Deep within the infamous Black-Corner Region, where cruelty and strength shaped the laws of survival, there existed a strange contradiction. A place of peace, like a clear lake in a burning wasteland.
It was located at the very center of the region—the legendary Jia Nan Academy.
Despite its location, Jia Nan Academy was a beacon of order in an ocean of chaos. For reasons unknown to most, none of the savagery of the Black-Corner Region ever spilled into its borders. Those who tried… well, the stories spoke for themselves.
Many had underestimated the academy's invisible boundaries. Their remains would hang high above on a gnarled, pitch-black tree near the borderline, its roots tangled in the blood-soaked earth. The tree was called the Dead Spirit Tree, and its reputation was bone-chilling.
Two Dou Wangs and one Dou Huang had once dared to cross the line with blood on their hands. By the next morning, their corpses were swinging silently in the wind—hung from its crooked branches as a warning to all.
No one tested it twice.
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However, this peaceful anomaly stood in stark contrast to the rest of the Black-Corner Region, which had long since been carved up by warring factions. The current map of power looked something like this:
Top-Tier Factions: Dominated by peak Dou Huang experts.
First-Tier Factions: At least one Dou Huang expert.
Second-Tier Factions: Backed by at least one Dou Wang.
And although these powers clashed often for territory or resources, none could shake the larger balance—for now.
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Back in the grimy outskirts of a nameless Black-Corner town, Xiao Feng wandered down the chaotic streets.
His presence drew attention.
An 8-year-old boy, walking casually, face half-hidden by a silver-and-gold mask, wearing robes far too luxurious for the place he was in—it was like waving meat in front of wolves.
Three figures peeled themselves from the crowd. Rough-looking, average builds, each radiating the steady presence of a Dou Shi.
"Oi, brat," the tallest one called out, cracking his knuckles. "Nice robe. Too nice for someone who doesn't have any guards."
Xiao Feng didn't stop walking. His steps calm. Steady.
"Hey, we're talking to you!"
The three blocked his path.
"Where's your master, huh? You look rich… how about we lighten your load a bit?" one of them sneered, stepping forward and grabbing for his shoulder.
But he never touched him.
Xiao Feng vanished.
The next instant, his figure appeared behind the thug like a wisp of wind. A subtle flicker—the use of Shadow Gale Steps—and then his palm struck cleanly into the man's lower back, Dou Qi infused.
The man was launched face-first into the wall with a loud crack, unconscious.
Before the other two could react, Xiao Feng turned and slipped through the air with fluid grace. He spun mid-step and kicked one of them in the ribs, sending the man stumbling into a fruit stall.
He caught the third one's punch bare-handed. With a flick of his wrist and a sudden twist, the man let out a shriek—his arm snapped at the elbow, and a second palm blow sent him tumbling into the dusty road.
The entire skirmish lasted less than five seconds.
And yet not a single Dou Technique had been used—just pure Dou Qi control, speed, and flawless movement.
The street had quieted, people staring wide-eyed.
Someone muttered, "…What the hell is that kid?"
Xiao Feng didn't answer. He kept walking.
In the Black-Corner Region, there was no need for explanations.
You speak with your fists.
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