In the heart of the expansive Windy Mountains, nestled among rolling hills and verdant forests, lay the Lin family estate. The estate was home to Lin Xuan, a young boy on the cusp of his tenth birthday, his younger sister Lin Mei, and their loving parents. Inside, the family of four had gathered for breakfast in their spacious dining hall.
Lin Xuan, a bright-eyed boy with a mischievious grin sat cross-legged on a cushion. He had a mop of unruly black hair with slightly longer strands of green and blue hair that framed his face. His excitement was barely contained as he eagerly devoured the bowl of porridge in front of him.
Across from him, his younger sister, Lin Mei, only a few weeks his junior, ate her meal in small but eager bites. She was a near mirror image of her brother, sharing the same dark hair streaked with hints of blue and green, though her blue strands were more prominent, and the green ones were faint and sparse. Unlike her brother's tousled look, her hair fell in neat, silky waves.
"Xuan, slow down," their mother, Lady Yun, chided gently, her voice carrying a tone of affectionate amusement. She had long, dark blue hair and eyes that radiated a gentle authority. "The food isn't going anywhere."
Xuan grinned through a mouthful of porridge, but before he could respond, Mei giggled. "Maybe big brother's afraid I'll eat all the food!"
Xuan shot her a playful look. "Maybe I am! You eat like a little tiger, Mei."
„Pfft." Lady Yun let out a small laugh. Even their father, Lin Tian, a tall, broad-shouldered man who rarely showed much emotion, let out a chuckle. He reached over to ruffle Xuan's hair, causing the boy to squirm and spill a bit of his porridge, much to Mei's delight.
"Who's eating like a sloppy tiger now?" Mei laughed, her voice filling the space with a warmth that Xuan never tired of. He didn't care if he spilled food or whatever else happened. Seeing Mei's laughter was worth it—it was always the best part of his day.
"Heh." He shot her a grin, feeling a sense of pride.
---
After breakfast, as the sun climbed higher in the sky, Mei approached Xuan, her small hands hidden behind her back. She looked up at him, her eyes filled with both excitement and nervousness.
"Xuan," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper, "I made something for you."
Curiosity piqued, Xuan bend down to her level, his face softening. "What is it, Mei?"
With a shy smile, she revealed a simple yet beautifully crafted necklace made of dark twine and small beads. "I made it myself... for your birthday."
Xuan's heart swelled. "Can you put it on me?"
Mei's face lit up as she carefully placed the necklace around her brother's neck, tying it with utmost care. The beads were cool against Xuan's skin, but the warmth behind the gesture made the moment priceless.
"Thank you, Mei. I love it," Xuan said softly, his fingers gently brushing over the cool beads. Then, with a mischievous grin, he darted forward, ruffling Mei's hair, leaving it in a playful mess. She squealed in protest, her laughter bubbling up despite her attempts to push him away.
The sound of Mei's laughter echoed through the room, drawing a fond glance from their parents.
Then, after watching for a while more, Lin Tian stepped forward, holding a scroll tied with a red ribbon. "Xuan," his father's voice had a more solemn tone now, "Now that you're ten years old, you can start cultivating."
Xuan's eyes widened with excitement. Cultivation—the very word filled him with thoughts of legendary powers, of soaring through the skies, commanding the elements, and reshaping the world. His father could summon storms, and his mother controlled water with a mere thought. Now, it was finally his turn to begin.
Lin Tian handed him the scroll with great care. "This is a cultivation method... your mother and I created it ourselves, specifically for you. It merges the strengths of both the Peng and Kun bloodlines."
Xuan's hands trembled slightly as he accepted the scroll. The weight of it felt more than just physical. He knew that within his veins flowed the blood of two ancient and mythical beasts—the Peng, a legendary bird that soared across the heavens, and the Kun, a colossal fish that commanded the depths of the seas. And now, he could finally begin learning to harness their powers.
Lady Yun stepped closer, her expression softening. "Cultivation is about unlocking the potential inside your body. It's not just about strength but control over the world's energy—qi. Everyone's path is unique, and as you grow, you'll discover powers more powers than just the ones tied to your bloodline. We want you to take a look at the method for yourself first. Later today, we'll explain more about its deeper meanings. But remember, don't rush it okay. Patience and discipline are as important as strength."
