Lu Yin stirred—woken not by the cold or the murmurs, but by his brother’s uneasy movements and muffled grumbles.
He sat up, watching his brother Lu Yang’s face twist with ragged breathing.
He must be dreaming of the night we lost everything, Lu Yin thought.
A familiar ache settled in his chest. No tears came, but in their place was something heavier—something unsaid.
In the quiet, he opened his lips and began to sing.
“The wind carries names lost to time,
The river flows though it knows not why.
Mountains rise where the echoes sleep,
But the moon still watches from the sky.”
“The stars will shine where footsteps fade,
The heart may stray yet finds its way.
Where the journey ends, none can see,
But lost ones return, as fate decrees.”
Lu Yang’s breathing slowed. His body relaxed, the tension fading as the familiar melody reached him—even in sleep.
Lu Yin exhaled softly.
“We’ll find out the truth no matter what… I swear it, brother.”
After the silent vow, he lay back down, forcing himself to sleep.
Tomorrow, their journey would begin.
“These tents are way too cramped. I barely got any sleep at all,” said Lu Yang.
“I couldn’t tell, based on how loud you were snoring,” Lu Yin replied, smirking.
Yang chuckled. “Whatever. We’ve gotta hurry and gather with the others. We can’t get left behind on the first day of the campaign.”
Both brothers stepped out into a sea of soldiers. Over five hundred men were gathering, donning armor and sharpening blades. Their regiment was headed to the northern frontier—a land plagued by nomadic raiders long at odds with the Tang Dynasty.
A powerful voice split through the morning air.
“Soldiers! Today we march to the northern frontier to rid ourselves of the enemies who threaten our homes, our empire, our children!”
All eyes turned to the raised platform where the voice came from. A tall man stood there, his presence commanding attention like a mountain.
Lu Yin and Lu Yang immediately recognized him.
“Yin… that’s General An Lushan, isn’t it?” said Yang.
“Yes, brother. The very one whose name has been rising through all of China,” Lu Yin replied.
An Lushan continued, his voice like rolling thunder.
“It is our duty to defend this empire with our lives. This is your chance to change your destiny. Soldiers! Will your names be recorded forever in history, or will you fade into nothingness? Let me hear your ambition! Your passion! Your heart! TANG! TANG! TANG!”
The soldiers roared, shouting the name of their empire, their screams echoing across the mountains.
Lu Yang grinned. “They say he might become one of the strongest generals in history. I want to spar with him.”
Lu Yin scoffed. “Yang, don’t get ahead of yourself. We’ve got a long way to go before we can challenge the general.”
“You’re selling us short. Teacher called us prodigies of the sword. Together, I actually believe we can win.”
“Just don’t do anything stupid, Yang.”
“Sorry, brother. I’m already ahead of you,” Yang said, smiling wide.
Lu Yin blinked. “Wait—what?”
But Lu Yang was already running into the crowd.
Lu Yang’s heart pounded with excitement as he weaved through the mass of soldiers, eyes scanning for a way to stand out.
How do I get the general’s attention?
His eyes locked onto an opportunity— a high-ranking lieutenant near the general, casually holding an apple.
A grin spread across Lu Yang’s face.
That will do.
Without hesitation, he snatched a bow and arrow from a passing soldier’s back, leapt onto a supply cart, and nocked the arrow in one smooth motion.
Lu Yin’s breath caught in his throat.
What is he doing?!
Time seemed to freeze as Lu Yang drew the bowstring. His stance was solid, his breathing calm. He wasn’t an expert archer—but he didn’t need to be.
He only needed one shot.
Lu Yin’s mind raced.
If he misses, we’re dead. If the general misreads his intent, we’re dead. Even if he succeeds—then what? Does he truly think we can take on an entire regiment?
Has he finally lost all reason?
With no hesitation, Lu Yang released the arrow. An arrow of faith.
The arrow whistled through the air, slicing toward the general's direction. Soldiers turned, their eyes widening as they tracked its path.
The arrow struck—but what did it hit?
A perfect split.
Two halves of an apple tumbled through the air, bouncing off the dirt with a soft thud.
The once roaring camp fell utterly silent.
No one spoke. No one even breathed.
Then all at once—heads turned toward the shooter.
Lu Yang stood tall, chin raised, grinning from ear to ear.
Murmurs spread. Some laughed. Others cursed. Some just stared in disbelief.
Then, his voice rang out.
“General An Lushan! I am Lu Yang! Let this arrow be a decree—I will be your greatest soldier and strongest ally! Let me prove it now, by challenging you to a duel that will be remembered forever!”
“What better way to start off the campaign than with a legendary battle? Let us display to the soldiers what fighting for this empire really means.” Lu Yang shouted his challenge as loud as he possible.
The camp erupted.
Some soldiers jeered. "Arrogant child!" "You'll die where you stand!" "Don't be a fool!" Others watched in silence, the precision of the shot lingering in their minds.
Then An Lushan raised his sword.
Silence fell again.
