It had been about a year since I first came to the monastery when Kaoru broke through to the Adept stage. We’d been sparring a bit, both of us just focused on the fight and cultivating as we moved, when suddenly she started yipping like she was in serious pain.

“Stop Xiang! Can’t focus! Something’s happening!”

The following cry made me almost pity her, but she was still a natural predator to me. I most certainly didn’t mind her being in pain. Still, I was worried enough to consider fetching Mistress Song when I started feeling the qi flow.

A lot of qi flow. And all of it going into Kaoru at a speed that brought my awakening to mind. I was suddenly very grateful I was the only one around. I think non-cultivators would be hurt by the sudden influx of power, losing life or limb as their qi was forcibly pulled from their body.

I had to pull back on mine a little, but it wasn’t so bad that I couldn’t watch.

Kaoru… shifted. She grew, increasing in size from two feet at the shoulder to three, and gaining muscle mass and density. Her fur shifted from the normal orange-brown of foxes to a deep red, the tips of her ears, paws, and tails turned pure white… and a fourth tail sprouted beside the other three.

It was fascinating to watch, and made me wonder what I’d look like when that happened to me.

A few moments of ragged panting, and Kaoru came back to herself, opening her eyes with a new sense of clarity.

“Congratulations, Kaoru.”

“Thanks, snack food.”

The insult didn’t really register anymore. It was just banter at this point.

“Need anything?”

She shook her head. “Just need to collect myself. It’s fascinating, really.” Her body shifted, as if a trick of the light. Her fur vanished, her limbs elongated… ah. Ew.

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“You’re going human, Kaoru. Might want to stop now.”

She wasn’t listening, staring at a hand in wonder.

“Find your own dao before knocking the human shape, Xiang. I’m glad I won’t stand out as much now.”

“A naked woman with fox tails and ears is going to stand out regardless, Adept Kaoru. But I congratulate you on your progress nonetheless. Let’s get you some robes to wear so you stop drawing so much attention.”

My eyes focused on some of the other cultivators training in the yard, and I realized they were staring.

“What, never seen a female without clothes, humans? Grow some fur and get over yourselves, it’s not that interesting.”

I thumped my foot, and the monks turned back to their tasks. I might be tiny, but I’d started sparring against some of the human Novices recently, and they’d learned to fear me. Mistress Song had to warn me not to break my sparring partners after I sent a couple to the infirmary.

Speaking of which, I decided to follow her and Kaoru inside, and see what all the fuss was about. I figured I’d have to know some of what my second-favorite punching bag was about to be taught soon enough, so I might as well follow her in and listen.

After a bath (apparently far less unpleasant when you aren’t entirely furry) and a quick rundown on some human hygeine issues (apparently being human-shaped means your reproductive system suddenly works like theirs does, complete with the inconveniences), Kaoru was given the same linen training robes everyone else wore, as well as some nicer silk robes for when she wanted something prettier. I could appreciate that second part, especially because the silk felt very nice against my fur.

“Stop shedding on it, Xiang.”

“No. Feels good.”

Mistress Song sighed. “I’d almost suspect you two of being sisters at times. But still, I’m glad you’re getting along. Having a good friend and solid rival will help you both on your path.”

I nodded, and started cultivating again. I slipped into cultivating almost unconsciously anymore, just pulling qi into myself whenever I had a quiet moment. Still, why cultivate at all? What was the point of it? Did it really matter?

Then, as I was thinking about this, it snapped into place.

I enjoyed cultivating. Fighting was fun. And I wanted to be in a position where I could show humans that a “mere” rabbit wasn’t to be underestimated. The strongest power comes from the humblest origins, and I’d prove it in my very existence.

Everything snapped into place, and my own breakthrough began.