[Huo Lian]
Huo Lian stood on the palace training grounds, bathed in the soft glow of the morning sun. At ten years old, she had reached the fifth stage of Qi Gathering, having opened fifty meridians. This stage was a significant milestone, placing her among the elite ranks of the kingdom's military. Her body was lean and powerful, every muscle honed to perfection, and her mind was sharp and focused, always ready for the next challenge.
Qi Gathering was the initial stage of cultivation, where practitioners opened their meridians to harness and refine their inner qi, the mystical energy that flowed through all living things. The stage had ten levels, each representing the opening of ten meridians, culminating in a hundred meridians. Huo Lian had reached the fifth stage, her power and agility far surpassing those of ordinary martial artists. She could now fight five hundred martial artists with ease, her skills and power putting her at the level of a Sergeant in the military hierarchy.
In the kingdom's military system, cultivation levels were directly tied to military ranks. Martial artists, those in the initial stages of Qi Gathering, held the lowest ranks, from recruits to corporals. Qi Gathering cultivators, like Huo Lian, were considered sergeants to lieutenants, their abilities making them invaluable leaders on the battlefield. Foundation Establishment cultivators, who refined their body parts, held ranks from captains to colonels, while Core Formation cultivators, the most powerful, were the generals and chieftains, commanding entire armies and shaping the fate of the kingdom. Huo Lian had once heard soldiers saying her father was at the last stage of Core Formation, but such a level was too far for her to even imagine.
Huo Lian's eyes scanned the palace grounds as she walked, her leather boots barely making a sound on the cobblestone paths. The grandeur of the palace, with its towering walls and intricate carvings, was lost on her. She had grown accustomed to its splendor, seeing it more as a cage than a home. The guards and servants she passed paid her no heed, their eyes avoiding hers, their expressions blank. She was the daughter of Huo Long, the formidable ruler of the Northern Huo Dynasty, yet she was treated as an invisible presence.
She approached a small treasure vault, its entrance guarded by two Qi Gathering cultivators. She could feel the limits of their cultivations. Both were at the second stage. Defeating them would be a simple matter for her. She had a small cold smirk on young, childish face. The guards stiffened as she neared but did not challenge her. They could feel the apathy radiating off her, they felt it would be better not to interfere with Huo Lian. With a deft movement, she unlocked the heavy iron door and stepped inside. The vault was a small, dimly lit room, filled with various treasures and artifacts. Her eyes fell on a dozen Spirit Stones and a sharp short sword. Spirit Stones were precious, containing condensed qi that could aid in cultivation. The short sword, made of refined steel, glinted in the faint light. She slipped the stones into a pouch at her waist and took the sword, feeling its balanced weight in her hand.
Satisfied, she left the small vault and headed toward a much larger one, its entrance guarded by five Foundation Establishment cultivators. She could feel only part of their strength. She felt as if she was looking up at the mountain, able to see the base but the peak remained clouded above. She believed that any one of these guards would be able to crush her with their will alone, not even having to lift a finger. These guards were clearly too formidable, they stood like statues, their gazes fixed forward. Huo Lian stopped in front of the vault. The larger vault held treasures of immense value, including high-grade Spirit Stones, ancient texts, and powerful weapons. She knew the guards would not open it for her; her status, despite her abilities, did not grant her access. She turned around and continued walking.
As she walked she saw many large men walking into a room. She could not even feel the presence of the men in front of her. They felt like an illusion to her perception. But their large massive bodies covered her vision and the sounds of their heavy boots rang like thunder in her ears. As she approached the door. She saw a glimpse of her father standing in the middle of the room feasting with his subordinate with a wine glass in his hand. Once the last man left the guard slammed the door shut, not even sparing her a single glance. Without a word, she turned and walked away, her footsteps echoing softly in the quiet hallway. The rejection stung, but she pushed the feeling aside. She had learned long ago that power was the only currency that mattered. She would continue to grow stronger, and one day, no door would remain closed to her.
As she made her way to the dining hall, the aroma of food filled the air, a tantalizing mix of spices and roasted meats. She entered the hall and took her seat at the long, elaborately set table. The servants and maids moved swiftly, their movements precise and efficient. They presented her with a beautiful meal, a feast of various dishes made from cultivating beasts. These beasts, imbued with qi, provided immense benefits when consumed. They enhanced one's strength, vitality, and cultivation speed, making them highly prized.
Huo Lian ate in silence, the energy coursing through her body with each bite. The meat was tender and rich, the side dishes perfectly balanced to complement the main course. The maids refilled her water cup without a word, their eyes downcast, their movements a blur. The meal was luxurious, yet was tasteless and cold. She was surrounded by opulence but starved for the respect and acknowledgment she craved.
