sigh, how did it come to this?" - After god knows how long, the child sighed emotionally and exited the shed.
"Well, for now I should head back home."
This is Ximen Wei, a former Chinese scholar from Earth, due to some inexplicable events, he reincarnated, or more likely, teleported? Into a strange world where gaining superhuman strength is possible.
Reincarnation or transmigration happens when someone dies, however, Ximen Wei does not recall himself dying in Earth, well, either way, he transmigrated into a poor village.
His parents, Qin Liqiu and Ximen Fei, are hard working farmers who work diligently in order to make enough money so they c an scrape by the day.
Knock knock.
After arriving in front your typical wooden house, Ximen Wei knocked twice before a woman around her thirties, wearing peasant clothings with sewed patches, opened the door.
"Little Wei, you're late."
"Sorry mom, I had to wait for the storm to pass."
After removing his wooden shoes, Ximen Wei turned around and asked with an expectant gaze.
"Mom, did you borrow the book I told you about from Uncle Fang?"
"Ah yes, it's in your room."
"Okay thanks!"
Uncle Fang is a retired adventurer who experienced the wonders of this world.
During his youthful days, he travelled around the continent and had contact with the people who wield superhuman and supernatural strength.
He usually chills around the village's center and narrates his countless tales and stories to children.
As a result, Ximen Wei developed a keen interest towards the mysterious power that grants humans supernatural strength, so he's been going around burrowing books relating to this stuff.
According to his knowledge so far, these super humans possess immense physical prowess and are able to control fire, lightning, water, etc… are called Qi Experts!
They are just like magicians, they control nature's elements to some extent and possess an unimaginably strong physique.
And according to Uncle Fang, the mysterious power that grants them strength is called Qi!
…
A rusty door opened as it made creaking noises and a 8-9 years old boy entered.
The room was small, around 6x6 meters square.
Cold wind was leaking from a crack in the ceiling, giving whoever entered the room a chilling feeling.
The room had no decorations whatsoever, no chair, no table, not even a bed, except for a blanket that's laying on the ground.
Seeing this, a helpless smile surfaced on Ximen Wei's face.
This kind of lifestyle was hard for him to adapt, after all, he came from Modern Earth where he slept on a comfortable bed with heat and lighting.
'How nice it would be if I can return home?'
On top of the blanket, there lays a thick black book with striking red letters as the title that read: "World Encyclopedia"
This is the book he burrowed from Uncle Fang, it provides an elementary introduction to the world's geography, modern powerhouses and various animal species.
After lighting up the candle, Ximen Wei sat atop the blanket and looked at the ceiling.
'Qi huh? If I become one of the so-called "Qi Experts", will I be able to return home?' - Ximen Wei thought as a peculiar light flashed across his eyes.
'I have to… that is my only way… I have family and friends waiting for me… She is waiting for me..'
When he thought of his home, Earth, Ximen Wei's eyes reddened as he shed tears for a bit.
'Sigh, I always get emotional when I think of home.'
'This loneliness, I can't curb it.. Despite my birth "parents" showering me with love and affection, I feel nothing...'
'I'm spacing out again, if I want to get out of this hell hole, I have to focus and work hard..'
After opening the book and reading through few pages, Ximen Wei got a general idea about what kind of world this is.
This world is immensely huge, there are five continents, each one is twice as big as the Eurasian continent.
The one Ximen Wei lives in is called Divine Star Continent, a fertile land with countless resources and possesses vast number of human settlements.
There was one thing that surprised Ximen Wei about this world.
In Earth, humans reign supreme, they are at the top of the food chain and dominate all other species, however, in this world, humans are just one of the many intelligent races who live here.
There exists Elves, Goblins, Dragonmen, Orcs and all sorts of different races that only exist in fantasy and novels, each one of them possesses their respective empires and land.
Such a magical world made Ximen Wei flabbergasted, making him think this is all a dream.
Unfortunately, the 8 years he lived in here told him of the harsh reality.
However, it is undeniable that this world is a huge opportunity for humans to surpass their limits and attain supernatural powers beyond imagination, and precisely because of that, Ximen Wei strives for these powers so he can return home.
'But… I am a poor village boy, how am I supposed to learn "Qi" that only the noble and the privileged can learn?'
'Even Uncle Fang, a former adventurer who spent nearly 30 years travelling, did not even have a chance to stumble upon a method to learn "Qi".'
'Well, this can't do, since this village can't meet my needs, I will have to leave! Next year, a caravan will come and sell goods to this village, I just have to figure out some way to sneak in.'
