To the Children of Calamity, what kind of person is An Jing?
At first, he was an "excellent one" named by "adults".
In fact, every Child of Calamity from various northern regions had exceptional qualities—whether it was superior physical strength, extreme endurance, or the ability to fight Horse Bandits and other starving people with bare hands. Because if not, they would definitely not have survived. Even Gu Yeqi, who survived being protected by his father while sick, could cross thousand miles of mountains with the team before falling ill.
An Jing? Excellent? The most outstanding among us?
Everyone’s emotions upon hearing this were not positive.
Jealousy. Disdain. Anger. Depression. Resentment. Confusion.
Some consoled themselves, believing that the brightest trees face the strongest winds, and the bird that sticks its head out gets shot. An Jing, being named an excellent one, would definitely encounter many challenges in the future, and they would then delight in his misfortunes.
Then, they witnessed firsthand what true excellence really was.
Physical strength, the best. An Jing could follow an instructor’s fifty-mile mountain trail run and then climb a hundred and eighty feet of rock, barely panting upon descent.
Power, the best. An Jing could lift a stone lock with his little finger and single-handedly win against five opponents in a tug-of-war.
Skill, the best. An Jing mastered eighteen types of weapons, though this was an understatement, as An Jing knew much more. He even fought off eight attackers using just a pair of chopsticks, only chopsticks!
Additionally, everything else—combat skills, cultivation speed, academic achievements—were all the best. The Children of Calamity, initially determined to surpass An Jing, were speechless, stunned by each attempt, finding their efforts increasingly incredible.
Where in this world is there a true prodigy? This is a true prodigy!
Moreover, An Jing truly fulfilled all responsibilities of the eldest senior brother. He was powerful but not aloof, blending in with everyone, sharing his skills and experiences, remembering everyone’s names, helping each person to strengthen through training.
Except for those inherently twisted in spirit, incapable of tolerating others being stronger, and feeling repulsion towards kindness, everyone else was convinced by An Jing.
He was indeed the most outstanding, our undisputed leader, the true eldest senior brother.
The Children of Calamity were even willing to follow him in rebellion against Hanging Fate Manor.
This was not a mere impulse.
The Children of Calamity were not fools; they knew well that rebelling with An Jing would likely lead to being hunted down by Hanging Fate Manor and the Demon Sect, resulting in certain death—but what of the alternatives?
Most of the Children of Calamity who awakened their Fate Pattern followed Bai Qinghan to the Demon Sect, but those who underwent trials without awakening their Fate Pattern were no longer considered elite, even if they had future chances to awaken.
They might avoid being devoured but would still be cannon fodder, ranking lower in the hierarchy.
This was never the desire of the Children of Calamity.
Perhaps their parents only wished for their survival, but the young ones always aspired for more than just survival.
Having endured extreme hardships from a young age, these youths walked thorny paths, battled beasts, killed men, and ate bark.
Their very survival signified "destiny".
Hanging Fate Manor valued this "destiny", gathering them, igniting their martial arts desires, letting them, children who experienced half a life of death, taste survival and respect.
Hence, they would never bow their heads to be slaves again.
Denying future hope, they would rebel.
Since it had all ended...
Let Hanging Fate Manor burn.
The flame was ignited by An Jing, and they chose to follow.
They didn’t rebel merely for An Jing, but because An Jing chose rebellion, they joined this path.
"Eldest Senior Brother, we’ve had quite a challenging journey."
At this moment, a well-proportioned boy stepped forward. His name was Xu Keji, one of the top Martial Arts practitioners among the Children of Calamity.
His face, dusty, made his otherwise delicate features look a bit dirty, but he smiled brightly: "Though it can’t compare to your grand experiences, Eldest Senior Brother, we’ve faced countless difficulties on this journey too."
"Big Sister Gu Yeqi led us through the battlefields of Dust Li and Da Chen, cutting through thorns, finally reaching the territory of the Bright Mirror Sect, getting accepted by the sect. Although Mingguang Peak is better than outside, we still fight fairies, clear lands, kill Ferocious Beasts... none of us have slacked off; everyone has given their all!"
"Although Big Sister is a bit of a busybody, managing everything, she manages well. She even earned a Fate Pattern because of this. I awakened my Fate Pattern through continuous trials too, becoming much stronger than before..."
As he spoke, Xu Keji stepped forward, his face still dirty but his gaze calm and bright: "Eldest Senior Brother, after so long..."
"Can I challenge you!"
An Jing readily agreed, releasing his grip, letting Gu Yeqi stand aside, remaining in place: "You first."
Instantly, Xu Keji launched an attack, the ground bursting with flashes and dust, a narrow beam of light speeding towards An Jing. An Jing’s eyes lit up, praising: "Impressive! Keji, your strength has indeed increased!"