The sun rose gently over the Jade Forest, casting golden light over the quiet village. Birds chirped from the treetops, and the scent of morning dew lingered in the air. Ren, now ten years old, stood barefoot in the clearing behind his home, his body covered in sweat as he practiced his sword swings.

  Each movement was more fluid than the last. His muscles, hardened by years of training, moved with instinct, but there was still a long road ahead. He gritted his teeth, forcing his body to go beyond its limits.

  Behind him, a pair of sharp eyes watched silently.

  "You're improving, but still too stiff in the shoulders," Shen Mei said, stepping into the clearing. She moved with a calm confidence, the air around her subtly different.

  Ren turned, lowering his wooden sword. "You broke through, didn’t you?"

  She nodded with a proud but gentle smile. "I reached Level 8 a few nights ago. I'm still at the early stage, but… I can feel the Qi flowing. It's like waking up a part of your body you didn’t even know existed."

  Ren’s eyes lit up, a mix of excitement and envy flickering in them. "I want to feel that too."

  "You will," Mei said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You’re close. You just need to push a little harder."

  ---

  Level 8 was a realm few in the village had ever seen. It was the beginning of true cultivation—the opening of meridians, the start of Qi manipulation. His father had told him that at the peak of Level 8, a cultivator could store and use Qi to strengthen their body, increase speed, enhance their weapons, and even extend their life span to 130 years. But getting there required patience.

  If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

  And so, Ren continued to train, day after day.

  His mornings were filled with intense physical exercise—running through the forest, practicing martial forms, carrying stones up the hills. In the afternoons, he trained with his father, learning discipline and blade control. In the evenings, his mother taught him how to calm his breath, sense the flow of energy, and meditate to awaken his meridians.

  But life wasn't all training.

  ---

  One warm spring afternoon, Ren stood near the village well when a group of children approached—some he had seen around but never spoken to.

  "You're Shen Ren, right?" one boy asked, stepping forward. "We’ve seen you training all the time. I’m Boqin. We’re going to the river. You coming?"

  Ren hesitated, then smiled. "Yeah. Why not?"

  That day, Ren swam in the cold waters of the forest river, raced the other boys through the trees, and even laughed when he slipped on moss and fell flat on his face. Among the group were a few girls too—bold, sharp-tongued Lian; quiet, thoughtful Rui; and Shen Mei’s friend Yun, who already treated Ren like a younger brother.

  As the weeks passed, their bond grew deeper. They played, trained, and talked for hours under the shade of old trees. It was the first time Ren had friends outside his family, and their presence added warmth and color to his days.

  ---

  But not all was peaceful.

  One misty morning, as the villagers gathered at the market, a group of soldiers rode into town. Their armor was stained with dirt and scratches, their faces stern. They dismounted at the tavern, speaking in hushed tones to the village elder.

  Curious, Ren and his friends snuck around to listen.

  "...need to rest the horses before heading to the outpost," one soldier said.

  Another added, "We passed three villages along the border. All quiet. But too quiet, if you ask me."

  "Keep it to yourself," a third warned. "Orders are to avoid spreading fear. The last thing we need is civilians asking questions."

  Ren furrowed his brow. War? But no one in the village had mentioned anything.

  When the soldiers left, the elder assured everyone that it was just a patrol. "Nothing to worry about," he said with a forced smile. But Ren noticed his hands shaking slightly.

  ---

  That night, as the moon rose over the village, Ren sat on the roof of his home beside his sister.

  "Do you think something is coming?" he asked quietly.

  Mei was silent for a moment, then replied, "I don’t know. But even if it is, we have to be ready. That’s why we train. That’s why we grow stronger."

  Ren nodded, looking up at the stars. His heart was steady, but something deep within stirred—like a whisper carried on the wind.

  The world was changing.

  And he had to be ready for it.