The morning sun crept over the horizon, casting a golden glow over the village of Minghe. The air was cool and fresh, filled with the faint sound of rustling leaves and the gentle flow of the river. Lei Sheng stood at his usual training spot by the riverbank, his breaths measured and deliberate.
He moved through the motions of the Flowing Willow Stance, his arms gliding through the air like branches swaying in the wind. His bare feet shifted across the grass with precision, each step in sync with the rhythm of his breathing. The scroll's teachings were beginning to take root in his body, but the process was slow and grueling.
Sweat dripped down his brow as he focused on the faint warmth of Qi within him, trying to guide it through his limbs. His movements were fluid, but his mind was distracted by the memory of the wild boar encounter. He had used his newfound strength to protect the village, but it was clear that he had only scratched the surface of his potential.
"That's certainly… unusual."
The voice startled him, breaking his concentration. Lei Sheng stumbled, nearly losing his balance. He spun around to see Jiao Lan standing a few feet away, her arms crossed and a raised eyebrow aimed directly at him.
"Jiao Lan!" he blurted, his heart pounding. "What are you doing here?"
"I could ask you the same thing," she said, stepping closer. "You've been sneaking off every morning, and now I find you here… dancing?"
"It's not dancing," Lei Sheng said defensively, brushing dirt off his hands.
"Then what is it?" she asked, her sharp eyes narrowing. "Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you've been practicing something very strange. Care to explain?"
Lei Sheng hesitated. The scroll had been his secret, a treasure he had guarded carefully since discovering the temple. But Jiao Lan's penetrating gaze made it clear that she wasn't going to let this go.
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "All right, but you have to promise not to tell anyone."
Jiao Lan tilted her head. "This sounds serious. Fine, I promise."
Reluctantly, Lei Sheng reached into his satchel and pulled out the scroll. The jade emblem glinted faintly in the morning light as he unrolled it, revealing the intricate diagrams and ancient script.
Jiao Lan's eyes widened. "What is this?"
"It's a scroll I found in an old temple deep in the forest," Lei Sheng explained. "It teaches a cultivation technique called the Jade Soul Path. It's supposed to unlock the power of Qi—the life energy that flows through everything."
She stared at the scroll, her expression shifting between amazement and concern. "Lei Sheng, do you have any idea what you've gotten yourself into? This isn't just some harmless village secret. This… this could be dangerous."
"I know," Lei Sheng said quietly. "But I couldn't ignore it. This is my chance to become stronger, to protect the village. To protect you."
Jiao Lan blinked, taken aback by his sincerity. After a moment, she sighed. "You're as stubborn as ever."
"Does that mean you'll help me?" he asked hopefully.
She rolled her eyes but smiled faintly. "Someone has to make sure you don't get yourself killed. But on one condition: you have to promise me that you'll be careful. No rushing into things without thinking."
Lei Sheng nodded earnestly. "I promise."
---
With their partnership established, the two began to train together. Jiao Lan, though not a cultivator herself, proved to be an invaluable ally. Her sharp eyes and keen instincts allowed her to spot flaws in Lei Sheng's movements, correcting his form and helping him refine his techniques.
"Your stance is too rigid," she said one morning as Lei Sheng practiced the Flowing Willow Stance. "You need to move with the energy, not against it."
Lei Sheng gritted his teeth, adjusting his posture. "It's harder than it looks."
Jiao Lan chuckled. "That's because you're trying to control it too much. Relax. Let your body follow the flow."
Taking her advice, Lei Sheng loosened his movements, allowing his arms to sway more naturally. To his surprise, the warmth of Qi within him seemed to respond, growing stronger and more fluid.
"There," Jiao Lan said with a nod. "Much better."
As the days passed, their training sessions became a routine. Lei Sheng would rise early to practice, with Jiao Lan joining him to provide guidance and encouragement. Though the work was exhausting, it was also deeply fulfilling.
One afternoon, as they rested by the river, Jiao Lan leaned back against a tree and watched Lei Sheng with a thoughtful expression.
"You've really changed," she said suddenly.
Lei Sheng glanced at her, puzzled. "What do you mean?"
"You're… more focused," she said. "More determined. It's like you've found a purpose."
He smiled, staring at the water. "I guess I have. For the first time, I feel like I'm doing something that matters."
Jiao Lan studied him for a moment, then smiled. "Well, just don't let it go to your head. You're still the same Lei Sheng who tripped over his own feet during last year's harvest festival."
Lei Sheng laughed, the sound echoing through the quiet forest. "Thanks for reminding me."
---
Their partnership wasn't without its challenges. One morning, while practicing a new technique called River's Surge Palm, Lei Sheng struggled to channel his Qi into his hands. The technique required precise control, focusing the energy into a concentrated burst.
"You're trying too hard," Jiao Lan said, watching him. "Remember what the scroll says: Qi flows like water. You can't force it. You have to guide it."
"I know," Lei Sheng grumbled, frustration evident in his voice. "But it's not as easy as it sounds."
"Nothing worth doing ever is," she replied, crossing her arms. "Try again."
Taking a deep breath, Lei Sheng closed his eyes and focused. He pictured the river, its currents flowing smoothly and powerfully. Slowly, he felt the warmth of Qi gathering in his palms. When he opened his eyes, his hands glowed faintly, a soft light pulsing from within.
"That's it!" Jiao Lan said, her excitement evident.
Lei Sheng grinned, but the glow faded as quickly as it had appeared. He sighed, shaking his head. "It's still not enough."
"It's a start," Jiao Lan said firmly. "You're getting better every day. Don't be so hard on yourself."
Her words were a balm to his frustration, and he nodded, determination returning to his gaze.
---
As the weeks passed, Lei Sheng's progress became undeniable. His movements grew more fluid, his connection to Qi deeper and more consistent. He could feel the power within him growing, a steady flame that burned brighter with each passing day.
One morning, as they finished a particularly intense session, Jiao Lan turned to him with a serious expression.
"Lei Sheng, have you thought about what comes next?" she asked.
He frowned. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, once you've mastered the basics," she said. "What will you do with this power? You said you want to protect the village, but what happens when people find out? There's bound to be someone who'll want to challenge you, or worse, take what you've learned for themselves."
The weight of her words settled heavily on Lei Sheng's shoulders. He had been so focused on training that he hadn't considered the larger implications of his actions.
"I don't know," he admitted. "But I do know one thing: I'll face whatever comes. I won't let fear stop me from walking this path."
Jiao Lan studied him for a long moment, then nodded. "Just promise me one thing: no matter what happens, don't lose sight of who you are. Power can change people, Lei Sheng. Don't let it change you."
"I won't," he said firmly. "You have my word."
---
As the sun rose higher in the sky, Lei Sheng and Jiao Lan stood side by side, gazing out at the river. Their training was far from over, but together, they felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
For Lei Sheng, the path of cultivation was no longer a solitary journey. With Jiao Lan by his side, he felt stronger than ever, ready to embrace the destiny that awaited him.