Li Wei continued his training, practicing his new abilities in the evenings. As he got stronger, he noticed changes in the world around him. The earth felt alive, and the breeze seemed to whisper secrets.
One afternoon, while gathering vegetables in the family garden, Li Wei saw a group of villagers gathered near the central square. Curiosity got the better of him, and he walked over to see what was happening.
A traveling merchant was setting up a stall, filled with colorful fabrics and strange trinkets. He was speaking loudly to draw in the crowd.
"Come and see! I bring treasures from faraway lands! Magic items to change your life!" he announced, waving his hand over his display.
Li Wei felt wary, but as he watched, he saw villagers stepping forward, eager to see what the man had to offer.
"What do you have that's magical?" a villager said.
The merchant held up a small, ornate box. "This can reveal your true potential! Just open it, and you'll see!"
Li Wei stepped closer, intrigued. A small girl broke away from her mother and ran toward the merchant. "I want to see!" she yelled, eyes shining.
The merchant tried to stop her, but she opened the box, releasing a flash of light that filled the square. Mist surrounded the girl, and for a moment, she floated above the ground, surrounded by glimmering lights.
The merchant quickly moved to the girl, panic in his eyes. "Close it! Close the box!" he urged.
Li Wei stepped forward, feeling a sense of urgency. He remembered the warning from the cave: magic could be unpredictable. He reached out his hand toward the box. "Close it, and focus on the ground!"
The girl nodded, and with trembling hands, closed the box. The mist vanished, and the ground returned to normal.
The villagers sighed in relief, and the merchant looked stunned. "How did you do that?" he asked Li Wei.
"I just... focused," Li Wei replied, feeling modest.
The merchant nodded, eyes glinting with interest. "Your energy is strong. You could be a great cultivator one day. Have you considered traveling to find a master?"
Li Wei shook his head. "I have responsibilities here. I need to help my family."
The merchant nodded, but continued to look at Li Wei with curiosity.
As the crowd dispersed, the girl's mother rushed over, embracing her. Li Wei watched, realizing how powerful magic could be and how important it was to control it.
That night, Li Wei held the crystal tightly in his hand. "I will learn," he promised softly. "And I will protect what's important."
Li Wei settled in for sleep, He thought "I need to get stronger..."