After the spar, An Lushan turned to the gathered soldiers.

  “Back to your preparations! We depart soon!”

  The soldiers obeyed, but the fight left them in shock, wonder, and curiosity.

  The general walked toward the fallen brothers and extended a hand to each.

  “You fought well, Lu Brothers—one I will not forget.”

  “Thank you, General An Lushan,” the brothers said in unison, taking his hands.

  With a powerful tug, he pulled them both to their feet. Then, he turned to a lieutenant—a tall woman with a powerful yet elegant presence. Her muscular frame showed experience, but her features carried a sharp beauty.

  “Li Yi, tend to their injuries.”

  The woman sighed, crossing her arms. “Already putting me to work, Lushan? There are other medics, you know.”

  “There are. But these brothers aren’t just regular soldiers anymore. They’ll be joining the main squad.”

  “The main squad?!” Lu Yang blurted, unable to hide his excitement.

  “That’s right. From now on, you’ll both train directly under me.”

  Lu Yang clenched his fist, slamming it into his palm despite his injuries. “We’re honored, General! We won’t lose our next fight with you.”

  The general laughed. “Don’t forget—we’re allies, Lu Yang. But I look forward to it.”

  Lu Yin, calmer yet just as satisfied, bowed his head slightly. “We look forward to your teaching. We won’t let you down.”

  “General, what was that last strike you used? You didn’t move, yet we were blown away. How did you do that?” Lu Yang asked.

  An Lushan gave a small smirk, then turned serious.

  “That wasn’t a strike in the way you’re thinking,” he said. “It was Qi.”

  “Qi?” Lu Yang blinked.

  Lu Yin furrowed his brow, remembering the pressure that hit them like a wave.

  The general sheathed his sword.

  “Qi is the energy that flows through all living things. Most people use it without ever realizing it—when they breathe, move, or fight. But true warriors learn to feel it… guide it… weaponize it.”

  He paused, his eyes narrowing.

  “What you felt wasn’t power from my body. It was my intent, projected through Qi. When a fighter’s will and spirit align, Qi answers them.”

  “So it’s like invisible strength?” Lu Yang tilted his head.

  “Not strength. Force of being.”

  An Lushan’s voice dropped a note.

  “There’s a lot to understand about Qi. Using it is a task few achieve. You’re not ready yet.”

  Lu Yin nodded. “But we will be.”

  An Lushan smiled faintly.

  “I know. That’s why I’ve decided to train you.”

  Just then, Li Yi stepped forward with a satchel of medical tools. Without warning, she flicked both brothers on the forehead—hard.

  “Ow! What the—?!” Lu Yang flinched.

  “That’s for scaring me earlier,” Li Yi said flatly. “Your little arrow stunt could’ve gotten someone killed.”

  “Then why’d I get flicked too?” Lu Yin asked, rubbing his head.

  Li Yi smirked. “You’re identical twins. How was I supposed to tell the difference?”

  She was right. They mirrored each other perfectly—except for one detail. A small birthmark sat on each of their foreheads, forming the two halves of a Yin-Yang symbol.

  Lu Yin pointed. “The marks on our foreheads are how you tell us apart. We each bear a different half of the Yin-Yang symbol. I am Lu Yin.”

  Li Yi raised an eyebrow. “Hmph. Well, I’m Li Yi. Lieutenant—and the best medic in all of China.”

  “I don’t know many medics who injure their patients before treating them,” Lu Yang muttered.

  “Would you like another flick, Lu Yang?”

  “No—! I mean… It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Li Yi.”

  “Good. Now let’s get you patched up.”

  She knelt and began wrapping their wounds with swift precision. It felt like standard treatment, but afterward, the brothers noticed their fatigue and pain fading rapidly.

  “Maybe you really are the best, Li Yi,” Lu Yang admitted, stretching.

  She gave a satisfied nod. “Of course I am. Now get moving. The others are waiting.”

  The brothers followed Li Yi toward a cluster of horses and soldiers.

  Waiting there was An Lushan, along with three remaining lieutenants—all watching the newcomers with measured eyes.

  The general turned as they approached.

  “Lieutenants, these brothers are now traveling with us. They’ve earned their place among the main squad.”

  The soldiers took turns studying them. Then—

  “Aye, Lu Yang! You’re the one who ruined my snack earlier. I was enjoying that apple, you know.”

