Wu Jian and Wu Meiying were in the library as per usual. They had finished their exercises, attended their classes, and were ending the day by reading. Grandpa Son had found them a book called The Rock Maiden. It was about a girl named Ling Lee, who fell in love with a kind, young fisherman and the two married. When the fisherman was lost at sea, she never gave up hope. She climbed to the top of the cliff overlooking the sea and was turned to stone by a powerful Deva Realm cultivator who took pity on her. The young fisherman eventually returns, sees her frozen in stone, and convinces the Deva Realm cultivator to return his wife.

“This story is really touching,” Wu Jian mumbled. He wiped at his eyes. He wasn’t crying. This was eye sweat.

“You think so?” asked Wu Meiying. She frowned whilst staring hard at the pages like she wanted to burn a hole through them.

He looked at his friend. “Well, yeah. Do you not think so?”

Wu Meiying frowned. “I don’t know…”

Something seemed to bother her about this story, but he couldn’t for the life of him figure out what. He saw nothing that would cause her to look like she wanted to commit bodily harm to someone. If anything, this story was proof that even powerful cultivators had hearts.

“Would you wait for me if I vanished one day?” asked Wu Jian.

“Of course, I would!” Wu Meiying puffed out her chest. “I’d wait for an eternity to see you again!”

“Heh heh. Me too. I’d wait forever if it meant being with you.” But then, Wu Jian tilted his head, thinking. “Oh, but is it even possible to turn someone into stone like that?”

“Hmmm. I wonder,” Wu Meiying muttered. “I think it’s possible. There are cultivators who are skilled practitioners of the earth element. I’m sure some are powerful enough to turn a person to stone.” She paused. “Mmmm… however, I thought they specialized in body enhancement. Maybe if someone gains a strong enough affinity for earth, they can turn people into stone?”

“Should we ask Grandpa Son?” asked Wu Jian.

“No. Let’s not bother him with this. I don’t think he could answer it anyway.”

Grandpa Son was the most knowledgeable elders either of them knew. Rumor had it he had memorized every book within this library. Wu Jian couldn’t think of another person who would be able to answer his question, but if Wu Meiying said he couldn’t, then he believed her. She was the only person he believed knew more than Grandpa Son.

They closed the book and brought it to the front, where Grandpa Son sat behind a table. He smiled kindly as they set the book down.

“Done already?” he asked. “What did you think?”

“It was an interesting story,” Wu Jian said with a smile.

“Though I do have to question why a Deva Realm cultivator would bother turning a woman to stone, only to turn her back when her husband pleaded, and ask for nothing in return. That does not sound like a powerful cultivator to me,” Wu Meiying said with crossed arms.

Is that what bothers her about this story? I guess she has a point. Would a Deva Realm cultivator really bother doing all that for nothing in return?

The Deva Realm was known as the realm of true strength. While no cultivators of this level existed in the Shang Kingdom where Wu Jian and Wu Meiying lived, they formed the core of the larger kingdom’s militaries and sects. The Xia Dynasty was said to have over a hundred Deva Realm cultivators at their disposal. A number of powerful sects wouldn’t even accept someone into their ranks unless they had reached the Deva Realm. Many cultivators considered this realm to be the first step into godhood.

“Ah ha ha ha,” Grandpa Son laughed. “You bring up an interesting point. There are many folktales like this that do not make sense. It is common sense to assume that no cultivator would do anything for free, much less one who has reached the Deva Realm. They are people on a higher level of existence than the rest of us and generally do not care for those they deem beneath them. So, then, why would someone write a story like this? Do you have any thoughts on the matter?”

Wu Jian remained silent as Wu Meiying furrowed her brow in thought. What was she thinking? He had his own ideas, but he really wanted to know what she thought about the questions Grandpa Son posed.

Wu Meiying’s furrowed brows relaxed a moment later.

“I can think of two reasons,” she declared.

