Over the treetops, the sun had crept above as Bai Cheng returned from town, surrounded by Gerald and Mei Feng. His new training clothes fit snuggly, and he felt rejuvenated as he walked. The embers of last night's campfire were dead, but a chill was present, filled with scents of pine and earth.
Gerald is standing there arms crossed with a sly grin sprawling himself. "Alright, kid. Playtime's over. It's your next challenge.
"What now?" Bai Cheng groaned, his fingers massaging his aching arms.
"I've already run underwater, sprinted through mud, and climbed trees while blindfolded."
"This is kind of intellectual GERALD teased, "Mirror Step.".
Bai Cheng tilted his head, baffled. "Mirror Step? Sounds. fancy?
Essentially, it is a lifesaving technique," Gerald said in a low tone. "You learn to mirror to such a point that your opponent cannot know what you might do next, and yet you are ultimately unpredictable. Consider being so fast in front of someone that they could not even tell whether they were chasing you or just your shadow.".
Mei Feng moved ahead, a playful smile illuminating her face. "It's harder than it seems, however. And knowing you, Bai Cheng, you'll likely stumble over your feet."
"Hey!" Bai Cheng in his irritated voice, folding his arms. "I'm not that bad!"
Mei Feng retorted, pointing to Gerald, who already stood and began to stretch.
"Gerald will demonstrate.".
---
The First Lesson**
Gerald started with a languid, deliberate step. He took one step forward, then leaned back before sidestepping.
"Okay, Bai Cheng, step in sync with me. Each step, every move—exactly as I.
Bai Cheng looked intently, his eyes on Gerald's feet. He moved according to the first steps with clumsy yet resolute movements.
Not bad, Gerald said. He picked up his pace. Now, keep your balance.
Gerald suddenly turned on his heel, hunched down, then leaped upward. Bai Cheng stumbled, nearly running headfirst into the dirt.
Mei Feng clapped sarcastically. "Oh, very graceful. Like a newborn deer."
Hey! Try doing this after running through waterfalls all week! Bai Cheng retorted exasperated, his cheeks too flushed.
That's the point, Gerald said curtly, a smirk playing on his lips. This isn't just about strength; it's about control. You have to *feel* the rhythm of their movements and go by it. Again,.
Hours go by, and Bai Cheng trains, sweat dripping onto his brow. Gerald changes his move unpredictably- lunges, dodges, feints. Bai Cheng finds it very hard to gauge him. But with every attempt, he gets better. His steps start getting smoother, and his reactions faster.
By lunchtime, Bai Cheng was almost perfect, mimicking Gerald to a fault. "I did it!" he shouted, chest heaving.
"Good," Gerald said, nodding. Then he smirked. "Now do it while hiding your own movements."
"What?" Bai Cheng's jaw popped open.
You heard me," Gerald replied. "Reflect my actions, but don't let me know your own next step."
That, he said, was the whole magic of the real Mirror Step.
At the Zhang Mansion
Contrary to the distant training grounds of Bai Cheng, in the mansion of Zhang, anticipation reverberated. The coming of Lord Zhang's son, Young Master Zhang Wei, and daughter, Miss Zhang Li, had made the estate abuzz with activity. Servants scurried about, preparing for a reception of utmost formality, while Zhang Tianyuan, the head of the Zhang family in Eldenwood, stood at the gates of the estate, their heads down, waiting for their approach.
The siblings' carriage arrived, its surface adorned with exquisite carvings of dragons and phoenixes. Young master Zhang Wei was the first to emerge, his striking features radiating an air of arrogance. His tall stature and elegantly tailored robes marked him as a person accustomed to authority.
Mr Tianyuan" Wei said, inclining his head slightly. "It's been a while.
Zhang Tianyuan nodded, smiling, to greet Young Master and Miss Li. "Young Master wei. Miss Li. Welcome." Though formal, there was the slightest glimmer of pride in his eyes.
Then came Zhang Li, whose gentle movements were enough to capture everyone's attention. She wore a flowing gown embroidered with golden lotuses; her delicate features disguised the brilliance of her intellect behind serene countenances.
"Uncle Tianyuan," she said softly, her words full of warmth and restraint. "I trust the family has been preparing itself for the academy exams."
"Of course," Tianyuan replied, motioning for them to step inside. "We've been enhancing the training grounds for our most gifted disciples.
Ren is looking forward to meeting you."
---
**The Training Grounds**
The well-designed training facility of the Zhang mansion was full of equipment and spar pits. By his side, the family's prodigy, Zhang Ren, calmly kept his composure and concentrated, with an aura of quiet confidence over every movement; he was sharp as a blade, ready to strike like a blade cutting.
Zhang Wei approached him, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "So, you're the one they call a prodigy," he remarked, circling Ren like a predator assessing its prey.
"I've heard quite a bit about you."
Ren bowed his head respectfully. "It is an honor to meet you, young master.
Enough pleasantries, "Miss Li interfered, her tone composed and unfaltering. "We didn't come here to engage in conversation. We came to see if the rumors about you are true.
Wei crossed his arms and said, "Let's spar. Show me what you've got."
Ren's eyes began to shimmer unfalteringly. "At your service."
Wei turned to look at Zhang Tianyuan before he could commence. "Mr Tianyuan, I saw something on the way here.".
"What is it?" Tianyuan asked.
And Wei's lips curled up into a sly smile. "The region is. pathetic. That cultivators here seem weak. None of the strong ones, are there?
Tianyuan's expression changed. "Strength is relative, Young master. You'll be shocked by the people here.".
"I doubt it," Minghao replied. "But we'll see."
---
**The Problem Remains**
Back at the training site, Bai Cheng was working his way hard. Gerald had raised the ante, and everybody could feel the frustration seeping from Bai Cheng.
"Come on, kid!" Gerald called out, feinting to the left before spinning to the right. "You're moving like a turtle!"
Perhaps it's because you keep changing directions like a madman!" Bai Cheng shot back, his voice laced with exasperation.
Mei Feng laughed from the sidelines. "He has a point, Gerald. You're enjoying this too much."
Of course, I am, Gerald replied with a grin. It's not every day that I get to torment a future prodigy.
"Pro-what now?" Bai Cheng muttered, Wiping away the sweat from his forehead.
Mei Feng approached, offering Bai Cheng a water pouch. "Don't let him get to you. You're doing great."
Bai Cheng smiled faintly. "Thanks.".
Now, back to work!" Gerald tells him, clapping his hands together. "Mirror Step isn't going to master itself.
Bai Cheng groaned but resumed his training. Though exhausted, a spark of determination burned in his eyes.
---
**A Secret Chamber in the Dark**
A dark group was having a meeting in a dimly lit room. Candles were flickering, casting eerie shadows on the walls, far from the Zhang mansion and training ground of Bai Cheng.
"They're getting ready for the academy exams," someone said, in a low, gravelly voice. "All the parts are coming together."
There was even the voice claiming, "Yet, even the Zhang siblings have come here. But they are children compared to what we really need.
"And that Bai Cheng," a third voice sneered, "An ant. He's no threat."
"Fools, a voice came out of the darkness, cold and commanding. "Underestimate no one. The future conceals many secrets, and the Eldenwood Academy exam is our sole chance to claim what resides in Eldenwood.".
The truths of those words settled over the silent room as, finally, a great figure emerged shadowed. His presence was authoritative, and his voice rumbled low. We proceed according to plan. No errors.
Yes, my lord," murmured the others in unison. The candles suddenly died out, and it was dark.