'This is a big gamble tho, if I get caught inside the caravan, my life will possibly be in danger, and even if I make it into some city, there is no guarantee that I will find a way to learn "Qi".. but it's my only choice if I want to return home, I have no other way for now..'
In the dimly lit room, Ximen Wei's eyes flashed a bright light as he started planning for the future.
Next morning.
The gloomy clouds from yesterday disappeared, allowing the sun to shine brightly amidst the clear azure sky.
As if celebrating the great weather, the birds were chirping happily and the roosters were crowing loudly.
Villagers could be seen cultivating the land diligently, hoeing the soil with great energy.
Ximen Wei walked out of his house and headed for the farm with the intent to do his duty and help his parents out with the farm.
'What a troublesome thing to do…'
After he arrived at his destination, he saw a short man wearing dirty peasant clothings and a straw hat. This is Ximen Fei, Ximen Wei's birth father.
"Morning Little Wei, start plucking the scallions from over there, mommy will join you in a bit."
"Okay dad." - Replied Ximen Wei.
'Pffft, well, the good thing is, I only have to keep up with this shit for a ye-'
Rumble rumble.
The ground shook violently as horse footsteps interrupted Ximen Wei's thoughts.
"What's that?" - Frowned Ximen Fei.
"Hmm, maybe patrols?"
"Looks like people are heading towards the village's center."
"Let's go and have a look.."
An ominous, uneasy feeling rose in Ximen Wei's heart, and over time, the feeling grew more prominent bit by bit.
'Patrols usually come in pairs, judging from the sound of the horse's footsteps, there is definitely more than 50 horses, is it an army squadron passing by?'
'If so, why are they heading this way? The fort is to the west, passing by the village to head there will take more time...'
Almost all the village's residents are gathered around the village's center, upon arriving, Ximen Wei noticed the worried expressions on their faces, especially the old village head, sweat could be seen trickling down his old, wrinkled face.
The uneasy feeling intensified even more in his heart, giving rise to a bad premonition.
'This may be my gut feelings but I feel like something bad is going to happen..'
Ximen Fei walked up the old village head and exchanged couple words with him before returning with a grim face.
"Honey, what is it?" - Asked Qin Liqiu.
"Apparently Western Wen's troops are heading towards this direction.. They are slowly encircling us..."
"Western Wen? Isn't that the neighbouring empire next to us? What are they doing trespassing borders? Do they wanna start a war or something?"
Western Wen and the Su Dynasty are two powerhouses sharing borders, and Ximen Wei's village happens to be extremely close to the border.
As they were coveting each other's territories, conflict between them was inevitable.
If a war were to break out, Ximen Wei's village will be the first place to face the upcoming calamity.
"Dear, take little Wei and hide in the closet, when the time comes, make a run for it."
"Honey…"
Eventually, over 50 armored soldiers wielding spears and swords surrounded the village.
Each one of them carries a suffocating aura filled with bloodlust and killing intent.
Rumble rumble.
A troop made of warhorses and elite soldiers entered the village, leading them a tall, muscular man wearing black knight armor and helmet.
The leader got off his horse, studied his surroundings for a bit then focused his gaze on the crowd that is gathered around the village center.
An old man with white hair and a crooked back, walked out from the crowd and approached the leader respectfully, after bowing down, he said with a quivering voice:
"Humble lord, I wonder wha-"
Before the old man even finished his words, the troops leader unsheathed his sword, pointed it towards the sky, and commanded with a horse voice:
"Leave the women and children behind, kill everyone else!"
Once the old man heard this, his heart sank and cold sweat slid down his face, but he maintained his calm and clapped his hands:
"Humble lord, please show merc-"
Plop!
Blood spurted as the head of the old man rolled down the ground.
Seeing what happened to their village head, the crowd panicked as they fumbled and dispersed in all directions, seemingly trying to escape with their families and closed ones.
Unfortunately, the village was encircled from all directions, no one can get in or get out.
Shortly after, a slaughter has ensued.
The soldiers hunted the villagers like dogs, they plunged their spears into their chests and hacked their heads with their swords.
Blood, brain matter, hair, feces and all sorts of disgusting, foul liquids splattered all around the village.
Bodies littered the ground as painful groans and screams could be heard constantly, children's cries and women's wailing gave rise to a depressing atmosphere in the village.
Some soldiers took liberty with the young girls and women as they vented their fury and desires.
Inside Ximen Fei's house.
Ximen Wei and his birth mother, Qin Liqiu, are hiding inside the closet.
