295 Determination! (1/2)

The Xuan Qi cultivation within the ranks of these soldiers wasn't very high. The best among them were at the peak of the Gold Xuan, while the overwhelming majority were at the Silver Xuan realm. However, each man's physical strength had reached 'hair-raising' levels!

Fifty men stood in a row a little distance away. They had their hands to their sides in the 'horse' stance. They stood like that at the foot of the wall. Beside each man that stood in that stance was another one who held a stick in his hands. Each man on the side would gnash his teeth and brandish his stick with a 'whipping' sound. He'd hit each and every part of the man who stood in the stance. The sound of impact was monstrous; it somewhat resembled that of beating a raw cowhide. However, none of the men receiving the beating showed any signs of pain on their face. Perhaps one's face would twitch a little, or maybe another one would frown slightly. However, they didn't show any other outward signs apart from these two things.

They staunchly remained in their stance.

They'd get beaten hundreds of times. Then, the men would pant heavily as they'd rise from the horse stance. They then stretched their neck, wrists and ankles in exercise. This would give rise to a loud ”Pop!”. The noise was similar to the one that is issued when a firecracker is burst. Then, they'd take-over the wooden sticks. And the men who were previously beating them assumed the 'horse' stance with their hands drooping to their sides. Their muscles were as taut as a young dragon's.

The sharp 'whistling' sounds would be resumed. Only this time — those who were getting beaten and those who were doing the beating — had switched places.

A command was given after they had finished their rounds. Then, the total of these hundred men would make their way to the training field in two orderly groups. The two groups would stand panting on the field where the previous group had been ordered to fight hand-to-hand. The two groups that had been fighting in the field would neatly organize themselves into two groups, and would proceed to the foot of the wall. Then, they'd beat their partner… and then get beaten themselves…

Then, another command would be given, and the hundred men who had just taken the field would commence their horrible fist-fight. Every fist and every leg would hit a vital point; pit of the stomach, the throat, the temples, the back of the head, between the legs, behind the knee… every critical joint…

The scene was hard to imagine as it is. But what would it take to withstand such a bitter beating again and again? However, the men had gotten used to it. They could resist each and every hit. They would try to pick-out each and every possible crack in their opponent's defence. And if they fell into a trap — they'd try their hardest to maintain indifference by keeping their skin thick…

Occasionally, one person would hit their opponent on the nose. This would cause a long stream of blood to gush-out. However, their expression wouldn't change; they'd remain unfeeling. … As if the man they had hit wasn't their comrade… but their enemy.

Then, there would be a whistle. The men in the pond would come out, get dressed, and line-up beside the pond. Meanwhile, the men on the field would stop, make their way to the pond in an orderly fashion, and enter the pool after undressing.

The men who had just exited the pool would then start with an even harsher training. They wouldn't fight one-on-one this time. This round would be a hysterical beat-up where 'anything goes' between the two groups. Maybe at one point it was one person taking on another one… or maybe at another time it would be many people confronting a single person.

An individual could be surrounded by many others at one moment, and he could be part of a large group that surrounded another individual the next. The chaos of the scene was spectacular and indescribable. Many-a-times one could see a single individual lying on the ground, and being ferociously stamped-on the pit of his stomach and his lower abs. Then, the next moment, he could be seen flying-out and hitting the people that surrounded him; each man would fight with the vitality of a dragon and the ferociousness of a tiger in this crazy battle…

In the entire course of events — besides the bossy battle-commands, and the war-cries — no one would open their mouth to speak anything. They spoke using something else. They spoke using their fists, their legs, their elbows and even their shoulders…

The three groups of men were cycled in this manner. These men were supposedly playing the role of their comrades' training partners. However, this was mere the daytime training schedule. They would undergo Xuan Qi training in the evening. This training session would be accompanied by something even more brutal than what they'd endure during the daytime… an arms drill!

