The Sword of Destiny

ZHAN WEI'S BROW LIFTED, also surprised. "Oh? And why is that?"

"I meant no disrespect, Zhangmen. Your son is too old to control his devil's aura, and the consequences could be devastating."

Zhan Wei stroked his chin and hummed in the back of his throat. Devil's aura? Zhan Sheng thought about that all-consuming darkness that threatened to overtake him. Was it truly that dangerous? Zhan Sheng barely understood it himself, but all he knew was that a part of him was afraid of it. Lei Bo didn't look at him, his eyes were downcast, and his lips pulled into a thin line. His sword-like eyebrows were drawn, and it seemed like he was holding a lot back.

Zhan Sheng's heart sank at Lei Bo's words, feeling as small as a seedling in a strong wind. "But I want to learn martial arts," he protested, trying to contain the tears threatening to spill from his eyes.

Zhan Wei placed a reassuring hand on his son's shoulder. "Don't worry, my son. I will also train you to prevent your devil's aura from causing harm," he assured.

Lei Bo hesitated, clearly conflicted. "I will agree to train him, but only under the condition that you train him as well, Zhangmen," he finally replied.

Zhan Sheng felt a glimmer of hope as Lei Bo reluctantly agreed, his heart as light as a feather. He knew that the training would be challenging, but he was determined to prove himself worthy.

"The lessons will be rigorous, and I will train him harder than the rest if you can agree to that, I'll start teaching him lessons right away." Lei Bo continued.

Huh? I'm so confused.

Is Lei Bo trying to train me or trying to kill me? Every time he says 'I'll teach you a lesson', I feel like I'm in mortal danger.

"Agreed."

Zhan Sheng "…!"

Lei Bo saluted and then withdrew, his back tall and ridged as he rejoined the disciples. Zhan Wei sighed staring after him. "Don't take his coldness to heart. He's had a rough time."

"Father, how do you know Lei-ge? Did he come here as a disciple?"

"You could say that…" Zhan Wei replied cryptically. "There are very few people that can pick up the devil's aura and Lei Bo is one of the few people I trust. You must never allow your secret to be revealed or the consequences will be dire."

"But why?" Zhan Sheng asked, chewing on his bottom lip. He didn't understand.

"The mortal realm is forbidden to devils. It has never been breached in over a thousand years, I am the only devil to choose to remain in the mortal realm and it will have its consequences later. By remaining here, I am going against the rules of the heavens."

Zhan Sheng really didn't get it. Why did being in the mortal realm have consequences? What did it mean to leave the devil's realm? His brow pulled and he felt more confused than ever before.

Zhan Wei smiled down at him fondly. "I'll explain more when you're older. Just focus on training. Everything else will come later."

Zhan Sheng turned back to the courtyard, determined now more than ever to keep improving and show his father, the sect master, that he was worthy of being his son.

●

ZHAN SHENG'S HEART RACED as he followed Lei Bo to the training ground the next day. He couldn't believe he was finally going to learn martial arts, and from a powerful omega like Lei Bo no less. The winter air bit at his skin, but he was too excited to care. There was something about Lei Bo today that seemed strangely distant as if the events from earlier didn't happen. Although Zhan Sheng acted very familiar with Lei Bo, oftentimes calling him Lei-ge, Lei Bo rarely acknowledged him, making Zhan Sheng feel like a cold jagged stone was in the pit of his stomach.

Lei Bo stopped in the middle of the courtyard and turned to face Zhan Sheng, his eyes piercing. "We'll start with leg sweeps," he said, his voice low and commanding.

Zhan Sheng nodded, eager to show Lei Bo what he was capable of. Lei Bo showed him some simple moves, but Zhan Sheng couldn't quite get them done. He had never used his body like this before and most of the maneuvering was confusing. Lei Bo was calm and patient, showing him the proper leg work. Zhan Sheng hoped to catch up with the rest of the disciples in his group and at least make it past the Qi Condensation stage level one.

After some time, Lei Bo's patience waned and the training was tougher than he ever imagined. Lei Bo was relentless, pushing Zhan Sheng to his limits and beyond. "Harder!" he barked as Zhan Sheng struggled to keep up. "Use your qi to strike!"

