New Tang Dynasty
In the ninth year of the Tianbao era, the music and dance of Huaqing Palace dazzled in their splendor, while An Lushan was sharpening his blades and readying his troops. The golden age of the Great Tang was on the verge of bursting into a brilliant, fleeting firework, and the open, inclusive civilization of China stood at the precipice of slipping into a chasm of conservatism and restraint. In this tumultuous time, a young man arrived in Chang’an, vowing to reclaim all that he had lost. From the lawless frontiers to the halls of power; from the boundless deserts to the vast oceans; with unmatched martial prowess and exquisite literary talent, he would forge anew a grand and magnificent Tang dynasty.
New Tang Dynasty
Tang Dynasty, ninth year of the Tianbao era (750), early spring, first month. Mount Heng, Tianzhu Peak, Prajna Monastery.
In the dense forest, a youth stood before a tree as thick as a large bowl, eyes half-closed, focusing his breath with intense concentration. Sweat trickled slowly down his bare, muscular chest, soaking the coarse linen shorts tied around his waist until they darkened.
After a moment, the youth suddenly opened his eyes, fixing his gaze on the tree before him. He took a deep breath, his chest swelling, then his abdomen expanding, six abdominal muscles clearly defined.
“Ha!” he let out a low growl, stepping forward and slamming his shoulder into the trunk.
With a muffled thud, the trunk snapped, dark russet bark splitting to reveal pale yellow fibers beneath. Before the crown crashed down, the youth darted two steps to the front left, swinging his shoulder into another tree.
Again, a tree as thick as before broke with a crash.
He twisted, weaving five steps to the right, and smashed into a third tree.
With a thunderous crack, the third trunk snapped in half.
At that moment, the crown of the first fallen tree rustled violently and collapsed toward him. Instead of retreating, the youth surged forward, hands flashing to catch a falling bird’s nest, then darted out of harm’s way before the branches could strike his face.
Three trees toppled in quick succession, falling in a rough circle around him. Unperturbed, he looked down at the nest in his hands and broke into a wide, white-toothed grin.
Inside