Each individual would gnash their teeth and put their very soul and consciousness into the training. They only had one aim in their minds; [I must meet the Young Master's standards!] This was because the Young Master had told them that their final inspection was upon them. They would be removed from the squad if they were to fail the assessment. Then, these so-called defaulters would be re-assigned to residence guards and kitchen staff!

… after tasting the sweetness of steady and rapid progress … after seeing a clear hope of becoming a powerful expert … none of them wanted to return to their former decadent life. It would be a matter of grave shame for them!

These steeled troops were like phoenixes that had attained nirvana after a deadly ordeal, and were now waiting to take form again…

Jun Mo Xie's eyes were unfeeling and ruthless as he oversaw the harsh training on the field. His posture was calm and steady.

He didn't intend to stop at that. He would use his unique medicines on these soldiers once they had attained the highest limits of their strengths. The medicine would show its best results then, and everyone's efficacy would shoot up!

Jun Mo Xie would assign these troops the specific task of 'slaughter' in the future. Just slaughter! Uninterrupted slaughter! Unending slaughter!

Grandpa Jun and Jun Wu Yi stood side-by-side on top of the high-tower of the Jun Residence. Their eyebrows twitched for a moment as they saw the cruelty of the training that was taking place below.

”Wu Yi, you see the training he's giving them… what do you think he plans to do with them? Why would he train them like this?” Grandpa Jun vision seemed heavy.

”Such training would make these soldiers the master of the enemy combatant's life! They soldiers may or may not be able to defeat the enemy on their own, but I think that Mo Xie is training with a sole purpose in mind — slaughter!” Jun Wu Yi spoke with a greedy expression on his face. It was only natural that any General would wish to covet such troops after he had laid his eyes on them. In fact, it would've been extremely absurd if Jun Wu Yi didn't feel envious of this squad's abilities.

Such a squad would be a part of any General's dream army. Forget three hundred — even a hundred of these soldiers could make a General's army unstoppable. That army would be unbeatable and invincible; nothing would be able to stop such an army!

They would become the enemy's nightmare!

”Slaughter…!” Jun Zhan Tian looked anxious. ”Even if they are being trained to slaughter… the important questions would be — for whom would they slaughter, and for what reason they'd slaughter for? This question is very important when you keep the other people of this country in your perspective…”

”This child would beg to differ from his father's words; this child believes that no matter what — these troops would find it fulfilling to fight for only one person!” Jun Wu Yi lowered his gaze coldly, ”These three hundred men would fight only for Mo Xie; for Mo Xie and the Jun Family! The future of our Jun Family rests on Mo Xie's shoulders. So, what importance would the other people of this country hold?”

”This kind of strength…” Grandpa Jun didn't seem any less worried, ”will attract a lot of jealousy and suspicion once it's revealed to the people!”

”Jealousy and suspicions? Why?” Jun Wu Yi's eyes narrowed. A sharp and cold ray of light passed through them, ”When has the Jun Family ever been involved in misconducts? And hasn't the Jun Family always supported the people?”

Jun Wu Yi's line of thought was beginning to get influenced by Jun Mo Xie's. He didn't sound like himself.

The old man sighed. [Did I really make the right decisions in those days? Our Jun Family's talent has withered… should I also take on some responsibilities?]

”Ah, with Jun Mo Xie… our Jun Family will rise quickly! No power will be able to hold us back! I'm confident about this fact!” Jun Wu Yi then turned his neck to look at the tussle taking place on the training field. He then slowly continued, ”However, we need time and strength to achieve that goal. We need absolute strength! And now we already have a prototype of that strength!” Jun Wu Yi clenched his fists. The sounds of his joints''clicking' echoed.

”Didn't that little brat Mo Xie say that he'd oversee this training? So, why can't I even see his shadow?” Grandpa Jun looked around.

”The training of these men doesn't require anyone's supervision,” Jun Wu Yi stated. His eyes were full of admiration, ”This training has reached amazing levels! And as for Jun Mo Xie… I don't know where he is or what he's up to. However, we shouldn't try to control him. He can take care of himself. We shouldn't worry about him. Father, he's a hidden dragon. We should give him a free hand.”

