In the quiet solitude of his modest room, now nine-year-old Zhang Liwei sat cross-legged on a worn mat. The morning light, filtering through bamboo shutters, cast a warm, golden hue.
Today, he had set aside his rigorous training regimen, a rare occurrence dictated by the significance of the day—it was his sister Zhang Ning's seventh birthday, a day of potential destiny in the world of cultivation.
As he sat there, Liwei's thoughts meandered through the demanding journey of the past two years, a time characterized by relentless dedication and considerable personal growth. Focusing on his training, particularly in the most recent year with the introduction of martial techniques, he encountered challenges that deeply tested both his physical resilience and spiritual fortitude. Day in and day out, from the first light of dawn to the last rays of sunset, he engaged in an exhaustive routine that stretched his body, Qi, spirit, and mind to their limits. The practice of channeling and depleting Qi in every action—pushing himself to exhaustion, recharging, and then repeating the process—required immense focus and unwavering resolve, a tall order for someone of his tender age. Yet, it was Liwei's firm belief in his chosen path and the visible strides he made in his cultivation that kept his spirit buoyant. This unshakeable conviction and awareness of his own advancement empowered him to navigate the demanding aspects of his training journey.
His thoughts first drifted to the day Master Yan, with his enigmatic aura and deep wells of knowledge, had tested his affinity to elemental energy. Zhang Liwei could still vividly recall the mystical bracelet that Master Yan had used—a circle of clear stones interspersed with five elemental stones, each representing fire, water, metal, earth, and wood. It was then, with a mixture of awe and disbelief, that he discovered he was blessed with a Human-grade Earth Spiritual Root.
"That revelation set me on a path of strenuous Qi cultivation, using the Mountain Echo Breathing Method," Zhang Liwei murmured, his voice echoing the rhythm of the mountains. "Those initial weeks were a struggle, trying to resonate with the elusive and capricious Earth Qi. But with perseverance, I finally felt that first faint stir of energy, like a grain of sand vibrating subtly against the ground."
Now, after two years of dedicated training, Zhang Liwei could sense an imminent transformation within his Dantian. The seed-sized vortex of Earth Qi in his Dantian felt heavier, its swirling pattern more vibrant and dynamic, indicating a qualitative change was near.
His reflections then shifted to a year of relentless pursuit in other aspects of cultivation.
He had simultaneously been honing his Body Tempering method, the Stone Body Method. His skin, once soft and pale, now held a subtle sheen, like polished granite bathed in the early morning sun. A faint golden glow emanated from beneath the surface, hinting at the hidden strength coursing through his veins.
"My skin has become tougher, resistant to the minor scrapes and bruises that once marred my flesh," Zhang Liwei muttered, his brows furrowed in concentration.
"In my movement technique, the Slope Traverse Step, my steps, which were once uncertain and faltering, are now stable and balanced. My movements are swift and sure, surpassing even those of seasoned adults."
Lastly, his thoughts turned to his martial arts training. He had mastered the first of the four fists in the Mountaintop Strike series—the Boulder Bash Fist.
With a swift flick of his wrist, channeling Qi into his fist, Zhang Liwei whispered, "Fists of stone, ready to pulverize anything they touch—that's the essence of this technique. Thankfully, it's never seen actual combat. My focus now is the Cliff Crumble Fist, channeling the raw power of a collapsing cliff with a devastating twist."
As these recollections ebbed, Zhang Liwei opened his eyes, a sense of resolve firming in his heart. He rose from the mat, ready to face the day and the uncertainties it held for his beloved sister, Zhang Ning. His young mind, sharpened by the rigors of cultivation, was already contemplating the myriad of possibilities the day could unfold.
With a deep breath, he stepped out of his room, a fresh determination in his stride, his thoughts tenderly turned to his younger sister, Zhang Ning. At the youthful age of seven, Ning's dreams soared beyond the simple life of their village, her eyes filled with the light of admiration for her brother. To her, Liwei wasn't just a brother; he was her hero, embodying strength and dedication in her innocent eyes. Despite being probably the first in their lineage for generations to display a natural gift for cultivation, Liwei's path was marked by relentless effort rather than effortless triumphs. Ning, observing how her brother returned each day, exhausted and worn from his rigorous training, couldn't help but be inspired.
For Ning, her brother's tireless commitment didn't signify merely fatigue; it symbolized a meaningful pursuit, the noble journey of cultivation that Liwei embraced with such determination. Through her young, admiring gaze, Liwei's endeavors shone as a beacon of hope and resilience, painting a picture of what dedication and hard work could achieve. Within her small heart grew a wish, pure and simple—to be by her brother's side, to learn and grow with him on this extraordinary path.