Xuan nodded eagerly, his mind already racing with possibilities.
Lady Yun and Lin Tian exchanged a knowing glance. They could see the excitement bubbling inside Xuan, his feet practically itching to run off and explore the scroll's secrets.
Lady Yun smiled warmly. "Go on then," she said with a gentle laugh. "We won't keep you."
Xuan didn't need to be told twice. With a quick nod, he clutched the scroll tightly to his chest and darted toward the door, his heart racing with excitement.
As they watched him disappear down the hall, Lady Yun's smile softened. "Remember when we were like that?"
Her husband nodded, a fond grin tugging at his lips. "Seems like he's inherited more than just our good looks."
---
Xuan hurried to his room, clutching the scroll. The quiet space, bathed in the soft light of morning, felt sacred as he unrolled the parchment.
His heart raced with excitement. Without giving much attention to the introductory notes at the beginning, Xuan skimmed through the first part of the scroll. He barely paused to consider the warnings. What's important right now is starting, he reasoned, already forgetting about his mother's advice.
The first section of the scroll detailed the foundational stages of cultivation. As Xuan eagerly read through it, he began to form an initial understanding of the process. According to the scroll, cultivation was divided into various stages or realms, with the first being known as "Node Awakening."
In this initial stage, a cultivator needed to attune themselves to the energy that permeated the world—known as qi. Qi was the life force that existed in the air, the earth, and all living things. It was apparently abundant and ever-present, yet the normal human body was supposedly inherently resistant to it
I can do this, Xuan thought, settling into a cross-legged position. His usual carefree demeanor gave way to concentration, though it was still marked by the energy of a boy more eager than patient. He closed his eyes and focused on his surroundings.
At first, there was nothing—just the faint sound of the wind outside and the steady rhythm of his own breathing. But as he concentrated, something began to shift. It was subtle, like dust particles floating in a sunbeam, barely noticeable unless you really focused.
With his attention honed, Xuan could almost feel it—a faint pressure in the space around him, invisible yet palpable. The atmosphere itself seemed to thicken, dense with the flow of qi surrounding him.
But sensing the qi was only the first step. Once a cultivator became attuned to its presence, they had to carefully guide this energy toward their body. However, in its unrefined state, the body instinctively repelled qi, making it difficult for the energy to penetrate. This is where the process known as Node Unlocking, came into play.
In the Node Unlocking realm, the cultivator had to awaken special points within their body, called nodes, which acted as gateways. These nodes could attract and draw in qi, allowing it to flow into the body where it could then be channeled and used for cultivation. Each node opened a new pathway, making it easier for qi to be absorbed and processed. The more nodes a cultivator unlocked, the greater their ability to absorb qi quickly and efficiently.
The first and most important node was the Heart Node. Unlike the other nodes, which mostly served as mere gateways for qi, the Heart Node was directly connected to a person's bloodline power. By unlocking the Heart Node, the scroll said it would also awaken the latent powers passed down through one's bloodline.
Xuan's heart raced. He had heard stories of cultivators summoning storms, bending the seas, and flying across the skies. His parents were powerful cultivators of their own, each with their own unique abilities. What power would he unlock? Would he be like his father, or like his mother?
Quickly shaking off his wild dreams of power, Xuan refocused on his cultivation. The scroll detailed a specific breathing technique that would allow the surrounding qi to be drawn toward him. He straightened his back and followed the instructions: three short breaths followed by one long, deep inhale. Each breath seemed to pull the qi in the air slightly closer, almost like the air was thickening around him, though invisible to the naked eye.
As he continued the breathing pattern, he felt it—the faintest tingling sensation in the air. Slowly but surely, the qi began to gather toward him, swirling around his body in a subtle, almost imperceptible dance. With each rhythmic breath, the qi was drawn closer and closer, until finally, it began to seep through his skin, entering his body.
