In the weeks following Liang's intervention, the area around our pond underwent a subtle transformation. True to his word, the young cultivator established a small outpost of the Lunar Tide Pavilion nearby. The structure was a marvel of harmonious design, seeming to grow from the landscape rather than imposing upon it.
As I observed the construction, using my expanded senses to monitor the flow of mana, I noticed something peculiar about Liang. Occasionally, when he thought no one was watching, a flicker of pain would cross his serene features, and his aura would pulse with a dark, conflicted energy.
LIANG OK? I wrote on the water's surface one evening as he sat meditating by the pond.
He started, then smiled ruefully. "Perceptive as always, honored spirit. I... it's nothing to worry about. An old burden I carry."
Before I could inquire further, a commotion from the direction of the new outpost caught our attention. A figure came bounding towards us, arms windmilling wildly as he struggled to keep his balance on the uneven ground.
"Young Master Liang! Young Master Liang! I've done it! I've finally mastered the Tidewalker technique! Watch this!"
The newcomer, a young man perhaps a few years older than Liang, with a round face and an eager expression, stepped onto the pond's surface. For a brief moment, he stood triumphantly atop the water. Then, with a yelp and a tremendous splash, he sank like a stone.
Liang sighed, a mix of exasperation and fondness in his voice. "Bolin, what have I told you about practicing near the sacred pond?"
Bolin surfaced, spitting out water and looking sheepish. "To... not to?"
"Precisely. Now, please apologize to the spirit for disturbing its peace."
Bolin's eyes widened as he suddenly remembered where he was. He bowed repeatedly, water streaming from his sodden robes. "Oh! Oh my! Most honored pond spirit, please forgive this humble cultivator's clumsiness! I meant no disrespect!"
I couldn't help but feel amused by Bolin's antics. There was a genuine warmth and enthusiasm about him that was oddly endearing. I caused a small wave to gently push him towards the shore, forming words as he scrambled onto dry land:
NO HARM. PRACTICE GOOD.
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Bolin beamed at the message, while Liang shook his head with a smile. "You're too kind, honored spirit. Bolin here is... enthusiastic, if not always mindful."
"Young Master is too harsh!" Bolin protested. "I'll get it right next time, you'll see! I'll be the best Tidewalker the Lunar Tide Pavilion has ever seen!"
As Bolin launched into a grandiose description of his future accomplishments, I noticed Liang wince and press a hand to his chest. For a split second, I saw a dark, smoky energy swirl beneath his skin before he quickly composed himself.
LIANG HURT? I wrote, my worry evident in the choppy formation of the letters.
Liang glanced at the message, then at the still-rambling Bolin, before turning back to me with a grave expression. "Your concern is appreciated, honored spirit. The truth is... I carry a great burden. A darkness that I must constantly keep in check."
He paused, seeming to debate how much to reveal. "During my early training, I... encountered a powerful demonic entity. I managed to seal it within myself, but the battle is ongoing. The techniques of the Lunar Tide Pavilion help me maintain control, but..."
His voice trailed off as another spasm of pain crossed his features. I was struck by the contrast between Liang's serene exterior and the battle raging within him.
Before I could respond, Bolin's voice cut through the tension. "And then, when I've mastered all the water techniques, I'll move on to air! Can you imagine, Young Master? I'll be dancing on water AND flying through the sky! They'll call me the Storm Dancer! No, the Typhoon Tamer! No, wait—"
"Bolin," Liang interrupted, his composure restored, "perhaps you could go check on the progress of the eastern ward? I believe Elder Ming could use some assistance."
"Oh! Of course, Young Master! I'm on it!" With that, Bolin dashed off, narrowly avoiding tripping over his own feet in his haste.
As Bolin's enthusiastic shouts faded into the distance, Liang turned back to me, his expression a mix of gratitude and resolve. "I hope my... condition doesn't change your willingness to allow us here. I swear on my cultivation that I will never let it endanger this sacred place."
I considered his words carefully. The revelation of the sealed demon was concerning, but Liang had proven his integrity and control. After a moment, I responded:
TRUST YOU. BUT HELP IF NEEDED.
Liang bowed deeply. "Thank you, honored spirit. Your wisdom and compassion are truly boundless."
As Liang returned to his meditation, now with a lighter air about him, I pondered the new complexities that had entered our little world. The Lunar Tide Pavilion's presence brought new opportunities for learning and growth, but also new risks and responsibilities.
Bolin's comic antics and Liang's hidden struggle added layers of depth to our growing community. I realized that my journey as the Scientific Lotus would involve not just understanding the principles of cultivation and the natural world, but also the intricacies of the beings – human and otherwise – that inhabited it.
With the setting sun painting the pond in hues of gold and crimson, I settled in to process these new developments. The future held many uncertainties, but also the promise of profound discoveries and meaningful connections. Whatever challenges lay ahead, I felt more prepared than ever to face them, surrounded by this unlikely group of allies and friends.