Driven by her deep admiration and the companionship she sought, Ning's dream to follow in Liwei's footsteps as a cultivator was as earnest as it was heartfelt. She imagined a future where she could stand alongside Liwei, not just trailing behind but as a true companion, facing the challenges and wonders of the cultivation world together. This vision, nurtured by her love for her brother and the stories of his journey, strengthened her young resolve. To Ning, the hardships of cultivation seemed small compared to the joy of sharing in her brother's adventure, eager to explore the wide and mystic world of cultivation by his side.
The wooden floor felt solid and real under his feet, a grounding reminder of the ordinary world he still belonged to—a world that his sister might continue to inhabit, untouched by the mystical realms he had begun to explore.
"Good morning, Ningning," Zhang Liwei greeted as he stepped into the common area, noticing his sister's wide-eyed look of excitement mixed with nervous anticipation.
"Good morning, Brother!" Zhang Ning replied, her voice tinged with a restless energy. "I hardly slept last night, thinking about today. It's finally my turn, just like it was for you. Maybe I'll start my own journey in cultivation!"
"Today is indeed special, your seventh birthday," Zhang Liwei said with a gentle smile, understanding her eagerness. "Master Yan's visit will reveal much. Are you ready for whatever the outcome may be?"
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"Uh-huh!" Zhang Ning giggled, her eyes wide with stars. "Can't wait! Going on amazing journeys, just like you! And learning wonderful tricks, like flying!"
Zhang Liwei watched his sister, feeling proud yet concerned. He recalled his seventh birthday, a day of hopes and fears that led him into the world of cultivators. Master Yan's words lingered in his mind—in his many years of testing in Green Willow Village, only Zhang Liwei had shown a natural talent for cultivation.
The thought weighed heavily on him, casting a shadow over the morning's festivities. "What if my sister, brimming with hope and dreams, didn't possess the same innate talent?" Zhang Liwei thought to himself.
The possibility seemed increasingly likely, and the thought of her disappointment, her dreams dissolving into the harsh light of reality, pained him deeply.
Approaching his sister with a gentle smile, Zhang Liwei felt the need to temper her expectations, to prepare her for any outcome.
"Ningning," he began cautiously, his voice soft but earnest, "Master Yan's visit today is an important occasion, but remember, the path of cultivation is not granted to everyone. Even if the results are not as we hope, know that you are cherished and valued for who you are, not for any latent talents you may or may not possess."
"I know, I know," Zhang Ning rolled her eyes playfully, "but deep down, I can feel it—the spark! How fantastic would it be to walk the cultivation path by your side? Okay, fine, even if it doesn't work out, I'll be tougher than a stone turtle."
Zhang Liwei's heart ached at her words. Her resilience and spirit were commendable, but he knew the harshness of reality could be unkind, especially to the dreams of the young. He mentally prepared himself to be her pillar of support, his mind whirring with ways to comfort her should the need arise.
As they shared a quiet moment, the sound of footsteps approached their home. Master Yan, with his wise eyes and a smile that seemed to know the secrets of the world, arrived, his presence bringing an air of solemnity to the otherwise ordinary morning.
Master Yan greeted the Zhang family warmly, his eyes lingering on Zhang Ning with a mix of kindness and a hint of sadness. "Happy birthday, young Ning," he said, his voice gentle yet carrying the weight of unspoken knowledge.
The moment of truth was upon them. Anticipation hung heavy in the air as Master Yan produced the long-awaited bracelet, its elemental stones shimmering in the morning light.
Before handing it to Zhang Ning, he explained the significance of testing a child's affinity on their seventh birthday. "In the first seven years, a child's Qi remains fluid, unformed like clay waiting for the potter's hand. As they approach this age, their Qi begins to settle, taking on a distinct form that resonates with one or more of the five elements. Testing before this age could yield unreliable results, as the child's spiritual roots are not yet fully defined."
"Before we start," Master Yan continued, a serious glint in his eye, "I feel obliged to issue a fair warning. While potential can bloom in unexpected places, it's a rare sight for siblings such as you, in a lineage barren of Qi, to both possess the spark."
A nervous flutter momentarily eclipsed Zhang Ning's radiant hope as Master Yan's final words cast a shadow over her joy. Nonetheless, she squared her shoulders, her chin held high, and accepted the bracelet, its weight symbolizing both opportunity and the unknown path ahead.
