A Master's Tale

-Then what is the meaning of this? Could really be true what the General said?-

My Master keep looking out of the pagoda, both troubled and relieved -I'm afraid that's the truth... But do not fear. This is why he sent you to me, I'll help you control it I just... Didn't expected something of this importance-

-Has this happened before?-

-Not in my life.... But the Master of my Master left us a parchment of something incredible he once saw...

He was in his early 30 and still new to the world of cultivation.

He approached one of the purest lake on his journey...

It was high in the mountains away from any sign of civilization.

A place where only the most dedicated cultivators went, a place where one had to forget about any physical need.

To feed only on energie and fall in a deep meditation for months, years even.

But there was a man, the Master said that seeing that man was like seeing the sun from underwater... Fragment of lights were covering his whole body...

There was a young boy with him, with hair of water colour according to him...

The father was teaching something to his son so the Master hid and began to observe them as the little man began to move few drops of water who soon fell back in the lake crying...

His father tried to comfort him and showed even more extraordinary capabilities.

But apparently he had to run away after they noticed some noise from him... Still it was a story from over 160 years ago-

-I wonder who those peoples were...- I comment looking at him, who turns around facing me

-I wonder too... But this parchment seems the only trace of their existence in the whole world... Now... Could you try to show me your ability?-

I nod and leave the pagoda placing my hand on the soil.

I wait a bit...

A bit more...

Just a little more...

-You still don't have control over it, don't force yourself...

As you told me, it happened on a war simulation... It is now obvious you have a connection with those arts. So that's the key, the determination and desire for victory you feel on a battlefield-

-Does this mean anything could happen while I fight?-

-No... This just mean you are not determinated enough normally, anything else is nothing but a game for you.

Let's concentrate more now... Come with me-

He takes me to a river side and make me seat on a big rock.

-Now... While you cultivate do not search for peace of mind... Go over that and think about what determinate you on the battlefield-

I cross my legs and begin concentrating... I shall think of what motivate me.

Is it really just victory?

The feeling of the sword tickling my hand,

The need to prove myself equal to men,

The sound of fast steps in the wood, aiming for the enemy,

It all fills me with adrenaline but...

That disgusting smile, asking me to smash him...

Punishing a cheating soldier.

Scheming someone who thinks too highly of themselves.

That's what set me on fire.

I hear some ruble and open my eyes to notice smaller rock trembling on around me...

-That's it...- smile my Master content... -The determination written in your eyes... What is it?-

-It's... To bring justice- I state secure as the man in front of me looks startled...

"This is dangerous" is clearly his thought.

...

-Could you really do such a thing...?- murmurs Hua as we stretch out

-I don't know for sure... But as we saw, this is already destructive enough so...-

-It will be fine! Don't you worry... You have pros teaching you, so leave it to them- he interrupts me as the words die in my mouth.

He doesn't understand how dangerous this could be?

-By the way... Yesterday... How were you doing in the evening?- he asks insecure, looking around him

-Get to the point, Hua'Ge- I ask him while doing my planks

-I mean... I saw you around the city while going to meet Pei... You looked, good, you know?-

-Again...-

-I just mean... He's Uhm... You're rarely that happy and talkative with someone... I just thought you were having fun... Even the other guys saw you-

-I did have fun, yeah-

-So...?-

-He really know many things for being just a dancer... Not like dancers are stupid or anything of course, but they are normally from a more less privileged class... I really wonder what are his origin-

-Well... You can always find out no? Hehe... After the wedding is over you will have more free time to meet and hang out-

-You there! Stop slacking off!- yells an instructor toward Hua

-Tz! Killjoy- he tucks his pants and get down to stretch

...

-How come Dong isn't following us?-

-His roomates said he hasn't been getting out of bed all day...

Another said he has completely disappeared tho- shrugs his shoulder Hua as we walk

-Now that I think about it, I haven't seen him all day... So weird of him- I hold my chin speaking almost to myself

-Ahhhh!-

As I hear Hua screaming I take out my knife and get ready for a fight -What's wrong Ge?... Ge...?!-

-Uhm? You want one...?- his muffled voice come from beside me, as he shove a Yuebing in his mouth.

-To think they already have these in the Capital, while in our region we only eat them for like one month in the whole year... I love them so much!-

I put back my weapon as a few passenger look at me worried...

-I thought something serious happened... Idiot- I flick his forehead -Uhm... Yuebing?- he offers one as an apology, smiling like a brat -Sure-

As we arrive Linghe is extremely serious, he seems lost in thoughts...

-Is everything all right?- I approach, stopping my risen hand midway

-Uhm... Yeah, shall we begin?-

...

-Splendid splendid!- claps the head choreographer -This was extremely perfect... Each one of you did amazing! Let me treat you to some drink, don't spill on your Generals!- he winks sending us to get changed.

-I would like to talk thank our main dancers for pulling off one of the best performance I ever saw! Please drink- he state, clearly drunk, pouring some rice wine in my cup and then Linghe's

-Guys... Im really proud of you all... This is a really important performance for a much more important occasion...

We will set that stage on fire!-

Once everyone begins to fall asleep, I notice LingHe sneaking away so I follow him

-Is everything good?-

He looks at me confused -Yes, didn't I told you already?-

-Mhm... Fine- I drop the topic coming beside him, seating down on the grass crossing my arms over the knees

-What is it?- he asks

-Nothing... I'm just feeling a little tipsy, I need some fresh air- I close my eyes and rest my head on my arms -Then guys are all drunk, it's better if I don't stay close to them-

-As if you couldn't fight them all off- he chuckles

-Ah I don't know... I'm sleepy... It was a tiring day, I'll just close my eyes a little bit and head back later-

-What if you fall asleep here?- he asks without receiving any reply

-And you wanted to have a serious talk, while you could barely keep your eyes open...- he moves one lock of hair away, before leaning closer -Just a couple of minutes, then I'll take you back-