For the disciples of the Ling Tian Sect, morning was a moment of renewed spirit, a time to sharpen their martial skills. The clashing of swords, the shouts of training, and the flow of spiritual energy blended into a symphony of power that echoed throughout the sect's vast compound.
But for Shi San, a seventeen-year-old boy, sunrise only marked the beginning of another day of torment. As an outer disciple who had yet to gain official recognition, he struggled to qualify as an inner disciple and was treated as nothing more than a burden.
He was performing his routine task now. His thin arms clutched a wooden bucket filled with water. The skin on his fingers was cracked, and his arms were covered with old bruises.
His breathing was ragged as he forced himself up the long flight of stairs that seemed endless to him, steps leading to the main training courtyard at the top.
"Hey, Low Rank Disciple! Don't spill the wash water again and make the others slip!" a harsh voice shouted, slicing through the air with contempt.
Before he could react, a brutal kick slammed into his back. Shi San lost his balance instantly.
The water in the bucket splashed across the cold stone floor, forming shimmering puddles under the morning sun.
Laughter erupted from every direction, surrounding him like a flock of predators circling their prey.
"Hahaha! Look at that skinny donkey. He can't even carry a bucket properly!" one annoying disciple mocked.
"Worthless trash!" another added. "Our sect shouldn't waste resources raising useless garbage like you!"
"Oh, he's useful alright, useful for feeding the pigs and wiping the floors with his filthy clothes! Hahaha!"
"That's right! Instead of hurting our sacred eyes, why don't you go feed the pigs?"
"Trash!" A large-built disciple swaggered over and purposely bumped Shi San's arm. "Clean that floor until it's dry. Don't let Elder Luo see this place still dirty!"
Shi San stumbled, nearly falling backward. He nodded. "Yes, Senior Brother."
The other disciples walked off with sneers, throwing insults over their shoulders.
"Trash, someone with no Spiritual Root!"
"Weaklings like you will spend your whole life groveling under other people's feet!"
"You lowly servant, your clothes aren't even better than my socks!"
Shi San lowered his head, not out of fear, but because he knew that if he dared meet their eyes, their cruel lips would be even more eager to tear apart the last remnants of his dignity.
He had intended to deliver face washing water to Elder Luo, but now he had to clean the floor with his own clothes because he had no spare cloth with him.
Every disciple who passed shot him a disdainful glance, especially the female disciples who never bothered to spare him any kindness, even though his face wasn't particularly unattractive.
Amid all the insults he endured every day, one name kept his spirit alive, Liu Mei. The sect's most beautiful girl, his only reason for enduring and the reason he hadn't collapsed despite the constant humiliation.
She was the one who once spoke to him with gentle warmth, "Shi San, I believe that one day you will become the strongest practitioner in this world. Don't ever give up. I will always stay by your side."
Sweet words he now slowly began to doubt. Were they truly genuine … or simply empty comfort?
Shi San shook off the dark thoughts. He continued cleaning and prepared to move on to his next tasks, sweeping courtyards, gathering food supplies, and much more.
As an unacknowledged outer disciple, he had no guarantee of having anything unless he earned contribution points or took odd jobs to exchange for money.
That day, a senior disciple named Wu Kang approached him with quick, angry strides. Not to offer guidance or instruction, nothing a senior should do.
Instead, he came to vent his frustration, one that had nothing to do with Shi San. Wu Kang was simply jealous of Liu Mei's closeness to him.
SPLAT!
A harsh slap struck Shi San's cheek with full force, making his vision spin. Pain burst across his face, his ears rang loudly, and blood trickled from his mouth.
"Work properly! Don't make me angry, you rotten trash! Do you think this sect belongs to your grandfather, so you can laze around freely?" Wu Kang barked.
Insult after insult poured from Wu Kang's mouth, each word stabbing deeper than a double-edged sword.
"Yes, Senior Brother Wu."
"Who said I wanted to be your senior brother?" Wu Kang scoffed.
SPIT.
He spat at the ground.
Shi San bit his lower lip until he tasted blood.
His gaze remained empty, fixed on the floor. Emotionless. He was used to this. Pain had long become a daily companion.
Then, from a distance, a soft voice he knew all too well reached him, a voice that always reminded him life wasn't completely hopeless.
"Shi San, what happened?"
Liu Mei ran toward them, her face filled with concern, or perhaps it was only an act? Lately, Shi San found himself questioning that.
"It's nothing," he whispered. "I'm fine."
Wu Kang let out a mocking laugh full of contempt.
"Tch! This pathetic servant is just pretending to be pitiful in front of you, Junior Sister Liu. What do you even see in him?" Wu Kang asked arrogantly, hands on his hips.
"That's none of your business, Senior Brother Wu!" Liu Mei snapped, eyes sharp.
"Shi San, don't mind him," she whispered. "I came because I need to talk to you."
"When?" Shi San asked, his eyes gentle and sincere.
"How about tonight? I'll wait for you at the usual place."
"Alright." Shi San nodded.
"Then I'll see you tonight, Shi San!" Liu Mei said before walking away, with Wu Kang immediately rushing to follow her.
Along the path, Wu Kang kept trying to woo her with overly sweet words.
"Junior Sister Liu, won't you consider me?"
"Junior Sister Liu, am I not handsome enough for you? Why would you like that ragged donkey instead?"
Liu Mei responded with annoyance, "Senior Brother Wu, please mind your manners!"