Chapter 1: Turbulent Times and Youth

  The sunset slowly falls, and the whole world is about to slowly transition between white and black.

  On the ground, there is a well with one mouthful of water, and by the side of the well stands a young boy.

  The young man wore a coarse linen garment, his hair disheveled, looking like a complete beggar. However, occasionally from the eyes that peeked out from between his messy hair, one could see the boy's helplessness, sadness and deep determination, hope...

  The "gugugu" youth picked up the bowl and drank the water that had just been fetched in one gulp. Beside him was a piece of ruins, with visible traces of fire burning. Looking around, there were similar ruins everywhere, occasionally a wisp of smoke, a few people's weak voices mixed with a few cries of crows, making people feel a sense of desolation from the bottom of their hearts...

  As the surroundings slowly fell silent, the young man finished eating the last bit of hard and dry black bread in his hand, and then licked off the crumbs before heading towards the "bed".

  It's called a "bed", but it's just two blackened wooden sticks and a plank leaning together, with some wild grass laid down underneath.

  But it's already lucky for a young man to be alive in this chaotic world.

  Late at night, the insect sounds were no longer as loud as they were in summer, and it was already late summer and early autumn. On the weeds, the young man had not fallen asleep, a pair of bewildered eyes gazed up at the starry sky, destined to be another sleepless night...

  This young man is called Wang Chen, and his family background is also considered to be quite well-off. It's said that when Wang Chen was born, a star fell from the sky, so Mr. Wang said that Wang Chen is an immortal who has come down to earth, which is why he was named Wang Chen.

  Wang Chen was exceptionally intelligent from a young age, and at the age of four, he followed the only literate teacher in Wangjia Village to learn poetry and literature. In just three months, he could read "Bai Jia Xing" and "Qian Zi Wen", and became a famous child prodigy far and near, which was worthy of the title of an immortal descending into the mortal world.

  Time went back to more than a year ago. It was a scorching hot afternoon, eight-year-old Wang Chen secretly ran out of Mr.'s school and went to the mountain several miles away to play, and didn't return to the village until he got tired and it was almost dark.

  However, everything changed when they returned to the village: the once peaceful village was gone, the once simple villagers were gone, leaving only flames, ruins, and corpses... Young Wang Chen found his family's and Mr.'s bodies and buried them with the help of dozens of survivors in the village. On the second day of the disaster, young Wang Chen began a miserable escape journey, because he heard that some survivors said they would start fighting soon...

  In chaotic times, human life is not as valuable as a dog's, and the army is like bandits!

  Nine months ago, while fleeing, Wang Chen picked up a dead domestic chicken, which was just roasted and taken away by two middle-aged people who were also fleeing at the same time, and he was beaten.

  Seven months ago, because of a few tens of copper coins, he was beaten again... Wang Chen's heart is filled with bitterness, sadness and unyielding spirit. After these events, the young Wang Fan understood a truth: good things cannot be revealed to others unless you have the power to protect them...

  Six months ago, Wang Chen was on the run. Everywhere were homeless refugees... Grass roots were rarely seen, and tree bark was scarce too. Under the drive of hunger, a group of pale and thin refugees wanted to rob a young horseman's money...

  Wang Fan Chen remembered it very clearly, he was a young man dressed in finery, carrying a sword on his back, with a look of disdain he glanced at the refugees, then drew out his sword, the sword flashed and killed seven or eight refugees in just a few strokes, the remaining people also fled in panic.

  Wang Chen was shocked, for the first time having an idea of learning martial arts, wanting to become stronger... That night, in the conversation among refugees, he heard about the three gangs in Cangzhou: Longhu Gang, Juxing Gang, and Jindao Men. At the same time, he also heard that due to the strong presence of the three major gangs in Cangzhou City, even the warring armies did not dare to enter...

  This is an era where imperial power has declined and factions are rising!

  Cangzhou City is one of the twelve state capitals of Dashaguo, ranking eighth among the twelve cities of Shaguo. As the capital of Cangzhou Prefecture, Cangzhou City has a history of over 1,000 years, with bustling streets, lively taverns, and elegant attire, all showcasing the prosperity and wealth of Cangzhou.

  The early autumn sunshine, soft and sprinkled on the ground, no longer as scorching as in summer. Outside the city of Cangzhou, a young man stood under a tall tree far away from the city, gazing at the city of Cangzhou just within sight.

  The high city wall is over ten meters tall, all made of giant stones. Occasionally, you can faintly recognize the marks on the stone walls, either knives or swords. These are the traces left by war fires and warriors. Anyone who sees it will inevitably sigh in admiration, indeed a ancient city with a long history and rich connotation.

  This young man was Wang Chen. Six months of hardships had stripped away the shyness typical of a youth his age, and he now possessed the stability and depth of an adult, yet his short stature and the air of elegance between his eyebrows made it easy to see that he was still just a child.

  Adversity makes one grow, this saying is absolutely right.

