Rebellion! (2)

"... and that is how we will start our true plan: to reestablish the glory of our family and take revenge on those who opposed us in the past!" The announcement was met with a thunderous cheer, causing the hall to tremble with excitement.

Amidst the celebration, people raised their cups, shouting and expressing their enthusiasm for the bold declaration. The air was thick with excitement and determination.

"Today we celebrate, tomorrow we fight!" proclaimed the martial arts master, his voice cutting through the festive clamor.

"Hooray!" The jubilant response echoed through the hall.

In the midst of the celebration, Wei Tian leaned closer to his grandfather, taking advantage of the loud chatter to voice his concerns. "Grandfather, I'm not doubting you, but do you really think we can go against the government?" he asked quietly, his eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and uncertainty.

"No, I'm not foolish," Wei Fang whispered back with a wise tone. "I'm counting on the fact that we are faster than them. That's why we must act tomorrow: We are going to strike even before they can see what's coming!"

"Hm. If that is so, I can assure our success!" Tian stated, confident in his own strength. 

"Unfortunately I had to start my plans early because of this..." The old man sighed, revealing the mysterious book on his lap, the same one they had received as a wedding dowry. He had delved into its secrets ever since, utterly fascinated. "If common people in China have access to this, I'm sure the government will possess even more copies. We needed to act sooner; a little delay, and we wouldn't know what to expect from them."

"But- they can't have people as strong as myself, right?" The young man asked, uncertain. 

"I hope not, my kid." The grandfather smiled and flipped the book open again. "From what I see, this book is a bit inferior to our records, but not by much. At least it doesn't explain how to reach the Foundation Establishment Realm."

"Similar to our ancestors' recordings!?" Wei Tian exclaimed, surprised.

Fortunately, the martial arts master was the only one who heard it. In fact, he was already paying attention to the conversation for some time and decided to intervene.

"Don't worry, Wei Tian. As I mentioned to your grandfather earlier, there is no specific technique inside the book. It merely outlines the fundamental principles of cultivation, not how to properly use it. Put it aside for now, and let's enjoy this celebration!"

"You're right; perhaps I'm still shaken by what happened today," Tian sighed. "You know, it was my first time taking a life and all that stuff..."

"That is normal, you've become a real warrior today." Wei Fang, the grandfather, offered his grandson an encouraging smile, genuinely pleased for the young man's development. "Cheers!"

Despite having enjoyed the moment, Tian's emotions were in turmoil hours later. Now, he felt an uncomfortable tightness in his chest, as if something ominous was nearing. Yet, he decided to dismiss it and, after a few cups of relaxing tea (he wasn't much into alcohol), the sensation gradually faded away.

As the hours passed, people continued their celebrations. Food was served endlessly, but without any servants, the family handled the tasks themselves without a shred of shame. The men's stomachs seemed as boundless as the feast before them, not only because they hadn't enjoyed such delicious food in a long time but also due to the strength they had gained through cultivation.

Just when the festival was reaching its climax, a strident sound filled the room, piercing through the air and halting the festivities abruptly. Subsequently, a commanding voice echoed through their temple.

"This estate is surrounded! The Wei family is charged with murder and treason against the government of China!" A man's voice resonated from outside through a loudspeaker. "Exit through the front door calmly, and you will receive a fair trial!"

The festive atmosphere within the Wei family hall dissipated only to be replaced by a heavy blanket of tension and fear. Whispers and anxious glances were exchanged among the family members as the weight of the accusations and the reality of the situation settled upon them. 

"Shit, why are they here?"

"T-that can't be true, right?"

"How did they discover it?"

Murmurs of disbelief and concern spread like wildfire, with faces turning pale and eyes darting around in search of answers. Some clutched their robes nervously, while others exchanged glances, questioning the uncertain fate that awaited them beyond the doors of their ancestral temple. 

"You have one minute, or we're coming in!" warned the voice through the loudspeaker, the urgency and severity of the situation echoing through the once-celebratory hall. "We came prepared to use lethal force!"