Qin Liqiu was shivering from head to toe, she embraced Ximen Wei tightly and dared not speak a word, hoping the troops won't find search the house and find her, while Ximen Wei was in a daze.
His eyes lost all their colors.
He knows better than anyone else what would happen to him if he got caught, worst case scenario he turns into a toy for the nobles to torture and experiment on, after all, such a thing was not unheard of in Earth's Medieval Ages, let alone in this primitive world.
The painful screams and cries outside made everything seem like a dream for Ximen Wei.
He wanted to believe this was a dream, he wanted to wake up from this nightmare and find himself in his home, with his family… with his friends… and with her…
Bam!
The door was slammed open as two soldiers entered the house.
Within' couple seconds, everything inside was turned upside down and eventually they arrived in front of the closet.
Hearing their footsteps get closer, the faint glimmer of hope in Qin Liqiu's eyes disappeared while Ximen Wei maintained his dazed state.
Creaaaaak.
"Hoho, look what we found here.."
"AHHHH!! LET OFF!!" - When the soldiers reached to her, Qin Liqiu resisted bitterly but unfortunately, her attempt was futile as she was rendered unconscious with a hard smack.
One of the two soldiers looked at Qin Liqiu with a perverted gaze, he licked his lips as he chuckled:
"Hehe, looks like the search was fruitful, she looks pretty cute."
"Sigh, at least don't get her pregnant like what happened last time at Boshe Village."
"Don't worry Old Fang, I will definitely- sniff, she smells good! If you want, I will lend you her after I'm done with her."
"You really haven't changed… Well, what do we do with this kid?"
"Throw him with the rest!"
...
Couple minutes has passed and everything has come to an end.
The village was in ruins.
A foul odour suffocated the surroundings, as hoards of mosquitoes buzzed around the corpses of the dead adults and elders.
Women and children has been chained and tossed to a horse carriage, ready to get sold as slaves in the black market.
The troops leader mounted his warhorse as his gaze swept around the village.
"Plunder the food warehouse then burn everything down!"
This is the first novel I've ever written so there is tons of mistakes and a big room for improvement.
Would love to hear your feedback and criticism!
"Cheap slaves! Cheap! Buy two and you get a discount for the third one!"
"Look at this breast! Look at this butt! She will serve you well in bed!"
"Child slaves for cheap!"
Within a cage, a bunch of starving, skinny children could be seen cramped there.
Their eyes are lifeless and their expressions are emotionless.
Ximen Wei is among them, devoid of all hope, despite living in a poor village, he was being well fed, the vegetables and fruits were abundant after all, however, after spending almost a month in this underground market, he was so skinny to the level where his bones could be seen.
These past days, his meal consisted of fragments of hard, rotten black bread and leftover bones.
After the massacre at his village, he got captured and put up for sale in this slave market.
However, unlike before, he was no longer in his dazed state, as for now, he was thinking rationally and coming up with ways to escape this rotten place.
Even though the chance was so small it is almost negligible, Ximen Wei still wanted to try.
At least, he would rather die trying then stay here and await his fate.
'Hah, I guess it's my fortune to not get bought during these past weeks.' - Chuckled Ximen Wei to himself.
'Either way, once the cage's gate opens and the guards stop looking, I will make a run for it, if I get caught, so be it, I'm already fed up with this shit.'
'Or maybe I can gamble and wait for some lord to purchase me?'
'My chances of escaping this place are almost zero, I can wait to get bought by someone then find an opportunity and escape, either from their residences or while they are transporting me.'
'Hopefully I get lucky…'
After making up his plans, Ximen Wei took a deep breath before he studied his surroundings.
Cages filled with human slaves littered the street as people wielding whips and bats were trying everything they can to come up with some creative that can bring customers.
Their expressions were filled with enthusiasm as they gave all sorts of offers and discounts to their clients.
However, the people in the cages wore miserable faces as they tucked their heads in and either sobbed, screamed or cried.
Every single one of the slaves was in a depressed state, even Ximen Wei is not an exception.
'This place is really fucked up tho… How come is this not illegal? Why is Western Wan allowing this place?'
Such a thing disgusted Ximen Wei to the limit.
He never saw such an atrocious place ever in his two lives.
'No matter what, I have to leave this place...'
'Sigh, I guess there's a chance of reinforcements from the Su Dynasty as well, but that's very unlikely, we're deep into the enemy territory after all.' - Ximen Wei gave a helpless sigh as he observed his surroundings a bit more.
A fat wealthy man walked up to the child slavery stall and started communicating with the seller.
Occasionally, he would glance at the children with a perverted gaze as he pointed towards a few young males and exchanged dirty jokes with the seller.
