Book 2: Chapter 31: Chi Cultivators

Book 2: Chapter 31: Chi Cultivators

The Lord was moved to a different chamber to rest, with the Old Man following behind to look after him. There were still parts of me reeling from shock at the tremendous energy that had been at display in front of my eyes. In front of the Lord’s strength, I was barely a child, not even that, and a single blow from the heavens had brought him down to his knees.

I’d known there would be a long way ahead, and the gap in strength would be vast between me and someone like him, yet it was an entirely different feeling to truly experience that difference, and realise that even he was far from the strongest people of this empire. And that, if I continue to walk my path, one day I may have to stand against them.

As my thoughts continued t o churn, we’d been quickly moved out to a different chamber. None of us had talked much, as Elder Tian Feng had rushed around, working on the repair of the chamber we’d been in, and checking in on the manor. An odd, tense silence had filled the chamber as I’d sensed everyone around me coming to terms with the words I’d shared.

Zhou Fang’s expression had darkened, his mind likely filled with concern towards his father. I felt some guilt from his expression, all of this had been initiated by me, and in some ways, I was responsible for the Lord’s injuries.

Roughly half an hour later - or longer, I had lost track of time in my daze - the Old Man returned to our chamber. I rushed to stand up, my eyes glancing towards Zhou Fang, expecting him to be rushing to know more, but the boy stood up calmly, not showing panic in any form.

“How’s the Lord?” I asked, not waiting for the boy.

“He’s fine. Merely needs some rest to recover,” Old Man said, glancing back towards Zhou Fang, as he nodded lightly.

“Of course he is. Father would not be defeated by a mere divine tribulation,” Zhou Fang said, though I found the words to be more for himself than us.

“I’ve been hearing that word. What even is a divine tribulation?” I asked, glancing at the Old Man.

“A divinity among the barbarians? Isn’t that impossible? How could Barbarians cultivate to such an extent?” Zhou Fang asked, baffled.

“It has happened before, and it can happen again. And it is a more likely story than a boy awakening the trial of the heavens from the truths he’d discovered,” Old Man said.

“I have many things I haven’t spoken about, Lu Jie. Thoughts, and feelings. But I just want you to know, boy, that though I have fears and uncertainties, I trust the Path you walk to be the righteous one.”

I nodded, bowing my head. “It means a lot for me to hear that from you, Master. And I have much yet to learn. For the truth I have shared is merely one of many hidden in the heavens, and I intend to uncover all of them and share them with the world, as I walk my path.”

The Old man nodded. “There is still a task left for you to do. Now that you have shared the truth with all of us, it is your duty to guide these children on the new path you have brought back to life in this world. Take them, and show them the unity you speak of.”

I glanced around at Zhang, Yan Yun, Zhou Fang, and even Yin, whose spirit, despite not having Qi, still reflected the First Law engraved within it. Silently, I nodded, pressing my fists together as I bowed my head.

“As you say, Master.”

“This path... though this Old Man doesn’t dare hope, but perhaps, you can be the salvation my grandson had needed all this time, Lu Jie,” the Old man said, before turning away.

With the heavy words left with me, I turned to face the rest of my group standing behind me, feeling both trepidation and excitement in my heart. It was time to awaken some Chi cultivators.