The sun had long set over Shambala, and the once tranquil city now lay in ruins. Fires flickered in the distance, casting eerie shadows across the streets. Arian wandered through the rubble, his heart heavy with grief and anger. His parents' lifeless bodies haunted his every step.
He made his way to the only place that still felt sacred—the temple where his parents had taught him the basics of healing and herbalism. It was here, among the ancient scrolls and medicinal herbs, that he sought solace.
Days turned into weeks as Arian struggled to survive on his own. He scavenged for food and water, avoiding the remaining dangers in the city. One day, as he was searching through the remnants of his home, he discovered a small, ornate box hidden beneath the floorboards. Inside, he found his father's journal, filled with notes on rare herbs and ancient healing techniques. This discovery fueled his resolve; he would find a way to honor his parents' legacy and seek justice for their deaths.
One fateful evening, while reading through his father's journal by the light of a dwindling candle, Arian heard a faint sound outside. He peered through the cracked door and saw an old man, cloaked in tattered robes, quietly tending to the wounded villagers who had taken refuge in the temple.
Curiosity piqued, Arian stepped out into the cold night air. The old man turned to him, his eyes filled with a mix of wisdom and sorrow. "You must be Arian," he said softly. "I've heard about your loss. I'm Master Liang."
Arian's eyes widened. "You know my parents?"
Master Liang nodded. "I knew them well. They were good people, skilled healers. Your father often sought my advice on rare herbs."
Tears welled up in Arian's eyes. "They're gone... because of that battle."
The old hermit's face grew somber. "The world of cultivation is a harsh one, Arian. Innocent lives are often caught in the crossfire of power struggles. But you mustn't let your grief consume you."
Arian clenched his fists. "I want to avenge them. I want to be strong enough to make those responsible pay."
Master Liang studied him for a moment. "Revenge is a dangerous path, but if you truly wish to pursue it, you will need guidance. Come with me. I will teach you, but you must promise to use your strength wisely."
With nothing left to lose, Arian agreed. He followed Master Liang through the winding mountain paths to a secluded cave high above Shambala. The cave was sparse, with only the barest of necessities. It was here that Arian's new life began.
For the next few months, Arian immersed himself in rigorous training under Master Liang's watchful eye. He learned to harness his physical strength and agility, pushing his body to its limits. However, despite his best efforts, he could not cultivate the way Master Liang demonstrated.
One day, while attempting a basic cultivation technique, Arian felt a sharp pain coursing through his body. He collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath. Master Liang rushed to his side, placing a hand on his chest.
"What's happening to me?" Arian cried out.
Master Liang closed his eyes, his brow furrowing in concentration. "Your internal pathways… they're damaged. You can't cultivate like others. The energy from that battle has disrupted your natural flow."
Arian's heart sank. "Then it's hopeless. I'll never be able to avenge my parents."
Master Liang shook his head. "There are many paths to strength, Arian. You may not be able to cultivate traditionally, but there is still potential within you. We just need to find it."
Despite his inability to cultivate, Arian continued to train with Master Liang. He honed his physical abilities, practiced martial arts, and studied ancient texts. Master Liang taught him the importance of discipline, strategy, and inner strength.
One evening, as the sun set behind the towering peaks, casting a golden glow over Shambala, Arian stood at the edge of a cliff, looking down at the city. The pain of his loss was still fresh, but now, it was tempered with a sense of purpose.
"I may not be able to cultivate like others," he whispered to himself, "but I will find a way to avenge my family. Li Yuan will pay for what he did."
Master Liang approached, placing a hand on Arian's shoulder. "Your path is yours to carve, Arian. Remember, true strength comes from within. Use your abilities wisely, and you will achieve great things."
With renewed resolve, Arian continued his training, preparing for the day he would face Li Yuan.