The sun had barely risen over the horizon when Anper er Yecine strode into a courtyard. His two young sons were already warming up with the basic forms they had been practicing for years. As they should be. His eldest boy moved with a fluid grace that belied his age, while the younger strove to match his brother's precision.
"Good. But today, we push harder. As members of the Yecine family, much is expected of you. You must always strive for excellence, to prove your worth as cultivators and as men."
He paced before them with hands clasped behind his back, every bit a drill instructor.
"Your time at the Youth Guild approaches, Kaland. There, you will demonstrate the superiority of the Yecine training. You will show them what it means to be a true cultivator, unburdened by the weaknesses that plague lesser families."
The oldest nodded with determination on his small face.
"I won't let you down, Father."
