Legend of the Dragon Cultivator

2 Schools of Martial Arts

The rest of the day's journey passed without incident. Towards evening, they finally arrived at the foot of Mount Taishan, where the Powerful Hand Academy was located. The academy buildings were scattered across the mountainside, connected by winding paths and steep stone steps.

The main gate of the Powerful Hand Academy towered high, carved with intertwined dragons and phoenixes. Two guards stood in front of the gate, wearing dark green uniforms with white open hand symbols on their chests.

"We would like to see Elder Kong Jin," said Souw Liancu politely when they stopped in front of the gate.

One of the guards looked at her with a searching gaze. "Elder Kong Jin is very busy. You must make an appointment first."

Souw Liancu took a jade medallion out of her pocket. The medallion was engraved with a special character that immediately made the two guards bow respectfully. "Forgive us, Miss. We didn't know. Please come in. We will inform Elder Kong Jin immediately."

They were invited in and guided through beautiful cobbled streets. On both sides of the road, students of the academy were practising, the sound of weapons clashing and kiai shouting heard from all directions. Ancient-style buildings stood majestically, their curved roofs covered with shiny green tiles.

Finally, they arrived at a large hall. An old man with a long white beard sat on a large chair made of teak wood. His sharp eyes looked at Souw Liancu intently.

"Liancu," he called out in a warm voice. "It's been a long time since we last met. You've grown into a beautiful girl."

Souw Liancu bowed respectfully. "Uncle Kong Jin, I'm sorry I couldn't visit earlier."

Kong Jin raised his hand. "No need to apologise. I understand your father's situation has been very difficult lately. He sent me a letter, asking me to protect you."

"Yes, Uncle. Even on our way here, we were attacked by my father's enemies."

Kong Jin's face hardened. "They have crossed the line. But you will be safe here. No one dares to cause trouble at the Powerful Hand Academy."

Then Kong Jin called one of his senior disciples. "Take Miss Souw to the east pavilion. Give her the best room."

"Wait, Uncle," Souw Liancu quickly interrupted. "There is one thing I would like to ask."

Kong Jin frowned. "What is it?"

"I beg you to keep my identity a secret. Do not tell anyone that I am the daughter of the Minister of Culture. I do not want to attract attention or bring trouble to this academy."

Kong Jin was silent for a moment, then nodded wisely. "A wise request. I will keep it a secret. Only I and my most trusted disciples will know your true identity. But I will still give you special attention, because you are the daughter of my very good friend. A man loved by the people and who always fought for justice."

"Thank you, Uncle. That is more than enough."

"And you," Kong Jin looked at Tan Peklong. "Are you her loyal bodyguard?"

Tan Peklong bowed. "Yes, Elder. I am Tan Peklong, assigned by the Minister to protect Miss Souw."

"Good. You will also be accepted as a student here. You two can start training tomorrow morning."

That night, Souw Liancu slept with a mixture of relief and anxiety. She was relieved to have finally arrived at a safe place, but anxious because she did not know what would happen next. And in her sleep, she dreamed of the long-haired man who saved her, his sturdy back, and the way he defeated his enemies with such ease.

The next day, Souw Liancu woke up very early. He put on the new student uniform that had been prepared for him, a light green robe with a white belt that signified he was a beginner-level student. After a simple breakfast in his room, he decided to take a walk around the academy to get to know his new surroundings better.

The morning air on the mountain slopes was very fresh. A thin mist still covered parts of the academy, creating a mystical and peaceful atmosphere. Souw Liancu walked past various buildings, observing the students who had already started practising even though the sun had not yet fully risen.

As he passed a somewhat secluded training ground, he heard loud shouts and laughter. Curious, he approached and hid behind a large tree to see what was happening.

In the middle of the field, a group of students were surrounding someone. They were kicking and pushing the person while laughing and taunting them. Souw Liancu felt his blood boil at the sight. He hated oppression in any form.

"You're crazy! Why aren't you shouting like you usually do?" one of them taunted.

"Yes, shout! Entertain us!" said another, pushing their victim to the ground.

Souw Liancu couldn't take it anymore. She stepped out of her hiding place and shouted, "Stop!"

The bullies turned around with surprised expressions. They saw a young girl in a new student uniform standing there with an angry face.

"Eh, there's a new student who thinks she's a hero," said one of them mockingly. "You shouldn't interfere, miss. This is none of your business."

"You are students of the Powerful Hand Academy who are supposed to uphold honour and justice, but instead you bully those who are weaker. Aren't you ashamed?" challenged Souw Liancu boldly.

Some of the bullies looked uncomfortable with her words, but others still grinned. "You don't know anything about this person. He deserves to be treated like this because he's crazy and stupid."

Souw Liancu walked closer and got a better look at the victim of the bullying. He was a young man in his twenties, with messy hair and dirty, worn-out clothes. His face was bruised in several places, but what caught Souw Liancu's attention were his eyes. Although they seemed empty, there was something in them that made Souw Liancu feel that there was more than met the eye.

"Who is he?" asked Souw Liancu.

"He is Wang Chen, the cleaner at this academy. He has been here for five years and was taught cultivation, but it turned out that he was too stupid to learn. Now he's just a sweeper who often shouts incoherently and disturbs people."

Souw Liancu looked at Wang Chen with pity. The young man just sat on the ground, hugging his knees, not fighting back or shouting even though he had just been abused.

"I don't care what his background is. Oppression is still oppression. None of you have the right to treat him like this," said Souw Liancu firmly.

One of them stepped forward with an angry face. "You're a new student, yet you dare to boss us around?"

Souw Liancu did not back down. "If you dare, face me fairly. Don't just dare to oppress those who are weaker."