Xie Fan awoke to the vibrant sounds of morning: the melodious chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves swaying gently in the breeze. The sun's golden rays filtered through his curtains, bathing his room in a warm, soft glow. A knock on the door broke the peaceful silence, and his maid entered, quickly helping him get dressed in his academy robes. Today was his second day at the academy, and he felt a spark of excitement at what lay ahead.
As he stepped outside, the sun bathed him in its warm glow, illuminating the intricately carved stone pathways that wove through lush gardens teeming with exotic flowers. The air was fragrant with the scent of blooming flora, invigorating his senses and filling him with anticipation. Xie Fan's heart raced as he made his way towards the academy—a grand structure adorned with towering pillars and intricate murals depicting scenes of its storied history.
His first class of the day was "Foundations of Meridian Cultivation," led by Elder Hui, a stern yet fair cultivator with a wealth of experience. As the students settled in, Elder Hui began to explain the importance of each meridian gate and how they corresponded to different aspects of cultivation. She spoke of the profound energy that flowed through the meridians and how each gate's opening marked a step forward in one's cultivation journey.
Xie Fan listened intently, taking notes as Elder Hui explained the significance of cultivating not only the body but also the mind. She lead the students deeper into the mysteries of cultivation. Xie Fan's determination grew as he envisioned the energy paths she described, feeling a strong urge to put his newfound knowledge into practice.
After class, he headed to the cultivation courtyard—a serene space filled with the sounds of flowing water and rustling leaves. The area was dotted with stone platforms where students practiced their techniques, and Xie Fan found a secluded spot under an ancient tree. He closed his eyes, focusing on his breathing, and visualized the steps to open his meridian gate once more. The energy within him felt like a gentle stream, gradually intensifying as he connected with it.
With each inhale, he envisioned the energy flowing through his body; with each exhale, he released his doubts and fears. After several attempts, he felt a tingling sensation—a familiar warmth coursing through his meridians. A grin spread across his face as he relished the sensation of power awakening within him. This method of cultivation was slower than using the array with his mother's help, but it was a step towards independence since she couldn't always help him.
Other students nearby laughed and chatted among themselves, playing games or engaging in lighthearted conversation. Xie Fan watched them for a moment. Had he still been the same age as these children, he might have joined them. But in his heart, he felt he was far beyond such carefree things. His ambitions lay elsewhere, in a world that demanded discipline and strength.
Soon, the bell rang, signaling the next class—Close Combat Practice. Since none of the students had opened all their meridian gates yet, they couldn't use secret arts, as they couldn't draw in enough divine essence fragments. Xie Fan was confident in his combat abilities; he had trained in kung fu as a child and later took up kickboxing in his past life. But he was unsure how his skills would compare to those of the other students.
The practice area was outside, a spacious ground designed for physical training. As the students assembled, they were met by Instructor Lei—a burly man whose presence commanded respect. His dark hair was tied back into a tight bun, with a few stray strands framing his chiseled face. Though he wore a simple black robe, the air around him seemed to crackle with intensity.
"Welcome to Close Combat Practice!" Instructor Lei boomed, his voice reverberating through the courtyard. "Today, we will focus on the fundamentals of hand-to-hand combat. Pay attention, for the skills you learn here may save your life one day!"
Xie Fan took his place among the other students, feeling a mix of excitement and focus. Instructor Lei continued, "Combat is not just about strength; it's about strategy, agility, and awareness." He demonstrated a series of fluid movements, his hands slicing through the air with precision. His strikes, blocks, and stances flowed seamlessly from one to the next, exuding power and finesse.
"Your body is your weapon. Learn to harness its potential!" Instructor Lei declared. The students watched intently as he showcased the moves they would be learning—hooks, jabs, counters, and defensive maneuvers.
Instructor Lei called for the students to form pairs, and Xie Fan found himself paired with Zhou Xue, the boy from the Zhou family who sat next to him in class. Zhou Xue was lean and quick, with eyes that seemed to assess everything in detail. Xie Fan could sense his partner's unease, but he offered him a reassuring nod.
"Let's start with the jab and the counter," Xie Fan suggested, determination evident in his voice. Zhou Xue nodded, and they began to practice. Xie Fan focused on his stance, shifting his weight forward as he jabbed at Zhou Xue. He went easy on Zhou Xue at first, sensing the boy's struggle to keep up.
When it was Zhou Xue's turn to go on the offensive, Xie Fan took on a defensive stance, blocking each of Zhou Xue's attempts. He could see that Zhou Xue was getting better—his movements becoming sharper and more confident. This allowed Xie Fan to increase the intensity, pushing both of them to improve.
Time seemed to fly by as they practiced, the sun climbing higher in the sky. Sweat trickled down their faces, their muscles aching from exertion. Xie Fan could feel his body becoming more responsive, each punch and block becoming more instinctive.
Finally, the bell rang, signaling the end of the lesson. Xie Fan wiped the sweat from his brow and thanked Zhou Xue for his efforts. He could see a hint of a smile on Zhou Xue's face—perhaps the start of a friendship.
With class over, Xie Fan felt a renewed sense of determination. He wanted to grow stronger, to reach heights he could barely imagine.
He returned home, where a maid led him to his room. She had prepared a hot bath, and the soothing water relaxed his tired muscles. Afterward, she helped him dress, but when he went to seek his mother, he learned she was away on a mission. This meant he would have to cultivate alone.
He drank the blood wine—a potent elixir that aided in cultivation—and sat cross-legged, beginning his meditation. Though it was slower without the help of the array, he could feel the gradual accumulation of energy within him. He knew that this discipline would forge him into a stronger cultivator.
After cultivating, he went for a run through the gardens, then practiced the combat techniques he had learned earlier. The setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink as Xie Fan pushed himself to perfect each movement, each stance, and each strike.
He returned home once again, feeling a hunger unlike anything he'd felt before. He ate a hearty meal, replenishing the energy he had spent throughout the day. Exhausted yet content, Xie Fan finally lay down, drifting into sleep.