”You think that we shouldn't worry about him? You think everything is fine…? Then, you're not behaving like an Uncle should. This isn't enough. Mo Xie isn't that young anymore. Aren't you concerned about his marriage?”

”Weren't you the one to witness his 'growth' that day? So, how would I know if he's old enough to take a wife yet…? By the way, how's his asset, good enough?” Jun Wu Yi asked in a lofty manner.

”It is really good; in fact, he has surpassed this old man's paragon from the old days… Bah! You brat! What are you saying! Do you want a spanking?!” Grandpa Jun suddenly came to himself and raised his hand. He desired to teach his son a lesson.

The Third Master chuckled, ”Why are you angry, dad? Aren't you happy that Mo Xie has grown up? It's just that when it comes to marriage… he'll certainly take his time to make a decision. However, if you plan to force him into do something he doesn't want to… I won't have any objections. Rather, I'd be glad to see it happen.”

[Facing my sons is like facing an army…] Grandpa Jun found himself in a knot as he thought about it. He realized that he may not be able convince his precious grandson to act against his will in the most trivial of matters… let alone a topic as important as marriage…

”That little Dugu girl is good to Mo Xie, and I see that Mo Xie also finds her interesting. Is there anyone else? I can't stand that girl for Mo Xie!” Jun Zhan Tian asked; he seemed unwilling to resign himself.

There was nothing dignified about this. The father and son had started to create a harem for their grandson/nephew.

”Apart from this… Mo Xie used to wander around the Spirit Fog Lake. Maybe there's someone there…” Jun Wu Yi winked.

Jun Zhan Tian almost fainted. He had to use his hand to support himself, ”Is there anything else besides that?”

”I remember that… Mo Xie would seem very ambitious about Qing Han…” Jun Wu Yi dashed-pass and flew-out the open window the moment he finished speaking those words. Even his shadow didn't linger behind. He knew what awaited him if he had stayed any longer.

”You Bastard! Get out from my sight!” Jun Zhan Tian flipped out in rage. However, he realized that his son had already disappeared without a trace. So, he had no choice but to open his eyes wide, stamp his feet and roar down the tower. However, he suddenly stopped his roar in between, and started to ponder pensively…

”Would our Jun Family have to wait for a long time?” He let out a long sigh and shook his head. ”That's absurd! That's completely absurd!” The Old Man had no other words apart from ”Absurd”.

Jun Mo Xie was on the side-lines of the training field when he heard the faint sound of his grandfather's roar. He couldn't help but be muddled with confusion, ”Why is Grandpa shouting? Who ignited the fire this time?”

Young Master Jun was unaware that he was the reason behind his grandfather's anger… even though he was entirely innocent in reality.

Jun Mo Xie's body disappeared from the sidelines of the training field without a trace.

Jun Mo Xie looked at the sky and figured that it would night soon. His heart was full of anticipation. He was about to deal with a lot of important matters that night.

First was that accessory worn by Silver Blizzard City's Xiao Feng Wu. It was indeed a spectacular item. How could an ordinary piece of jewelry invoke such a response from the Hong Jun Pagoda? Young Master Jun was unaware of that accessory's origins. However, it didn't matter whether he knew about it or not. He had nevertheless devised a plan, and was quite certain of returning with that item.

Next — was the assassination of his assassin! Jun Mo Xie had the highest level of interest in that matter.

Not only did Jun Mo Xie like that man's execution-style… he highly approved of them.

That person didn't even look back after his head-on strike didn't bear fruit. Instead, he escaped far and wide. And he didn't do a sloppy job at that either. The man left behind no trace. This was the same technique which the Hit-man Jun had employed in his previous life. This man was the only one Jun Mo Xie could consider a true 'assassin' in this world. The other groups of assassins he had confronted in this world were no more than good Xuan experts.

[Did they possess an assassin's style?]

[Those people don't deserve the tag of an 'assassin'!]

