The Ma family estate was like a strong fortress, with walls made from big, old stone blocks that seemed to be unable to be moved, even by the strongest storms. In the middle courtyard, where the smell of dirt and hard work filled the air, Wei Ma knelt before his father, Ma Tianbao.
Tianbao stands tall over the courtyard, his voice booming the authority with which he soars. And between them is a relic shining forth an ancient, golden light:
The Gauntlet of Earthen Might.
This, Wei Tianbao started the strong voice that was full of history: "It is the most precious heirloom of our family. Many years have passed for it, and it has stood for the will of Ma clan. Used by our best fighters, it represents power from mountains and the eternal spirit of earth."
Wei stared at the glove, shocked. This looked alive, veins of golden energy that pulsed softly, like they were sizing him up.
Today, Tianbao said seriously looking into the dark interior of the Gauntlet. "It is yours. But do not think of this as a gift. The Gauntlet needs skill, and you must earn its power. If you are not worthy, it will harm you.".
Wei bowed low, his voice steady, even though he felt the heavy responsibility. "I will not let you down, Father. I will respect the Ma family and show that I am worthy."
A rare smile crossed Tianbao's otherwise tough face as he touched his son's shoulder.
"Good. Now get up. The way ahead is not easy. Show me you have the strength to go through it."
Tianbao took Wei to the family's famous training grounds. It was a big place with rugged land, great boulders, mighty dummies, and challenging obstacles to test cultivators. The air felt alive with energy as if the ground knew that the Gauntlet was there.
Wei put the Gauntlet onto his arm, and immediately he felt how it fitted onto him, its heavy weight, and at once there was a flow of energy through his body connecting him to the ground in ways he had never experienced.
"First lesson," Tianbao declared. "The Gauntlet does not merely give you strength-it binds you to the heart of the earth. You are its vessel. Feel it, let it guide you, and strike with purpose.
Wei takes a breath, closes his eyes, and thinks about how the Gauntlet feels: The energy within it is ancient and pulsing with life: the mountain's heartbeat. He raises his arm, using the power in his fist, and throws a punch at the boulder across from him.
CRACK!"
The big stone broke into a cloud of dust and bits, pieces spreading across the ground. Wei's heart raced with excitement as he looked at his father.
Not bad, Tianbao said nodding his head, but his voice carried a warning. However raw power is useless without control. The Gauntlet will test how far you can go. If you cannot control it, it will take over you. Again!
Endurance and Discipline
Every day, Wei trained without exception on the training grounds. Tianbao watched him closely as exercises became more challenging with each session as he tested his strength, resilience, and focus.
One sitting, he throws a big piece of stone at Wei and loudly shouts, "Stop this! Wei barely had time to react, lifting the arm covered with a Gauntlet just in time to take the hit.
The slab shattered into harmless fragments, but the force of the blow sent a jarring shock through his entire body.
He winced but would not give in.
"That is my boy!" Tianbao exclaimed with a proud smile. "Remember, being strong doesn't help if you fall apart when things get tough. Again!"
Wei nodded, looking determined. He practiced hard, did strikes, defense moves, and accurate attacks until his body felt that it hurt a lot. But with each practice, he could see the Gauntlet working better as if it recognized his efforts.
The Knowledge of the Earth
One day, as the sun was setting to paint the sky orange and golden, Tianbao walked up to his son, who was sitting in the middle of the training area, meditating.
"Wei," Tianbao said his voice softer than usual, "You have great potential but exams do not just check the power. They check one's character. The Gauntlet chose you, but it's the Patriarch who determines if you are indeed worthy,"
Wei squared his face. "I will not disappoint you, Father. I will do my best to fulfill the reputation of the Ma family.".
Tianbao smiled, his rough hand resting briefly on Wei's shoulder. "Good. The Patriarch himself will be there to witness your performance. Show him the strength of the Ma clan."
Thinking of the Exams As the exam date approached, Wei became tougher.
The people in the Ma family were discussing his advancements, and this started stirring up their enthusiasm and aspirations.
The Earthen Might Gauntlet had chosen him, and now he wanted to prove himself, not only for his family alone but also for everyone.
At night, when it was quiet, Wei sat under the stars thinking about the wars he would fight. It wasn't going to be easy, he thought.
Preparing himself for the dilemmas that soon he had to face. It was not for him a test, but the future itself.