Shen Strider, Joane Armanci

After all the students assumed their positions on the meditation mats and read the introductory section of the Cultivation of Flow: Skin Stage booklet, the teacher captured their attention by giving new instructions.

 "Very well, first close your eyes and try to focus on sensing the Flow," instructed the teacher. "The Flow is something natural that permeates all things. It shouldn't be difficult for you to notice its presence, but you need to calm your hearts and quiet your minds."

"Allow the Flow to reveal itself to you. Don't try to imagine 'absorbing' something from the atmosphere into your bodies. Instead, envision yourselves enveloped by an omnipresent force in our world, allowing the natural touch of the Flow to come to you."

"When you feel the contact of the Flow more distinctly, it means you are entering a state of Flow Attunement and are ready to begin the breathing exercises you learned from the booklet." After explaining the first part, the teacher scanned the room, making eye contact with all 40 present students before continuing. "Remember: Do not attempt to force the Flow inward!"

"First: You might inadvertently lose control over how much Flow you're trying to absorb, leading to an overload in your bodies. Such an overload could prove fatal and prematurely end your journey in Flow Cultivation." At that moment, the entire room fell into complete silence. "Second: If you forcefully manipulate the Flow according to your will, you risk retaliation from the Flow itself, potentially leaving you disabled at the very least. And in some cases, it could cost you your life."

"Remember what we discussed about the Flow earlier: The Flow doesn't react well to deprivation or forced control. The reason we can use the Flow for our own cultivation lies in the fact that our bodies were once formed from it, and we learn to enhance our synchrony with the Flow."

The students hung on every word of the teacher. It was no secret that lives had been lost in the attempt to tread the Path of Flow Cultivation without proper guidance.

After these instructions, the professor nodded. "You may begin."

Within the first few minutes, it became evident which of the 40 students had greater aptitude for Flow Cultivation and who faced challenges.

Kizaer sat next to Ciona, eyes closed. Ciona, on the other hand, already showed signs of attuning to the Flow within the initial minutes, handling it with ease. Some students around her gradually entered the state of Flow Attunement.

Among the present students, a few stood out for their speed in achieving Flow Attunement. Approximately 27 out of the 40 students displayed their abilities.

Shen Strider and Joane Armanci, who were seated just behind Kizaer and Ciona, were already fully immersed in their state of Flow Attunement.

Shen Strider was a boy of about 10 years old, with a slightly robust build. He wore high-quality gray martial arts clothing, emphasizing his origin from a successful family.

Shen had dark mist-purple hair, and what stood out most were the long white strands on the sides, swept back. His gray eyes conveyed a sense of heroism, confidence, and bravery.

Shen's skin was neither pale nor sun-kissed, suggesting that he spent hours under strict tutelage and prolonged reading.

Joane Armanci, on the other hand, was a 9-year-old girl. Her wavy hair cascaded over her shoulders, reaching her arms, and was a striking turquoise color. Joane's eyes were indigo blue, and her gaze held no fear.

Joane's face was diamond-shaped, each feature perfectly symmetrical, as if sculpted by fairies. Her small nose aligned with her full, reddish lips. Her bronzed skin hinted at her enjoyment of spending leisure time outdoors.

Joane wore a simple leather ensemble that accentuated her beauty without revealing any vulgarity. Her entire demeanor exuded an intense desire for adventure and exploration of the unknown.

Apart from Shen and Joane, other students from relatively important backgrounds also stood out in that moment.

Despite the Free Feather Martial Arts School being entirely dedicated to individuals who lack the means or resources to study and learn the path of Flow Cultivation, many families that could afford private tutelage for their children preferred to send them under the care of Venerable Director Ling. The reason? Venerable Ling has always been compassionate and open-minded. Those who study under his guidance are not obligated to commit to any political alliances or forced servitude to influential households, as is the case in other educational institutions.

Obviously, like Ciona, Shen, and Joane, the other students had already received private tutelage at home, giving them an advantage at the starting line of the cultivation race.

These students consistently demonstrated higher concentration abilities and superior aptitudes compared to their less privileged peers.

And what is Venerable Director Ling's opinion on this practice? "An environment that fosters better growth and development for my students." Considering that the students would interact with others from different social classes and financial backgrounds, they would gain a preview of what to expect in adulthood and the world beyond the school walls. Additionally, they could build trust and mutual companionship, further enhancing the chances for less privileged students to carve out a space during adulthood—whether by competing for resources or serving influential families through relationships with their heirs.

 In this controlled school environment, conflicts inevitably arose, but they could be resolved through mutual cooperation, commercial and labor agreements, supervised direct combat, and the exchange of training services, mentorship, protection, or other resources among the students. All of this occurred under the watchful eyes of the rotating supervisors within the institution.

Attacking each other without reason is strictly prohibited. Challenging each other to an open duel, however, is encouraged. After all, the world belongs to the strong, and Venerable Ling would be remiss not to foster competition for strength, resources, and status within his institution.