Chapter 3

As the day surrendered to night, Yang Xin, fatigued from the relentless cultivation, found the potions' effects waning to a point where continued efforts offered no additional benefits. Weary, he attempted to lie down on his bed, only to discover the challenge of containing the surging power within. The potency of the rebirth's transformative influence became apparent, and he grappled with the newfound magnitude of his existence.

Attempting to rest proved to be a struggle, the overflow of power resisting the tranquility of sleep. It took Yang Xin a considerable effort, but eventually, after two arduous hours, he succumbed to the embrace of slumber. However, his reprieve was short-lived.

"Hey, wake up! Are you forgetting about the Martial Class?" The abrupt intrusion jolted Yang Xin awake, his reflexes nearly unleashing a punch towards the source of the voice. It was his father, Li Xuan, who narrowly avoided a potential collision. The initial shock subsided as Yang Xin, now fully awake, considered retaliating. However, his mother, Li Xue, intervened, reminding him of his impending responsibility.

Li Xuan, adopting a stern tone, remarked, "Are you trying to fight your own father? Get ready and go to the Martial Class before I beat you up." Yang Xin, typically resistant to such provocations, hesitated but decided against confrontation. He swiftly got into posture but was defused as his mother opened the room doors.

"Go, did you forget that you're late?" she chided. Yang Xin, still grappling with the disorientation of rebirth, put his hands to his head, expressing, "Uh, I didn't remember where this Martial Class is." Li Xue, with a sigh, offered guidance, "If you're hurt or something, just stay at home and sleep."

With his mother as a guide, Yang Xin traversed the main part of the Chinese-medieval-looking village, adorned with stores and buildings. The architecture reflected a blend of tradition and practicality, with intricate carvings and vibrant hues that adorned the quaint structures. The village exuded an air of serenity, with medicinal shops lining the streets and inhabitants going about their daily lives. Yang Xin, adjusting to this new reality, followed his mother through the labyrinth of the village, the prospect of the Martial Class awaiting him on this unfamiliar journey of rebirth.

Yang Xin's mother pointed westward, indicating a colossal building that instantly registered in his mind as the Martial Class. Eager to embark on this new chapter, he bid his mother farewell, disappearing with astonishing speed towards the designated location. Landing on the other side of the main entrance, Yang Xin ignored the puzzled gazes of fellow students and leaped over another entrance, landing in a vibrant fighting camp with dummies and a lush green ground teeming with plants.

In this martial arena, he encountered a group of about 24 individuals, 23 of whom were of similar age and one older figure who Yang Xin deduced must be the professor. "So, that must be my current professor," he thought as he surveyed the scene. Despite being only seven years old, Yang Xin's extraordinary agility and speed drew the attention of his peers.

The professor, a 40-year-old man named Chen Wei, stood in traditional martial Chinese attire, looking somewhat confused at the sudden commotion. Yang Xin, unfazed, confirmed his identity. "Yes, that's me," he replied as the professor tried to regain control of the class. However, Yang Xin, undeterred, pointed at Chen Wei, inquiring, "Since you're the master here, you must be the strongest, right?"

Chen Wei, initially perplexed by the child's audacious question, sighed and mumbled to himself, "Why is this child talking like that?" The atmosphere shifted as Chen Wei stood up, fixing a stern gaze on Yang Xin. "You little brat, who are you talking to?" he demanded, his curiosity mingled with a hint of frustration. The unconventional entrance of the seven-year-old had disrupted the normal flow of the martial class, leaving both students and the professor equally intrigued and bewildered.

Fixing his gaze on the master, Yang Xin silently contemplated, "Let's see if he's adept enough to have a class to himself." In a swift motion, Yang Xin closed the distance, mere inches away from Professor Chen Wei. Launching a powerful punch, Chen Wei managed to block, but the force propelled him into the air. Landing with a shocked expression, he inspected the arm used for the block, revealing signs of wear and a sizable scratch.

Yang Xin, seemingly unfazed, remarked, "Oh, so you can block my punch?" Chen Wei struggled to comprehend the extraordinary strength emanating from the seven-year-old. "Even prodigies at the age of 15 can't punch like that, but he is a seven-year-old," he mused. Attempting to regain control of the situation, Chen Wei asserted, "Anyways, that doesn't matter. A child cannot disrespect me like that."

Adopting a battle stance, Chen Wei rushed towards Yang Xin, who stood steadfast. Chen Wei delivered a punch towards Yang Xin's chest, reciprocated by Yang Xin's own strike. As the clash unfolded, Chen Wei closed his fist, and Yang Xin declared, "Dragon's Roar Fury." A radiant light emanated from the child's clenched hand, culminating in a massive explosion.

The spectacle drew the attention of students and masters alike, causing confusion among the onlookers. Some students fled the scene, others sought shelter, while additional masters arrived to assess the situation. Witnessing the chaos, the other masters instructed the children to leave, providing assistance to those in need. Through the dissipating smoke, a significant crater emerged in the ground, with Chen Wei at its center. Part of his traditional clothing lay torn, and his injured arm displayed the aftermath of the explosive confrontation.

Chen Wei, nursing his injuries, muttered to himself, "This brat..." The unexpected display of power from the seven-year-old had not only shattered the physical surroundings but also disrupted the conventional order of the Martial Class, leaving both students and masters in awe of Yang Xin's extraordinary abilities.

Chen Wei, his injuries visible, glanced towards the other martial masters who had been witness to the shocking display. Four of his peers, equally stunned, contemplated intervening to assist Chen Wei. One master pondered, "Maybe I should help Chen Wei," but before he could act, another master interjected, "Are you really going to help a master against a child? Do you not understand respect? There's no bigger humiliation than that."

Undeterred, Chen Wei, fueled by a renewed determination, assumed a different stance, a yellow aura enveloping him. His energy surged, eyes glowing brighter. Yang Xin observed, recognizing the signs, "He must be a Martial Artist Rank 3 High Peak. That is a respectable amount of energy, but he's wasting so much. It makes me sad for this generation."

Chen Wei shouted, "Kid, no, Yang, you better be ready. I'm going for the kill. I don't care if I get sentenced to death because of this; I will not stand for such humiliation." With a fierce battle cry, Chen Wei activated "Resonance Flow," accelerating towards Yang Xin at an incredible speed. His hands moved with a predatory grace, striking with varied shapes.

Yang Xin, though agile, found it increasingly challenging to evade and parry the onslaught. Chen Wei launched a sweep kick towards Yang Xin's feet, prompting the child to leap into the air. Yang Xin assessed his increased strength, estimating himself to be around Rank 4 Low Peak. Anticipating Chen Wei's boosted attack, Yang Xin initiated "Thunderous Gale Strike," unleashing a massive wave of energy towards the ground.

Chen Wei attempted to counter the attack, but the sheer force overwhelmed him. Another explosion erupted, this time with a shockwave that reached even the oldest master, who shielded his face from the debris. The master marveled, "How can a child have this level of energy? How is his core not destroyed by now? I have never seen such a thing."

As the smoke dissipated, the aftermath revealed Chen Wei lying on the ground, injuries scattered across his battered body. The child, Yang Xin, was nowhere to be seen, leaving a profound silence in the wake of the intense confrontation.