Chương 1: A Fortunate Encounter

<< Inside the Li Clan >>

A boom of thunder echoed throughout the courtyard as rain poured from the sky as if the very heavens themselves were shedding tears. In the dead of night, the courtyard was mostly deserted apart from several individuals who were carrying out their tasks.

Zhang Wei knelt between two large wooden posts, chains around his wrists that connect to the posts ensured that he was kept in place. He had been kneeling for almost an hour, water had long saturated his clothing and hair. A flash of lightning in the sky illuminated the courtyard around him, exposing the face of an aged old man.

An old raspy voice broke the silence 'Zhang Wei, do you acknowledge the mistakes that you have made? The clan has shielded you long enough, however, they can no longer continue to do so. They refuse to do so.'

Zhang Wei gritted his teeth as he fought against the biting cold and rain that seemed to almost piece into his skin, his long hair messily falling down back. His wet clothes clung to his well-defined figure, few would suspect that such a body would belong to someone just only nearing their twelfth birthday.

'This disciple is unable to acknowledge his mistakes, as he has done nothing wrong. The words of the masses do not change the truth, in my heart I know right and wrong, truth from lie.'

The aged figure hearing the response could only sigh, before nodding his head to two attendants who stood next to him, carrying large, thick wooden poles.

A crack of wood hitting flesh and the cries of a boy in pain resounded throughout the night, along with the breaking of bones. As swiftly as the punishment started, it ended. After no less than a hundred strokes of the wooden staves, Zhang Wei was dragged out of the clan courtyard and thrown out.

He had been banished, abandoned and left for dead.

....

The playful cries of a youth could be heard as he weaved throughout the dense undergrowth of Tenshian Forest. Behind him, shouts of panic and clanking of metal could be heard as several guards gave chase. 'Young master, your father will be worried if we do not return soon.' 'Young Master, the forest is full of danger, do not run off alone.'

Gu Huang snorted, he was the most talented and outstanding prodigy they had seen in a hundred years, there was little that could harm him here. However with such great talent came many drawbacks, out of fear of him being harmed his father and elders were very protective of him and often kept him cooped up within Du Baochi; the Gu clans home within Tenshian. Now that he had finally gotten some freedom they would have to take him back kicking and screaming if they wanted him to return.

Glancing back at the approaching guards he grunted slightly as he knew his fun would soon be coming to end. His playful cries were soon replaced with a scream as he found himself falling to the ground.

'Young Master!'

The guards swiftly approached finding their Young Master, an eight year old prodigy still inexperienced with many worldly matters, stood over the body of a youtho covered in blood.

The tense silence was broken by the painful moan of the youth covered in blood.