The sensation was strange. The qi that entered his body was like a light current, barely tangible but undeniably there. He could feel it drifting just beneath the surface of his skin, not yet under his full control, but responding to his intent. It wasn't much, but he felt a faint connection—a hint of power. With careful concentration, he began to guide the qi toward his chest, following the instructions from the scroll. The Heart Node, he reminded himself, was located directly in the center of his chest.
As the qi moved through his body and eventually reached where Xuan wanted it, he could feel resistance. His chest felt tight, as the qi around the Heart Node was being pushed back, unable to flow freely. It was like trying to push water through a narrow, blocked pipe. He frowned, realizing that just gathering the qi wasn't enough.
Determined, Xuan adjusted his approach. He drew the qi back slightly, gathering it once again. With a deep breath, he guided the qi forward, this time attempting to push it through the resistance in one swift surge. The pressure increased, and he could feel the resistance weakening, but it still wasn't enough.
But Xuan was undeterred. He tried again, drawing the qi back, then sending it forward in a stronger wave and the resistance seemed to give way just a little more. Encouraged, he pulled all the gathered qi back once more, preparing for a final push. He felt the barrier at the Heart Node loosen, almost on the verge of breaking.
Just one more attempt, he thought.
But before he could make his final push, his mother's voice called from downstairs.
"Xuan! Mei! Come quickly, your Uncle Wu is here to visit!"
Xuan jolted, his concentration shattered. The qi that had been building for a final push dispersed leaving him frustrated and breathless. It took him a moment, but he steadied himself, staring down at the scroll in his lap.
But as he looked at the scroll, something unexpected happened. The once-vivid symbols began to fade, their brightness flickering like the last embers of a dying flame. Before Xuan could fully grasp what was happening, the parchment itself began to disintegrate, crumbling into glowing ashes that drifted away on the air. And yet, despite its physical disappearance, the knowledge of the method remained—every instruction, every detail about the nodes, now etched deeply into his mind, as if they had always been there.
Xuan stared in disbelief as the last of the glowing ashes vanished into the air. For a moment, he sat still, trying to grasp what had just happened.
Soon his heart began to race, and a cold sweat broke out across his skin. What just happened? He remembered every detail from the scroll with startling clarity, even parts he hadn't consciously read. It was as if the knowledge had always been there. But how was this possible?
Xuan was once again lost in thought. But just as he began to process the enormity of it, the call from downstairs came again, sharper this time.
"Xuan! Mei! Come on, Uncle Wu is waiting!" His mother's voice snapped him out of his daze.
Forcing himself to set aside the confusion swirling in his mind, he took a deep breath. He would ask his parents about this later. For now, he tucked the remnants of his excitement and frustration away, and got to his feet.
---
Downstairs, Mei's excited giggles rang through the house as she ran toward the main hall, her light footsteps echoing off the wooden floors. Despite the frustration from his interrupted practice, Xuan couldn't help but smile as he watched his sister dash ahead and with a quick breath, he chased after her.
When they reached the main hall, the siblings found Uncle Wu standing beside their parents. His broad frame and commanding presence seemed to fill the room.
„Xuan! Mei! How are my favorite nephew and niece today?" Uncle Wu's voice boomed as he saw the two.
„Great!" Xuan exclaimed as he and Mei rushed towards their uncle, arms outstretched.
Uncle Wu quickly stepped forward, enveloping them both in a hearty bear hug, causing Mei's giggles to bubble up and Xuan to let out a light laugh.
"You two are growing faster every time I see you!" Uncle Wu said as they pulled away again. He ruffled Xuan's hair affectionately, a wide grin still spread across his face.
Xuan grinned in return, feeling a flicker of pride in Uncle Wu's praise. But as his gaze shifted, he caught sight of his father, Lin Tian, who was watching them with a more solemn expression.
„Xuan," Lin Tian interjected the joyous reunion. „did you rush through it?" His tone showed his concern, as he noticed the faint, lingering traces of qi that still clung to Xuan's body.
Xuan jolted a bit before nodding, embarrassment creeping in. "I just... I wanted to unlock the Heart Node as quickly as I could. Nothing happened."
