Little human amidst high mountains(End of volume 1)

On a cold mountain, what seemed to be a 9-year-old child dressed in some heavy winter clothes was currently looking around, confused.

The boy only looked around the place for a few seconds before staring at the empty air.

This took even less time, taking less than 2 seconds for him to look away. This time to the North, with a confident look he started to walk.

Thankfully, today was a very clear day, so the child's way was rather easy.

On the way, he made many "strange movements" as if he wasn't really used to his own body. He stretched, lifted some big rocks, inhaled, and exhaled, this was definitely not your usual child unless it's normal for children to lift 80 Kg.

As he ran throughout the snowy mountain towards lower grounds, the kid maintained a very steady breathing, even if it meant wasting precious energy.

After a few hours of traveling from mountain to mountain, the child finally found itself in front of a large running river, its first real challenge. His destination was beyond it, but how to cross a large river with a powerful current in such a cold environment? Even if the poor youngster passes through it, he will die due to hypothermia.

The child then proceeded to do something rather illogical. It put its foot in the running water after removing its boots. And as expected, his feet met with the cold water. But the child didn't even wince. What a brave kid.

The youngster then stayed like that for a few minutes, breathing in… And out. Faster and faster in a better and controlled way. for a minute, ten minutes, 12… When finally something changed, a small ripple emerged from the water, but he didn't move his feet, what happened?...

…

At the same time in a dimly lit, dusty room a very old man sat immovable in a cushion, in fact, if one were to look at him quickly, they might confuse him for a statue.

The old man's breathing was almost non-existent, and a normal person wouldn't even be able to perceive it, but he was breathing at a constant pace. His body gave the illusion as if it was glowing.

The seemingly meditating elderly man slowly moved his left hand towards his other one, tracing a long line in it as if in instinct. His right hand even showed a long line in it, as if he had performed this same movement countless times.

After he finished the movement, he suddenly opened his eyes. He adjusted his body and got up, throwing dust into the surroundings, but none got into his clothes.

He stretched a little making his old joints crack but after this movement, his body suddenly had a more majestic look. As if he had gotten a few years younger.

-... Is this my final task? He said sternly.

He walked to a heavy stone door, and with one hand he pressed his palm into it.

He exhaled and inhaled. His body seemed to glow and with a small movement, the door jerked open, throwing even more dust into the air. This old man was certainly not senile, considering the amount of physical strength needed for this act.

He took a step into the dark corridor outside of his room and grimaced at the terrible state this once holy ground of training has become after the war 40 years ago. Its after-effects showing even after so long.

-We need more disciples. What is that stupid disciple of mine doing? Has he not abandoned that stupid mentality of his? I went into seclusion for a few years and nothing has changed…

Slowly the old man walked to the outside, for not even a moment did he see a disciple.

I know the art is difficult, but it shouldn't be that hard to find at least 10 or so candidates every generation… Focus now, there is a bigger issue to handle first, I can discipline my disciple later.

Finally outside he looked towards his temple, now in considerable need of repair.

Hum… Only the older area is in dire need of repair, the main areas are perfectly fine. But this doesn't mean he should forget about this area, it holds a very historic and cultural value to us.

I am losing focus again. I am already so old?... I will care about this later.

He then went to the very long stairs that connect the top, older section, with the lower, newer section.

Thousands of stairs greeted his eyes, but he didn't even flinch.

The stairs were very narrow, and they looked angulated somewhat. How was someone supposed to climb then? They were even shining, showing how well made and slippery they were.

-The three thousand steps. Once a very easy challenge to me, but now… I can go down but with my body, I will never be able to climb back up without help. Sigh, time is truly the final line.

He looked back to the temple which was his home for many decades. He trained many disciples there.

After he said his goodbyes to his abode. Taking a step forward, instead of falling to his death, the old man started to slide slowly step by step. Golden light could be seen in his feet.

…

In the beautiful view of the cold mountain, untouched by men, one could see a small child swimming at very fast speeds in a cold river. The currents are strong enough to move even a car, and coupled with the river dept, how is it possible that the child is still swimming in a straight line?

Behind the child was a small raft with a pack of clothes and a backpack.

Upon reaching the other side of the river, the child immediately threw a bunch of sticks and leaves and lit up a fire. And in a few minutes, he was dry. The child trembled very slightly in the process. Is this child human?

Putting on his clothes the little kid proceeded in his adventure beyond the mountains.

A few more hours passed and soon the sun started to set, it was time to rest and hide for the prey animals, but it was the time to hunt and feed for the predators.

The child looked at the sky and saw the full bright moon that was rising into the sky. The night's visibility was much lower than in the day, but the child moved as if it was the day. Avoiding falls and pointy rocks.

/SIZZ/

A small sizzling sound came from the side, it was a rather big rattlesnake.

The youngster merely picked a small rock and threw it at the snake's head.

/PUTCHI!/

That was the last thing the snake saw.

Going to the snake and picking its headless carcass now, the little boy continued in his adventure, while trying to cope with the twisting body of the snake he just killed.

A few more hours in, it was now in the very middle of the night, with the moon high up, visibility couldn't be better for him.

He had finally decided to take a rest when his stomach started to rumble. So repeating his previous actions he lit up a bonfire and skinned the snake.

The snake flesh sizzled in the red flames. Its alluring smell spread into the surroundings…

The boy picked another rock, this time throwing it at a bush without even looking.

A big bear started to run away while whining. Blood could be seen on its head.

The boy never stopped breathing rhythmically. It was clear he was getting better at it.

These "peaceful" days repeated two more times, and finally, on his third day of adventure, the boy found what he was looking for: A majestic monastery hidden in a valley between the mountains.