Kenshi. Kung Lao. Johnny. Charlotte

The action shifts to Earthrealm, where the first chapter follows Kung Lao and Raiden, simple peasants and martial artists living in a remote village in Fengjian Province. Madam Bo lives in the village, and the couple often visits her teahouse. However, during one of these visits, Madam Bo is attacked by the Lin Kuei, who want to rob her. One of the Lin Kuei warriors, Smoke, attacks Madam Bo and knocks her unconscious. Lao and Raiden fight him in retaliation for his coming to Madam Bo's aid. After defeating most of the Lin Kuei warriors, they are challenged by Sub-Zero and Scorpion. Lao is inspired to use his hat and throwing blade as weapons, and he and Raiden ultimately defeat the Lin Kuei warriors. Then Lord Liu Kang, the God of Fire and protector of Earthrealm, appears and introduces himself, revealing that the Lin Kuei were working for him and that this was actually a test of their abilities. He invites them to the Wu Shi Academy, and after some initial resistance, they agree, though Liu Kang says he needs to gather others.

In the story, Kenshi loses his sight due to a blow dealt to him by the mutated Outworld heir, Mileena. This occurs during a fight when Mileena attacks a group of heroes, and Kenshi pulls her away, but she stabs him in both eyes.

However, before the battle with Ermac, created by Quan Chi, Johnny Cage gives Kenshi his family's sword. The weapon restores the hero's sight and grants him strength, and Kenshi defeats Ermac.