  A large, broad-shouldered warrior stepped forward, arms crossed. His sheer size made him tower over most men, but his face held a surprisingly lighthearted expression.

  Lu Yang chuckled. “I apologize, Lieutenant. It was a necessary sacrifice.”

  The man huffed. “Huh? Is my apple a joke to you?” He glared for a long moment… then grinned.

  “Whatever. I’ll forgive you this once. I’m Shi Siming—lieutenant and weapon master for the squad.”

  The next lieutenant stroked his beard, nodding at them with approval. His weathered face and sharp eyes marked him as a veteran who had seen many battles.

  “You brothers sure know how to make an entrance. I remember when I had such fire in my younger days. I’m Lieutenant Yin Zhongkan, also a combat instructor for the soldiers.”

  He narrowed his eyes. “Your technique shows promise, but don’t think for a second that raw talent is enough to survive war.”

  Lu Yin bowed respectfully. “We’ll do our best to learn from you, Lieutenant.”

  Yin Zhongkan nodded. “We’ll see.”

  The last lieutenant was a slender young man who, at that moment, had his head buried in a book—completely absorbed and not paying attention to the conversation.

  An Lushan sighed. “Liu Fang!”

  The young man startled, dropping his book before scrambling to pick it up. “Ah! Y-Yes, General?”

  An Lushan shook his head. “Introduce yourself.”

  Liu Fang stood and turned toward the brothers, brushing dust off his robes.

  “Your fi-fight was… very interesting to analyze. It is nice to me-meet you. I’m Liu Fang, lieutenant and record keeper.”

  Lu Yang tilted his head. “Record keeper?”

  “Yes,” Liu Fang nodded. “I document troop formations, battlefield movements, war logistics… and, um, whatever else needs analyzing.”

  Shi Siming snorted. “He means he spends more time in books than on the battlefield.”

  Liu Fang frowned. “I assure you, strategy is just as important as brute force, Lieutenant Siming.”

  Shi Siming smirked. “Right, right. And yet, I’m still the one protecting you.”

  The brothers couldn’t help but smile at the squad’s natural chemistry. They weren’t just a fighting unit—they were a family.

  An Lushan crossed his arms, his gaze sweeping over his assembled warriors.

  “Now that introductions are settled—mount up. We ride for the northern frontier.”

  The arduous journey to the northern frontier would take the regiment about twenty days to complete. As the soldiers marched forward, the general rode alongside the Lu brothers, discussing their upcoming training.

  “General Lushan, what will you teach us first?” Lu Yang asked, his tone eager. “How will we train?”

  An Lushan studied them for a moment, then posed a question instead.

  “First, ask yourselves this—what is your biggest weakness? What are you lacking the most?”

  Lu Yang blinked. “Biggest weakness?”

  Lu Yin frowned, already deep in thought.

  “Yin, you figure it out. That’s too much thinking for me,” Lu Yang groaned.

  “Maybe your biggest weakness is the lack of a brain, brother,” Yin joked.

  Stolen novel; please report.

  An Lushan chuckled, shaking his head. “I know it’s a vague question but reflect on it as we travel today. The answer will shape what I teach you next.”

  Shi Siming, overhearing the conversation, chimed in.

  “Where did you two learn how to fight anyway? Your foundations are too polished to be self-taught.”

  “For the last ten years, we were trained and raised by a man named Renfu,” Lu Yin replied.

  At the mention of the name, An Lushan’s brow furrowed slightly.

  Renfu? Why does that name sound so familiar? the general wondered.

  He hesitated for a moment before asking, “Renfu, you say? Was he a court official?”

  Lu Yang laughed outright. “Old Man Fu, a court official? No way. That old man was just a wandering scholar who did whatever he pleased.”

  An Lushan’s expression remained unreadable. “Hmm… well, he must have been an amazing swordsman. I could see it in our spar.”

  The brothers fell briefly silent. Lu Yang’s fist clenched at his side, tension rising in his shoulders.

  Sensing the shift, Lu Yin spoke up. “Renfu was more than amazing. His skill still frightens me. He was a master at fighting… but he was an even better man.”

  Lu Yin’s expression darkened.

  “Renfu… passed away shortly before we enlisted.”

  Li Yi’s interest sharpened instantly. “Passed away? From what?”

  Lu Yang’s voice came out bitter. “Some ‘mysterious illness,’ they said.”