Once Ximen Wei saw that, shivers ran up his spine as he hid behind a bunch of kids, praying to god the fat man wouldn't pick him.
At least, when his escape plan fails, he can still be your average child slave who is forced to do physical labour, however, once he gets bought by this fat man, he's doomed.
No one wants to be turned into a plaything, especially when the player is of the same gender as him.
After thinking about the consequences, goosebumps spread across all his body as he prayed even harder.
"That one behind the bald boy." - Said the fat man.
Unfortunately, the wealthy man pointed towards Ximen Wei and expressed his desire to purchase him, he rubbed his stomach and licked his lips, as if preparing himself to indulge in a tasty, luxurious meal.
Ximen Wei: "…"
The seller got into the cage and picked up Ximen Wei, his gaze carrying a trace of pity as he handed him to the wealthy man.
'What a misfortune! Why must this happen to me!! What did I do to deserve this!!'
"Hey kiddo, I'm Song Peizhi, hehe, from today onwards, you're my slave, comply with everything I say, else… the consequences will be dire, hehe." - Said Song Peizhi as he eyed Ximen Wei pervertedly.
"Mhm" – nodded Ximen Wei, his face pale.
'Looks like the escape plan have to succeed no matter what, or else, I'm afraid I will have to end it all.'
Taking a deep breath, Ximen Wei looked ahead with a clear and resolute gaze as he thought to himself:
'The moment I find a chance.. I will run for my life.'
After mounting a fancy noble carriage, Song Peizhi looked outside the window and said with an eerie tone:
"Haha, today is gonna be a good day! Kiddo, what's your name?"
'Indeed it is a good day! I'm tied instead of cuffed! My chances of escaping increased greatly.' - Despite thinking so to himself, Ximen Wei dared not express his thoughts, instead, he replied emotionlessly, his tone carrying a tine of despair.
"Ximen Wei."
Crack!
Song Peizhi whipped Ximen Wei.
"Where are the honorifics? A mere slave like you dare not show me respect? I will discipline you properly tonight hehehe."
A bitter expression surfaced upon Ximen Wei's face, however deep inside, he was brimming with joy.
'The rope is thick, but the knot is not complicated, given some time, I will be able to untie it stealthy and untie my hands.'
'At least my hands are behind my back and I'm tied directly to the carriage, or else things will be quite troublesome since I won't be able to keep my stealth.'
The horse carriage headed towards a big and majestic city called the Green Lotus City.
The most eye-catching thing about this city is undoubtedly the sky as multi-colored, dazzling and bright sky lanterns floated around.
The sky lanterns were emitting a bright glow and alternating between colors every once in a while, giving rise to a euphoric atmosphere within' the city.
This otherworldly sight made Ximen Wei speechless, when Song Peizhi saw his expression, he was a little bit amused as he mocked:
"Country-side bumpkin, this is the Green Lotus City, it is managed by a revered Qi Expert lord. Obviously it's going to be beyond extraordinary!"
'Great, now I'm no longer restrained, I may as well try to fish as much information as possible from this fat fart.'
"Qi Expert?"
"Haha, truly a country-side bumpkin! You don't know what a Qi Expert is!"
"M-master, can you please explain to me who are Qi Experts?"
"Since I'm in a good mood today! I will explain to you who are Qi Experts, in exchange, you will have to be extra compliant tonight hehe" – An evil grin flashed across Song Peizhi's face as he continued:
"Simply put, Qi Experts are people who mastered the way of Qi! Rank 1 and Rank 2 Qi Experts are moving, armored tanks, even the sharpest of swords can't pierce their thick skin while Rank 3 Qi Experts and higher are gods who control fire and lightning!"
Hearing this, Ximen Wei's eyes brightened up before they quickly dimmed.
'Rank 1? Rank 2? The books mentioned nothing about this!'
"Master, what are the rankings of Qi Experts?"
The fatty got worked up when he heard Ximen Wei's question, he looked outside the horse carriage with a gaze filled with admiration, longing and respect as he explained with passion and reverence:
"Kiddo, you really don't know anything at all! Qi cultivation is classified into five ranks! From rank 1 to rank 5! Green Lotus City Lord is a rank 2 wind path Qi Expert, he is a legendary figure who held off ten thousand men of the Su Dynasty all by himself!"
"When he guarded the border, not a single soldier out of the ten thousand strong Su Dynasty army dared take a step forward…"
Spit flew everywhere as Song Peizhi spoke with fanaticism, evidently, he holds the stories of these heroes and legends in high regard.
