Chapter 9, The Cruel Half-Year Elimination

Translator: StarReader

 

A thin layer of frost and mist covered the Medicine King Estate, shrouding it in a hazy morning light. Inside the compound, more than a hundred kids remained asleep, unaware that the massive iron locks on the courtyard gates prevented them from leaving even if they did wake up.

 

At this time, a senior figure from the Medicine King Group arrived at the entrance of the compound.

 

The leader was a dignified, bearded elder, dressed in a silk and satin gown, stroking a pair of emerald-green pearls in his hand, with a jade pendant hanging from his belt, exuding an air of grandeur. Following him were dozens of middle-aged pharmacists, some slightly overweight, others lean and sharp-faced, strolling leisurely behind him. At the very end, there were over ten disciples clad in elegant white robes, each bearing an air of distinction, carrying swords at their waists with steady strides, showing rigorous training.

 

Two young guardsmen outside the courtyard were dozing when they noticed the arrival of the bearded elder and his entourage. They snapped to attention, their confident demeanor giving way to a look of apprehension as they performed a respectful salute.

 

“High Manager Zhang, you’ve come!” one exclaimed.

 

“What instructions do you have for us today? You only had to send someone to notify us, and we’d have taken them out right away!”

 

This bearded elder was the Medicine King Estate’s High Manager, the immediate superior to all the guards at the estate.

 

“Lazy good-for-nothings! One of you was supposed to be on duty at all times, not take naps together!”

 

High Manager Zhang shot a glance at the two swordsmen, swept his sleeves with disdain, and uttered coldly.

 

The two young guards instantly paled in fear, not daring to retort. They repeatedly bowed in apology.

 

Medicine King Group was an organization with strict hierarchy and severe discipline. The top management had always been strict with the bottom management, the punishment ruthless.

 

When two men were assigned night duty, one was supposed to stay awake while the other slept, taking turns. But both had been caught napping—this violated their group’s rules.

 

“Return to the Disciplinary Court for three lashes each! Now, go rouse all the boys in the compound and prepare them for becoming disciples.” High Manager Zhang spoke coldly.

 

The two young guards hastened to unlock the thick chain with their keys and enter the compound. They barked loudly to awaken the kids still lost in sweet dreams, herding them into a line to welcome High Manager Zhang, hoping to make amends through good conduct.

 

The large courtyard suddenly erupted into chaos, with over a hundred young boys and girls scrambling to form lines. Su Chen was rudely awakened by someone stepping on him and jerked out of his sweet dream, hastily wiping away the drool with his sleeve as he squeezed into line among the other boys.

 

It took them quite some time before they managed to form several crooked lines under the guidance of the young guards. The boys, who had never received any training, could barely keep in line, which was already considered a decent effort.

 

High Manager Zhang entered the courtyard and saw everything in order, his expression slightly approving.

 

Those haughty disciples in white garments followed inside, their arrogant gazes sweeping over the group of clueless children.

 

The new batch of young recruits gazed enviously at these white-clothed senior brothers and sisters, mentally encouraging themselves. Though they were still inexperienced now, as long as they diligently trained within the Medicine King Group for several years, their demeanor would undergo a complete transformation, just like those self-assured and impressive young men in white.

 

High Manager Zhang pulled out a list of inner disciple candidates from his wide sleeves and scanned the courtyard with a warm gaze, his eyes resting on the ten newly admitted inner disciples.

 

“Wang Fugui, recommended by our Vice Leader Li, has shown exceptional expertise since childhood in calligraphy and literature. He is truly a rare talent and has been granted the honor of becoming an inner disciple of our faction, apprenticed under Master Li Kui.

 

“Wei Han, recommended by Leader Wang, began training in martial arts at a young age and displayed extraordinary aptitude. As such, he has been permitted to become an inner disciple of our faction, taking Master Zheng Cheng!

 

“Li Jiao, recommended by me, has excelled since childhood in literature and arithmetic, being both talented and beautiful—truly a remarkable young lady. She has been granted the privilege of becoming an inner disciple of our faction, apprenticed under Master Li Kui!

 

“…”

 

“These ten individuals have been designated as inner disciples of our group. They shall be awarded the white scholar’s robe and will undergo three years of training.”

 

High Manager Zhang called out the names, instructing these inner disciples to step forward and pay their respects to their respective masters.

 

Within the large courtyard, the ten boys and girls—sons and daughters of prominent families—stepped forward one by one. They paid homage to their masters and then stood beside them, each wearing an expression of pride.

 

With a senior figure like High Manager Zhang or various hall masters from the Medicine King Group vouching for them, these inner disciples enjoyed the treatment that was anything but ordinary for mere children.

 

They had long been predestined as inner disciples, and after training for twenty or so years, they would become part of the upper echelon in the Medicine King Group. The treatment they received was vastly different from that of other outer disciples.

 

Su Chen looked at them with a heart full of envy.

 

Within the courtyard, the common youths had already heard of this, but when they learned that these ten individuals had become inner disciples, they still felt envious, even a bit jealous.