Before the chaos could spread even further-

"Quiet!" Wei Tian shouted, immediately silencing even the kids, which in turn cried silently.

"Let's use the secret exit under my room. Its tunnels are still intact," sighed Wei Fang, the head of the family, his earlier preparations for a contingency plan now becoming a necessity. "Move in an orderly manner, and follow me."

Without a second glance, the old man quickened his steps, leading the way toward the exit. The people, momentarily stunned, were quick to react, regaining their senses and following him with desperation and determination etched on their faces.

"I need five strong men to delay them, who is with me!?" the martial arts master called out, and seemingly out of nowhere, he was already wielding medieval swords they were accustomed to, as if he knew of the backup plan beforehand.

"I'll help—" Wei Tian began, only to be firmly interrupted by the martial master.

"No! You are going with your grandfather!" The master interrupted Wei Tian and shooed him with a sword in hand. "You are the hope of our family, now get out of here!"

"Com-Come, brother!" His sister urged him, dragging him along with her tender hands in his arms.

Wei Tian allowed himself to be carried away, casting a sorrowful glance at his martial master, his uncle. Both men understood that this might be the last time they would see each other. The master only gave a small nod to Wei Tian before turning around and distributing swords to the five valiant men.

Moments later, Wei Tian found himself inside a room. His grandfather had already entered the tunnels as he was the only one who knew the way and had to guide the family. After sending his sister in front, Wei Tian was the last remaining member in the room. Now, he looked around, taking in the scene for what might be the last time. The old table had been flipped to the side, and the papers and old records which his family could not carry were scattered on the ground.

[Better burn that shit and not leave it for the government.] Wei Tian wasn't sure what information those papers contained, but the fire could also serve to conceal their escape route.

*TAP* *TAP* *TAP* 

With gunshots echoing nearby, signaling the end of the allotted minute, Wei Tian swiftly dismantled the old table with his bare hands and ignited a lighter. 

Fire engulfed the place in seconds as Wei Tian ran into an ancient, lightless tunnel.

"For the Wei family!" 

That was the last thing he heard before entering the escaping route.

***********

"For the Wei family!" Shouted the martial master after he just beheaded a man with his sword.

Calmly inspecting the lifeless body, he noted that the killing had been swift and efficient. The opponent had been caught off guard, ambushed by the superior strength and agility displayed by him, who stood at the Third Stage of Body Tempering. The enemy had no chance to react or defend against such prowess. Not only that, but no blood gushed out from the wound, it was completely cauterized!

To the martial master's surprise, the opponent was no ordinary police officer. The man he had just killed was clad in army attire, indicating that they were facing well-trained and disciplined soldiers. The unexpected escalation in opposition added a layer of complexity to their escape, raising the stakes for the Wei family.

"Pfft!" The martial master spat disdainfully at the dead soldier and waved his sword, extinguishing the flames on it.

Fortunately, inside the dark corridors of the temple, the Wei family held a distinct advantage. Their intimate knowledge of every nook and cranny allowed them to execute successful ambushes, catching the soldiers off guard and turning the temple's labyrinthine passages into a strategic battlefield.

*TAP* *TAP*

Shots were fired near him, fortunately the rocks were sturdy enough to protect him.

[It looked like Wei Fang was right once again; they had been watching us!] The memory of the old man mentioning that possibility and the need for a plan B flashed in his mind. Back then, he had dismissed such thoughts, but now he realized that Wei Fang was right. [Did they knew about our ancient techniques?]

*BANG!* 

Distracted, a flash grenade exploded nearby. His ears rang, and his head twisted. Fortunately, he knew his surroundings well and used the wall as a guide to distance himself from the disorienting blast.

As moments passed, his vision gradually cleared, but his arm throbbed in pain. Glancing at his left arm, he discovered two small bullet holes. Astonishingly, he had been shot and didn't even feel it!

Footsteps approached, and he mustered all the Qi in his body to prepare for a bloody fight.

[Be safe out there, dad and nephew.] He thought of Wei Fang and Wei Tian.