The three decided to make the most of their last day together, Grandpa Yin cooked and served a giant table-full of food; putting his apologetic breakfast to shame.
Jason and Michael were stuffing their faces and making merry, bright smiles were plastered on their faces in between mouthfuls of food. The vestiges of the past forgotten in this moment of happiness.
Grandpa Yin watched the two boys having fun and carrying on with a gentle smile. Although they'd only known each other for a month, he had gotten quite fond of the two.
The loud and sometimes crass Jason. Although seeming weak at first, he held a deep determination, willing to endure pain and hardships for his sworn brother. Quick to anger, and always the first to oppose unfairness.
The steadfast and intelligent Michael, this young man had piqued his interest. Never losing sight of his objective of avenging his family, taking every setback in stride. His reaction to becoming a servant showed his adaptability and unwavering determination to achieve his goals.
While he admired Michael's traits, Jason was the one who truly reminded Grandpa Yin of his younger self. A bit brash, heart on his sleeve with a do-or-die attitude when it concerned his friends and family.
He beckoned Michael over before creating a soundproof barrier around the two. Michael looked at the old man in puzzlement at his actions.
"Do you still have your Token?" he asked carefully.
Michael nodded, waiting for Grandpa Yin to continue.
He sighed softly "I'm sorry Michael. Generally speaking, that token will get you into at least the inner sect if you were to show it to one of the elders. Regardless of your cultivation level".
Michael's eyes widened as he heard these words, his brain beginning to work overtime.
"I know we haven't known each other that long, but I hope you can trust me a little. Please keep the token hidden, unless in a moment of crisis. If it's a sect matter, revealing it will at least guarantee your life".
Grandpa Yin looked a little worried as he finished those last words.
Unsure of the repercussions of using the token, Michael quickly made a mental note to hide the token in his dimensional space unless completely necessary.
"Of course, I trust you Grandpa Yin. If anything, it will be good to let Jason pave the way for us in the outer sect".
'Plus, I'll have access to an alchemists medicinal herbs heh ehe hehe' he quickly said in his head.
If Grandpa Yin could hear Michael's thoughts, he would question his decision to send this young man to his dear friend in the sect.
"Excellent" Grandpa Yin clapped his hands and rose to his feet, dispelling the sound barrier he had placed earlier.
"Young men, as a parting gift I'd like to teach you one of my family's techniques: The Yin Palm"
Grandpa Yin quickly took a stance with his elbows back and underside of his fists against the sides of his chest. He breathed in deep before stepping forward with his left foot and releasing his right palm.
Suddenly, a huge wave of Qi was released in the shape of a palm toward the two boys making their hair and clothes flap in the wind.
Both Jason and Michael's eyes began to sparkle after seeing the power of the palm.
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Jason and Michael had returned to their room after a lively afternoon, being shown the Yin Palm technique from Grandpa Yin they were in high spirits.
Jason sat down on his bed and looked over at Michael, hints of worry had made its way onto his face.
"Michael… Are you really okay being a servant?" he asked compassionately.
"Haha don't worry brother. I have my own plans" Michael laughed and reassured his worried brother. At the mention of his plans, he began to stroke his bare chin and smile suspiciously.
Jason looked at Michael's actions and began to feel nervous. In his memories every time his brother would do this action it was usually bad news. He suddenly remembered the beatings he received from his father after going along with one of Michael's plans. If it wasn't for Rosa coming over and begging for forgiveness on his behalf, he might have forever lost feeling in his buttocks.
At the memory of his family and Rosa his face softened slightly before scrunching up in pain, while he may have matured a lot in this past month; his wounds were still fresh.
Michael who was still donning his suspicious smile caught Jason's expression from the corner of his eye. His expression hardened after seeing the pain on his brother's face, instantly knowing his thoughts.
"Don't forget why we're joining the sect Jason"
Jason nodded at his brother's words and clenched his fists "I know…"
"I don't care about our pride; we're going to get stronger by any means necessary. That means if we need to endure, we endure. If we need to become servants, then so be it.
To accomplish our goal, so long as we don't lose ourselves or die anything is permissible.
If it's hard then just remember we have each other, so don't you dare go and get yourself killed."
Michael said these words with such passion that it was hard to believe he was still only a 15-year-old boy.
"Yes brother, we have each other". Jason smiled
With that, the boys reaffirmed their purpose. The road of cultivation was bound to be long and full of trials and tribulations, however they vowed that one thing would stay consistent: their brotherhood.