“Oh?” Grandpa Son raised a white, bushy eyebrow. He seemed interested in her answer. Of course, he was. Wu Meiying was the smartest girl her age. She was even smarter than many of the adults.

“The first reason is because humans want to believe in a higher power. Even if that higher power has no real interest in them, many will make up stories of powerful cultivators helping normal people because it gives them hope.”

Grandpa Son nodded and stroked his beard. “Humans are nothing without hope. There is truth in what you say. And what is the other reason?”

Wu Meiying took a deep breath and gave a troubled smile. “The other reason is that someone paid these people to write these stories to make cultivators seem nicer than they are. We live in a world where strength means everything. Those who have strength have the right to trample on those who don’t. Why would a Deva Realm cultivator ever help some random couple when doing so is clearly beneath him? This feels like a propaganda piece written to make cultivators out to be benevolent beings.”

I would have never thought of this… is she right? I mean, of course, she is right, but is every cultivator like that? Can’t there also be good cultivators who would help normal people?

Wu Jian didn’t think every cultivator in existence was an awful person. If they were, then this world would be a lot more chaotic. There was a certain order to how cultivators operated. Wu Taohua had taught him that the job of cultivators often involved dealing with powerful magical beasts and catastrophes. In exchange for the strength they utilized in these matters, the people revered them almost as gods. Of course, that still didn’t answer the question of whether a cultivator would help a poor couple or not.

“You are far more cynical than I would have given you credit for.” Grandpa Son wore a strained smile as he stroked his beard thoughtfully. “But, well, you are not wrong. While cultivators do protect regular humans to an extent, it is also true that most cultivators do not prioritize the common people’s problems. They would not bother harming a normal person, as doing so is beneath them, but they would not help one without being given a suitable reward either. This is an important lesson to remember, you two. The world of cultivation is cruel, and only the strong survive. If you want the freedom to choose your own path in life, then you must also become strong.”

“We’ll remember this,” Wu Meiying wore a serious expression.

Wu Jian nodded. “I’ll engrave these words on my heart.”

“Good. Now be off, you two. Tomorrow is a big day. You should get some rest,” Grandpa Son said, his grandfatherly gaze seeing them out of the library.

As they stepped outside, Wu Jian stared at the sun as it slowly set behind West Fang Mountain. He still recalled the terror he felt when he and Wu Meiying were attacked by the Spotted Snow Lion. He also remembered how useless he had been. The memory of that filled him with shame.

Magical beasts were generally stronger than human cultivators, though Wu Jian did not know the reason for this. The Spotted Snow Lion had been at the second subrealm of the Asura Realm, according to his mother. That was one realm higher than his father and also why it had taken the combined might of his father and Wu Taohua to defeat. Even though it lost in the end, it had done better than a human cultivator of the same level would have. Either of them would have died if they fought it alone. The knowledge that he could have caused his father’s death with his reckless actions caused further dread to well up within him.

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I have to get stronger. I need to keep pushing myself until I can protect everyone I love… until I can protect Mei from anyone who would try to take her from me.

“Tomorrow is the Wu Clan’s Test of Strength,” he said at last.

“It is,” Wu Meiying said.

“Do you think… I’m strong enough to not bring shame to the clan?” asked Wu Jian.

“Of course you are,” Wu Meiying declared. “You’ve been training a lot harder than anyone else. And you’ve had the help of several alchemy pills and even a rare natural treasure. You know, I’ve read up more on the Silver Lotus. It's formed when cold yin chi gathers into one spot and crystalizes. Not only does it help fortify your body, but it also cleanses you of any impurities, which lets you to train even harder.”

“I read something similar,” Wu Jian said. He placed a hand against his chest, took a deep breath, and released it. “I guess we’ll just have to see. I won’t know how well I’ll do until I actually do it.”

“That’s right. There’s no sense in worrying about it right now. Let’s leave tomorrow’s problems for tomorrow,” Wu Meiying added with a smile.

