The Lan Tian Clan had a lot of families struggling for power within the clan. Among them, the Zhang family did not hold that much power. The Zhang family head, Zhang Jian and Zhang Feng's grandfather, knew this very well. He hid the feeling of envy and powerlessness in his heart, and focused on making his family as strong as possible.
He sat out in the veranda, gazing at the garden, grass and flowers came together to create a smell that was almost intoxicating. The sweet spring breeze washes over the land like a soft blanket, you could forget all your troubles just by immersing yourself in it.
A cup of tea in his hands, he sat cross-legged. He had called for Zhang Feng, who was to be family head someday in the future.
"Zhang Feng, how are you feeling? The awakening ceremony is near, I hope you are not feeling nervous." Zhang Feng was now 16, he stood a few feet away from his grandfather, inside the house. The warm light poured into the room, yet it did not shine on his face.
All forms of doubt were cleared from his mind, even if the roof came crashing down, it would not disturb his mind. His hair was far more grown out, it smoothly flowed from his head down to his waist. He had deep brooding brown eyes, a solid unwavering expression at all times.
"I am fine Grandfather, please do not worry about me." He tried to say calmly, he has never enjoyed the company of his own family. His father and mother feel more like people that gave birth to him than loving parents, his brother feels like another person from Earth, there is nobody in this mansion that reminds him of a loving family.
Zhang Feng has distanced himself from everyone, he never addresses anyone affectionately, he eats his food in his room. The only time he likes to spend with other people is when he plays Go with Zhang Jian.
"Good, Good, and Zhang Jian? How is he doing?" Grandfather did not like to hear Zhang Jian's activities from the servants, that child usually has something up his sleeve that lets him escape punishment every time, and at the same time, his actions aren't so severe that it would bring bad reputation on the family.
It was something that impressed Grandfather at first, a child like him knowing what rules could be bent and working around the others, but now its just a hassle to see and think about.
"I think you should ask him that Grandfather, both of us have been working hard for the awakening ceremony." the Zhang family was not secretive with their favoritism, Zhang Feng was showered with gifts while Zhang Jian was not. They slept in different rooms, Zhang Feng's was bigger and more decorated. It was something Zhang Feng did not appreciate, after all, what did any of that have to do with competition between siblings?
"Ah, Ill be sure to do that." Grandfather does not want to speak with Zhang Jian. And even if he did, Zhang Jian is always missing. He goes and comes whenever he pleases.
"Well then if there's nothing else then I will be on my way. I have some studying to do." And Zhang Feng took his leave. He wanted to keep the ceremony off his mind, his entire life so far has been building up to a moment out of his control. Walking through the halls, he sighed deeply. "Even though it is the beautiful season of spring, I cannot take a moment to enjoy it."
Zhang Jian was trying to split a boulder with just his palm. At this point his hand was bleeding, the boulder had red dripping down from the point of contact. "Brother, what in the world are you doing?" Zhang Feng has found him.
Zhang Jian quickly moved to cover the spot where the blood was most visible on the rock, he hid his right hand behind him. "I am uhh, training! Yeah, I was training"
Zhang Feng tried to peek behind him, His vision was blocked once again. "We haven't awakened yet and you want to split rocks?" The Awakening ceremony isn't for awakening everyone in their generation, just the ones that aren't gifted with talent. But that would be a 1 in a million Spirit master if they were to awaken before the ceremony.
Zhang Jian took a deep sigh and moved away from the boulder, giving up at hiding it. "I'm trying to figure out how to open my Spirit Pores before the ceremony. If I could do that, then I might as well be the greatest Spirit master to grace this world." He pulled a cloth bandage from his pocket and began to wrap it around his hand. "
I see, but its too late for this now brother. Rest, we have a long week ahead." Zhang Feng didn't like seeing his brother this desperate. With a deep breath, Zhang Jian gave up. They both walked home in silence, the pleasant sounds of the bamboo forest keeping them company.
Spirits, every living creature has a spirit. Even the smallest insect, to the greatest Mythical Beast. With each Spirit being able to do something extraordinary, something bringing the user a step closer to heaven. It is common belief that a Spirit master who reaches the final rank will attain true ascension and transcend this mortal plane.
Spirits exist within the body, their energy circulates through every part of it, through the arteries and veins, through the organs and blood. It is part of the body like the skin or the heart is. The Spirit is a vital organ for all life. While the Spirit itself is precious and fragile, it pumps out Spirit energy that can be used in combat and techniques.
And this Spirit energy leaks out through the Spirit Pores. This is how a Spirit master awakens. The Pores hide themselves in the skin, waiting to awaken, the color and intensity of the Spirit energy that bursts out will show just how powerful that persons Spirit is. They will be graded and slotted into 6 grades, F would be the lowest, followed by D, C, B, A and the highest being S.
This is why the two brothers are so anxious, if they get a lower grade score, they will be doomed to a life of misery and pain. They aren't the only ones who have to worry about this, every single boy and girl in the village who has to attend the ceremony that does not belong to a successful family has a future that lives on a tightrope. This is the life of a Spirit master, this is the life that the brothers have transmigrated to.