Lin Tian sighed. "Cultivation is not a game, Xuan. Doing anything to your body, without fully understanding it could harm you—sometimes permanently. Qi is powerful, but it is also dangerous. You could have damaged your Heart Node just now, and that would have ended your cultivation journey before it even began." He was regretting, not having properly explained everything earlier. Xuan was still young. He should have expected his impatience.
Xuan's heart sank at his father's words. „But nothing happened right? So I can still cultivate?" He asked quickly.
„Yes. You would have noticed if something went wrong." His father's expression softened slightly, as he stepped towards Xuan to confirm with his own senses anyways. „You're fine, but-" his voice remained firm. "Remember. You have to gently guide qi. It's a process that takes time. Don't force the qi to open your nodes. That would be like trying to smash through a wall with your bare hands. It's reckless."
He placed a hand on his shoulder. "Patience and discipline are just as important as strength."
Xuan shivered. Maybe he should have waited. And maybe he shouldn't have skipped through the manual like that. But he had been so eager to start cultivating that he had glossed over everything. As his father's words lingered in his mind, he promised himself that he would take the time to fully understand the method later.
The nearby Lady Yun then followed up. "The correct way, Xuan, is to guide qi gently, not forcefully. Qi is not something you can bend to your will by sheer strength. Instead of trying to break through the resistance, you need to start small, by guiding the qi around the area where the node is located. You ease the flow around the Heart Node, gently wearing away at the resistance. Over time, the qi will naturally push through as the resistance weakens."
She paused, then added, "Think of it like smoothing a rough stone with water. It takes time, but eventually, the surface becomes smooth, and the water can flow freely. This is why cultivation requires patience. You're not fighting against the qi—you're working with it."
His father further explained, "Once the qi naturally flows through your body and reaches the node, it will open on its own, without the need for force." They wanted to use this chance to teach their son more.
Xuan nodded, absorbing his parents' words. But before he could dwell on his thoughts any longer, Uncle Wu's hearty laughter echoed from the hall, cutting through the air like a burst of sunshine. "Don't act like you didn't do the same at his age!" he teased with a wide grin, causing both his parents to exchange slightly embarrassed glances.
The mood lightened for a moment, but Uncle Wu's expression soon shifted to something more serious. He straightened up, his tone becoming more measured. "The patriarch sent me," he announced. "He asked me to bring Xuan to meet some of the budding Kun bloodline. His birthday seems like the perfect opportunity to introduce him to our side of the family."
"Dad did?" Lady Yun blinked in surprise.
Uncle Wu chuckled. "It seems he's taking a keen interest in Xuan's development."
Xuan's eyes widened with excitement at the thought of meeting more of his mother's side. He had heard a lot about them, but never actually met them. But before he could say anything, Mei spoke up, her voice filled with determination. "I want to go too!"
A hint of reluctance slipped through Uncle Wu's eyes, "This trip is meant for Xuan, Mei," he said kindly, but with a firmness that left little room for argument.
But Mei wasn't so easily deterred. "We always go together! I want to meet them too!" Her voice was full of determination, and she clung to Xuan's arm.
„Haha". Lady Yun smiled at her daughter's persistence and shared a fond look with Lin Tian. "Take them both, Wu," she said, her tone warm but leaving no room for debate. "They're inseparable." She chuckled. „Besides, it'll save you the trouble when Mei's birthday comes."
Uncle Wu hesitated, his smile faltering for just a second before he recovered. "That's true," he admitted, with a thoughtful nod. "It won't take long. I'll bring them back before dinner."
Standing nearby, Lin Tian glanced up and asked with mild curiosity, "That fast?"
"Of course!" Uncle Wu's grin widened. „I'm only taking them to Moonlit Lake after all," he replied casually, his tone implying there was no reason for concern.
For a moment, Lady Yun and Lin Tian exchanged puzzled glances. But after a brief pause, understanding dawned on their faces, and a knowing smile spread across their lips as they recalled Uncle Wu's bloodline ability. They both silently wondered amused what kind of expressions their children would have when they saw what Uncle Wu had planned.