***

Wu Jian woke up early the next morning with Wu Meiying sleeping by his side. He sat up in bed and stretched his arms, feeling the joints in his elbows and back pop. After shaking Wu Meiying to wake her up, he got dressed and watched as the girl slowly roused herself. He slipped on his training gi, which was dark gray and had the image of a dragon coiling around a cherry blossom. The lightweight fabric was comfortable and settled on his shoulders nicely.

“Mmmmm…”

Wu Jian turned around at the sound of light breathing and sighed upon finding Wu Meiying still sleeping.

“Mei. Mei. Time to wake up.” He shook his friend’s shoulder.

“Mrrrg… muaaa… Jiaaaaan… is it morning already?” asked Wu Meiying with a yawn.

“It is. You should probably get back to your compound before Wu Tiantian comes to rouse you. You know how angry she gets when you aren’t in your room.”

“Haaaah. I wish I could just stay here.”

“If you could do that, it would make things a lot easier.”

Wu Meiying stepped off the bed, slipped on her cloak and gown, and walked over to him. She reached out her hands, and he responded by slipping his in hers. Then she leaned over and gave him a small kiss.

“I’ll see you at the dining hall,” Wu Meiying smiled.

He returned it. “Yeah. See you.”

Wu Meiying left, and Wu Jian finished making himself presentable. He stepped outside of his complex and walked toward the dining hall. Having slept in today, the sun had already risen, and its warmth suffused his body.

The dining hall was already filled with hundreds of Wu clansmen. Wu Jian sat down and when a servant girl came over with a bowl of congee, he asked her to bring a second bowl for Wu Meiying. The woman nodded once and rushed off to fulfill his request.

“Hmph. I see you showed up,” someone said after the servant girl left.

Wu Jian turned to Wu Yong, who was glaring down at him with a look of irritation. It hadn’t been that long since he and Wu Yong had their altercation, but it felt like a long time to Wu Jian because of how much he had done during that period. A lot of Wu Jian’s feelings toward the older boy had settled down, but it looked like his older half-brother had begun to hate him even more.

Standing beside Wu Yong were his two flunkies. Wu Ming and Wu Fei had their arms crossed, glaring at him as though he had insulted their ancestors. They were still intimidating to Wu Jian, who had yet to truly get over the trauma of being bullied for so long, but he tried his best to ignore the fear gripping him. He would never move forward if he let fear control him.

“Of course, I did,” Wu Jian said. “I am the one who challenged you. Why wouldn’t I show up?”

“Cowardice, perhaps?” Wu Yong suggested with a sneer.

“…That was the old me,” Wu Jian said quietly. “I used to be afraid of you. I’m still afraid of you, but I’m not going to run anymore.”

For whatever reason, his words irked Wu Yong even more, causing his face to turn puce. The older boy walked up until he was standing directly above Wu Jian, casting a long shadow that overtook Wu Jian. The glacial look in his older brother’s eyes was enough to make him quake. Wu Jian pinched his own thigh hard. The pain kept him from reacting to the obvious intimidation tactic.

“Is that so? You’re not gonna run away from me?” Wu Yong’s lips curled into a cruel sneer. “Then why are you shaking?”

Wu Jian clenched his hands as he struggled to contain his shaking. His lips trembled against his will.

He was scared, so scared, but he had no desire to remain like this. He would no longer allow his fear to keep him from moving forward.

“See that?! You’re still scared of me!” Wu Yong crowed in delight.

“What a coward!”

“He’s like a frightened baby.”

Wu Ming and Wu Fei chortled and jeered at Wu Jian, who struggled to keep himself in check, to keep the fear at bay and the tears of humiliation from falling.

The dining hall had gone silent by now. Everyone knew about the challenge between Wu Jian and Wu Yong, and they were curious to see how this confrontation would play out.

Wu Jian tried to ignore them. It was hard when he could feel their eyes on him. They were no doubt laughing at how scared he was. He was tempted to squeeze his eyes shut and block out their condescending looks, but he didn’t. Through sheer force of will, he kept his eyes open, stood up, and turned to face Wu Yong. There was only one thing on his mind right now.

