Kenshi. Kung Lao. Johnny. Charlotte

The action shifts to Earthrealm, where the first chapter tells the story of Kung Lao and Raiden, simple peasants and martial arts masters living in a remote village in the Fengjian province. Madam Bo lives in this village, and the pair frequently visit her teahouse. However, during one such visit, Madam Bo is attacked by the Lin Kuei, who intend 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 attacking Madam Bo. After they defeat 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 eventually 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, although Liu Kang mentions that he needs to gather others as well.

According to the plot, Kenshi loses his sight due to a blow dealt by Mileena, the mutated heiress of Outworld. This happens during a struggle when Mileena attacks a group of heroes; Kenshi pulls her away, but she strikes the hero in both eyes.

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