  Li Yi’s eyes narrowed. “Mysterious illness? What were his symptoms?”

  Lu Yang answered before Lu Yin could. His voice was tight with anger. “There were none.”

  The group paused slightly, absorbing the weight in his words.

  Lu Yang’s knuckles turned white. “Old Man Fu was the healthiest elder I’ve seen. Those useless doctors couldn’t even give us a proper explanation for his death.”

  Lu Yin placed a calm hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Yang… relax.”

  He turned to the others. “The doctors studied him for days, but no cause of death was ever found.”

  Yin Zhongkan exhaled; his voice tinged with experience. “Death truly comes in all forms… but I’m sorry for your loss.”

  Lu Yin bowed his head slightly. “Thank you, Lieutenant.”

  But Li Yi wasn’t satisfied. Her mind raced with possibilities.

  No symptoms? Completely healthy to sudden death?

  Li Yi’s medical knowledge made her question everything. She glanced at An Lushan, wondering if he, too, felt the strangeness of the situation.

  The general broke the silence.

  “Although I never met him, I know he would be proud to see your actions today.” His voice was firm, carrying a weight of certainty.

  He nodded to both brothers. “Carry his name forward. Let your blades be his legacy.”

  Lu Yang took a deep breath, fire returning to his eyes. “Understood, General.”

  The mood lightened slightly as An Lushan gave them a final warning.

  “Let me be clear—my training won’t be easy. Whenever we aren’t traveling, you’ll train.”

  Liu Fang finally looked up from his book. “General, sleeping will also be necessary for their growth.”

  An Lushan sighed. “Yes, Liu Fang, I know.”

  The group chuckled as they pressed forward, their first day of travel stretching ahead.

  Later that night, once the regiment had set up camp, An Lushan gathered the brothers and the lieutenants.

  “Yin and Yang,” the general said. “Have you come up with an answer to my question?”

  Lu Yang answered without hesitation. “Ultimate attack! We need more power!”

  Lu Yin palmed his face in disappointment. “That’s it, Yang? After an entire day of thinking?”

  “You don’t even know if it’s right or wrong yet, Yin,” Lu Yang grumbled.

  “It’s wrong,” the lieutenants all answered in unison.

  Lu Yang scoffed. “Well what’s your answer, Yin?”

  Lu Yin folded his arms. “What we lack the most is unpredictability. The general predicted every one of our attacks because we have no unique style. Renfu only trained us in the foundational core and basics of swordplay—no identity, no specialization. What we lack is our own style. Am I right, General?”

  An Lushan’s eyes glowed with approval. “Impressive, Yin. You are correct. What you brothers lack is the defining trait of every elite warrior—a unique way of fighting. The first step to growth is crafting your own path.”

  “That’s pretty much what I said, Yin. You just made it sound fancier!” Yang blurted out.

  The general smirked. “And yet… Yin is correct.”

  Lu Yang sighed. “Fine, fine. So how do we create our own style?”

  “That answer… you must find on your own.” An Lushan then motioned toward his lieutenants. “But there is something that may help. Let them show you what true fighting styles look like.”

  Li Yi sighed, rolling her shoulders. “So that’s why I’m not enjoying some precious sleep right now. You brothers are already causing me too much trouble.”

  Shi Siming smirked, resting his massive glaive across his shoulders. “Come on, it’s been a while since we let loose. Don’t tell me you’re scared to embarrass yourself in front of the new recruits, Yi.”

  Li Yi scoffed, flicking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “Scared? Hmph! I’ll gladly demonstrate—by giving you a beating, Siming.”

  An Lushan let out a hearty laugh. “Well, it’s settled. Yi and Siming will give us a demonstration for your first lesson. Watch closely and see for yourselves what having a fighting style truly means.”

  Shi Siming grinned, eyes glinting with excitement. “Now we’re talking!!”

  The general stepped forward, dragging his sword across the dirt to carve a wide circle into the earth.

  “The rules are simple. Whoever steps out of this circle first—loses.”

  Li Yi adjusted her grip on her weapons: a large, polished staff and a small pouch of medical needles. “Watch closely, Yin and Yang. It’s an honor to watch the beautiful Li Yi in battle.”

  Shi Siming cracked his knuckles and adjusted his stance, letting his glaive rest effortlessly on his shoulder.

