1 The Young Thief

Under the blazing heat of the sun, a boy despite beads of sweat dropping on his cheeks, stood unfazed by the highest terrace of the wall. His eyes stretched far wide, to the east, aside from the vast expanse ofbarren land, he could espy an outline of the sea. Unknowingly, he smiled. There were delight on those eyes clearly evident he was daydreaming. He reached his hand as if to seemingly touch the blue line of the sea before they disappear.

He shook his head and could only smirk wryly. When he noticed the sun is already high up in the skies, he looked alarmed. He grabbed the rope tied to a block and used friction to slide himself slowly down the forty meter tall concrete wall. It might have been very dangerous for a 13-year-old kid but his speed states his condfidence from repeated practice. His feet touched the ground, he dashed away heading to the streets of the city.

"Rush hour." He smirked.

Blending with crowd, and following their usual pace, he had the best chances of stealing from their pockets. He neared a fat man dressed elaborately, his itchy hands crying for a money to hold. He reached for the pocket and plop. Easy peasy.

But one of them noticed this act and attracted attention. Before that happens, he runs away feeling delighted on his new loot. Hiding in a corner, making sure he is safe, he opened the wallet. Levi was disappointed there were only 2 banknotes, both a hundred silver worth. Two silver were enough to feed himself for three days but he these cannot suffice as tuition fee for the upcoming enrollment. Levi was an orphan boy, he opened his eyes not seeing his mother and only vaguely remembered the face of his father who died in war. He only got his sister who married early and eventually died of childbirth. He cannot make himself trust the brother-in-law so he chose to live by himself. Without the support of anyone, he struggled to keep himself sane in loneliness and hardship he have to suffer everyday. He would have died of starvation if he didn't became a pick-pocket who lived through other's money.

The great White Sect have established the very first martial school for young boys who wish to be cultivators. This offer was incredible tempting that no one could resist to pay the tuition fee of 500 silver, even have to resort to stealing. Levi has never seen a cultivator in his entire life. He only heard something about them from an outside disciple of the sect. They were said to be very powerful, they could crush mountains with a flip of their hands, and drive hurricanes and tornadoes with a breath. Most were exaggerated but, Levi is only a young boy who was ambitious. Now that there is a chance to grow up, he would not waste it. The first batch of enrollers will hold their trials tomorrow, up until three days later. Thus, he has little time to steal and improve his physical condition.

He sighed. Life is hard but I can do this. He walked towards the busy marketplace once more to rob someone.

● ○ ●

The day was long and hot. Feeling tired from the chase of angry victims. He sat down on the sidewalk and glanced up. The sky was very beautiful, some stars have already popped, radiating within the atmosphere of red. The sky was red since long ago, and becomes even redder on sunset. He basked himself on the last rays of the sun, not caring if his sunburnt arm will still burn. Munching on a piece of siopao, he delve deeper in the sense of peace.

When the last rays of sunshine vanished, there were green and orange trails left on the horizon. Levi stood up and went home.

"Hi, Levi!"

He turned around. The person was smiling cheerfully at him while waving. He smiled subconsciously.

"Tsk! What're you doing here?" He walked to her.

"I was shopping."

"Okay." He walked away.

"Wait! Big bro, wait for me!" She walked beside him and struggled to keep with his pace.

"You escaped from your guards again, didn't you?"

She smiled embarassly.

"Let me hold those", he grabbed the items from her hands. "What are these?"

"Clothes?"

He looked at her suspiciously.

"But why are they heavy?"

"Oh um.."

"Are these alcohol?"

"Huh? No! Not alcohol. Just a couple of fruit wines. They are not that strong. I want to give them to Zhu."

"Zhu? The young master of the richest clan? Come on, how did you became friends?"

"No, we are not yet friends. I just hope we will." She blushed. This annoyed Levi. It was obvious he was a bit jealous.

He sighed and did not speak anymore. He did not notice Marell is side-glancing his expression and gave a slight smile.

When they reached the manor gate, Levi handed her her package. "Here. Give it to him then. If he don't accept, give them to me."

"All right. But I haven't known you are a drinker. These were not really fruit wines."

"I won't drink them. I'm going to sell."

She pouted. Levi nearly blushed if he didn't look away quickly. Marell took one bag and entered the gate.

"Wait! How about this?"

She grinned as she turned to him. "Presents for you?"

Levi was speechless as he watched her back behind the closing gate. When she was gone, he opened the bag.

There are two jugs of wine (hopefully) and a piece of paper. He unfolded the paper. Even though he can hardly read it, he was sure this is something like an enrollment form. Could she have asked her father for one? No. She can hire a private teacher for herself. So this must be for me?

Gulp.

"Oh well, thanks a lot."

The guards frowned seeing him laugh like a fool then walked away.

Levi trotted triumphantly. He was thinking. From now on, I will work very hard to get the approval of the school. Then I will become a cultivator and will repay her in the near future. Don't worry, Marell. I will not waste your trust.