Moreover, that assassin was in possession of an extremely fast and unique technique. Jun Mo Xie's killing-ability would shoot-up like a whirlwind if he were able to obtain that skill. Then, he could even hope to kill a Spirit Xuan expert by staging an ambush for the same.

[There must be some mystery behind his speed.]

Jun Mo Xie hid in nothingness till he approached his own small courtyard. His train of thought stopped and he stared blankly in confusion upon seeing two figures up-ahead.

There were two figures at the entrance of his courtyard. They were small and frail. They were kneeling on the ground; their backs were straight. It was impossible to guess how long they had been kneeling like this. However, they seemed stubborn and unwilling to stop.

Jun Mo Xie sighed as his demonic and shadow-less figure slowly walked past them. These two were among the many children he and his uncle had rescued from the Huang Hua Hall. The rest of the children had been re-located to good places. However, these two children had refused to leave for the life of them. They only desired to learn the skills they'd need to extract their revenge.

Their disabilities couldn't be regarded as 'very serious'. However, they were both mute. Their tongues had been cut into half. They would never speak again. Moreover, one of them had only one arm left.

It wasn't that Jun Mo Xie's heart hadn't been moved by their perseverance. However, he had reluctantly rejected them after an examination. These kids had astonishing willpower, and their hatred towards their enemy would also be helpful. However, their aptitude was mediocre; to say nothing of the fact that they had become physically handicapped.

The Huang Hua Hall hadn't abandoned the prospect of their cultivation for no reason.

Jun Mo Xie had whole-heartedly considered training the two children at one point. He figured that he could use his harsh training methods to suit their tenacious wills. They could show significant progress in just over a decade as long as they were willing to endure the cruel training and have an old-fashioned 'baptism by fire'. In fact, they'd even have a chance at reaching the Earth Xuan realm!

Earth Xuan level could never be considered meagre. An ordinary person would struggle his whole life to attain it. It was a very high goal for an ordinary person to look up to. However, this target had no meaning in the eyes of the Young Master and these kids.

However, could Jun Mo Xie afford to train them? He'd have to spend lots of time and money on their training and rehabilitation. Moreover, it would be a great waste if their progress were to stop at the Earth Xuan realm. Therefore, Jun Mo Xie had considered the topic for a long time, and had then decided that the prospect of their cultivation wasn't worth the effort.

Moreover, their strong desire for revenge wouldn't help in reaping any short-term results. Therefore, it didn't have any significance.

Jun Mo Xie sympathized with them. In fact, he secretly praised their will-power. But, he had realized that it wasn't meant to be.

However, those two children were seen kneeling outside his courtyard ever since he had refused to train them. They could not speak, but their eyes would implore Jun Mo Xie whenever they'd see him.

It was already the ninth day since they had been kneeling at the entrance of his courtyard.

Their slender bodies trembled as they heard the familiar sound of Jun Mo Xie's footsteps. They straightened their backs even more; though, they still remained motionless in that kneeling position.

The Young Master Jun sighed as he slowly walked to stand in front of them. ”Look up and look at me!” his voice was a command they couldn't defy.

Their bodies trembled as they looked up to face Jun Mo Xie in accordance with his command.

Jun Mo Xie was startled. Those two must be around thirteen or fourteen years in age. However, their eyes no longer showed the same longing and urgency of the past few days. That expression had been replaced by deathly stillness.

However, it wasn't exactly an empty sort of deathly stillness. Rather, it was one where they had disregarded life and death; it was the deathly still of an individual who had disregarded the mortal world.

That 'deathly stillness' wasn't synonymous with 'emptiness'.

Jun Mo Xie sighed inside. [These are the eyes of a top-notch killer.] One could only bring-out this expression in their eyes once they had been oppressed to an extreme degree, and had begun to consider human life as worthless. In fact, such people considered their own life to be worthless.

If their natural endowments had been any better… as long as it was even a little bit better — Jun Mo Xie would've accepted them without hesitation. However, he was helpless at that point of time. Their natural endowments were too substandard…