Meanwhile, Xuan and Mei stood by, utterly confused. Moonlit Lake was a place they had visited many times, usually just a spot for family outings. Why would Uncle Wu take them there now?
"We'll wait here and prepare dinner," Lady Yun added, her tone light, though her eyes held a flicker of concern. The Patriarch's sudden interest in Xuan was weird. She and Lin Tian would need to discuss its implications. With a warm smile, she turned to her children, "And don't give Uncle Wu too much trouble, alright?"
---
The path to Moonlit Lake was familiar, with well-trodden trails winding through the forest. The scent of pine and wildflowers filled the air, and the occasional rustle of leaves added to the tranquil atmosphere. Xuan and Mei walked beside their uncle, their curiosity growing with each step.
"Uncle Wu, why are we going to the lake again?" Xuan asked, his brows furrowed. "We've been there so many times."
Mei nodded in agreement, her small face scrunched up in confusion. "Yeah, what's so special about today?"
Uncle Wu chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "You'll see," he said, a teasing smile on his face. "Be patient, both of you."
Xuan exchanged a glance with Mei, both still unsure but slightly more intrigued. As they continued, Xuan's thoughts wandered back to cultivation, to the near-success he'd felt earlier when he was about to unlock his first node. His heart beat a little faster as he remembered how close he'd come to discovering his divine ability.
"Uncle Wu," Xuan began hesitantly, "I was really close to unlocking my first node today... What do you think my ability will be like? Do you think it'll be as amazing as father's or mother's?"
Uncle Wu's expression shifted, his smile fading into something more thoughtful. He stroked his beard slowly, taking a moment before responding. "No one can say for sure what you will unlock... but..."
The smile on Uncle Wu's face shifted, replaced by a more thoughtful expression. He stroked his beard slowly, taking a moment to respond. "No one can say for sure what ability you'll unlock," he said, his tone measured. After a brief pause, he continued, "But… there is an old saying," he began again, this time more seriously, "that the ability you awaken reflects your deepest desire at that moment. Whatever it is that you want the most… that's what might shape your power. But no one really knows if that's true."
Xuan fell silent, his mind swirling. What was his deepest wish? He couldn't quite pin it down, and as they walked, he became absorbed in his own thoughts.
Then after a moment, Uncle Wu spoke again. "Cultivation is full of surprises, Xuan. You'll see soon enough." His tone a bit different this time.
The subtle change in Uncle Wu's tone pulled Xuan back from his thoughts as he turned towards him. There was something in his voice, something in his eyes, that felt... distant. Like he wasn't really talking about abilities, but something else entirely.
---
When they arrived at the lake, the midday sun reflected off the water's surface, casting a shimmering light that made everything feel enchanted. The lake was calm, surrounded by towering trees, their leaves rustling gently in the breeze. The children, familiar with the spot, exchanged confused glances—there didn't seem to be anyone else here. What was so special about this place today?
Without notice Uncle Wu stepped forward, motioning for Xuan and Mei to stay back. "Stand here for a moment," he said.
With a deep breath, Uncle Wu raised his hands and traced his fingers over the surface of the lake. The water rippled in response, parting to form a shimmering tunnel that seemed to stretch into the distance.
Xuan, wide-eyed and filled with awe, couldn't help but ask, "Uncle Wu… is that the divine ability you awakened?"
A shimmering passage had formed on the water's surface. Through the tunnel swam creatures the likes of which neither Xuan nor Mei had ever seen before. They were large, majestic beings, part fish, part dragon, with long, flowing fins and iridescent scales that reflected shades of blue and silver. Their eyes were a deep blue as they moved gracefully through the shimmering passage into the lake.
Uncle Wu chuckled, shaking his head. "No, Xuan. This isn't an awakened ability. It's the innate divine ability—Aquatic Gate—that Kun with strong bloodlines naturally unlock. It allows me to connect two bodies of water to each other."
Frowning slightly, Xuan tilted his head in confusion. "So can I unlock this ability too?"
A more serious expression crossed Uncle Wu's face as he stroked his beard thoughtfully. "No," he explained, "innate divine abilities are unique to pure-blooded beasts with strong lineages, like the Kun or the Peng. They are born with them, a fundamental part of their very being. For instance, all true Kun awaken the Aquatic Gate because it's tied to their blood."
