The Path Of A Cultivator

Four years had passed since Fang Hao became Yu Rui's disciple. Approaching the age of 15, he was about to face his first real battle with a beast.

Despite his desire to learn more techniques, Yu Rui recognized that his current realm was too low for further advancement.

She advised him to concentrate on learning that single array diagram, aiming to increase its power and speed.

Fang Hao understood her perspective and agreed. He diligently practiced every day, expending the necessary spiritual qi to form one circle.

Now in the late stage of the Shell realm, Fang Hao's body had grown significantly stronger, almost three times its previous size.

He reckoned his strength was approximately twice that of an average human on Earth, and he was only 14 years old.

Cultivation proved to be both tedious and draining, yet gradually he achieved the ability to form two circles before depleting his spiritual qi. This was a significant accomplishment.

The day to fight the beast was approaching, and he couldn't wait any longer. As he gazed at the pillar before him, he noticed numerous small cuts from his array, and even more beside them. While his aim was still slightly off, he was improving at an astonishing speed.

He had also mastered the sword art, becoming proficient in using the lotus as a defensive technique after two years of practice, as instructed by his master.

Her plan was for Hao to learn the offensive technique before facing the challenge of the beast, which was why it had taken so long.

Today marked the final step. With his eyes closed, he focused on understanding the technique. Standing up, he swung the sword, sending spiritual petals flying in a direction to attack the pillar, resulting in a satisfying 'clink' sound.

Excitement coursing through him, he opened his eyes and clenched his hand, then turned to face Yu Rui, who had been observing. Seeing her nod in approval, he felt a sense of accomplishment.

"Finally," Hao muttered to himself with a grin as he approached her. He knew that real experience was about to begin.

"Hao, do you understand why I wanted you to learn the sword art?" Yu Rui asked, her gaze focused on her disciple.

"Why? Couldn't you have taught me another array technique?" Hao asked, a hint of confusion in his voice.

"I could have, but it would have been pointless. Your current abilities can't handle more than two casts of that beam. While it may be stronger than your sword art, it consumes a lot more energy," she explained.

"Another reason is that I wanted you to focus on learning the formations in the book. I've noticed that you're already able to form the first one: the defensive and mist formations. You're about halfway to mastering it," she paused, a sense of satisfaction evident in her expression.

It pleased her to see Hao successfully mastering the formation, which was many times more complex than the basic gardening array.

''They are indeed challenging, especially the mist formation. As for the last one, I'm lost on how to start making it,'' Hao admitted, his uncertainty apparent.

''That's normal,'' Yu Rui reassured him. ''First of all, your spiritual qi depletes before you can complete it, leaving the formation unfinished. If you can't set it up in one continuous process, the task becomes even more difficult.''

''Other than that, I also want you to conceal your array talent, at least to some extent. This was instructed by your father, and I had to follow his orders,'' Yu Rui added, a tinge of sadness in her voice as their time together was limited before Hao left for the sect.

''Why? Is it to catch people off guard unexpectedly?'' Hao wondered aloud.

''Yes, that's one reason, but there's more to it. Just remember that while you can display your talent, it's best not to reveal too much, alright?'' Yu Rui responded, hinting at another purpose without delving into details.

''Yes, Master,'' Hao replied solemnly, taking her words to heart.

"Great, today you will face your first beast and then..." Yu Rui's voice trailed off momentarily as she carefully chose her words, her gaze focused on his youthful face.

"And then, you'll have a different challenge to face," she concluded before leaving to summon someone.

''So one just enough to match my energy, but what comes after that? Will I face a formidable opponent?'' Hao's curiosity sparked as he awaited an answer. He watched as Rui returned, accompanied by his father.

''Father,'' he called out, stepping forward to greet him. Since he had been under Rui's guidance, he had only seen his father once more, and that was when he instructed Rui not to teach him more arrays.

''Good, you've grown up,'' his father remarked with a nod. ''Let's go. We'll watch you fight the beast. And there's a surprise in store for you as well.'' Hao couldn't help but smile as his father led him, along with Yu Rui, to another side of the mountain. This was a part of the area he had never ventured into before.

''Mistress,'' a voice addressed him with respect from the void. Hao turned his gaze and saw his mother standing on a mountain, watching their arrival as if she had been expecting them.

''Was Hao a handful for you, my disciple?'' his mother inquired, her expression piqued with curiosity.

Yu Rui assumed a thoughtful expression before responding, ''Not at all, mistress. He was, in fact, an excellent learner. Though... his thoughts are rather unique,'' she added, recalling various instances like when Hao had commented on her robe and his subsequent reply.

''He's always been that way,'' Fang Jing smiled as she gazed at Hao. "Too old to give this old lady a hug?" she remarked, her sadness hidden behind her expression.

''Mom...'' Hao's voice faltered, uncertain of how to react. It had been over 14 years since he had last seen her, more than half of his time on Earth.

Seeing the expression on her son's face, Fang Jing's smile slowly transformed into a sorrowful look. "I understand, Hao. Cultivation is... time-consuming," she said, shaking her head.

Hao observed her face as it turned sorrowful, feeling his heart bleed with a whirlwind of emotions.

Letting out a sigh, he took a step forward and enveloped her in a tight hug, bringing a smile to Fang Jing.

She returned the embrace, her hand gently patting him on the back, reminiscent of the way she used to when he was just a baby.

As he held her, he faintly heard a whispered "thank you," causing a small tear to well up in his eye. The memory of his mother's face from Earth flashed in his mind, he didn't want to lose this one too.

"I'm sorry, Mom," he muttered, his voice trembling as tears poured out, a torrent of emotions that had long been held within him.

The combination of losing his loved ones and not being able to shed tears over their absence, coupled with finally finding a new family and then not seeing them for years, all came crashing down on him.

Fang Jing gazed at her son with an affectionate expression. Her daughter, who had emerged from a 50-year period of closed cultivation, appeared content to see them but retained a sense of reservation.

Fang Jing wondered if a similar transformation would eventually happen to her beloved Hao. She knew that time and experiences would inevitably shape him into someone both familiar and unique, just as it had for her daughter. After all, he had chosen the path of a cultivator.