Chapter 2: Mysterious Fragment

“Awake, are you?”

When Ling Xiao opened his eyes again, he saw his elderly grandfather.

His hair was white as snow, his frame gaunt, and his face withered like dead wood.

“Sigh, why must you be so stubborn? Just swallowing your pride would have been enough! Come, drink your medicine.”

The old man sighed and brought over a bowl of herbal soup that emitted a bitter scent.

In his grandfather’s voice, Ling Xiao could hear both concern and helplessness.

“Hehe, it’s fine. It’s not the first time, and I’m not going to swallow my pride anyway.”

Ling Xiao chuckled, “Once I break through to the second level of the Martial Pulse, I’ll go settle the score with that Ling Chong!”

“You boy.”

The old man sighed. Although Ling Xiao was a child he had picked up, he had always treated him like his own grandson.

Seeing Ling Xiao injured made his heart ache in a way that was hard to describe.

Ling Xiao took the cooled herbal soup and drank it in one gulp, a smile appearing on his face.

In truth, his refusal to swallow his pride wasn't just due to his stubborn nature; there was another reason.

Ever since he began practicing that incomplete cultivation technique, his body’s recovery speed had become exceptionally fast.

He had been beaten unconscious several times before, just like today, but he would wake up in less than half an hour, his body mostly recovered. After drinking some herbal soup, he would be basically as good as new.

“The Ling family sent someone over just now.”

When the old man reached this point, he seemed somewhat hesitant.

“Grandfather, if you have something to say, just say it. Is there anything else I can’t accept?”

The old man looked at Ling Xiao, then sighed and said, “They want you to prepare the paperwork to leave the Ling family.”

“Leave the Ling family? Why?” Ling Xiao was shocked.

Only by entering the Ling family could he learn better martial arts techniques and get ahead in life. If he left the Ling family, he truly didn’t know when his fate would ever change.

“They said that there are only half a month left until the year-end grand competition. This time, all outer sect disciples who haven't reached the second level of the Martial Pulse are ineligible to participate and will be expelled from the Ling family.”

Speaking of this, the old man sighed again, “I heard the Ling family had some resources seized by another clan and can no longer afford to support so many people, so they plan to streamline the disciples. The original rules have become even harsher.”

“How could it be like this?”

Ling Xiao was stunned. He had confidence in breaking through within a month, but half a month was simply too rushed.

However, the blow did not end there.

The old man hadn't finished speaking yet.

“Furthermore, even if you break through to the second level of the Martial Pulse within these fifteen days, it only temporarily retains your status as an outer sect disciple. Before the age of fourteen, if you cannot reach the third level of the Martial Pulse, all outer sect disciples must become servants of the Ling family; otherwise, their martial arts will be crippled, and they will be driven out.”

“That’s too much!”

Ling Xiao understood clearly. He was thirteen this year and would be fourteen after the New Year. How could he possibly reach the third level of the Martial Pulse?

If he became a servant, it meant his grandfather would no longer be qualified to live in the Ling family. How could he possibly stay here with peace of mind?

This was no longer a matter of face; it was a matter of life and death.

Moreover, when he was first chosen by the Ling family, his brothers from the Beggar Gang, with whom he used to beg for food, had all been incredibly envious.

If he left the Ling family like this, what face would he have to return to the Beggar Gang?

“Indeed, they are a great clan, and naturally, they have their own rules. In the end, we are just outsiders.”

The old man suddenly smiled, “Forget it. If it really comes to it, this old man will just go back to begging. It’s fine; I can’t let your future be delayed because of me.”

“No!”

Ling Xiao shook his head and said, “Grandfather, even if there is the slightest possibility, I will not give up. I will work harder than ever before and strive to reach the third level of the Martial Pulse before I turn fourteen! I must let you live a good life.”

He gritted his teeth, his hands clenched tightly.

I’ll give it my all!

“Child, you are already pushing yourself hard enough. If you work any harder, you might break your body before you even break through your cultivation.”

The old man sighed, “We must face reality. Breaking through to the second level of the Martial Pulse in half a month is almost impossible. It’s better to make plans early.”

Ling Xiao felt as if a basin of cold water had been poured over his head.

That’s right. He hadn't been able to break through in a year; why would he be able to do it in half a month?

His heart sank continuously. The thing he feared most was that even his best efforts would be in vain.

If it were a month, it would be fine; at least he would have a thirty or forty percent chance of success.

But half a month—though he was unwilling to admit it—the truth was that unless a miracle occurred, it was absolutely impossible.

“Child, don’t be too sad. As long as the two of us are safe and sound, that’s enough. Grandfather doesn’t care how powerful you are; as long as you are well, that’s better than anything!”

The old man’s thoughts were simple; he didn’t want Ling Xiao to carry too heavy a mental burden.

“If you’re worried about those beggar brothers laughing at you, don’t be. They are all people who have suffered; they won’t laugh at you. If you succeed, they will be happy for you, and if you fail, they will still accept you.”

Go back to being a mediocre beggar?

“No!”

Ling Xiao shook his head firmly, “Grandfather, have you forgotten how we were bullied on the streets before?”

“Have you forgotten how Gouzi was beaten to death alive?”

“Have you forgotten those vicious-hearted people who fed us food laced with rat poison?”

“That time, over a hundred brothers died!”

“But we couldn't fight back. That person had martial artists protecting him. The few of us who went were all beaten until our legs were broken!”

“Do you want us to continue living like pigs and dogs? I, Ling Xiao, refuse to accept this! I am no worse than anyone else! I believe that heaven never closes all doors!”

Ling Xiao didn't actually have great ambitions. He studied martial arts and became a martial artist just to live better and to avenge his fallen brothers!

The old man was already streaming with tears, for he knew Ling Xiao was right.

All of this was the truth. If Ling Xiao could not become a martial artist, all these tragedies would continue to happen.

“Sigh, I originally didn't intend to give you the second half of this book, mainly because I was afraid you couldn't handle it. But now, I can’t worry about that anymore. I’ve truly been persuaded by you.”

The old man took a book—no, to be precise, a tattered book—from his inner clothing.

“Is this not the other part of that previous fragment?” Ling Xiao asked.

“That’s right. Actually, when I found the book, it was complete. But there is a sentence on it. See for yourself.”

The old man turned to the page that connected to the first half.

“Without the determination of a rock and a powerful drive, do not practice the contents following this page, or death is certain!”

These were the words written in blood on the page.

“Grandfather, don’t worry. I have the determination and the drive; nothing will go wrong!”

Ling Xiao excitedly took the second half of the book to his room, pieced it together with the first half, and read it from beginning to end.

“What is this!”

Amidst his exclamation, a golden light flew out from the pages and shot directly into his body.

He was startled, but he didn't notice anything unusual about his body. Just as he relaxed his guard, a scene suddenly appeared in his mind.

It was a painting.

The content of the painting was extremely complex, but overall, it seemed to be a landscape painting. There were mountains, water, and buildings, as if it stretched on forever.

The painting was shrouded in mist, making it impossible to see everything clearly. He could only see one corner, which was a village with people and animals; it looked very peaceful.

(End of chapter)