The morning air in Minghe Village carried the scent of damp earth and fresh dew. As the first rays of sunlight touched the rooftops, Lei Sheng was already outside, practicing his stances by the riverbank. His movements were more fluid now, his balance more precise. The training was paying off, but the toll it took on his body was undeniable.
He barely noticed how much stronger he had become until his family did.
"Lei Sheng!" His mother's voice rang out as he entered the house, sweat clinging to his brow. "Come help your father with the firewood!"
"Coming!" he called back, wiping his face with his sleeve before heading toward the storage shed.
His father, Lei Jian, was stacking logs beside the house, his strong hands moving with practiced efficiency. When Lei Sheng reached down to lift a bundle, he hoisted it up effortlessly.
His father paused, raising an eyebrow. "Huh. You used to struggle carrying half that much."
Lei Sheng forced a chuckle. "Maybe I'm just growing up."
Lei Jian gave him a skeptical look but said nothing.
His mother, however, wasn't so easily convinced. That evening, as they gathered for dinner, she observed him closely.
"You've been eating less," she noted, passing him a bowl of soup. "And you're always up before dawn. What exactly have you been doing?"
Lei Sheng froze for half a second before answering, "Just exercising. You always say I should be stronger, right?"
His mother narrowed her eyes but let the matter drop for now.
Lei Mei's Suspicion
Later that night, as Lei Sheng stepped out into the backyard to practice, he felt a presence behind him.
"You're terrible at sneaking around, you know," Lei Mei's voice came from the shadows.
Lei Sheng turned sharply to see his younger sister standing by the doorway, arms crossed.
"Mei," he sighed. "What are you doing up?"
"I could ask you the same thing," she shot back. "You've been acting weird for weeks now. I know you're hiding something."
Lei Sheng hesitated. If anyone in the family was sharp enough to see through him, it was Lei Mei. She had always been observant, never missing small details.
"It's nothing," he said, hoping she would drop it.
Lei Mei tilted her head. "You're lying."
There was no point denying it. But before he could come up with an excuse, she let out a small sigh.
"Fine," she said. "If you don't want to tell me, I won't pry."
Lei Sheng blinked. "Just like that?"
She nodded. "I trust you, Brother. If you say it's nothing, I'll believe you. Just… don't do anything reckless, okay?"
Guilt gnawed at him, but he forced a smile. "I won't."
She studied his face for a moment longer, then nodded before heading back inside.
As Lei Sheng watched her go, he clenched his fists.
He hated lying to his family. But he had no choice.
A Conversation of Honor
The next day, Lei Sheng found himself sitting in the pavilion with his grandfather, Lei Zhong. The old man was watching the sunset, sipping his tea slowly.
"You seem troubled, boy," his grandfather said without looking at him. "Something on your mind?"
Lei Sheng hesitated before finally speaking. "Grandfather… what does it mean to have responsibility?"
Lei Zhong chuckled. "That's a heavy question for someone your age. But tell me, what brought this on?"
Lei Sheng stared at the ground. "I've been keeping a secret from my family. Not because I want to deceive them, but because I believe it's for their own good. But… I feel guilty."
His grandfather hummed thoughtfully. "There are many kinds of responsibilities, Lei Sheng. Some are simple providing for one's family, protecting those we love. Others are heavier, requiring sacrifice and wisdom."
Lei Sheng looked up. "But how do you know when a secret is worth keeping?"
Lei Zhong took a long sip of tea before answering. "A secret kept out of fear is a burden. A secret kept out of love… is a duty."
Lei Sheng's breath caught in his throat.
"If you believe what you are doing is truly for the good of your family," his grandfather continued, "then bear that weight with pride. But remember—responsibility isn't just about carrying burdens. It's about knowing when to share them."
Lei Sheng thought about Lei Mei's words the night before. About the trust his family placed in him.
Could he really keep this secret forever?
Lei Zhong patted his shoulder. "Whatever choice you make, make it with honor. And never forget why you walk this path."
Lei Sheng nodded, determination filling his heart.
"I won't, Grandfather."
As the last light of day faded, he made a silent vow.
He would continue training. He would grow stronger.
And when the time was right, he would tell his family everything.
But until then… he would carry this secret alone.
The night air was cool as Lei Sheng sat on the rooftop of his family's home, staring up at the stars. His grandfather's words lingered in his mind, mixing with his own doubts and convictions.
Responsibility. Honor. Strength.
Could he truly balance all of them?
His body ached from the day's training, but he welcomed the pain. It reminded him that he was growing, pushing past his old limits. The cultivation techniques from the scroll were beginning to shape him into something more.
He clenched his fists, feeling the faint pulse of Qi beneath his skin. He was getting stronger.
But strength alone wasn't enough.
He thought of Lei Mei, of the trust she had placed in him. Of his parents, who worked tirelessly to ensure their family's survival. And of his grandfather, whose wisdom had guided him tonight.
He wanted to protect them all.
But to do that, he had to stay on this path no matter how lonely it became.
Taking a deep breath, Lei Sheng stood and stretched. The night was still young, and he had more training to do before the morning came.
With renewed determination, he leaped down from the roof and disappeared into the shadows of the village, ready to continue his silent journey toward strength.
He would not fail.
Not now. Not ever.