Li Wei woke up early the next morning and headed out for his morning run. He ran through the hills and valleys, feeling the wind whip through his hair and the sun warm on his skin. He could feel his muscles burning with exertion, but he pushed himself harder, determined to improve his physical abilities.
As he ran, he thought of his younger siblings, Ping and Mei. They were always the light of his life, always there to support him and cheer him on. Ping was the older of the two, but still much younger than Li Wei. He was only ten, but already showing signs of remarkable elemental talent. Mei, on the other hand, was only five, but she was already a precocious little thing, always eager to learn and explore.
Li Wei wondered what they were up to now. He hadn't seen them since the night before, when he had gone to bed early to avoid his parents' arguing. He hoped they were safe and happy, away from the tension in the household.
As he ran, Li Wei came across a group of children playing in a nearby field. They were running and laughing, chasing each other in circles. Li Wei slowed down to watch them for a moment, feeling a pang of nostalgia for his own childhood.
One of the children, a little girl with pigtails, spotted him and ran over.
*Are you a cultivator?*
she asked, her eyes wide with excitement.
Li Wei nodded, feeling a bit embarrassed. He wasn't used to being noticed like this.
*Yes, I'm training to become one,*
he replied.
The girl's eyes lit up.
*Wow, that's so cool! My dad is a cultivator too, but he's not very strong. Maybe you can teach him how to be strong like you!*
Li Wei smiled at her enthusiasm.
*Maybe someday,*
he said.
*Right now, I need to focus on my own training.*
The girl nodded, then ran off to rejoin her friends. Li Wei continued his run, feeling a sense of satisfaction at the thought of inspiring someone else. Maybe he wasn't the strongest cultivator yet, but he was determined to be a positive influence on others.
When Li Wei returned home, he found Ping and Mei sitting outside in the garden, playing with a set of wooden swords. Ping was teaching Mei some basic swordplay moves, and Mei was giggling with delight at every successful block.
Li Wei smiled at the sight. He had always been protective of his siblings, and he was glad to see them enjoying themselves. He sat down next to them and watched as they continued their game.
*Morning, big brother!*
Ping said, grinning at Li Wei.
*Did you have a good run?*
Li Wei nodded.
*It was great. I ran through the hills and valleys, saw some kids playing in a field.*
Mei looked up at him, her eyes wide.
*Did you play with them, big brother?*
Li Wei chuckled.
*No, Mei, I didn't. I was too busy running.*
Ping nudged him with his elbow.
*Come on, big brother, play with us! We need a third player.*
Li Wei hesitated for a moment, then shrugged.
*Sure, why not?*
The three of them spent the rest of the morning playing and laughing in the garden, forgetting about the tension in the household for a little while. For a brief moment, Li Wei felt like everything was right in the world.