Aeon stood before the familiar wooden door of his mother's residence. He raised his hand, a wave of nervousness washing over him. It had been a while since his initial explorations in the library, and a newfound formality felt strange between him and his mother. But the longing for her warmth and guidance outweighed any awkwardness.
A soft, melodic voice drifted from within, "Who is it?"
Aeon straightened his back, a small smile playing on his lips. "It's me, Mother."
The door creaked open, revealing Mary Walker, her face lighting up with a radiant smile. "Aeon! Come in, come in, dear."
She pulled him into a warm embrace, the familiar scent of lavender and wildflowers filling his senses. Aeon closed his eyes, letting the loving pressure wash over him, momentarily erasing the anxieties that had been plaguing him.
"You seem more formal than usual," Mary remarked gently, pulling back and brushing a stray strand of hair from his forehead. "Is there something on your mind?"
Aeon stepped inside, the room's elegance enveloping him. Sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting warm squares of light on plush carpets and ornately carved furniture. Fresh flowers, their vibrant colors and calming fragrance, adorned the side tables, adding a touch of nature's vibrancy.
"It's nothing bad, Mother," Aeon assured her, settling into a comfortable armchair. "The library has been a treasure trove of knowledge. I'm simply eager to learn more."
Mary chuckled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Always hungry for knowledge, aren't you, my son? That's a wonderful trait to have."
Aeon smiled back, a hint of his past life returning to his eyes. "There's so much I want to learn, not just about history and geography, but also about cultivation practices in more depth."
"Of course," Mary agreed readily. "Cultivation is vital for our family, but there's a vast expanse of knowledge beyond that. Tell me, is there anything specific you're interested in learning today?"
Aeon hesitated for a moment, then blurted out, "Alchemy and formation techniques," the words carrying a note of yearning.
Mary's expression turned thoughtful. "Alchemy is a fascinating and highly respected profession. It requires not only a deep understanding of plants and minerals but also a touch of magic and a keen intuition."
"And formations?" Aeon pressed, his voice hopeful.
"Formations are intricate patterns created using elemental energy," Mary explained. "They can be used for various purposes, from defense and offense to enhancing cultivation speed and creating powerful traps. However," she continued, her voice softening, "both alchemy and formations require a Master's guidance and specialized training facilities. Unfortunately, I don't possess any alchemy texts here."
Aeon's shoulders slumped slightly, a flicker of disappointment crossing his face. Mary, ever perceptive, placed a comforting hand on his arm.
"But," she continued, a playful glint in her eyes, "you do have a grandfather, a very wise and well-connected one at that."
Aeon perked up. "Grandfather Eldran? He recovered?"
"Indeed," Mary confirmed. "He's out of seclusion now, but it might take another ten days before he's fully recovered enough for an extended conversation."
"Ten days," Aeon echoed, a frown creasing his brow. The wait felt excruciating.
Mary chuckled, seemingly reading his mind. "Don't worry, young man. While we wait, I do have something here that might interest you."
She rose gracefully and walked towards a small bookshelf tucked away in a corner of the room. Aeon watched her with curiosity as she ran her delicate fingers across the spines of the books. Finally, she pulled out two beautifully bound volumes, their aged leather covers embossed with intricate symbols.
"These are basic formation manuals," Mary explained, handing them to Aeon. "They will teach you the fundamental principles of formation creation and activation. While you won't be able to practice advanced formations yet, it's a good starting point to understand the underlying concepts."
Aeon's disappointment melted away, replaced by a spark of gratitude. "Thank you, Mother. This is more than I'd expected."
Mary smiled warmly. "The basics are just as important as advanced techniques, Aeon. With a strong foundation, you can climb any mountain."
After talking with his mother for some time, he left Mary's residence.
As the days passed, he read about fantastical creatures, their strengths, weaknesses, and ecological roles within the world. He devoured historical accounts of past empires, legendary cultivators, and epic battles that shaped the continent. Each new piece of information fueled Aeon's curiosity, weaving a tapestry of knowledge he desperately wanted to integrate with his past life's memories.
Evenings were spent in his room, the inherited memories acting as a complex puzzle he was determined to solve. He sat cross-legged on a plush rug, the two formation manuals fanned out before him. The intricate diagrams and detailed explanations provided a rudimentary understanding of how formations functioned. He learned about channeling elemental energy, drawing sigils, and activating them with a precise flow of spiritual power. Though he couldn't practice yet, the knowledge ignited a spark within him, the promise of future possibilities.
While the memories remained fragmented, glimpses of his past life surfaced more frequently. He saw himself standing before a cauldron, expertly manipulating flames with practiced ease. He recalled meticulously inscribing complex patterns on jade tablets, his focus absolute. He remembered strategizing with companions, their voices filled with urgency as they laid intricate formations on a battlefield.
The frustration of not having full access to these memories gnawed at him, but the progress, however slow, kept him going. Between studying and merging memories, Aeon sought solace in his mother's company. He would visit her residence in the afternoons, their conversations covering a vast array of topics. Mary, with her gentle demeanor and wealth of wisdom, became an anchor in his increasingly turbulent world.
One afternoon, Aeon found Mary in her garden, a tranquil haven amidst the bustle of the Walker manor. Sunlight dappled through the leaves of cherry blossom trees, casting soft, pink shadows on the manicured lawn. A gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming roses, creating a scene of idyllic beauty.
Aeon settled onto a stone bench beside his mother, watching as she knelt by a vibrant azalea bush, carefully pruning its colorful blossoms.
"It's amazing," he remarked, inhaling the sweet fragrance of the flowers. "The amount of knowledge you possess on such varied subjects."
Mary smiled, her eyes twinkling. "One cannot live a long life without picking up a few things along the way, dear. What particularly piques your curiosity today?"
Aeon contemplated for a moment. "Tell me about cultivation levels, Mother."
Mary straightened from her task, wiping her hands on her apron. "Ah, cultivation. It's a long and arduous journey, with each level signifying a significant transformation in a cultivator's strength and control over spiritual energy."
She launched into a detailed explanation, starting with the fundamental stages – Body Tempering, where one strengthens their physical form through specialized exercises and herbal concoctions. This stage is called the Mortal realm. Then came the spirit realm, a stage where one learned to gather and refine the natural energy from the environment, forming a reserve within their body called "Qi." Each subsequent level – Origin realm, Human Realm – brought exponential increases in power and access to advanced techniques.
Aeon listened intently, his mind piecing together the framework of cultivation. He recalled something from his memories – his cultivation. He tentatively asked, "Mother, do you know which is the highest realm in the grand scheme of things?"
Mary's smile faltered slightly. "There are many very advanced stages, Aeon. Cultivators at that level are considered highly powerful individuals, capable of wielding tremendous power, capable of destroying Heaven and earth with a flick of the hand."
A flicker of surprise crossed Aeon's face. "I see," he murmured, processing this information. He was still far from that kind of power, but knowing his destination ignited a newfound determination.
The days continued to flow. Aeon alternated his mornings between the library and the training grounds. He discovered a hidden joy in mastering basic swordsmanship techniques. He watches his cousins, their laughter echoing through the training grounds as they hone their skills. While his cousins possess a natural talent for combat, Aeon's meticulous focus and strategic mind will help him compensate for his relative inexperience.
In the evenings, he delved into his mother's gift - books on various beasts and magical plants. He learned about their unique properties, their potential medicinal uses, and the potential dangers they posed. This newfound knowledge resonated with the fragments of his past life dedicated to alchemy, filling him with a sense of anticipation. Perhaps, with time and dedication, he could bridge the gap between theory and practice.