  A month ago, some survivors who had just wandered around settled down in several towns they passed through. Wang Chen did not stop. Since seeing the young man's swordsmanship, Wang Chen decided to come to Cangzhou City. Because he heard that to learn profound martial arts and become a formidable warrior, the closest place is one of the three major factions in Cangzhou City.

  At the city gate, there was no strict inspection, and several guards were standing lazily. They entered the city smoothly without any trouble. As soon as they entered the city, Wang Chen found that inside the city was different from outside. The streets were crowded with people, everyone was dressed in luxury, and the cries of vendors everywhere made Wang Chen feel very surprised. After a while, the disdainful eyes of the people in the city finally brought him back to his senses.

  "It's still too tender," Wang Chen thought to himself, blaming himself for acting like a child. He quickly ran to an empty corner, but he didn't think that this kind of thinking was suitable for a young boy like him!

  To join a gang, first you have to gather information about the gang, and naturally you would go to a tavern to gather information.

  Hongfu Wine House, a slightly vulgar name, Wang Chen crouched by the wall, slightly raised his head to look inside the wine house. Inside the wine house was the noisy sound of laughter and conversation, with customers coming in and out one after another. It wasn't until nearly two hours later that Wang Chen heard some useful information.

  "Li Wanfu, the day after tomorrow is when the three major gangs recruit new members. Your son is already twelve years old this year, and I'm afraid he won't make it through the gang selection process."

  "Don't worry about it, my son can make it or not, even if your family's dog goes, it's useless. The three major factions aren't places where just anyone can enter." A middle-aged man with a bulging belly and an annoyed expression seemed to have been struck by these words, and he retorted without showing any weakness.

  "This year I don't know how many people can enter the gang and learn martial arts"

  …….

  Wang Chen listened for just two sentences and knew the whole story. He didn't continue listening, lowered his head and left.

  Chengnan, a dilapidated temple, often had several beggars living inside. Today, Wang Chen also had no choice but to stay here, although he had hidden over thirty cents while wandering around, it was clear that he couldn't spend all of it just for lodging.

  At night, in a ruined temple.

  A middle-aged man wearing a brown robe scolded the three ten-year-old beggars, "Tomorrow you three will go to take the test of the three major gangs. If you can pass, you won't have to suffer with me anymore. I'll be able to bask in your glory and become a dragon too. If you can't get into the three major gangs, don't come back!" The middle-aged man's tone was severe, and the three children were terrified. After a while, the middle-aged man encouraged the three children again. Wang Chen listened and slowly fell asleep.

  The next day, Wang Chen spent five cents to buy a coarse linen short shirt that was suitable for him. Although it was not luxurious at all, it was much better than the tattered clothes he wore when entering the city. After that, he bought some steamed buns and ate his fill before slowly falling asleep to await the third day's test.

  The three major gangs are the three tyrants of Cangzhou. Every year, they recruit gang members once, and only children between the ages of 8 to 12 can join. Children from ordinary families find it difficult to learn high-level martial arts. To stand out and earn a lot of money, entering one of the three major gangs through selection is the only way, especially in troubled times when martial arts are the foundation for standing tall. Once you enter one of the three major gangs, as long as you can survive, you will be able to live a life of luxury and wealth, and ordinary people will not dare to provoke you. Therefore, many people are willing to send their children into the three major gangs.

  In the north of Cangzhou City, there is a square with a length and width of about 100 meters. When Wang Chen arrived, there were already several hundred people here. The crowd was clearly divided into three parts, each with dozens of horse-drawn carriages, with silk flags inserted on top.

  Wang Chen had learned to read characters, and he could recognize the ones on the brocade flag. Dragon and Tiger, Golden Sword, Giant Whale - each of these was embroidered with a pair of opposing dragons and tigers, a golden sword, and a large-headed monster. The brocade flag fluttered in the wind, surrounded by robust men guarding it, looking very majestic.

  Wang Chen pondered for a moment before heading towards the silk banner fluttering with dragons and tigers.

  In front of the Dragon and Tiger Society's banner, a horizontal inscription was hung. In front of the inscription sat a gentleman-like man wearing a long-sleeved brocade robe. On either side of the inscription stood robust men in military attire, looking very majestic.

  Wang Chen lined up in a queue, and before long, it was his turn. A middle-aged man asked without even lifting his head:

  "Name" "Wang Chen"

  "Age" "Nine and a half years old"

  "Hometown" "......"

  In less than half a minute, Wang Chen finished answering. The muscular man next to him shouted, "Come over." Wang Chen quickly ran over, and there were already several young men behind him. Wang Chen quickly stood at the back. Before long, eight people stood behind each of the four muscular men, and under their orders, Wang Chen got into the horse carriage.

  The sound of the horse carriage was not unpleasant at all, Wang Chen sat quietly by himself, eyes closed, and didn't say a word. After a while, he heard the voices of several others speaking, and only then did Wang Chen turn his head to look around at the people inside the carriage, one of whom was another child in coarse clothing, looking silly, not saying a word either.