'Fortunately, I managed to get some important information off him. He's a noble after all.'
'The City Lord of the Green Lotus City is a rank 2 Qi Expert and managed to hold off a ten thousand men army all by himself. If it were those Rank 3 and Rank 4 Experts who control fire and lightning, what will happen?'
'Anyway, when I escape, I can try and find him, I'm pretty sure he won't take me as a discipline but it's worth a try, I'm desperate after all.'
The horse carriage passed through the gates and entered the city.
Green Lotus City was worthy of its' name.
It's lively and full of activity, the streets were bustling with people and the market here was flourishing as stalls and shops are everywhere.
The noble fatty Song Peizhi was still spitting nonsense while Ximen Wei's eyes darted around, looking for a chance to escape.
'When the carriage passes by a crowd, I will directly jump out. I will bid my time and wait for a proper chance.'
After having gained his mobility, Ximen Wei could escape anytime he wanted, however he wanted to increase his escape chances to the maximum.
Hiding inside a thick crowd and mixing with people is inevitably the best strategy.
'Now is the time!'
The moment the horse carriage entered the market, Ximen Wei jumped out without hesitation.
Song Peizhi was still immersed in narrating his stories, since he was not paying any attention to Ximen Wei, he was caught unprepared.
After couple moments, realization dawned upon him as he yelled in fury:
"GUARDS!!"
City guards wearing leather armor and wielding batons gathered around the horse carriage, awaiting orders.
Song Peizhi's status as a noble is nothing to scoff at, with just a word, the city guards are at his beck and command.
"Find that little rascal, he looks like…"
Meanwhile, Ximen Wei was darting inside the crowd.
His small, little physique gave him great mobility as he evaded the people around him, just like a fish in water.
Guards could be seen moving inside the crowd of people, inspecting every child they come across, however, they were pretty far away.
After spending almost an hour on the run, Ximen Wei finally hid in an inconspicuous corner.
His escape succeeded, as long as he is careful enough, he won't get caught and, as a result, maintain his freedom.
'Great, I finally shook them off.' - Panted Ximen Wei roughly.
'Now, I gotta become a Qi Expert!'
Upon thinking of the power Qi Experts hold, Ximen Wei's eyes shone brightly.
'Becoming a Qi Expert is the only way I can think of if I want to return home.'
'The City Lord is a wind path Qi Expert? Is that some sort of branch? Since he is a wind path Qi Expert, he should be able to control wind… If I become a space path Qi Expert, theoretically I should be able to control space, right?'
Qi is a mysterious and magical power.
There is countless forms of Qi such as fire Qi, water Qi, lightning Qi, wind Qi etc…
If one masters fire Qi, he will become a fire path Qi Expert, someone who controls the power of fire. The same thing applies to other forms of Qi.
The City Lord of Green Lotus City is a wind path Rank 2 Qi Expert, rumours say his punch carries with it the might of a tornado and his breath alone is able to summon powerful winds that topple trees and collapse houses.
'My path to returning home is a bit clearer now, I hope the powers Qi Experts provide are enough, if not… With the long lifespan of Qi Experts, I may be able to construct some sort of spaceship? Anyway, that will have come after I become a Rank 5 Qi Expert.'
'For now, my goal is to become a legendary Rank 5 Qi Expert, no matter what.'
Resolution flashed across Ximen Wei's deep, abyss-like eyes.
'I have to act faster, after all, my family, my relatives, my friends… They're waiting… She's waiting…'
An image of a hazy, feminine figure emerged in front of Ximen Wei.
Magically, the filthy and dirty surroundings changed into a beautiful sunflower field.
The sun shone brightly and the birds chirped ever happily.
The girl was wearing a white robe that extended to her knees, and a sunhat that's decorated with a crimson red flower.
She turned around and looked at him, despite her facial expressions being blurred, Ximen Wei could tell she is smiling at him.
His breath turned rough and his heart thumped loudly, however, when he reached out his arm to her, she disintegrated as she turned into black particles that dispersed alongside the wind.
'I'm… sorry…'
Like an deflated balloon, his arms dropped as his tears dropped down.
'When I'm back… I swear… I will fix everything.. I won't repeat the same mistakes again… I won't ever hurt you again..'
Surrounded by filth and garbage, Ximen Wei sobbed quietly in the dark corner.
After sorting his feelings, he wiped up his tears and stood up.
Determination and resolution shone through his eyes, giving his dark, lifeless irises some color.
He clenched his fists and looked up.
Facing Heaven and Earth, he made a vow.. A vow to return home, return back to Earth… And fix what he broke.
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