As the sun set in the sky, scattering a golden glow upon Eldenwood, Gerald and Bai Cheng bid each other adieu on the quiet path back home. The noise and commotion of the market square all fell still; there was only the crunch of gravel beneath their feet and the chirping of some bird far away for any sound.
A few moments of silence passed before Gerald looked down at Bai who was walking with his hands behind his back, head slightly tilted as he thought deeply.
His eyes softened and Gerald broke the silence: "You know, Bai," he started with a soft smile, "it wasn't that long ago when you were still just watching the Academy exams from the crowd. Remember?
Bai looked up, a spark of excitement lighting up his face. "Of course, I remember! I was up on that tree with the perfect view of the whole field! I could see all the students doing those crazy formations and energy bursts!" He threw a few punches into the air, his eyes glinting with the memory.
"It was awesome!"
Gerald laughed, reaching out to ruffle Bai's already wild hair. "Yes, you were practically glued to that spot, like a little monkey. I thought you'd fall right out of the tree from excitement."
Bai puffed out his chest, grinning. "I will never fall! Besides, this year I'm not just watching. I'm gonna be one of them, right?"
"Hmm, well," Gerald said thoughtfully, stopping to crouch down so he was at Bai's eye level. "That depends on just how serious you are about this."
Bai raised an eyebrow, seeming not to expect the question. "I'm serious! I want to do what they do those energy moves, fighting techniques of it! And then…" His voice softened, and he looked away for a moment. "And then maybe everyone will see I can do more than just… you know, steal buns.".
A gentle smile played on Gerald's face. He put a hand on Bai's shoulder. "I know you want to be more than a rascal, Bai. But wanting it isn't enough. Training to be a cultivator requires discipline, patience, and focus. Those are… not exactly things you're famous for, are they?"
Bai's face twisted into a small pout. "You mean I can't just do it like I do… everything else?
Gerald shook his head, chuckling softly in the chest. "I'm afraid not, my boy. You know, the skills they teach at the Academy aren't like the tricks you pull at the market. They're powerful, but only if you learn to control yourself first."
Bai pouted, his arms crossed over his chest. "But I'm already fast, and I'm good at hiding and sneaking around! Isn't that a good start?
Gerald's eyes gleamed warmly with affection and mirth. "It is, Bai and those skills are precisely what make you unique. But speed and sneakiness alone will not see you through the exams." His hand came to tap lightly against Bai's chest. "The real strength of a cultivator comes from here. From having a steady heart, from learning to keep calm even when things are difficult.".
Bai narrowed her eyes, thinking about this. "So… you mean, I have to be calm? Calm?"
Gerald nodded. "Yes, and concentrated. Think of it like this: have you ever tried holding out your finger on a stick for any great length of time?"
"Yeah," Bai said, "it gets pretty heavy after a while.".
"Exactly," Gerald said. "And that's like learning the arts of cultivation. It's about being able to stay steady and keep going even when it's hard or when it feels like you might drop everything. That's where true strength comes from."
Bai looked down at himself, considering this with surprising seriousness. "I think I understand, he murmured. "So… I have to practice keeping steady?"
"Right. And not just steady-controlled." Gerald's smile softened and he glanced at his young charge with a fatherly warmth. "You're smart, Bai, maybe even smarter than I was at your age. But if you want to be more than a clever troublemaker, then you need to put in the work. You need to earn that spot at the Academy, just like all the others."
Bai's gaze returned to Gerald. A flicker of resolve appeared in his eyes. "So, what do I do? How do I start?"
Gerald stood up and stretched, looking down the road. "First thing's first. No more pranks."
"No more pranks?" Bai's face fell. "None at all?
Gerald suppressed a grin, looking stern. "Not one of them, especially if you're using them to avoid training. If you are serious about the Academy, then you need to put all your energy into learning and practicing.
Deal?" Bai sighed but nodded. "Alright, fine. No pranks.".
And second, tomorrow morning before sunrise we begin your instruction. We'll work out your strength, your balancing ability, your concentration—and those aspects necessary for passing the exams.
"Gulped. "Sunrise?"
"That's it," Gerald said with such mischief in his eyes that could only be called good cheer. "No sleeping in by a future Academy student now, is there?"
"Hey, not so loud with 'what if this happens' so we got it? Bai groaned inwardly but the corners of his mouth turned up into a reluctant smile. "Okay. Fine. I'll get started.".
They walked again, still the sparkle of determination gleaming in Bai's eyes as they reached the house. Gerald lightly put a hand on the shoulder of Bai as he reached for the front door. "Remember, Bai, if you want it, then you have to give it your all but do not worry about it," he said soothingly with a note of pride. "I'll be right here with you on every step.".
Bai lifted his eyes to Gerald, and, for one precious instant, his expression was serious. "Thanks, Uncle Gerald. I… I think I want this."
Gerald nodded and placed a warm hand on Bai's shoulder. "Then let's start getting ready for it together, Bai. I believe in you, and I know you can do this. One day, you will show everyone what you truly are capable of.".
Thus, they entered with a promise of new challenges and possibly greatness beyond the dawn.