5. Seeking Harmony in Silence
Huang Jianfeng taught Yiran the basics of martial arts. According to him, the first step was to get used to perseverance—punching forward with determination while keeping foot movements as natural as possible to maintain balance.
Yiran's fundamentals were actually quite solid, but his movements still looked stiff and unnatural.
"Do it like this," Jianfeng said, punching the air. A faint sound echoed, and when Yiran tried to imitate it, the result was vastly different.
Yiran had followed all the instructions well. He managed to replicate every movement perfectly, even correcting minor mistakes along the way. However, after a while, fatigue started to show on him. Sweat dripped down his face, in stark contrast to Jianfeng, who remained relaxed and composed.
"Don't forget to regulate your breathing properly. Don't force it like this..."
(Regulating my breathing, huh?) Yiran mumbled as he tried to mimic Jianfeng.
Sitting in a lotus position, Yiran took a slow breath and exhaled carefully. At first, he thought he was simply breathing—something that seemed so basic. However, breathing while concentrating with his eyes closed turned out to be far more difficult than breathing normally.
(How long do I have to stay like this...) Yiran thought to himself.
"Don't overthink," Jianfeng said, smacking the back of Yiran's head.
(Why did he hit me? Damn it, I don't understand their language... this is so hard...) Yiran thought again, feeling frustrated.
Enjoying what he was doing while letting his mind flow freely, Yiran didn't feel any pressure from Jianfeng.
In the same position, he sat on the ground. As time passed, his body felt lighter, his mind empty, and the floor beneath him no longer felt real. Yiran felt as if he were floating in outer space, in a vast, empty void.
(...)
Feeling a warm sensation on his back, Yiran ignored it and sank deeper into the tranquility that swayed him.
(Is this what they call emptiness? But strangely, it's calming. I don't feel afraid...)
When he opened his eyes, the day had turned to late afternoon.
Yiran had been meditating since noon.
"You did it..."
(What?)
Jianfeng extended his hand to help him up.
Yiran accepted the hand and stood.
(What is this...)
His body felt incredibly light, all exhaustion gone, as if he were in peak condition.
The sound of clapping made Yiran turn toward its source.
A woman was now approaching, and instinctively, Yiran bowed.
"Relax, Yiran."
He remained bowed until Jianfeng patted his back.
(This is the third time I've seen her...) Yiran thought.
"Sister, did you see that? This is amazing! His concentration is incredible."
"Yes, usually, that's difficult to achieve on the first try, Jianfeng..."
"I need to find someone who can help Yiran understand our language as soon as possible."
"Hah... You need to find the right person to teach him. Besides, even we don't understand the language Yiran speaks, Jianfeng. It's not that simple."
"I know, Sister. But there must be someone who can teach him in their own way, without needing to understand Yiran's language, right? After all, weren't we all like Yiran when we were little?"
"Mmm..." Yue smiled.
Yiran observed their conversation, even though he didn't understand a word of it. From their serious expressions, he felt curious and frustrated that he couldn't grasp a single sentence of what they were saying.
(Hao ba, na wo xian zou le.)
"Well then, I'll be going now," Yue said, smiling at Yiran before leaving.
(Damn it, I don't understand...) Yiran muttered in frustration to himself.