“Lu Yang, was it? I will remember your name.”
His voice was calm. Unreadable. He let the moment stretch before speaking again.
“Do not mock this boy,” he said, scanning the crowd. “Laugh, and you laugh at the fire that forges legends. Until you match his hunger, you will never be true warriors.”
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He turned back to Lu Yang, a smirk forming.
“Very well. I accept your challenge.”
As Lushan’s smirk deepened. He rested his sword against his shoulder, eyes never leaving Lu Yang.
“Lu Yang I admire your courage. Because of that, I will not crush you. Instead, let this be a lesson— a friendly spar. There will of course, be a handicap. I find no interest bullying the weak. What do you say?”
The murmurs among the soldiers grew louder. A friendly spar? Even with a handicap, it was a ridiculous challenge.
But for Lu Yang, this was the opportunity of a lifetime.
To spar with a general — the man who could become the strongest in the empire— was a guaranteed way to get their names remembered.
Lu Yang grinned. “General, it would be an honor to accept your spar.”
He lifted his chin, his voice unwavering.
“As for the handicap, I will not face you alone. This duel will be between you… and both of us.”
He turned to gesture at Lu Yin.
For a brief moment, Lu Yin simply stared at his brother, blinking in disbelief. Had things really escalated this fast?
But just as quickly, he adjusted, his mind sharpening. He had spent his entire life stepping into his brother’s reckless decisions. This would be no different.
With a single motion, he leapt up beside his brother, landing effortlessly on the supply cart.
Then, he bowed.
His movements were smooth, respectful, yet not submissive. When he spoke, his voice carried a calm, steady resonance — like flowing water.
“General An Lushan, I am Lu Yin, the twin brother of Lu Yang.”
His words came without hesitation, each syllable measured.
“I apologize if my brother's actions were an offense to you or the empire. My brother and I will give our all to the empire and we will serve you with our lives on the line.”
He lifted his gaze, eyes sharp yet nonthreatening.
“Thank you for accepting my brother’s challenge and we would be honored to spar with you.”
A flicker of curiosity passed through An Lushan’s eyes. He studied Lu Yin for a long moment, his grip tightening on his sword.
Identical twins… yet completely different spirits, he thought.
He laughed with excitement.
“Lu Yang. Lu Yin. The honor is mine. I look forward to sharing the battlefield with the both of you. Now soldiers clear the way for these brothers.”
He raised his sword toward the crowd.
“Our spar begins now.”
A Spar to Remember
There were many mixed feelings in the camp about the general's acceptance of the challenge but because of their respect for him, they reluctantly began to clear a path for the brothers. The brothers walked towards the general with many emotions in their heart. This was the start of their journey, and they could feel their goals getting closer.
“Lu Yin don’t be afraid, we can’t let his opportunity go to waste,” said Lu Yang.
“Afraid? Do you have no faith in your older brother, I am perfectly calm.” Lu Yin replied.
“I don’t know Yin; you looked like you were going to have a heart attack when I shot that arrow.”
Lu Yin smirked, “Very funny Lu Yang, your recklessness will get us killed one day, think of an actual plan next time.”
“Well brother, do you have any brilliant plans on beating the general?”
“…… No.”
The brothers laughed and conversed with each other as if this wasn’t one of the most important moments in their life. That was how much trust they had in each other but as they got closer to the generals, their faces turned deadly serious with focus and determination in their eyes.
“Brother, remember why we fight,” said Lu Yin.
“Don’t worry, I could never forget. Let's make mother smile in the heavens today.”
The stage was set. The brothers had reached where the general and the lieutenants were gathered. They had already left enough space for the fight, and everyone gathered around to try and witness the spar that was about to take place.
“Lu Yang and Lu Yin, this is your only chance to change your minds. Are you sure want to fight me?” asked the general.
“We are sure,” said the brothers in unity.
“Then draw your weapons and let us begin— also to make things interesting, if any of you land a single hit then I'll make you both lieutenants right now.”
Immediate shock and surprise showed on everyone's faces at this sudden additional challenge by the general. Both brothers for a second were lost for words. The general had done this for two reasons. Although this was a spar, he wanted to give the brothers high enough stakes to replicate the intensity of a real battle. This was the only way to draw out their full potential without fighting with the intent to kill. The second reason was because he was a hundred percent confident, he would not be hit. If they managed to somehow pull it off, then they deserved the ranks of lieutenant.
With one last look to each other, the brothers drew their swords. The general did the same in return. The spar was about to begin.
Lu Yang didn’t hesitate, and he immediately lunged towards the general with a speed no one expected.
He exploded forward and unleashed a flurry of well executed strikes leaving no time for the general to counterattack. His blade blurred with speed; each strike aimed at a vital opening. The ringing of blades echoed across the camp.
Each blow however was easily deflected by the general and he was never forced to move. Each blow was deflected with perfect precision and minimal movement, a true master of the sword.
Growing tired of defending, the general patiently waited for an opportunity.
Then— an opening
Lu Yang aimed a desperate strike but in the blink of an eye—
Clack!
