The headmaster's smile was serene as he rose from his seat, an unspoken promise of trials to come in his eyes. "Excellent. Now, let us not keep the others waiting, shall we?"

"Yes, Master Zhang," Lingqi replied, his voice steady but his mind turbulent.

Lingqi stood, following the headmaster out of the room, the weight of the revelation bearing down on him like a shroud. As they approached the training hall, the air grew thick with anticipation. Li Bie had the students seated in their meditation poses, preparing for Master Zhang's arrival, with Li Bie himself at the forefront, a silent sentinel of discipline.

"Good afternoon, everyone," Master Zhang greeted, his voice a tranquil river flowing through the hall. Lingqi quickly found his place among the students, seating himself beside Yuyan, who greeted him with a warm, reassuring smile.

"Good afternoon, Master Zhang," the group responded in perfect unison, their voices a chorus of respect.

"Before we begin today's lesson, I would like to announce that Lingqi will be joining us," the headmaster declared, his tone imbued with subtle significance. Lingqi bowed his head, feeling the weight of the students' collective gaze upon him.

"Hello, Lingqi," they intoned a formal greeting.

"Now, let us begin with a short meditation session. Focus on the sound of your breathing and clear your mind of all distractions," the headmaster instructed, his voice a beacon of calm in the storm of Lingqi's thoughts.

"Yes, Master Zhang."

Lingqi mimicked the others, drawing a deep breath, concentrating on the rhythmic thrum of his heartbeat. "Very good, everyone," the headmaster praised, and the group slipped deeper into their meditative states.

Lingqi could hear the faint hum of the world around him: the soft rustling of leaves as the wind caressed the trees, the distant murmur of life continuing its ceaseless dance. Yet, his mind was an abyss, haunted by the headmaster's words. The deaths of his parents were the crucible that forged his abilities. If so, then this power wasn't a blessing. It was a curse. He'd give anything to have his home again. Everything.

It wasn't fair. It wasn't right.

He wanted to focus on the present, to find solace in the future, but the past clung to him, a relentless shadow. His blood ran cold, the chill of fear seeping into his bones. A shiver coursed down his spine, and the sound of his breathing grew louder, echoing in his ears. Lingqi plunged headfirst into the arctic currents of his own mind. Beyond the fear that gripped his psyche, past the horizon of doubt, lay the warm glow of the sun.

He reached out, desperate, and felt it. The Prana. A torrent of raw energy, pulsating with life. He let its warmth envelop him, chasing away the cold. The sun became his ally. The Prana...it was his now. His to command.

A collective gasp echoed through the hall as the air grew frigid, a layer of frost creeping over the cobblestone steps. The temperature plummeted, jolting the students from their meditative states.

"Master Zhang!" Li Bie cried, springing to his feet.

The students stood, their faces masks of shock and awe. Yuyan hesitated, wanting to approach Lingqi but held back by uncertainty. Gao stepped back, his sandals sliding on the frost, his mouth agape in silent amazement. This boy...who was he? What was he?

Chen huddled close to Li Bie, shivering with every breath. "W-What's going on?!"

"Remain calm, everyone," the headmaster commanded, his voice a pillar of strength. He gestured for the students to step back and approached Lingqi, placing a steady hand on the boy's shoulder.

"Lingqi. Focus. Do not let your emotions control you. Channel the energy," the headmaster urged, his presence radiating an invisible warmth that melted the snowflakes drifting towards him.

"I...I'm trying, Master," Lingqi gasped, his teeth chattering. The cold gnawed at him, aching his muscles. His blood boiled, his senses disarrayed. Darkness clouded his vision, as if he were sinking beneath murky waters.

"Focus, Lingqi," the headmaster repeated, his voice a lifeline.

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"I can't!" Lingqi shouted, the fear and pain overwhelming him.

"Please, Lingqi. Listen to my voice. Focus on the sound," the headmaster implored, his tone unwavering.

Lingqi's chest heaved, his eyes wide. He could see the other students huddled together, their bodies battered by the cold. He had to stop. He had to stop before he hurt someone.

"Think about the stars. Think about the warmth of the sun. They are manifestations of your parents' love. Let that glow be your guide to peace."

The words resonated within him. His father used to talk about the stars. His mother, too. They were his light in the darkness. His warmth on the coldest of nights. His hope.

His vision blurred with tears, but he blinked them away. He could do this. He had to. He closed his eyes and thought about his father and mother. He remembered the nights they spent under the sky, pointing out constellations. He could see their smiles, hear their laughter, feel their love.

