The countryside took on a golden tone as the first sunbeams broke through the horizon. To get to the Grand Elder's home, Caleb set out. At first light, there was a peaceful silence and the air was crisp with a whiff of morning dew.
Caleb left his modest home and entered the winding dirt path through the gorgeous countryside. This place was well disguised from the main clan by the overgrown, unmaintained green grass. Caleb was all too familiar with the sound of the soft morning breeze rustling the leaves of the enormous trees.
Caleb experienced a different, reborn feeling today. One word may describe the last few days in its entirety. A dream! He did not want to wake up from this particular dream. Caleb was struck by the beauty of nature that he had never before seen as he travelled. The air was filled with the melodic chirping of birds, bringing with it the promise of a fresh day. The far-off mountains rose majestically in the background, with a warm golden glow emanating from their summits that appeared to be the sun's dawning kiss.
Caleb finally arrived at the Grand Elders' home after what felt like an eternity. The house was perched on a small hill with a panoramic view of the valley where the town was situated. The Grand Elder's residence was a grand building with beautiful carvings on the exterior that portrayed war scenes and tales of great exploits.
Caleb's heart was racing as he ascended the stairs leading to the entryway. He took a long breath before raising his hand and making a loud knock on the solid wooden door, which reverberated throughout the quiet morning.
A voice yelled from within the home, "Come in."
Caleb looked into the Grand Elder's warm, experienced eyes as the door squeaked open and was greeted with a knowing smile.
"Master!" Caleb shouted.
"I train in this dojo. Iron bamboo that can withstand the full force of an adult has been used to reinforce the area. You would primarily be spending your time here." Grand Elder said in a casual manner.
"Don't worry about breaking anything in here; once you can break the walls, you won't need me to teach you anything anymore. The Grand Elder said, "I went to the clan library and gathered some scriptures and cultivation methods for you to concentrate on. The library has no lightning skills because the clan has never had a lightning genius. But if you follow my advice, you'll create a strong foundation.
The Grand Elder went on to say that Caleb would concentrate on the Mid Level Mortal Rank Exodus Scripture rather than the High Level Mortal Rank Genesis Scripture, which the main clan distributed to its core disciples. It was better suited to newcomers without a strong foundation and less complicated to grasp.
Caleb's master advised him, "If you can cultivate with this scripture up to the Disciple rank, your foundation will be stronger than that of the other kids who raced to train with the Genesis scripture. "Before advancing to the cultivation of the inner space, laying a strong foundation is essential. Then and only then are you a Disciple.
"This is a simple spear cultivation method for you to practise. The spear, one of the army's most crucial weapons, proved challenging to use since it depended so much on the user's physique. Those who have distinguished themselves in fights in the army use the spear as a training tool and agree that practice makes perfect. Practising with this technique is sufficient to take your body cultivation to the Unity Stage of the Mortal Rank."
Caleb received the two books from his master. Engraving all he heard in his heart.
His master paused, his eye a little misty as if he were caught in a recollection, "While travelling the continent, I had numerous adventures and various encounters," he said. After some time, he sighed and said, "During those journeys, I found an incomplete text that indicates a particular kind of cultivation. Heart cultivation is what I like to call it. Unfortunately, I'm past the age where I could have learned this ability. A person who has recently finished the rebirth ceremony is required to train the scripture, which is titled "Songs of Solomon." You can have the first song, but only if you pledge to keep this information to yourself and never share it with anybody else. You must return the book to me once you've learned the first song."
Caleb truly swore, "I promise to keep the information provided in the 'Songs of Solomon' scripture a secret and not teach it to anyone else."
In front of him was a worn-out book that appeared to have been torn in two and had some pages missing. His teacher told him, "Learn only the first song, then give the book back to me."
Although the branch family was abused, Caleb had fortunately previously attained an elementary level of education. Each child in the branch family received at least a fundamental education, thanks to the clan's efforts. Caleb sat there memorising the song's words. Fortunately, the song was just four lines long and only required a little study of the book.
"You now have my three scriptures. You would visit this dojo every day to practise cultivating. Only ask me about your training when you have questions," his master said
Pointing to the wooden rack mounted on the side wall of the dojo, his master gave him instructions, saying, "For your body training, you must spend two hours each day running, followed by a two-hour exercise using this 3kg spear.
Because I want you to be devoted enough to step outside your comfort zone, I'm letting you decide how to organise your training. I shall review your improvement after a year," his master stated before standing up and walking into the house.
After a few days, Caleb was fully committed to his training. As the clan now provided enough meat for their tiny family, the necessity to hunt for game had decreased. The entire day was devoted to cultivation. It was customary to cultivate the heart in the mornings, the body in the afternoons and faith in the evenings. Caleb devoted himself to the path of improvement with unflinching focus.