The general parried his attack launching him to the ground beside his brother.
Thud. Lu Yang hit the ground with great force.
“Are you so scared that you cannot move. Will you watch your brother be defeated after such a flashy challenge,” the general taunted Lu Yin in an attempt to test his mental composure.
Lu Yin expression remained cold and unreadable paying no heed to the general’s words. He reached down, pulling his brother up with one smooth motion. No words were exchanged. They didn’t need to be.
The brothers moved again.
This time, they advanced together.
Lu Yang led and Lu Yin matched the pace of his brother step-by-step behind him. To the untrained eye, they were a single figure. But the general was far from untrained. He readied his stance.
Then—suddenly— Lu Yin leapt.
His blade arced down toward the general from above and at the same time Lu Yang ducked low, slicing low at the general’s legs.
A synchronized attack.
The general smirked. With a single breath, he leaped in the air to avoid the attack, but this was exactly what the brothers wanted.
Whish!
Two daggers flew toward him, one aimed at his chest, the other at the very spot he would land. A clever trap.
With a twist in midair, the general quickly reacted and avoided the first dagger. His sword flicked, knocking the second one aside as well but when he landed—
A flicker of motion.
Lu Yang charged.
And in that moment, the general lost sight of the second twin.
My blind spot? the general thought.
He was right. Lu Yin moved like a shadow, stepping into the peripheral void where the general’s vision could not reach. A perfectly timed strike— one breath out of sync, and it would be over.
But then—
The general closed his eyes and focused his hearing.
Step.
His sword snapped up— clashing against Lu Yang’s attack. At the same time, his hilt shot backward, slamming into Lu Yin’s approaching blade.
The twin brothers froze in surprise momentarily.
“IS THAT ALL YOU GOT LU BROTHERS!”
The general’s laughter rang across the field, his excitement undeniable. “That was close! One error in that exchange just now would and you would be lieutenants! But now—”
A shift.
The general changed his stance, his muscles coiling like a predator ready to pounce.
“It’s my turn.”
The moment he moved, the world seemed to blur.
With what seemed like the strength of a boar, a powerful slash came first. The brothers raised their blades— only to be driven back, the impact rattling through their bones.
Another strike, and another— each more powerful than the last. For the first time in the battle, they were on the defensive.
The general’s blade moved with terrifying speed and precision, hit attacks alternating seamlessly between the two brothers, leaving no openings for counterattack. Each strike sent shock waves through their swords, leaving the fingers numb in pain. The brother's opportunity seemed like it was about to come to an abrupt end.
Blocking the consecutive strikes began to put a toll on the brothers. The general’s strike’s caused pain throughout their bodies without ever dealing a direct strike.
Their arms felt as if they were being struck by thousands of needles.
Their legs trembled as if they were carrying boulders on their backs.
Their heads throbbed as if drums were being played inside their brains.
The image of defeat flashed strongly in their mind.
But then—
Using a desperate burst of energy, Lu Yin moved.
After blocking a strike, Lu Yin spun behind his brother leaning his back against his.
By combining their weight, they managed to block the general’s next attack without being pushed. This meant an opportunity.
Subliminally, Lu Yin signaled for his brother to duck.
He then using all his remaining strength to spin slashing his sword in the process. This slash was timed perfectly barely missing his own brother's head. This strike showed the trust between brothers and their desperation for victory.
With only time equivalent of blinking an eye to react, the general forced to leap backwards. This caused the separation the brothers needed to reset.
“Do you have the energy for one last attempt brother, we must land a strike here,” Lu Yin asked.
“You know I do brother. Let's go”
With these final words, the brothers charged, the strong desire to win burning like flames in their eyes.
The general flashed a smile - he knew this would be the final exchange.
The brothers began their attack. They strung their strikes together like a masterful melody. Each strike chained and timed with each other as if they became one person.
All their training and hard work began to show, and the general was now sweating with intensity as he dodged each attack.
The soldiers were on edge, for the first time in the spar they were questioning who would be the winner.
Passion in each strike - the brothers continued drawing out every last bit energy they could muster. All they needed was one strike and they were so close.
They could feel victory in the grasps of their hands —
But then — something strange happened with the general.
A strange force pulsed through the air. The general’s veins bulged, his body emanating an unseen pressure.
The very earth beneath them shook when —
Swoosh!!
An invisible force exploded outward, hurling the brothers through the air like leaves in a storm. It was as if an unseen tidal wave had crashed upon them, their bodies utterly powerless against its might.
What happened? The general hadn’t moved.
Only the elite lieutenants knew the answer. This was Qi, something only masters of martial arts could wield.
Their intensity and pressure made me instinctively use Qi to protect myself. To have forced me to use that is spectacular. Their futures are unimaginable, the general thought.
The brothers struggled and struggled but they couldn’t recover from the strike. Their bodies refused to move, drained of all strength, as if their very life force had been snuffed out. They had given it their all but, in the end, their first true battle would end in defeat.
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