1 Flow Peak

-FROZEN LAKE SECT-

/Frozen Lake Sect is one of the Sects of the Eastern Continent. Being the smallest sect, it's determined as a tier-one sect but still respected for having Sect Leader Shuang Jue Dui of the Eighth Layer of Void Realm being the second strongest of the continent. This Sect has three major families with their respective Peaks where they train their youngsters to be able to enter the sect. One of the peaks is called Flow Peak from the Liu Family./

-FLOW PEAK LIBRARY-

The library's empty as usual at this time. I'm about to finish a new book and it's related to runes... I probably should learn more about this too since I'm tired of reading about alchemy.

Hmmm... I'm hearing familiar loud footsteps.

"Hei An! I've finally found you! Why are you here again?! I told you that you're supposed to be training with the younger ones! You're the only one who's a second layer of the body refining realm! Quit slacking off here!" It's the annoying old man again... When can I read these books peacefully?

/Liu Hei An, 18

Flow Peak Student

Second Layer of Body Refining Realm/

When I wake up in the morning, the first thing I do is visit the library. Unfortunately, libraries at a peak don't have skill manuals or cultivation techniques but only beginner books related to alchemy, blacksmithing, and other minor related stuff. Still, I enjoy reading lots of these books as I learn a lot but I don't have much time due to this useless training I've been doing for almost three years now.

Instructor Gong is pretty angry again... I can see bulging veins almost about to pop on his forehead.

"I hate fetching you here every single day and you don't even improve at all. Those kids your age are already in their fifth layer. I should not be here always babysitting you. You're the oldest in your class, you know that, right?" It's not like I like what you're doing. He's not wrong though, most of my peers are already disciples in outer sect while I'm still here being a dumbass.

/Liu Gong Zhu, 30

Flow Peak instructor

First Layer, Middle Grade, of Advanced Body Refining Realm

Second Layer of Pristine Spirit Realm/

"You do know I hate fighting and my training seems to be not working for me at all. I've been with the same training for three years now and I have the slowest progress." I hate people when they look at me like I'm a failure...

Instructor Gong Zhu's the only one who looks at me differently. For the past ten years, since my parents left to join some kind of expedition, they haven't returned since and Instructor Gong Zhu's been the one who's helping me. Though, in return, I have to do training even at night. He's unmarried and because he failed to enter the sect as an inner disciple, he dedicated his life to be an instructor to our family, Liu Family.

"Your natural body isn't suited for fighting. I do know that and it might take a while for you to reach the fourth layer to be an outer sect disciple but it's necessary so you can cultivate your inner energy and it's your last year here. You have to do this or-" I don't want to be a sect slave... I've trained so hard yet it's not enough...

At the age of fifteen, teenagers can start training martial arts with the purpose of reaching the fourth layer body refining realm. This is because of the yearly recruitment of the sect to gain new disciples from all the families within the same sect. But even being a fourth layer body refining realm, there will be no guarantee that you'll be a disciple as there will be a test to make sure that the recruits have the ability to be a sect disciple. This recruitment has an age limit of eighteen. Once you become nineteen years old and still couldn't reach the fourth layer body refining realm, you'll become a servant to the sect instead and still train but still considered as a failure or give up and stay with your family.

He's right about my natural body. Unfortunately, I have a lower tolerance to pain compared to others and since I was still a kid, the physicians told my parents that there's nothing they could do or ever do in this realm to help me with my condition.

"Why not just teach me how to cultivate my inner energy then? I mean, you could do that right?" I've tried to convince him a couple of times already but it seems he's reluctant on doing so. If my body is weak, with the ability to cultivate inner energy, I won't rely on my physical body anymore.

"You know you're not allowed to do that unless you're an outer sect disciple." I've been reading some books about cultivation and it seems that it's not necessarily required to have a sturdy body to do that but you have to at least have a base foundation to be able to store energy based on the books I've read. I'm not that dumb, you old man... but rules are rules...