  Only now did Lu Yin and Lu Yang take in the full extent of Shi Siming’s arsenal. His massive glaive was only the most eye-catching of many. Strapped to his back, belt, and armor were at least half a dozen weapons—a pair of axes, a short-handled war hammer, throwing knives, and even a dagger tucked into his boot.

  A walking armory, Lu Yin thought.

  Shi Siming grinned as if reading their expressions. “Don’t blink, or you’ll miss the fight. I’ll make sure to end this quick.”

  Both lieutenants stepped into the circle and readied their stances.

  The brothers felt something stir in their chest.

  For the first time, they would witness what it truly meant to have a fighting style.

  As the fight was about to begin, the general crossed his arms and spoke to the brothers.

  “You two are in for a rare sight. This matchup may be the best demonstration of fighting styles imaginable.”

  “Why do you say that, General?” Lu Yang asked.

  An Lushan smirked. “Li Yi and Shi Siming have completely different philosophies when it comes to combat. Their drastic contrast will highlight their styles even further.”

  As he finished his sentence—

  Shi Siming charged.

  He swung his glaive in rapid succession, each arc of his blade a seamless, brutal chain of attacks. The force of his strikes sent small gusts of wind rippling through the air, making it look impossible to counterattack. Li Yi was pushed back step by step, her feet nearing the edge of the circle.

  “You really are trying to end this quick, Siming,” she called out, barely fazed.

  Though she was on the defensive, her movements were deliberate. Her staff spun expertly, redirecting each of Shi Siming’s powerful swings rather than meeting them head-on. With every strike he unleashed, he drained more of his own stamina.

  The general’s voice cut in. “Do you see it now? Shi Siming is known as the unstoppable weapon master. He’s centered his fighting style around relentless offense—adapting, attacking, and overwhelming his opponents before they can even think.”

  “And Li Yi is the opposite?” Lu Yin asked, eyes narrowing in realization.

  An Lushan nodded. “Correct. Li Yi’s philosophy is to exhaust and disable her opponent. She waits for the perfect moment to strike, turning an enemy’s own strength against them.”

  Lu Yang scratched his head. “Huh… it’s starting to make a little sense.”

  “Keep watching,” the general urged. “The real lesson is just beginning.”

  Li Yi’s feet slid dangerously close to the edge of the circle. One more strike, and she would be forced out.

  Then—her staff spun.

  With pinpoint precision, she struck Shi Siming’s wrist.

  Thump!

  His glaive flew from his grasp, tumbling outside the circle.

  “What a turnaround!” Lu Yang exclaimed, heart pounding.

  “He’s without his main weapon now, she has the advantage now,” Lu Yin observed.

  An Lushan chuckled. “Main weapon? He isn’t called a weapon master for no reason. There isn’t a single weapon on Earth that man can’t use.”

  Without hesitation, Shi Siming reached to his waist and pulled out a pair of battle axes. In a flash, he was back on the offensive, his attacks just as fierce as before.

  “Your fighting never ceases to annoy me,” Li Yi gritted her teeth, tightening her grip.

  “That little move of yours was cute,” Shi Siming grinned, “but this fight’s already over.”

  “I don’t think so.”

  With a sharp exhale, Li Yi spun her staff wide in a wide defensive arc, absorbing his strike and sending the power right back at him.

  Shi Siming staggered backward, barely keeping his footing.

  An Lushan smirked. “Ripple of the Flowing Staff.”

  Lu Yang blinked. “Huh? What is that?”

  “That move has become something of a legend,” the general explained. “It’s the perfect embodiment of the saying, ‘the best defense is a good offense.’”

  “They’re incredible…” Lu Yang muttered, eyes gleaming with admiration.

  Lu Yin nodded. “Shi Siming is truly a master of weapons, adapting instantly. But Li Yi turned his own strength against him. This is what having a fighting style means, isn’t it?”

  “Exactly,” said the general. “Their styles are extensions of themselves—born from years of discipline, experience, and adaptation.”

  “But the fight isn’t over yet,” Lu Yin added. "I wonder how it'll end."

  Li Yi steadied herself, the momentary separation was all she needed. She reached into her pouch and pulled out a dozen gleaming needles.

  With a flick of her wrist, they soared through the air like silver streaks.

  Shi Siming’s eyes widened as he dodged frantically. “Tch… if even one of those lands, I’m done for.”

