The First Cultivator - Changing Existence

He spoke to a person at a front desk, and was taken to an office a few floors above.

Inside was an old man.

Fa Zhu waited a few minutes before the old man told him to take a seat across from his desk.

"You are Fa Zhu, correct?" The old man asked.

"Yes." Fa Zhu said.

"Okay. Why should we hire you over the other people that applied?"

Fa Zhu thought for a while. "Most people have spent their entire lives in one location or in one situation, but I was born in the mountains and taught how to survive on my own. I've also lived in a small city and have worked at a library. My knowledge is not only theoretical, but applied."

The old man seemed interested. "You were born in the mountains? What does that entail exactly?"

"My family has lived disconnected from society for generations and generations. The oldest male, which is me, is sent to the city to find a wife and bring her back, which is how our bloodline and lifestyle continues. From birth, I was taught on how to survive in even the most treacherous of situations. I can also confidently say that I am stronger than 99% of people in this city, so if you need security, I can be useful."

The old man nodded. "Alright then. If your claim is that you are strong, then prove it. Take this letter and go to the Royal Training Grounds right outside of the palace. Hand this to the instructor, and he will test you. As long as you can back up what you've said, I have no problem hiring you."

Fa Zhu was surprised at the ease of the interview, and after the old man quickly wrote a letter, he made his way towards the training grounds.

He found it quickly, and entered as an instructor was going over sword movements with a large group of soldiers in formation.

Fa Zhu naturally waited until he was finished with his instruction and the soldiers were taking a break before he headed towards him.

"Excuse me." Fa Zhu said.

The instructor looked over. "What?"

Fa Zhu handed him a letter. A few moments later, the instructor nodded. "Alright."

"FENZEN!" The instructor yelled.

A young looking man, younger than most of the soldiers here. Came running over.

"Yes, Sir!" He said as he stood in salute.

"You are going to spar this boy, and do not go easy on him." The instructor said.

Fenzen did not hesitate. "Yes, Sir!"

The soldiers, noticing the situation, gathered around as Fa Zhu and Fenzen stepped into the middle of the field.

Before the battle had even started, everyone had already gathered around to watch the battle.

Fenzen and Fa Zhu stood in front of each other, waiting. Fenzen held a wooden sword, while Fa Zhu, much to everyone's surprise, wielded his wand. To them, it merely looked like a smooth, short, straight stick.

"Fight!" The instructor shouted.

Fenzen came running towards Fa Zhu.

To Fa Zhu, he felt slow. Ever since he had branded himself with the Magic Circle, not only had his control over Magic increased, but his strength and reaction speed had increased slightly.

Fenzen swung his sword vertically down in a quick manner.

Fa Zhu stepped to the side and pushed his palm against Fenzen's chest.

Fenzen was pushed back slightly, and Fa Zhu's wand twitched.

The ground Fenzen was standing on was slightly shifted, causing him to lose his balance and fall down.

To everyone else, it seemed as though Fenzen had been pushed down with a slight shove.

It was silent for a moment before the angry voice of the instructor sounded out. "FENZEN! Fifty laps around the palace! Now!"

Fenzen was sitting in shock up until he heard the instructor's voice. He didn't hesitate to begin running.

The instructor looked at Fa Zhu. "Well done."

He took something out from behind his back and stamped it on the letter.

"We don't get many talented youths around these parts. I look forward to seeing you again some time." The instructor said. "And if you ever have an interest in joining the Royal Squadron, come find me. The prince is looking for someone to protect him, while also not being an old man. You seem like a good fit."

Fa Zhu nodded. "I'll take it into consideration."

He left the training grounds and returned to the library. With his stamp from the instructor he got a job as a guard for one of the higher floors. He was given a spear and armor, as well as more pay than a normal librarian.

For the first few months, he stayed in an inn. It was cheap and simple, but it did the job.

The job was the same every day. He saw the announcement for the position of the prince's personal guard, but he wasn't very interested.

With his current job, he had ample time to read books for inspiration and study Magic.

His peaceful life continued until a knock was heard on his door.

He had been in the capital of the kingdom for almost a year now.

He opened the door and saw two people.

One was the instructor from before, and the other was an unfamiliar looking young man.

"What is it?" Fa Zhu asked.

"Can we come in?" The instructor said.

Fa Zhu nodded. He now lived in a small house. There were two rooms, a bedroom and a living room. He hadn't bothered getting much furniture, so they stood while he sat in a chair.

The young person took off his hood.

Fa Zhu still didn't recognize him.

"Sorry to come so late. This is the 3rd prince of the kingdom, and he has requested my help. I decided to bring him to you."

"How could I possibly help a prince?" Fa Zhu asked.

The prince spoke. "I need someone loyal, young, and strong. According to the instructor, you are some sort of hidden prodigy."