"I know, I know. Fine! I'll do your stupid training but give me some slack will you?" Those training sure make my whole body hurt all night.

"Is that really how you talk to someone older than you, you lazy ass!" Wait! He lifted me like a kid! You, muscle brute!

"Let me down! I'm already embarrassed by you coming to pick me up from the library!" This is so embarrassing!

"If you apologize, I might drop you off!" This old man... really... Fine!

"I'm sorry... please let me down..."

"That's my boy." I'm not your boy, you, old man.

-FLOW PEAK TRAINING AREA-

We finally arrived in the training area, it still amazes me how the smell of sweat won't let me get used to it. And it seems that everyone is already talking about me, looking at me like I'm cursed. It seems that to them, my weakness might be contagious.

"It's that bookworm again making a ruckus..."

"Shouldn't he be working as a servant now at the sect? He's already 18 years old and he's still a second layer of body refining realm. What a disgrace to our family."

"He's too old to be here. Even I could defeat him in a match."

Keep talking, you, assholes. One day, I'll leave this pathetic place and travel the world.

"Quiet! Get back to training!" Sure thing, old man.

I started getting into the fighting stance he thought us. It's called "Flow Martial Arts" which is used by all of the trainees from the Liu Family. It is said that it relies on fluidity making it one of the most unpredictable arts.

"WOOOOH! WOOOOH! HAAAA!" Throwing punches in the air, doing random kicks hitting nothing... I'm sick of this. Doing the same training every day...

"Psst... Hey... Hei An." Hmmm? I heard someone whispered my name.

It's cousin Fan Nao, from the bigger branch of Liu Family. What does he want from me?

/Liu Fan Nao, 15

Flow Peak Student

Second Layer of Body Refining Realm/

"If you can hear me, I heard there's another way to increase your body refinement at a significant rate. If you're interested, meet me near the back of the alchemy shop after our training." Why does he want to help me? No one really wanted to help me since this family sees me as a failure. Maybe he knows that if I couldn't reach the fourth layer of body refinement in half-year, I'll be a servant of the sect... Still, this might be a good opportunity.

Based on what Instructor Gong Zhu, physical training is the normal way to refine the body. There's also usage of body refining pills that greatly increases the rate of body refinement while training. Does that mean cousin Fan Nao is willing to give me some pills as he's planning to meet me there? If that's the case, then that would be great!

I looked at him and nodded to show that I'll be there after the training and he just smiled at me. Finally! I hope this works.

The training went on and on till we can finally see the sunset. It's tiring and my body aches all over but Instructor Gong Zhu said that the pain is a good way to know that you're having progress. Though I couldn't really tell.

"Good job, guys. You can now go home and rest. Don't forget to sleep early tonight. Tomorrow's another day of training." And so, everyone started to leave the place.

Fan Nao looked at me giving a hint that he'll be waiting. I waved at him but he left as fast as he could. Well, you don't have to be in a hurry. I'll be there for sure, little cousin.

-NEAR FLOW PEAK ALCHEMY SHOP-

I've finally arrived near the alchemy shop but...

Man, why did he choose a place like this? The street is empty and no one really visits the alchemy shop other than those who concoct healing pills which I wanted to learn as well since that's what I've been reading at the library.

"Psst... Come here." It's cousin Fan Nao. He wants me to go to the back alley... it's pretty suspicious and somehow I'm getting a bad feeling about this. I feel like being in this place is unnecessary at all unless you're not into something good. Well, who cares, he's still young, I don't think he'd do something terrible.

I walked slowly towards the back alley and saw him waiting.

"Uhhh... Are you sure about this place? This place is a little bit-"

"You should meet some of my friends who are here willing to help you too." Uhhh... I looked behind me and there's three more and based on their physic, I could tell that they're at the second layer of body refinement realm.

