"Go on, boy. It's your turn," prodded the examiner, his voice carrying a weight of anticipation that echoed through the room. Before them hovered a magical sphere, radiating a kaleidoscope of colors that danced like a celestial rainbow. Ten distinct hues shimmered, each representing a path as immutable as the constellations above.
The boy swallowed nervously, his heart pounding with a mix of excitement and apprehension. He edged forward, separating himself from the hushed crowd of children his age, their eyes fixed on the mystical orb.
"Put your hands on the orb of fate, close your eyes, and concentrate," instructed Master Cyrus, his voice a steady guide amidst the palpable energy in the room.
"Do I have to think of anything in particular, Master Cyrus?" the boy asked, his voice betraying a blend of curiosity and innocence, the weight of this moment not lost on his young mind.
The examiner nodded patiently, a faint smile touching his lips. "Clear your thoughts, young one. Let your heart guide you."
With a deep breath, the boy reached out, his fingers trembling slightly as they made contact with the cool, pulsating surface of the orb. He closed his eyes, letting his mind drift into the unknown, where possibilities and destinies intertwined in the ethereal dance of colors before him.
A breath later, one color asserted its dominance, overshadowing all others in the swirling array of hues.
"Hahaha! Green fate! Gideon has a mortal aptitude. The aptitude of a trash!" jeered one of the children from behind, his voice laced with ridicule. The words echoed through the room, followed by a chorus of laughter that seemed to reverberate off the chamber walls.
Gideon froze, the color draining from his face as he absorbed the cruel words. He stood there, amidst the mocking laughter of his peers, feeling exposed and vulnerable. His shoulders slumped, and he slowly turned away, head bowed in shame. He had dared to hope for a different outcome from this pivotal test, yearning for a chance to prove himself, but now his dreams felt shattered.
As he walked back to his place among the other children, the weight of disappointment settled heavily upon him. Tears welled up in his eyes, threatening to spill over, but he clenched his fists in frustration. He refused to let them see his pain, wiping away the tears hastily with the back of his hand.
Deep inside, anger simmered alongside the hurt. Anger at fate for its harsh judgment, anger at himself for not being able to control the outcome, and anger at the cruelty of his peers. Yet, beneath the anger, a flicker of determination ignited. He would prove them wrong. He would defy this label of 'mortal aptitude' and forge his own path, no matter how steep the climb or how heavy the burden of expectation.
* * *
"Are you sure about this, my son? The road will not be easy in the quest that you have in mind," an extremely beautiful woman asked young Gideon. This, of course, was his mother, though it was curious that she appeared no more than 18 years old at the moment, a testament to her advanced cultivation.
"I've decided, Mom. I want to cultivate and become strong. I want to be there through the coming years and take care of you always," Gideon answered with unwavering determination. He knew his mother was already 150 years old, yet she retained the vitality and grace of youth, a living example of what cultivation could achieve.
Gideon admired his mother deeply, not just for her beauty and longevity, but for her wisdom and strength. She had guided him through his formative years, imparting lessons that went beyond martial techniques to encompass compassion, resilience, and the pursuit of higher truths.
As he looked at her now, the desire to emulate her became a burning passion within him. He wanted to possess not only her physical prowess but also her ability to navigate the complexities of life with grace and wisdom. He wanted to be a pillar of support for her, just as she had been for him.
But there was more to Gideon's aspirations than familial duty. He yearned to transcend the ordinary bounds of mortality, to grasp the elusive secrets of cultivation that promised not just power, but longevity and the ability to shape one's destiny. Tales of immortals who could move mountains and command the elements fueled his imagination, stirring a hunger for adventure and greatness.
In his heart burned a fervent determination never to settle for mediocrity, to pursue an extraordinary life where every challenge was an opportunity for growth. He knew the path would be fraught with obstacles, but he was resolved never to waver in his pursuit of greatness.
With his mother's supportive gaze upon him, Gideon felt a surge of confidence. He would embark on this journey with courage and humility, ready to learn and evolve, knowing that every step would bring him closer to realizing his dreams of strength, longevity, and a life truly worthy of legend.
Though only 10 years of age, Gideon had been raised with a resilient spirit and a deep sense of purpose. From a young age, he had learned the value of dreaming big and pursuing his ambitions with unwavering resolve. He understood that achieving greatness often meant traversing a path fraught with challenges and obstacles, but instead of fearing them, he embraced them as opportunities for growth and learning.
"Very well. I will grant you this chance, Gideon," his mother said with a gentle smile, her voice carrying both encouragement and a hint of caution. The dimly lit room cast soft shadows around them, the air thick with the faint scent of incense—a reminder of the solemnity of their conversation.
"You still have a year before Master Cyrus returns," she continued, her tone firm yet reassuring. "Make every moment count and train hard. Cultivation is not just about physical strength, but about honing your mind and spirit as well."
With a tender gesture, she leaned down and planted a kiss on Gideon's forehead, her touch warm against his skin. She could empathize with his aspirations, having once navigated the complexities of life within their cultivation clan herself. It was a world where ambition and discipline were rewarded, but where familial bonds could be strained by competition and the pursuit of power.
As she straightened up, her expression softened with maternal pride and concern. "Remember, Gideon, strength comes not just from power, but from wisdom and compassion. Cultivate these virtues along with your martial skills. Let your determination guide you through the challenges ahead."
Gideon nodded earnestly, his young eyes reflecting a mixture of determination and gratitude. He understood the weight of his mother's words and was determined to honor her trust. The year ahead loomed before him like an uncharted territory, filled with trials and opportunities for growth. Yet, with his mother's unwavering support and guidance, he felt emboldened to face whatever lay ahead.
In the quiet of their shared moment, Gideon felt a surge of resolve. He would seize this chance to prove himself, not just for his own sake, but to make his mother proud and to carve out a future where he could stand strong amidst the challenges of this dog eat dog xianxia world.