After eating her fill, she pushed the plates away and stood up, her expression unreadable. The maids quickly cleared the table, their actions swift and practiced. Huo Lian left the dining hall, her mind already focused on her next goal. Today she will venture into the city.
[Zhen Jian]
Zhen Jian and his father, Zheng Wei, were enjoying a hefty breakfast, as they often did. The morning sun bathed their small, cozy kitchen in a warm glow, making the wooden table and chairs look almost golden. The aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling bacon filled the air. Wei's booming laughter echoed through the room, mingling with Jian's cheerful giggles as they shared stories and jokes.
As Wei took a sip of his tea, he looked at Jian with a smile. "Son, we're going to have to go into the city to sell our vegetables today. Would you like to come along?"
Jian's eyes lit up with excitement. "Of course, Father! I'd love to!"
After finishing their meal, they headed outside to their farm. The cart they used for transporting vegetables was enormous, so large that it looked like a small house on wheels. Its wooden frame was sturdy and well-crafted, built to withstand the weight of their bountiful harvest.
The cart had no animal to pull it. Wei, with his immense strength, had always insisted on pulling it himself. "Why bother the animals when I can do it?" he would say with a hearty laugh. Jian admired his father's strength and always enjoyed watching him pull the cart effortlessly.
Jian climbed on top of the cart, finding his usual spot among the vegetables. Wei and Jian laughed and made conversation as they prepared to leave. As they started their journey, Wei stopped laughing for a moment, a wistful look crossing his face.
"Your mother, Mei, used to climb onto the cart just like you do," Wei said softly. "She'd joke around and make the journey so much fun."
A single tear rolled down Wei's cheek, but he continued to laugh, the memory bittersweet. Jian, sensing the depth of his father's emotions, asked, "Father, how much did you love Mother?"
Wei stopped the cart and sighed, looking up at the sky. "She was the breath of my life," he said quietly. "Then you were born, and that breath became two. But the gods couldn't let a common man have so many breaths of life in one body, or he might become a god himself!" He chuckled, wiping away the tear.
Jian laughed too, his father's silly joke lightening the moment. They continued their journey, the cart rumbling along the dirt road towards the capital city.
As they arrived at the bustling city, Jian's eyes widened in amazement. The busy streets were filled with people, the air alive with the sounds of chatter, laughter, and the clattering of horse-drawn carriages. Tall buildings lined the streets, their colorful facades adorned with intricate designs. Jian was fascinated by the new sights and sounds, but his heart always belonged to their farm.
Wei's massive frame and loud laugh made people step aside, clearing a path for them. They easily found a spot in the market and set up their stall, arranging the fresh vegetables in neat, inviting piles.
"Son, if you want to wander around, feel free to do so," Wei said, patting Jian on the back.
But Jian shook his head. "I like the city, Father, but my paradise will always be our home. And my home is with you."
Wei smiled, his heart swelling with pride. They waited for customers, but an hour passed, and no one came to buy their vegetables. Wei scratched his head, puzzled. The vegetables were in pristine condition, just freshly picked. The water droplets on them had not even dried, so why were people not buying them?
Then, they noticed a cute little girl with medium-length brown hair staring at a bright green apple. Wei laughed loudly, thinking she was the same age as Jian. His laughter caught everyone's attention, making some drop what they were holding and start sweating out of fear.
He handed Jian a few apples in a bag and said, "Son, go give the girl some apples. She looks like she wants them."
Jian looked ahead and asked, "That pretty girl with brown hair?"
Wei laughed harder, patting his son's back. "Yes, good lad, that one. Go on, she looks like she might be hungry."
Jian smiled, took the bag, and walked up to the little girl. Usually, girls were taller than boys of the same age, but Jian was slightly taller than her. He smiled and approached the girl, raising the bag to her.
"These are the best apples in the world. Please, have some!" he said with a goofy grin.
His speech made everyone around them laugh. The girl's eyes widened in shock at his actions. She grabbed the bag and said, "Thank you," in a quiet voice, bowing and turning away.
Jian laughed and waved his hand, yelling, "Come back again in three months! We'll have more delicious fruits and vegetables!"
The girl stopped and nodded without facing him. Seeing the kind interaction between the father and son and the small girl, more people had the courage to approach their stall. Soon, the cart was emptied, and it was time to go back.
Wei laughed the whole time, thinking it was a very pleasant outing with his son. Jian also laughed, thinking about the girl's small smile. Maybe giving her more fruits and vegetables would make her smile even bigger next time.
As they made their way back home, the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the fields. Jian and Wei walked side by side, their hearts full of warmth and contentment. The city was exciting, but their true paradise was their home, where they could share these precious moments together.