"Nice to-" Wait, what? Fan Nao? He came from behind while I'm greeting the others and used both of his hands to cover my mouth. What the hell are they pla-

"UGH!" The other two grabbed both of my arms and the other one punched me on my stomach! I couldn't help myself but puke but with my mouth closed, some popped out of my nose! The pain!

I lost control over my knees and lost my balance due to the severe pain. This is the first time I've felt this kind of tremendous pain. They let go of my arms and I threw up all over the floor. What the hell is going on?!

"Damn, he puked all over my hands. It seems it's true, him, can't tolerate pain even with just a single punch. So fucking disgusting! Cover his mouth with something, will you?"

"Wait, no! HEE- MmMmM!" Fuuuuuck! No, no! I just want to go home! Please!

"Did you know? Getting hit over and over again can also increase your body refinement realm. We're doing you a favor so stop screaming and just take it. What a loser." I'll remember this, you, fucking sick bastard!

"MmMmM!" Ugh! He hit me again! Ugh! Nooo!

I couldn't ask for help... I couldn't even scream.

...

....

..

Ugh... So much light. Did I pass out? Where am I?

Then I remember everything that happened between me and Fan Nao. I couldn't help myself but fill myself with anger. What they did to me, I will give it back tenfold!

I looked around and I'm somehow on a bed inside an unfamiliar room. Someone might have found me.

"You've finally woken up. I thought you'll be waking up for a couple more days." This is the first time I've seen him but I can tell, judging by what he has said and what he's wearing, long physician's robe, he's probably a physician. He looks diligent and calm and looks a little bit older than the elders I know.

"Wait, what do you mean by that? How long was I out?" I sat up and checked my body but somehow, it doesn't hurt anymore and I can feel like my body finally breakthrough to the third layer of body refinement realm. How could that be possible in a short period of time?! This means those assholes won't be able to gang up on me again! With my current body realm, I could possibly take them on. Just you wait, Fan Nao!

He sat on a chair and started pouring tea while trying to sniff the fragrance of it. What a nice aroma... I feel like my mind becomes peaceful just from the smell of it.

"I'm Physician Liu Cao Yao. It has been two days since I found you lying behind my shop. Youngsters these days are becoming more violent huh. Don't worry, I've healed your wounds using low-grade healing pills, you're now fine and can leave but I suggest you shouldn't train anymore." Two days! Instructor Gong must have been worried sick! Isn't this supposed to be an alchemy shop though? Why's there a physician here and not a merchant? Not to mention, I can feel a great power within him. I wish I could understand cultivation so I could gauge his power.

/Liu Cao Yao 45

Owner of the Flow Peak Alchemy Shop

Flow Peak Physician

Eighth Layer of Body Refining Realm

Seventh Layer of Spirit Core Realm/

"I'm so sorry for all the trouble I've caused you these past two days. My name is Liu Hei An and right now, I don't have the silver to pay you for the low-grade healing pills as I'm only getting a stipend from the peak for my living expenses but when you said that I shouldn't train anymore, what do you mean by that?" I've been training for three years and I just have broken through the third layer of body refining realm. He must have an idea about what is happening to me.

"So you're the Hei An people are talking about. No wonder you've been able to break through to the third layer just by getting hit overnight. I've said that because right now, training won't improve your body refining realm unlike others but instead, because of your condition, the only way possible to reach the advanced body refining realm is by getting hit over and over again. As the pain rises, the faster your body gets stronger." So that's what he meant but unlike other people, the pain I feel is more severe. Last night was a hellish experience but screw it!

"If that's the case, then those brats really did help me. I must give them gratitude instead of hate." It might take a while for me to reach the fourth layer so that means I need to get hit more as I only have half a year before I get thrown to the servant quarters. This also means that I have to get used to being hit.

"But that's not a good idea. Sure, I helped you today but that doesn't mean I could just give you healing pills every single time you get beat up to death. If you want to go to that kind of training, you should have lots of silver to buy healing pills. Even I couldn't afford a pill every single day." That's true. Considering peaks are not the most dangerous place to train so people don't visit the alchemy shop that much often and so his business couldn't be that doing great. Wait, I have a solution!