  Another five people were chatting together, apparently getting to know each other quickly. There were three young men in Chinese clothing, one strong and energetic young man, and a girl with a face as beautiful as a peach blossom.

  "This time for the gang test we must help each other!"

  "Of course."

  "Definitely definitely"

  ……

  In the last seat was a girl with a face as cold as frost, her features were beautiful, but the aura of "don't come near" emanating from her body made several boys feel very uncomfortable. Wang Chen didn't speak to anyone else and after waiting for several hours, the horse carriage was still moving when he slowly fell asleep.

  When the carriage stopped, Wang Chen dazedly heard someone shouting: "Get up, get up", opened his eyes, and saw that silly boy shaking his body. "Thanks" Wang Fan replied, the silly boy scratched his head awkwardly, then pulled Wang Chen down from the carriage together.

  After getting off the carriage, they found themselves at the foot of a mountain. It was already afternoon, and there were dozens of horse-drawn carriages around them, with hundreds of young men whispering to each other in hushed tones. Wang Chen and the silly-looking young man also started talking to each other, and after just a few sentences, they learned that the young man's name was Zhang Tie, from a poor family near Changzhou City. Perhaps they shared similar backgrounds, as they chatted happily and quickly became familiar with each other.

  They waited for about two more quarters, and several horse-drawn carriages arrived. After the young men got off the bus, the old man in the center of the crowd hummed again, and the young people on the scene quickly stopped talking and looked at the old man.

  The old man looked around and said in a loud voice, "Follow the mountain path ahead and walk forward. You can enter the outer gate at the waist of the mountain after three incense sticks' time. Otherwise, hum, the Dragon Tiger Gang doesn't want useless people." The old man's voice was very powerful, like a bell. After he finished speaking, several figures flashed by and the old man disappeared.

  Many young people looked at the old man's swift figure and couldn't help but exclaim in surprise. The Dragon Tiger Gang was indeed formidable, and thinking that they might soon join such a gang, the young people immediately rushed to climb the mountain.

  Longhu Mountain, named after the Longhu Gang, has lush trees and occasionally visible streams, with a very beautiful scenery, unfortunately due to the strong presence of the Longhu Gang, no one dares to come and visit.

  But at this moment, the young men had no mood to watch the scenery around them. The heavy breathing and the dripping sweat all proved that the young men were already very tired.

  It looks close from the foot of the mountain to the waist, but it's actually very hard to climb. Adults with poor physical condition may find it difficult to climb three incense sticks, let alone these children.

  As he walked, Wang Chen was already dizzy and his legs were like lead, as if every step required all his strength. Looking up at the destination, it was almost there, with Zhang Tie closely following behind Wang Chen. Seeing that Zhang Tie was tired and wanted to sit down and rest, Wang Chen quickly said: "Hurry up and walk, time is almost up." After hearing this sentence, Zhang Tie struggled to get up, but his body had no strength to move, Wang Chen saw the situation and after a moment of hesitation, pulled him up together to continue walking. Zhang Tie seemed to be inspired by his actions and gritted his teeth to move forward.

  And next to him, several young men in the same car as Wang Chen.

  "Those with the surname Wang didn't say it was okay to leave together? How could you just leave by yourself?"

  The young man in front walked forward without looking back, and several more curses came from behind.

  Wang Chen ignored the curses of several people, but in his heart, a strange emotion was unknowingly born. This emotion was called caution. Although it had hindered Wang Chen's cultivation several times, it had also saved his life several times. That is a story for later and will not be mentioned for now.

  After a while, Wang Chen and Zhang Tie finally arrived at the halfway point of the mountain.

  The old man in the Chinese tunic stood motionless at the foot of the mountain, with over a hundred young men behind him. Wang Chen was already exhausted and had wanted to sit down immediately, but seeing these people, he quickly pulled Zhang Tie and walked to the back. Wang Chen sat down on a rock at the back, panting heavily.

  In less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, just as Wang Chen was barely gasping for air, he heard the voice in front of him, "Good-for-nothing, you've taken so long and still haven't come up. The most important thing about learning martial arts is to endure hardship. If you can't even handle this kind of hardship, humph! Get rid of the people behind me!"

  Wang Chen heard the voice and thought it was the old man, feeling lucky that he had arrived a little earlier. Then Wang Chen quickly stood up, pulling Zhang Tie to stand behind the crowd. The old man turned around and swept his gaze over the young men, his eyes like swords, and they all lowered their heads. The words just spoken seemed to be a hint to them.

  Later, the young men were arranged to rest. At night, in the room on the mountain, Wang Chen, Zhang Tie and two others couldn't sleep excitedly in the house, excitedly discussing their future Jianghu life...

  Late at night, the others in the room made a racket for a while before falling asleep.

  Wang Chen leaned against the window, outside which was a sky full of stars, like a string of pearls. Wang Chen thought back to his childhood life by his parents' side, and his over-a-year-long wandering life..... Finally, he fell asleep with hope for the future, a firm smile still on his lips.