Hearing that, Xuan's excitement dimmed slightly, and he glanced down. "So, I can't have one because I'm not a pure beast…"
With a reassuring hand on Xuan's shoulder, Uncle Wu offered him a warm smile. "That's right, but don't let that discourage you. Being human has its own advantages, like a deeper connection to the world's qi and generally better spiritual talent."
Intrigued by the words, Xuan looked up, a flicker of curiosity returning to his eyes. "But what about me? I'm not just human—I also have beast blood in me."
Uncle Wu nodded, his gaze steady and intent. "Exactly. You have something even rarer—not just one, but two strong beast bloodlines running through you: Kun and Peng. Humans with beast bloodlines, like your father, can awaken divine abilities—Awakened Divine Abilities. So while you might not be able to have an Innate Divine Ability, with your double bloodline, Xuan, you're practically guaranteed to gain an Awakened Divine Ability."
Hearing Uncle Wu's words sparked an idea in Xuan's mind. "So—" he began, but before he could finish his question, Mei's excited voice broke through his thoughts.
"Xuan, look!"
While they had been talking, one of the creatures had swum up to Mei, gently nudging its snout against her, causing her to squeal in surprise and delight. The creature's sleek body shimmered in the water, its movements graceful as it seemed to acknowledge her presence.
Uncle Wu's voice softened, tinged with a knowing smile. "These creatures," he said, "share the same blood running through you. That's why they feel something like kinship towards you. In a way, they're your distant cousins."
Stunned, Xuan's earlier confusion melted away. These were the Kun they had intended to introduce him to, and now it all made sense why they had come to this lake. Uncle Wu's innate divine ability was the key to everything. A slow smile spread across his face, as he watched the creatures move gracefully through the water, Xuan felt an inexplicable sense of connection—as if, on some deep, instinctual level, they recognized him.
But before he could fully take it in, a distant cry pierced the tranquil scene. A roar—deep and primal—echoed from the forest, causing the ground to tremble slightly beneath their feet.
Startled, Xuan whipped his head toward the source of the roar. As he did, his eyes flicked past Uncle Wu's face, who didn't even flinch at the sound—his expression remained calm and deliberate, as if he had expected it. For a brief moment, Xuan could have sworn he saw the corners of his mouth curve into the faintest hint of a smile.
"Stay here," Uncle Wu instructed firmly, his voice steady and reassuring. "Take care of each other, and spend some time getting to know the baby kun." He had already begun moving before his voice had fully settled in the air. As he slipped into the forest, he called back, "I'll be right back," leaving the siblings alone by the lake.
Xuan stood there momentarily, processing Uncle Wu's sudden departure, but quickly turned his attention back to the lake. Mei was still laughing and playing with the young kun, her giggles harmonizing with the gentle lapping of the water against the shore. For a moment, everything felt so calm, so familiar—until it didn't.
At first, it was subtle—a flicker of unease. The creature Mei had been playing with began to move differently, its once-fluid motions growing erratic, and it looked up as if in respose to the roar. Xuan blinked, trying to shake the strange feeling that crept into his chest.
And then he saw it.
The creature's large, expressive eyes, once a serene blue, had shifted—glowing an eerie, unnatural red. For a moment, he didn't understand. Its mouth was opening. Wider and wider. Sharp, gleaming teeth began to emerge from its jaw, flashing unnaturally in the light. The red in its eyes deepened, taking on a sinister hue.
Xuan's heart started pounding in his chest. At first, he just stared, his mind struggling to process the sudden shift.
"Mei," he called, his voice uncertain at first. She didn't hear him, her laughter still ringing out, her back turned to the creature.
Then, the full horror unfolded. The creature's sharp teeth stretched out, its eyes glowing an intense red. Its once-friendly nudge had transformed into a lethal threat. Xuan's throat tightened in panic.
"Mei! Move!" he shouted again, this time with desperation, his voice cutting through the air.
In that instant, the peaceful lake turned into a nightmare.