 

Of course, while they envied, they also understood that being an outer disciple of the Medicine King Group was something worth boasting about for most common teenager youths.

 

Any outer disciple of the Medicine King Group walking the streets of Gusu County City would be held in much higher regard than ordinary citizens, looking down on others with an air of superiority.

 

The county constables wouldn’t touch them, and common folk went out of their way to avoid confrontation.

 

Su Chen’s thoughts were simpler—he only wanted a place in Gusu County City where he could live peacefully and provide for himself.

 

He had once been the son of a fisherman from Zhou Village, and now, as an outer disciple of the Medicine King Group, he was content with the life of ease it provided, free from bullying and want.

 

High Manager Zhang smiled and kindly told Wang Fugui, Wei Han, Li Jiao, and seven other new inner disciples to practice hard in the future and not to disappoint the expectations of their elders and the top management of Medicine King Group.

 

Then, he looked at the hundreds of kids remaining; his expression became indifferent and serious.

 

“Next, it’s the outer disciples to pay homage to their masters!”

 

“Each pharmacist can select up to five outer disciples to teach martial arts and medicine skills with the inner disciples. The apprenticeship period is three years. All disciples in the apprenticeship period of this group can enjoy many benefits, including free food and accommodation, free borrowing of ordinary books in the library, etc.

 

“But don’t get too happy. After six months, the master will eliminate one of the five outer disciples based on their performance. Those eliminated lose their master, lose the apprentice treatment, and will be assigned to the three major outer halls of the group.

 

“The first and second eliminated outer disciples will learn entry-level martial arts and entry-level medicine skills and enter the lowest hall, the Errand Hall. Disciples in the Errand Hall can take on various errand tasks and earn a small amount of copper coins. They are the lowest-level members of the Medicine King Group.

 

“The third and fourth eliminated outer disciples will be assigned to the three major outer halls and will no longer enjoy the outer disciple treatment. Disciples will learn low-level martial arts and medicine skills and enter the Security Hall. They practice martial arts on a daily basis and are responsible for guarding the estate, protecting the medicine shops, participating in martial competitions, and safeguarding the group’s interests.

 

“The fifth disciple eliminated will be an outer disciple trained in intermediate martial arts and medicine assigned to the Hall of Affairs. They would work as assistants, junior pharmacists, or shop managers, positions that offered decent treatment.

 

“As for inner disciples, they are permitted to study for a full three years, mastering advanced martial arts and medicine skills before being placed in either the Alchemy Hall or Swordsmanship Hall. This could lead them to eventually rise through the ranks to become pharmacists, enforcers, or even protectors or hall masters within the sect.

 

In the courtyard, the new recruits listened in stunned silence as High Manager Zhang announced these elimination rules.

 

The system was too harsh. Every six months, one of the five outer disciples would be eliminated, meaning their time with their masters could range from a mere half year to two and a half years. The longer they trained under their masters, the more advanced skills they would acquire and the brighter their prospects.

 

Meanwhile, inner disciples enjoyed the best treatment. They were guaranteed a full three years of training with their masters and had no risk of elimination.

 

“There’s no need to feel envious,” High Manager Zhang continued. “Inner disciples receive such favorable treatment because their families have made huge sacrifices for the sake of our group, whether through their contributions or huge donations!

 

“As an outer disciple, you haven’t contributed a single copper coin. Instead, you eat our food and take our resources while learning free skills. Being accepted as an outer disciple is already a great honor. Learn your place.

 

“The hierarchy within the Medicine King Group is clear. Outer disciples serve as apprentices to the pharmacists, helping with menial tasks and learning the basics of medicine. Only those who show exceptional talent or loyalty are considered for advancement.

 

I warn you, our group is strict on rules and disregards personal feelings. We don’t look after idlers, mediocrity, useless people, or those too stubborn to conform. Anyone found exhibiting such behavior shall be cast out of the group.”

 

High Manager Zhang continued with a stern gaze. “Of course, as long as you work hard, you have every chance to excel. If one rises to the occasion and puts in the effort, there’s hope for you to be promoted to mid-ranking.

 

“Even I started off as an outer disciple that entered the Hall of Affairs. After decades of service, I am now in charge of executive matters in the estate, only below the leader and vice leaders while above every disciple. I am your best proof.”

 

High Manager Zhang revealed his origins without shame.

 

He was among the top outer disciples in the Medicine King Group and was the pride of thousands of outer disciples, a figure envied and looked up to by countless renowned martial artists.

 

“Now it’s time for the pharmacists to select five outer disciples under them. There is no rule to it. They will choose however they want.”

 

High Manager Zhang invited the pharmacists forward.

 

There were twenty-four pharmacists, each responsible for selecting five outer disciples from the over a hundred kids.

 

Su Chen was surprised to find that he had been casually chosen by Li Kui, the same master for Wang Fugui and Li Jiao. Alongside Zhang Tieniu, there were also three other kids who had been selected.

