I'm Invincible In The World

Thwack!

The sound of a hard strike echoed in the quiet morning, as a wooden stick hit the leg of Jonathan, who was hanging upside down from a large tree branch. His body swayed gently, like an unripe coconut about to fall from its stem.

Yet there was no scream. No complaint.

For Jonathan Winaldy, this was already a routine. The pain had become fused with his life. He could no longer even remember the last time he had complained about a beating.

Jonathan was a twenty-two-year-old young man, handsome, with long, brownish hair that cascaded down to his shoulders. His skin was exotically tanned from the mountain sun, his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's, his nose was straight, and his body was lean and muscular, like that of a wilderness hunter.

His body was now hanging upside down—an energy balance training, according to his master.

Below him stood an old man with a scruffy white beard, wearing a tattered robe that might have once been grey. His face was covered in wrinkles, and the pungent smell of medicinal oil emanated from his body.

At this moment, he remembered a historic moment.

"Boy," said the old man in a flat tone, "I see a great destiny between the two of us."

"Destiny?" Jonathan looked at him upside down.

"Yes. You will become a person who has everything. The world will bow to you."

Jonathan sighed. "Are you a fortune teller now?"

"A little," the old man replied lightly. "And if you want, I can teach you."

But Jonathan just fell silent. He was only eight years old at the time, his stomach was hungry and his body was tired. And when the old man took out a small, faintly glowing stone that Jonathan believed to be a diamond, his common sense instantly vanished.

"I just need help getting to the summit. In return, you can have this."

Jonathan looked at him suspiciously for a moment. Blood was dripping from the old man's body. He looked dying, yet his gaze was sharp, full of mystery.

"Alright…" murmured Jonathan, more out of pity and tempted by the stone's gleam.

However, just as his hand reached for the stone, the old man had already put it away into his pocket first. His laugh was crisp, wicked, and… full of trickery.

That was the moment that changed Jonathan's life 180 degrees.

For over a dozen years on the peak of a mountain that had no name on any map, Jonathan grew up under the harsh tutelage of his master. He learned ancient healing arts, secret martial arts, breathing techniques, inner energy, even prophecy and rare formations.

But his master was very stingy.

Jonathan carried out dangerous missions, bringing back money enough to build a mountain of gold, yet he was never given a single cent.

"Training must not be accompanied by greedy desires!" was always the old man's refrain, while hiding a roasted chicken thigh behind his robe. Jonathan could only eat plain porridge and herbal grasses.

But today, something was strange.

"Sit," said the old man.

Jonathan obeyed, sitting on the cold bamboo floor. This wasn't a regular training session. His master's voice was too soft.

"You may leave the mountain now."

Silence.

The words Jonathan had longed for all this time were finally spoken. In the past, he had tried to escape. But every time he was caught, the punishment was doubled. Now, he was actually being allowed to leave.

"Why? Are you gravely ill, Master?" asked Jonathan, full of suspicion.

"Fool!" retorted the old man, while swinging his stick at Jonathan's head.

"This is for your provisions." He tossed a money pouch, a mysterious package, and a stamped letter.

"Jonathan, you were betrothed since childhood to a girl from a prestigious family. Now it's time for you to propose."

Jonathan looked up quickly. "From a wealthy family? Is she pretty?"

Thwack!

Another blow came flying. Jonathan managed to dodge it, then stood up grimacing.

"Leave quickly before I change my mind."

Jonathan said his goodbyes, taking the package and the betrothal letter he had never imagined. However, when he reached the foot of the mountain, he paused for a moment and looked back up. The mountain was cold and harsh, but it was where he had grown up.

That old man, though stingy, was still the only family he had.