Cultivation Begins! 2

As Xiao ate, his thoughts drifted back to the enigmatic old man sitting across from him. 

Epiphany's face, usually serene and cold, held a certain inscrutability that made it hard for Xiao to discern his true intentions. 

There was a calmness to him, a controlled presence that seemed almost otherworldly. 

Yet, despite his detached demeanor, he had gone out of his way to bring Xiao breakfast, a gesture of care that left Xiao uncertain of how to feel.

"He's always so composed," Xiao thought, watching Epiphany sip his tea. "It's like nothing can faze him. But then he does things like this...bringing me food, making sure I'm okay. Is he really looking out for me, or is there some ulterior motive?"

The warmth of the morning sun and the comforting flavors of the food contrasted sharply with the turmoil in his mind.

Xiao chewed thoughtfully on a piece of Dongpo pork, savoring the rich, savory taste while his eyes lingered on Epiphany. 

He wanted to trust him, to believe that there was genuine care behind those calm eyes, but something held him back. The uncertainty gnawed at him, a quiet anxiety that he couldn't quite shake.

Just as he was getting lost in his thoughts, Epiphany's voice cut through his reverie. "Xiao, are you ready for the next step in your journey?"

Xiao blinked, not fully registering the question. "Huh?"

Epiphany set his cup down with a faint clink, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Focus, Xiao. This is important."

Xiao scrunched his face in mild annoyance. "Jeez, why can't you just repeat what you said?" he thought, but he kept his retort to himself.

Epiphany continued as if nothing had happened, his expression unchanging. He took another sip of his tea, then set the cup down and looked directly at Xiao. "Are you ready to cultivate and move on to the next step in your journey?"

Xiao swallowed his bite of food and took a deep breath, trying to push aside his doubts. "I...I think so," he replied, his voice steady despite the uncertainty still lingering in his mind.

The morning sun cast long shadows across the courtyard, and the sounds of the village waking up filled the air. Birds sang in the trees, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves. 

Xiao glanced around, taking in the tranquil beauty of his surroundings, and felt a flicker of determination ignite within him. Whatever the man in front of him threw his way, he knew he had to face it. 

If not for himself then for his family, and Mei.

Epiphany nodded, a hint of approval in his eyes. "Good. Finish your breakfast, and then we'll begin."

As Xiao returned to his meal, the doubts in his mind began to slowly settle. He didn't fully understand Epiphany or his motives, but he knew that he couldn't turn back now. 

As they finished their meal, a sudden interruption came in the form of the elder bursting into the courtyard. "Oh no, my bad! I didn't expect you to be up so early," he exclaimed, his voice full of surprise.

"Epiphany, you as well! You never told me you were going to dine here with us. I could have prepared something in time."

Epiphany nodded in acknowledgment but before he could respond, the elder continued, "Oh, do you need anything? And Xiao, is that robe fitting you well?"

Epiphany turned to the elder, a faint smile playing on his lips. "There's no need to worry. I brought us some breakfast, and the food was more than sufficient. We had all we needed. Thank you for your concern."

Xiao glanced down at his robe, pulling at the fabric slightly. "It fits well, thank you."

The elder looked relieved. "I'm glad to hear that. If you need anything else, please let me know."

With their meal concluded, Epiphany and Xiao made their way through the village. The early morning sun cast a golden glow over the small, bustling community, and the sounds of villagers starting their day filled the air. 

They moved toward the outskirts, following a narrow path that wound through the edge of the village and into the mountains.

As they climbed, the path became steeper, flanked by tall trees that cast long shadows across their way.

The forest around them felt desolate and uncharted, a stark contrast to the well-trodden stone steps beneath their feet. 

The air grew cooler as they ascended, the sounds of the village fading away into the rustling of leaves and the distant calls of forest birds.

After a considerable climb, they reached a plateau where an ancient monastery stood. The structure was weathered and timeworn, its stone walls covered in creeping vines and moss. 

Despite its age, the monastery exuded a sense of peace and timelessness. Intricate carvings adorned the entrance, depicting scenes of spiritual journeys and divine beings.

They moved towards the heart of the monastery, where a colossal tree stood by a serene pond. The tree was magnificent, its branches spreading wide and high, creating a natural canopy that filtered the sunlight into delicate, shimmering patterns on the ground. 

The bark of the tree was smooth and silver, its leaves a vibrant green that seemed almost to glow with an inner light.

The pond next to the tree was crystal clear, reflecting the tree's grandeur and the blue sky above. The water was so still that it looked like a perfect mirror, creating a heavenly scene that took Xiao's breath away. 

The entire area felt sacred, a place where the boundaries between the mortal and spiritual realms blurred.

Epiphany paused at the edge of the pond, turning to Xiao. "This is where your training truly begins," he said, his voice echoing softly in the tranquil air.

"The tree you see is no ordinary tree. It is connected to the river of fate, and its roots reach deep into the spiritual realm. Here, you will learn to harness your potential and connect with the energies that flow through both worlds."

Xiao stood in awe, taking in the beauty and significance of the place. The doubts and uncertainties that had plagued him earlier seemed to dissipate in the presence of the ancient tree and the tranquil pond. 

Epiphany continued, his voice reverent, "This tree is, in fact, the very same tree under which the Buddha gained enlightenment. It is an extremely precious belonging of mine."

Xiao's eyes widened with realization and reverence. He felt a deep sense of connection to the place as if he had been destined to stand there.

The serene atmosphere, the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze, and the clear, reflective pond all seemed to welcome him, encouraging him to embrace the journey ahead.

Epiphany watched Xiao closely, noting the change in his demeanor. "The tree and this place hold immense power," he said.

"It is here that you will begin to understand your true potential. The river of fate flows through this sacred ground, and by connecting with it, you will learn to navigate both the spiritual and mortal realms. Are you ready to begin?"

Xiao nodded, feeling a newfound sense of purpose. "Yes, I'm ready."

Epiphany smiled, a rare expression of warmth. "Then let us begin."