He couldn’t cower.

He needed to be stronger.

If he could not become stronger, then he would forever remain a stain upon his family’s honor. If he could not become stronger, his father would never look at him with pride and his mother would always pity him. If he could not become stronger, then Wu Meiying may disappear from his life. She would be taken from him. And he would never see her again. That thought alone allowed him to push his fear back.

“You should…save your taunts for after you beat me,” Wu Jian said, and though he hesitated, he still managed to get the words out.

Wu Yong, Wu Ming, and Wu Fei all stopped laughing. Their eyes became cold once more.

The rest of the hall remained silent as they watched on. No one spoke. No one ate. Wu Jian was tempted to believe everyone had even stopped breathing as they watched the confrontation take place.

“Fine,” Wu Yong ground out through gnashed teeth. “I’ll just beat you during the strength competition. You had better remember those words of yours, Baby Jian. I’m going to make you eat them.” He looked at his two flunkies. “Let’s go. The stench of cowardice is getting to me.”

Wu Yong stalked off, Wu Ming and Wu Fei following after him. Wu Fei looked back at Wu Jian for a moment. There was something odd about his gaze, but then he turned around and followed Wu Yong toward an empty seat, where the three of them began eating.

Wu Jian sighed in relief and slowly sank back down. His heart was pounding.

“That was very brave,” someone said.

“Mei…”

Wu Meiying smiled brightly as she sat down beside him. “I’m very proud of you. It takes a lot of courage to stand up to your bully in front of everyone like you just did.”

Wu Jian felt his cheeks heat up. “Thank you, but it was nothing serious.”

“Hm hm. Trying to play it cool, I see. That’s pretty cute. Now, let’s eat. The strength test is happening in just a bit, and we’ll need energy for it.”

“Right.”

Wu Jian and Wu Meiying quietly ate as conversations sprang up all around them. Most of it was about him. Wu Jian could once again feel their eyes on him. What were they saying about him? Were they talking about how brave he had been when confronting Wu Yong, or were they making fun of him for looking so scared? He wanted to know. Yet he also didn’t want to know.

Will I ever get over this? Will I ever grow stronger and more mature? He glanced at the girl beside him. I want to be more like Mei. She never lets the thoughts and opinions of other people bother her. How can I become calm and cool like that?

Breakfast soon ended and Wu Jinsu entered the dining hall. All the clansmen turned to look at him.

“Will everyone follow me? The strength test is beginning soon.”

Everyone stood up and began filing out of the dining hall. With Wu Jinsu leading the procession of young boys and girls, they traveled north across the compound.

The Wu Clan’s strength competition was held outside of the Wu Clan compound. To reach it, they passed through the north gate, which was smaller than the main entrance, and followed a rugged dirt road surrounded by trees. They eventually came upon a large terrace hanging over a cliff. This was not part of the West Fang Mountain, but a smaller mountain located within a few minutes walking distance.

The strength competition ground was an arena into the side of a mountain. There was an area for those who were over the age of eighteen to sit, tertiary seating that could probably fit most of the clan, or so Wu Jian suspected. It certainly looked big enough.

His father, his mother, Wu Taohua, and two of the three elders were already present. They sat underneath an elegant pagoda at the very top, where they had a perfect view of the testing ground. Elder Wu Jinsu made his way over there and sat in an empty seat. Meanwhile, Wu Jian, Wu Meiying, and the other Wu clansmen under the age of eighteen made their way down to the testing ground.

The testing ground was a mostly empty space made of stone. At the far end was a staircase leading to a giant cube. The cube was nearly two times taller than the average adult and pitch black. Wu Jian and the others had seen this many times. Every six months, the Wu Clan’s young children would be brought to this testing ground, where they would test their strength and sometimes hold competitions.

Wu Jian’s heart hammered in his chest as he, not for the first time, wondered whether he was ready for this.