Chapter Eight: The Sūn Family
A black sudan had arrived to pick them up. The drive to the outskirts of San Francisco was silent, save for the hum of the car engine and the occasional sound of Lily tapping on her phone. Daniel watched the cityscape gradually give way to rolling hills and sprawling estates, his curiosity growing with every mile.
Finally, they arrived at a gated property. Beyond the wrought-iron gates was a sprawling mansion that seemed plucked straight out of ancient China. Its curved rooftops, intricate carvings, and red lanterns glowing softly in the evening light created a surreal contrast against the modern Californian landscape.
"This is your house?" Daniel asked, wide-eyed, as Lily entered a code to open the gate.
"One of them," she said simply, stepping out of the car.
As they walked up the stone path toward the main building, Daniel couldn't help but feel out of place. The air here felt... heavier, almost charged. It reminded him of the energy he had felt inside himself when he first began cultivating.
"This place feels different," he said, glancing around.
Lily smiled faintly. "You're sensitive. That's good. The qi here is denser than most places. It's one of the reasons my family chose this location."
They entered the mansion, and Daniel was immediately struck by its interior. The walls were adorned with silk paintings and calligraphy, and the faint scent of incense lingered in the air. Servants moved quietly through the halls, their eyes flickering toward Daniel with curiosity but no words spoken.
Lily led him to a large room at the heart of the mansion. Inside, an older man sat cross-legged on a raised platform, his posture perfectly straight despite his age. He wore a flowing robe embroidered with golden dragons, and his sharp eyes seemed to pierce right through Daniel.
"Family Head," Lily said, bowing respectfully. "This is Daniel Rivera, the one I told you about."
The man nodded, his gaze never leaving Daniel. "Come closer, boy."
Daniel hesitated but obeyed, stepping forward until he stood a few feet from the platform.
"You've been cultivating for less than a week," the man said, his tone even but laced with curiosity. "And yet Lily tells me you're already at the peak of Skin Refining. Is this true?"
"Yes, sir," Daniel replied, feeling slightly self-conscious under the man's scrutiny.
The Family Head's lips curled into a faint smile. "Interesting. Most take a month to reach that stage. Even Lily here, a genius in her own right, required two weeks. Tell me, how does it feel to cultivate?"
Daniel thought for a moment. "It feels... natural. Like it's something I've always been able to do, but I just didn't know how."
The man's eyes narrowed slightly, as if analyzing every word. "Natural, you say. Perhaps there is something unusual about your body, or your spirit. Either way, I am curious to see just how far your talent extends."
He clapped his hands once, and a servant entered the room, carrying a small wooden box. The servant handed it to the Family Head, who opened it to reveal a small spherical pill, shimmering faintly with an inner light.
"This," the Family Head said, holding the pill between his fingers, "is a Diamond Skin Refining Pill. Most who attempt to use it fail. Their bodies reject its energy, and they suffer greatly as a result. But you..." He studied Daniel carefully. "I believe you may succeed."
"What does it do?" Daniel asked.
"Normally, those who complete Skin Refining achieve what we call Jade Skin. It is resilient, capable of withstanding most ordinary attacks. But if you absorb this pill into your skin, it will transform into Diamond Skin—four times as durable. It is a rare opportunity, but a dangerous one."
Daniel swallowed hard, staring at the shimmering pill. "And you want me to try it?"
The Family Head nodded. "If you truly wish to walk the path of cultivation, you must take risks. Spend tomorrow focusing entirely on absorbing the pill's energy into your skin. If you succeed, your progress will outpace even the most talented cultivators of this new era."
Daniel hesitated, but only for a moment. The thought of becoming stronger, of pushing past his limits, ignited something within him and he could text his grandmother to make sure she wasn't worried.
He reached out and took the pill from the Family Head's hand.
"I'll do it," he said, his voice steady.
The Family Head's smile widened ever so slightly. "Good. Lily will ensure you have a suitable place to meditate. Rest tonight and prepare yourself. Tomorrow will be a turning point."
As Daniel followed Lily out of the room, the weight of the pill in his hand felt almost symbolic—a tangible representation of the path he had chosen.
Whatever challenges lay ahead, he was ready to face them.