The chill in the air dissipated, and with it, the frost. The students sighed in collective relief, their gazes turning to the boy at the center of the storm.

"Lingqi," the headmaster's voice was soft, but it carried a weight of pride.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to lose control," Lingqi said, his breath still visible in puffs of white.

"There is nothing to apologize for, Lingqi. You have done exceptionally well," Master Zhang assured him. "It appears you are more in tune with your Prana than I initially believed."

Lingqi nodded slowly, absorbing the praise. "Thank you, master."

"Class, resume your meditations. Gao, Lingqi, I want you two to meet me in the library," the headmaster ordered, and the rest of the class was dismissed.

Lingqi's nerves were frayed, his body still recovering from the surge of power. The other students stared at him, their expressions a mix of awe and curiosity.

The headmaster and the two boys left the training grounds and made their way to the library. The structure was filled with bookshelves, tomes covering subjects from history to literature, the aroma of parchment and leather filling the air. Although Lingqi had visited before, he hadn't realized the library had a room for lectures.

"Gao, I heard about the incident during your game of Cuju," the headmaster began. "Would you care to explain yourself?"

"My apologies, Master Zhang. I got carried away," Gao bowed, sincerity in his voice.

"Remember our core tenets and keep them close to heart. Now, recite them to me," the headmaster commanded.

"Conflict is the root of despair. Desire is the root of conflict. Death is the end of desire, and therefore, is the end of suffering," Gao recited.

"Very good," the headmaster praised. "We are a community. We must strive to live in harmony. Put aside your desires for the betterment of all. Violence only leads to more violence. Understood?"

"I understand, Master," Gao bowed, accepting the lesson.

"You are dismissed, Gao," the headmaster instructed, and the senior student left the library quickly.

"Now, Lingqi," the headmaster began, shifting his focus. "We have much to discuss."

Lingqi reflected on his meditation, on why he had lost control. The revelation from Master Zhang had dragged him into darkness, left him breathless and weightless. Could he truly embrace his Prana?

"Master, I am not sure how to feel about this. Is my strength truly rooted in such a dark place? If so, I..." Lingqi's hands clutched his robes, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"I understand, Lingqi. Fear is natural. But the answer is not so simple. When we manifest our Prana, it is the culmination of years of study and practice. It is neither good nor evil. It is part of nature."

Lingqi's expression lightened, wiping his eyes with his sleeve. "Master, are you saying my strength is not rooted in death?"

Master Zhang raised a hand. "Not exactly. The nature of your power is not a reflection of yourself. It is a byproduct of your environment."

Lingqi blinked. "I don't understand, Master."

"Allow me to elaborate," the headmaster said. "We are surrounded by life, from the smallest insect to the largest beast. Prana binds us all. Your Prana is no different. Tragedy may have awakened it, but that does not make it evil. It does not make you evil. Your power is a gift. As you grow, you will understand its importance."

Lingqi stared at his master, awe-struck by his wisdom.

"Do not mistake me, Lingqi. Your outburst was uncontrolled and dangerous. That is why I will assign you to Gao. You need to learn control, and Gao, with his years of training, will be a great mentor."

"Of course, Master Zhang," Lingqi acknowledged.

"Very good. You are dismissed. I will see you at tomorrow's lecture."

Lingqi bowed and left the library. Outside, he found Gao waiting for him.

"I will be in your care from now on," Lingqi said, bowing to his new mentor.

Gao's smile showed no protest, only a welcoming warmth. "Well, since we'll be working together, why don't we introduce ourselves properly."

"Okay. My name is Lingqi. I am eleven years old, and...I'm an orphan," Lingqi said, the word heavy on his tongue.

"An orphan, huh? That must be difficult," Gao empathized. "My name is Gao Ling. I'm fifteen, and I live with my grandmother."

"Did you lose your parents too?" Lingqi asked quietly.

"My mother passed away when I was very young, so I don't remember her," Gao shared. "My dad died before I was born, so I never knew him either."

"I'm sorry," Lingqi apologized.

Gao shrugged. "It's hard to miss people you never met."

Lingqi looked down, unsure of what to say.

"But it was hard for my grandmother. She raised me on her own, and she did a great job," Gao smiled. "She takes good care of me. But she misses my mother very much."

"I miss my mother, too," Lingqi admitted.

Gao placed a comforting hand on Lingqi's shoulder. "Hey, sorry we got off on the wrong foot. I'm not always the nicest guy, but I can be a good friend when I try. Let's get along, alright?"

"Yes," Lingqi said, looking up into Gao's kind eyes.

"Good," Gao nodded, patting his shoulder. "Now, let's get some dinner."