"You're not following them?" Asive asked, looking at the receding backs of their two companions as they moved away.

"Let's pitch camp first." There was a big tree to their left with ample shade and overlooking the small cliff towards the field, it was a good spot to take, not to mention the breathtaking view before them.

"That was nice of you. What you did for the both of them."

Lukho gave an indiscernible mumble paired with a shrug of the shoulder. It was always uncomfortable for him to have someone read his actions the way Asive did, for all her frivolity she had a keen mind and a perceptive eye. That was the thing that made them friends in the first place, she matched his steps all the way, at times without even asking what he was after.

They pulled out four simple traveling tents from the shared supplies satchel which Asive was in charge of, setting up in front of the tree in an inward curve towards the fire ring Lukho was collecting stones for. It would be a simple camp, nothing elaborate, as they would need to take as little time as possible to disassemble and move quickly if the situation warranted. They were both hopeful however that they would have a bit of time before others arrived to fight over the value of this place.

As they were finishing, Asive looked at Lukho for a second, intently staring at him enough to get his attention.

"What?"

"What type of focus are you after?"

"Ha! Wouldn't you like to know."

"I will find out," she put her hands on her hips, relaying the surety of her words.

"Yes, when I show it to you," he rebutted, pointing at himself with his index finger.

Stolen novel; please report.

"I could make you tell me, you know," Lukho began to get curious as she said this, "but I won't. Being the lady that I am."

Lukho's eye roll was severe enough to turn the skies from bright to dusk, such was his skepticism of that statement. "Come on, let's go before you turn into another Zuko in front of my eyes." His friend gave one of her bright chuckles and followed along beside him.

***

There is a quality about being able to see that cannot be replicated by the other senses. You may feel something with touch, hear with ear and heart, catch a smell that ripples through your whole body but nothing comes close to sight. That was how Lukho felt as he walked across the field. His observations of the energy he'd felt as he traversed the jungle weeks ago had paid off immensely, the channels he'd picked up on had led him to a thick area of jungle. He hadn't been able to pinpoint to what, exactly, which led him to believe he didn't have the sensitivity required to find what he was searching for. But this - this was beyond his expectations.

Everywhere he looked was a source of chi that would be invaluable for a practitioner beginning their journey. There were sunflowers gliding on the wind, flitting from one patch of grass to another, singing swallows that had echoes of human songs in their tweets, rock and stone too proud to be blemished by moss and the water pool that seemed to vibrate with the joy of providing to all around it. That continuous cycle of things moving as one and benefitting from each other is what made this field what it is.

This was the first time he'd seen a natural formation at work, gaining a new appreciation for all the study and guidance his teachers had provided him with at the sect, and as he stood there taking it all in, he advanced.

There was no fanfare to it, no sundering of walls he felt or lightning descending from the heavens, one moment he was indulging in the landscape around him and in the next he was in the third peak.

Oh wondrous fortune, how kindly you smile upon me.

Feeling such elation for the blessing he received, he cupped his hands below his navel as if gathering water then raised them slowly towards his head before thrusting out as if throwing it towards revered Sky! And for a moment more he stood there, looking up at the true King as he became lost in thought.

***

There were smiles upon the three others at the field, it was rare to see such an advancement, any advancement for ones as young as them in the ascent. And that it had happened to someone they were travelling with made it all the more sweeter and strengthened resolve like no other time before. They felt assured they were going to advance too, it was only a matter of time.