Zhan Sheng tried to focus, to channel his qi as Lei Bo had taught him. He closed his eyes and took deep breaths, trying to control the energy within him.

Lei Bo watched him closely, his own qi radiating like a fierce flame. "Good," he said when Zhan Sheng finally landed a successful strike. "But you can do better."

Zhan Sheng didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

Better? He had just managed this.

Wuuuu! This man was too outrageous.

Zhan Sheng gritted his teeth and pushed himself harder, the ache in his muscles a welcome reminder that he was working hard. Later on, Zhan Sheng sat cross-legged on the training ground, focusing on his breathing as Lei Bo had instructed him. "Focus on your breath," the omega said, his voice soothing. "Feel the energy flowing through you."

Zhan Sheng felt a sense of peace wash over him, the cold was forgotten as he lost himself in the meditation. Lei Bo's omega scent was like a gentle rain shower, light and refreshing with hints of blooming flowers and damp earth. "Control the flow of your qi," Lei Bo had said. "This is the key to mastering martial arts."

Zhan Sheng concentrated, imagining the flow of energy within his body. But suddenly, he felt a surge of power he couldn't control. The devil's blood consumed Zhan Sheng's thoughts, filling his mind with dark desires and cruel intentions. His devil's aura was unleashed, causing a wave of backlash that sent Lei Bo and a few nearby disciples flying.

Lei Bo quickly got back on his feet and rushed to Zhan Sheng's side. "I told you to control your aura!" he scolded, but his voice was laced with concern.

Zhan Sheng felt embarrassed and scared, his face burned, and he was nearly breathless. He had never felt his aura unleash like that before. "I'm sorry," he muttered, feeling tears prick in his eyes.

Lei Bo's expression softened. "It's alright. It's a common problem for young disciples. I'll teach you how to reign it in."

Lei Bo took a deep breath and sat down next to Zhan Sheng. He put a hand on Zhan Sheng's shoulder and closed his eyes, breathing deeply. Zhan Sheng followed suit, feeling Lei Bo's calm energy wash over him. Lei Bo took out his pipa, his long hair brushing over his shoulder as he began to play. Zhan Sheng's breathed deeply goosebumps covered his arm as the notes began to wash over him. As Lei Bo played the pipa, it was as if a mighty river had come to life, rushing and tumbling over rocks and boulders in a powerful allegro. The melody soared like a majestic adagio, with the sound of the strings being plucked creating a rhythmic and soothing pattern, like the pulsing of a deep bass.

"Now, focus on your aura," Lei Bo said as he stopped playing. "Picture it as a river, flowing within you. You're in control of that river. Make it calm and steady."

Zhan Sheng tried to picture his aura as a river, but it felt more like a raging storm inside of him. He took a deep breath and tried again, this time picturing the storm clouds dissipating and the winds calming. Bit by bit, Zhan Sheng felt the energy within him begin to settle. He opened his eyes and looked at Lei Bo, feeling a sense of gratitude for his patience and guidance.

"Thank you," Zhan Sheng said, feeling a little embarrassed again.

Lei Bo smiled. "You're welcome. Remember, control is the key. With practice, you'll be able to reign in your aura without even thinking about it."

Zhan Sheng nodded, feeling determined to master his aura and become a skilled martial artist. With Lei Bo's guidance, he felt like anything was possible.

Lei Bo watched him closely, his own qi pulsing with power. Although the omega was at the Qi Condensation, he was still immensely knowledgeable. Zhan Sheng wondered briefly if perhaps, Lei Bo was actually at a higher level than he let on. With his skills, he should be least at the Core Formation stage. If so, why did he pretend to be less than that? What motivation did he have to hide his level of skill? In the martial arts world, a person's level of skill could mean life or death.

Zhan Sheng could feel the omega's concern for him as Zhan Wei's son and that he more than likely knew that Zhan Sheng was capable of great things if only he could control the dangerous devil's aura that lurked within him. But Lei Bo was harsh, pushing Zhan Sheng to his limits and beyond. He wanted him to be the best, to harness his qi and become a formidable warrior.

Wait! Should I be training harder to become a great warrior like Lei Bo, or should I be training harder to impress Lei Bo?

Wuuu! Wuu! Why am I so confused?