  “Wait, why is he so worried about small needles? Theres no way it can hurt a big guy like him.” Lu Yang blurted out.

  An Lushan laughed. “You’d think so, wouldn't you? But in Li Yi’s hands, those needles are far more dangerous than you realize.”

  Lu Yin turned is attention to the general. “How so?”

  “Li Yi isn’t just a skilled fighter—her dream is to be the greatest doctor in China. She’s incorporated her medical knowledge into her fighting style.”

  Lu Yang’s eyes widened. “Wait... you’re saying—”

  “Li Yi has perfectly memorized every pressure point in the human body. If those needles hit where she intends, they’ll paralyze him temporarily.”

  “That’s insane!” Lu Yang shouted.

  “Exactly why you should stay on her good side,” the general teased.

  Back in the circle, Shi Siming was forced closer and closer to the circle's edge, barely dodging the relentless barrage.

  He made a snap decision—tossing his axes aside, he pulled out throwing knives and launched a counterattack.

  Blades clashed midair, canceling out the needles.

  Then—

  Shi Siming dashed forward and pulled out a short-handled war hammer.

  The momentum had shifted once again.

  Li Yi’s sharp eyes tracked the daggers flying toward her. She had to adjust her stance quickly, deflecting the last blade just in time. But in that brief moment—Shi Siming was already charging.

  A full-force sprint.

  A war hammer gripped in both hands.

  Li Yi reacted instantly. She dug her feet into the dirt, bracing her stance, pole raised to intercept the attack.

  But she’d made one fatal mistake.

  Li Yi momentarily forgot the win condition. Her mind was solely focused on countering the hammer’s devastating power.

  It was a feint—he never planned to use the hammer at all.

  With a wild grin, he hurled the hammer forward, abandoning it mid charge.

  Li Yi's eyes widened—too late.

  Shi Siming launched himself into the air. With all his strength, he twisted and drove his leg forward in a powerful kick.

  BAM!

  Li Yi managed to block just in time, avoiding a direct hit—but a direct hit was never Shi Siming’s goal.

  The sheer force of the impact sent her sliding back across the dirt.

  Her mind raced. She tried to dig her heels to slow down—but there was nothing she could do.

  And then—

  The dust cloud rose.

  Silence fell over the spectators.

  Through the swirling dust, everyone strained to see where Li Yi had stopped.

  As the dust finally settled, the result became clear.

  Li Yi stood tall, her expression unreadable—but just behind her, the tip of her boot crossed the line.

  She had lost.

  “Son of a…” Li Yi muttered, clenching her fists. She sighed. “This one’s yours, Siming. Well played.”

  Shi Siming let out a booming laugh. “You really had me sweating there, Yi. Every time we fight, I remember why I hate going against you.”

  An Lushan stepped forward, voice echoing in the night.

  “Let this be your first real lesson, brothers. The path to true power begins with forging a style that aligns with who you are. One that reflects your spirit—not just your sword.”

  Lu Yin and Lu Yang stood in silent awe, before nodding in unison.

  “We understand, General.”

  Lu Yang practically sprinted over to the two lieutenants, thrilled by the fight he had just witnessed.

  “That was incredible, Li Yi. Your defense is unreal—I don’t think I’d even be able to touch you right now.”

  Li Yi smirked, stepped forward—and before Lu Yang could react, caught him in a firm headlock.

  “Of course you wouldn’t, Yang.”

  “Ack—wait! Hold on! I give! I give!” Lu Yang flailed, laughing as he pried himself free.

  He turned to Shi Siming, eyes still gleaming with curiosity.

  “And you! How can you attack so ferociously without tiring? And how many weapons can you even use?”

  Shi Siming grinned, crossing his arms proudly. “That’s just what it takes to be a lieutenant, Yang.”

  Lu Yin, now beside them, inclined his head in gratitude.

  “That was an excellent display of skill. Thank you both for your guidance.”

  Shi Siming nodded, his usual grin softening just a bit.

  “Of course, young Yin. You two getting stronger increases all of our chances of survival later on. So don’t waste what we teach you.”

  Li Yi stretched her arms and yawned. “Ugh. Now that my job’s done, I’m going to get some sleep.”

  The brothers stood in the dimly lit camp, still absorbing what they had witnessed.

  Tonight, they had seen a glimpse of what true mastery looked like.

  And the fire in their hearts burned brighter than ever.

  soulscriptstudio.com