The air seemed to grow still as she focused intently, trying to connect with the elemental stones. Moments crawled by, but the stones showed no response—no glows, no pulses, nothing.
Master Yan sighed, his expression turning somber. "I am sorry, Ning, but it seems you do not possess the innate talent for cultivation. The path of a cultivator might not be within your reach."
Tears welled up in Zhang Ning's eyes as the reality of his words sank in. The dream she had nurtured, of walking the path of cultivation alongside her brother, seemed to crumble before her. The room filled with a heavy silence, each family member grappling with the weight of this revelation.
In the aftermath of Master Yan's revelation, a palpable air of sadness enveloped the Zhang family's humble living space. Zhang Ning's tears, unbidden yet inevitable, traced glistening paths down her cheeks, each droplet a testament to shattered dreams.
Her parents, Zhang Jian and Liu Mei, exchanged a look of shared heartache, then moved to comfort their daughter, their arms encircling her in a cocoon of parental love.
Zhang Jian, a man more accustomed to the toils of the field than the intricacies of cultivation, spoke first, his voice steady yet tinged with empathy. "Ning, my dear, remember that the life of a cultivator is fraught with challenges and perils. It's a path strewn with more thorns than roses. Perhaps it's a blessing in disguise that you will lead a life away from such hardships."
Liu Mei, her eyes moist with unshed tears, added softly, "Yes, my child, there's beauty and fulfillment in the simple life we lead here in Green Willow Village. There's joy in the ordinary, in the changing seasons, in the harvests, and in the community we're part of."
Zhang Liwei, standing slightly apart, felt a knot tighten in his chest. He knew all too well the rigors and dangers that cultivation entailed, having experienced them firsthand. Yet, seeing his sister's dreams crumble so definitively pained him deeply.
Stepping forward, he stood beside Zhang Ning, his eyes meeting hers. "Ning, in the past two years, I've faced challenges that nearly broke me, pushed me to the edge. The path of cultivation is indeed treacherous and lonely. I know firsthand how hard things can get on this path. What did you yearn to achieve as a cultivator? Don't hesitate, because I'm here, and together, we'll turn your dreams into a dazzling reality."
"But Big Brother," Zhang Ning's big eyes welled up like puddles after a rainstorm, "I wanted to be your shadow! Always by your side, even when everyone gets dusty and disappears. And we'd explore faraway lands and ride on clouds! I wanted to be in your grand adventures, not stuck here in our village."
Her words trailed off into a sigh, a lament for a future that would never be. "Now, my life's stuck like a grumpy frog in a puddle. Grow old, marry some boring farmer, raise squawking chicks, then… pfft! No more! No learning flight tricks, no talking to wise old turtles."
"And no everlasting youth and beauty for me," she added, a note of wistfulness coloring her words.
In the face of his sister's despair, Zhang Liwei felt a surge of protective affection. He took her hands in his, his resolve firm. "Ningning, I promise you this—when I become a powerful cultivator, I will find a way to bring you longevity and everlasting beauty. I will visit you as often as I can and take the best care of you. Our bond as siblings will not diminish with distance or time."
Master Yan, who had been observing the exchange silently, stepped forward. His voice, when he spoke, was gentle yet filled with an unspoken wisdom. "Zhang Ning, not having the talent for cultivation doesn't make your life any less meaningful. There are many ways to leave a mark on this world, to create a legacy that outlives us. Your brother's path is one of many, and your own path, though different, will be no less remarkable."
The family absorbed his words, finding a measure of solace in them. Though the disappointment was raw and the path ahead uncertain, the warmth and unity of the Zhang family offered a balm to the day's emotional wounds.
In the quiet that stretched on, Zhang Ning finally spoke, her voice soft and filled with a deep, reflective sorrow, "I've always wanted to become a cultivator..."
Her gaze drifted to the familiar surroundings of their home, her expression one of dawning acceptance. "But I think my journey will be different. Maybe I'll find a different kind of adventure, here in Green Willow Village."
As the day waned, the Zhang family found themselves drawn closer together, their bonds of love and understanding deepened by the day's events. They celebrated Zhang Ning's birthday not with the excitement of a new cultivator's beginning but with the quiet joy of a family united in love and support.
Zhang Ning, looking at her family, felt a warm glow of affection and gratitude. Her path might not lead to the soaring heights of cultivation, but it was a path she would walk with the unwavering support of those she loved.
The day closed with the family sharing a simple meal, laughter and conversation weaving through the air, a balm to the day's earlier sorrows. In the heart of Green Willow Village, in a modest abode, the Zhang family found their peace, their love an unbreakable bond that would weather any storm.