Years passed as I continued my martial training
From days into weeks, weeks into months, and months into years—I pushed forward through sweat, exhaustion, and pain. Now at age fifteen, I had finally broken through to become a Second-Class Martial Artist. A step forward on the endless path.
In that time, I came to understand the reason why men were weaker than women in this world. Our bodies developed less qi, our muscles were naturally softer, and cultivation methods suited to male physiology were few and far between.
What annoyed me more than that, though, was something… more social.
Unlike my past life, I began to feel ashamed of showing my bare chest. Here, it was taboo—considered indecent for men. The stares women gave me—hungry, almost predatory—made my skin crawl.
Even my father increased his nagging. He changed my wardrobe, made me wear fitted robes and even that embarrassing male bra. I swear, even if I reach the Transcendent Stage, I will still be below my father's authority when it comes to fashion.
But today, I was excited. I'd finally broken through a bottleneck and could train again with Grandpa.
As I arrived in the dining hall, I was greeted by my father, who—though only a Third-Class Warrior—spoke with the air of a Transcendent.
My brother, now eighteen, was there too. Calm, composed as always.
"You're turning from a boy to a man now, Rin," he said, echoing Father's words. "You must learn how to dress properly and act accordingly."
In my head I grumbled: Yeah yeah, you are Prince of the Mainland and i am Savage of the Streets.
But aloud I just said, "Yes."
Then I saw my sister. She had just turned twenty. Majestic, towering, and muscular—yet still beautiful in a fierce way. She had already reached First-Class Warrior level, and many in the clan praised her as the next matriarch.
We locked eyes briefly.
She said nothing. Just sat down and ate.
I scarfed down the rest of my breakfast and sprinted toward the training grounds.
As always, Grandpa was already there.
"I've passed your second test," I grinned. "I'm a Second-Class Warrior now."
He gave a wide smile. "That's my boy."
He reached into his robe. "I have two rewards for you."
"First," he continued, "is this."
He handed me a manual. "This is my personally developed specialCrane Sword Art—a style created to rival the Greater Crane Sword Technique reserved only for clan elders. And it's made exclusively for male users."
My eyes sparkled. "I'll treasure it."
"And second," Grandpa said with a sly smirk, "as promised—the list of the top martial artists in Murim."
He sat down, his voice deepening as he began.
Top 10 Orthodox Martial Artists:
• Namgong Chunying (南宫春英) – "Sword Empress", Supreme Elder of the Namgong Clan. A Transcendent.
• Zhen Qingsui (真清素) – "Taiji Sword Saintess", leader of the Murim Alliance and Wudang Elder. Transcendent.
• Shi Jinghui (释静慧) – "Vajra Nun", Abbess of Shaolin Temple, famed for the strongest fists of the era. Transcendent.
• Tang Lingzhi (唐灵芝) – "Poison Empress", Supreme Elder of the Tang Clan. Her poison can melt anything. Transcendent.
• Yang Huixin (杨慧心) – "Spear Saintess", Matriarch of the Yang Clan. Unrivaled in spear arts. Transcendent.
• Hai Mingzhu (海明珠) – "Wave-Cutting Sword Queen", First Elder of the Southern Sword Sect. Peak Void Stage.
• Hua Lianxue (华怜雪) – "Plum Blossom Saintess", revered in Mount Hua Sect. Peak Void Stage.
• Jegal Ziyan (诸葛紫嫣) – "Formation Empress", Greater Elder of the Jegal Clan. Known for trapping 100 martial artists alone. Peak Void Stage.
• Han Xiaozui (韩小嘴) – "Drunken Staff Saintess", leader of the Beggar Sect. Peak Void Stage.
• Shi Jingkong (释静空) – "Divine Monk", Abbot of the Emei Sect. Peak Void Stage.
Top 10 Unorthodox Martial Artists:
• Long Yemei (龙夜媚) – "Southern Evil Dragon", Guardian of the Evil Dragon Sect. Transcendent.
• Tie Ruomei (铁若媚) – "Ten Weapon Demoness", leader of the Hundred Weapon Sect. Transcendent.
• Hao Sect Leader – Name and face unknown. Rumored to rival Transcendents.
I interrupted Grandpa. "Wait, no name? No information?"
He nodded. "The Hao Sect operates entirely in shadows. Even the strongest in Murim can't trace them. But martial artists agree—the Hao Sect leader deserves a spot on this list."
• Yan Hauli (燕花离) – "Bandit Queen", leader of the Bandit Union. Peak Void Stage.
• Shui Mianya (水眠鸦) – "Flood Fang Matron", leader of the Yangzi River Pirates. Peak Void Stage.
• Su Feiyan (苏妃烟) – "Lust Queen", leader of Desire Cave. Captures and drains young men. Peak Void Stage.
• Hu Leiyan (胡烈焱) – "Blazing Lioness", leader of the Lion Saber Sect. Mid Void Stage.
• Nie Yinluan (聂音鸾) – "Seven String Ghost Maiden", elder of the Evil Sound Sect. Mid Void Stage.
• Shan Baiyan (山白雁) – "Bow Queen", a rogue archer who favors unorthodox freedom. Initial Void Stage.
• Guan Tieqin (关铁沁) – "Evil Axe Queen", leader of the Crimson Axe Sect, branch of Hundred Weapon Sect. Peak Unrestrained Stage.
I blinked. "The orthodox list looks way stronger than the unorthodox one. Why don't we just eliminate them all?"
Grandpa sighed.
"That's the surface. It may look like the orthodox sects are stronger, but many unorthodox sects hide their true strength. Unlike orthodox sects, unorthodox Murim is ruled by chaos—'might makes right.' Strong warriors stay hidden, assassins move in the dark, and rogue sects like the Heavenly Shadow Sect avoid attention."
He looked serious.
"Besides, there are more unorthodox martial artists than orthodox ones. You may not see them all, but they're there—lurking in shadows, waiting for weakness." also i didn't even mention outer sects.
He placed a hand on my shoulder.
"Never trust rumors too easily. Underestimating someone could cost you your life."
"…Okay," I whispered.
We spent the rest of the day training. Sparring, perfecting my breathing, and learning the footwork for the special Crane Sword Art.
By nightfall, we returned to the manor.
As I lay in bed, the names echoed in my mind like thunder.
So many powerful beings.
So many legends.
One day… I'll surpass them all.