The news that the Heaven-Bearing Sect was recruiting three hundred registered disciples caused a sensation throughout the city. The moment the recruitment requirements were posted, they exploded among the common folk at the bottom of society.
Meals and lodging provided, no fees charged, fist techniques taught, one bowl of Blood-Nourishing Soup every day. Become a Bright Force martial artist in three months and qualify to become a formal disciple of the Heaven-Bearing Sect.
Applicants had to be between thirteen and thirty years old. Girls could apply as well.
The great families and merchants showed little reaction, but the common people at the bottom spread the news from mouth to mouth, as if it were New Year.
"Have you heard? The Heaven-Bearing Sect is recruiting registered disciples. They provide food and lodging, and they even teach fist techniques."
"I heard. This is a chance for us poor people to turn our lives around."
"Exactly. Why do the great families and merchants always bully us? Because they know martial arts, while we poor folk can't afford to learn. Now the Heaven-Bearing Sect doesn't want money, provides food and lodging, and teaches martial arts. I have to go."
"I heard they're taking girls too."
"That's what the notice says."
"Come on, let's go sign up together!"
Poor commoners emerged from every obscure corner of Heaven-Bearing City and surged toward the registration site.
In the Gu family's woodshed, a sallow, emaciated girl covered in wounds heard the discussion outside. A glimmer of light suddenly appeared in her murky, lifeless eyes.
They were taking girls.
Martial arts training was free.
Food and lodging were provided.
Gu Yu murmured the words she had just heard under her breath.
*I want to learn martial arts. I don't want to get married, and I definitely don't want to