 

This Li Kui had to be formidable to look after two inner disciples while many of the other pharmacists didn’t have even one.

 

Under High Manager Zhang’s guidance, all inner and outer disciples began the process of joining the group and paying homage to their masters. Each new disciple stepped forward one by one to cut their finger and drip blood into a large basin in front of them. They then shared a cup of blood wine together, all paying homage to the Medicine King Group’s flag.

 

They swore an oath of blood, never to betray their group.

 

This solemn and grand martial ritual sent a surge of excitement through each young person present. From this moment on, it signified that they were no longer ordinary civilians but true martial members—ready to live and die for the Medicine King Group.

 

With the oath concluded, the new disciples paid respects to their respective masters by offering tea.

 

Su Chen and four other outer disciples respectfully presented tea to Li Kui.

 

He received an outer disciple token, a set of newly laundered blue disciple robes, bedding, and toiletries—officially becoming an outer disciple.

 

After the apprenticeship ceremony, the disciples were assigned housing.

 

Su Chen, Zhang Tieniu, and four other outer disciples, being disciples of the same master, were allocated to a small courtyard designated for disciple residence.

 

The courtyard was sparsely furnished—a single stone hut with five large heated bunks inside, a few stone stools, and sturdy wooden posts outside for martial arts training.

 

In contrast, Wang Fugui, Li Jiao, and other inner disciples enjoyed higher status and were not housed together with the outer disciples. Instead, each had their own private quarters.

 

“Brother Su, sisters and brothers, we are all disciples of the same master—let’s look out for one another!”

 

Zhang Tieniu spread the bedding on the heated brick bed, patted his chest, and looked proud. He used to look down on Su Chen, a small fisherman in Zhou Village, and didn’t pay much attention to him. Now that they were both outer disciples of the same group, they were equal and thus more polite.

 

The five people sat in the room and chatted. After introducing themselves, Su Chen learned that in addition to himself and Zhang Tieniu, the other three kids were named Yang Caizhi, Qin Huihui, and Kong Xinqiao.

 

Yang Caizhi was thin, and his shrewd eyes were alert. According to him, his father was a student in the county, but he failed to pass the scholar examination. After his family fell into decline, he became the accountant of a store in the county. Although Yang Caizhi had never been to school, he learned some characters from his father, and he knew a little bit. He could also guess and understand some books, which was really enviable.

 

In comparison, the family conditions of the other people were worse. Qin Huihui lived in a poor family in Gusu County that grew snakes; Kong Xinqiao was the daughter of a beekeeper’s family outside the city. Both of them came from small families.

 

Su Chen’s family was the farthest from Zhou Village, where he worked as a fisherman.

 

The five kids chatted casually, gradually becoming more familiar with each other and losing their initial strangeness.

 

They had recently become Medicine King Group outer disciples and were filled with excitement. They talked about the heroic deeds of Medicine King Group disciples in the martial world, as well as interesting stories from Gusu County City. Being energetic young people, they couldn’t stop once they started.

 

The group of brothers and sisters laughed and joked together, chatting cheerfully about a variety of topics.

 

Su Chen was quieter by nature. He wasn’t familiar with Medicine King Group affairs or county matters and mostly listened while keeping silent.

 

He noticed that even the rough Zhang Tieniu, the clever-looking Yang Caitai, the thoughtful Qin Huihui, and the innocent Kong Xinqiao all seemed to hold back during their chats.

 

Though they were fellow disciples, strong competition existed among them. The rule of eliminating one person every six months meant that after two years, the five of them would have very different standings within the Medicine King Group.

 

The first two individuals eliminated were placed into the lowest-ranking Errand Hall. These menial disciples were the unluckiest, forced to perform backbreaking labor with no opportunity to learn anything, destined to lead mediocre lives.

 

Meanwhile, the last disciple eliminated was assigned to the Hall of Affairs, where they even had the chance to become the master of a pharmacy in Gusu County’s town, overseeing dozens of subordinates and enjoying immense prestige. This path offered prospects second only to that of an inner disciple.

 

During the apprenticeship ceremony, Master Li Kui instructed them that from the following day onward, the seven disciples would begin their training under him in the arts of medicine and martial ways.

 

The group refrained from chatting too late; as nightfall approached, the estate grew quiet, and they retired early to bed.

 

Su Chen lay on the warm brick bed, enjoying his first restful sleep in many days.

 

Having become a disciple of the Medicine King Group, he no longer worried about where his next meal would come from. However, the harsh rules of the group weighed heavily on his mind.

 

Nevertheless, Su Chen remained confident that through diligent study, he would not fall short of his four fellow brothers and sisters and one day attain greatness in Gusu County.

 

When the two brothers learned medical skills and martial arts, they would go out to explore the world together. Those would be days of freedom and happiness.

 

Su Chen’s mind flashed with all kinds of random thoughts, and he gradually fell asleep peacefully, looking forward to Li Kui teaching him one or two things the next day.