"Then, how about you teach me alchemy? I've read lots of books so I have basic knowledge about it." Somehow, he looked dismayed.

"You do know that you have to spend silver to get those materials and tools as well to concoct pills. Not only that, but you must also have a basic knowledge of the law of fire to heat the cauldron. Using low-quality fire won't give you any good results." He's right. I don't think I have resources for that. What should I do then? Should I just quit? If I get hit over and over again, I might end up dying this time.

"How about this. Since, you're eager to do so, if you can gather the materials for me, I could create the pills for you for a small amount of price." I like that idea.

"That sounds reasonable. But that also means that I should leave the sect as well to gather materials. With my current body refining realm and non-existent cultivation, I don't think they would let me get past the gate." Plus, I heard there will be monsters and whatnot outside the sect.

"Well, I have a solution for that. Here, take this." He handed me a white badge just like my flow peak student badge but with a different carved symbol on it.

"That's a white alchemy badge. Badges are like proof that you belong to a certain group just like your peak badge. White is currently given to trainees or assistant which is the lowest rank. The next grades are green, blue, purple, so on, and so forth. You get the idea." While showing me his blue alchemy badge.

"But is this enough to leave the sect though? If I get it right, this badge is like equal to my white peak badge and that means as a trainee, I am not allowed to leave the sect." He must have some kind of plan for this to work.

"That's true but this time, you'll be accompanied by a student of mine who will be coming-"

"OLD MAN! I'M HERE AGAIN FOR YOUR LOUSY ERRAND!" The physician's expression suddenly changed after hearing the female's angry voice. I feel like he's pretty much scared of his student and so he invited me to get out of the room to meet his loud student.

"Calm down, Sheng Kai. I promise, this errand will end soon and I'll teach you more but I have one last... aheem... request." Somehow, his student's eyebrows hugged each other which tells me she's not happy with what her teacher is saying. Sheng Kai, huh. She's a beauty that even the prettiest girls I know are out of her league. That's a cute name, exactly opposite of her attitude.

What a lovely student-teacher relationship.

/Liu Sheng Kai 20

Frozen Lake Sect Outer Disciple

Fifth Layer of Body Refining Realm

Fifth Layer of Innate Energy Realm/

"Make sure this will be your last request or else, you won't be able to see me here again! So... who's this weakling here? Aren't you too old to be in the third layer of body refinement? Old man, I told you to stop bringing strayed dogs to your place." This girl sure talks like she's not a girl at all. She doesn't even show any respect to her teacher.

I just smiled at her but she looked at me like she's disgusted with me or something... Seriously, this girl is annoying.

The old man suddenly stayed quiet but then decided to speak. "Now, now... The task is pretty simple. For the last month of your errand of gathering materials, let this boy accompany you-"

"What?! That would also mean that my errand will be extended! I've wasted too much time already here for a couple of months and you wanted-" This girl sure is loud.

"If you help him. I'll teach you how to concoct middle-grade pills." The expression of the girl suddenly changed. I read before that middle-grade pills are not even common in the inner sect. For this kind of knowledge, he should be a Head Physicians to bigger families.

"Fine! After one month, if you won't teach me the technique on how to concoct middle-grade pills then I would kill this idiot. Deal?!" Now, now... no need to go that far-

"Deal!" Ugh... then this old man looked at me with a bitter smile. I feel like he's just using me and this girl to get more free materials for his dying shop...

/Here's the list of the mentioned body refining and inner energy realm from weakest to strongest. Every realm has nine layers, reaching the tenth layer would be a breakthrough to the next stage.

Body

-Body Refining Realm

-Advanced Refining Realm (there will be Early, Middle, and Peak stage before reaching another layer.)

Inner Energy

-Innate Energy Realm

-Pristine Spirit Realm

-Spirit Core Realm

-Void Realm

Later Realms will be included throughout the story./