Qi Convergence 2

Xiao sat cross-legged beneath the ancient tree, trying to remember the feeling of connection he had experienced earlier with Epiphany's guidance. 

The tree's massive roots provided a natural seat, and the soft grass cushioned his legs. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating delicate beams that danced on the forest floor. 

The serene beauty of the place was almost enough to calm his turbulent thoughts.

Almost.

He took a deep breath, closing his eyes and trying to clear his mind. Epiphany's words echoed in his head: "Imagine your mind as a still pond. Any thoughts or worries are like stones thrown into the water. They create ripples, disturbing the surface. Your goal is to keep the pond calm and undisturbed."

Xiao tried to visualize his mind as a still pond, but it was difficult. His thoughts kept intruding, like pebbles causing ripples. He thought about his father's worried face, Mei's laughter, and the uncertainty of his situation. 

Each thought sent a ripple through the imaginary pond, making it hard to achieve the calm Epiphany described.

"Why can't I feel it?" Xiao muttered under his breath, his frustration mounting. "I'm trying my hardest to clear my mind and feel the Qi. It's all around me, so why can't I tap into it?"

Epiphany, who had been observing him, silently approached him. "It's okay to fail, Xiao," he said gently. "This is how it's supposed to be. Not everyone has the benefit of connecting with the river of fate and feeling Qi the first time they attempt it."

Xiao clenched his fists. "Then why can't I just use the treasure to feel for the Qi like we did earlier? Wouldn't that help me in adapting to calling out and looking for Qi?"

Epiphany sighed, his expression as unreadable as ever. "The treasure, the ancient tree, gave you a glimpse of what's possible. It showed you the potential that lies within you. But relying on it too much would be like expecting to run a marathon without first learning to walk. The foundation is crucial."

Xiao's frustration flared. "Then why did you show me the treasure and let me use the tree if I can't use it now?"

Epiphany paused for a moment before responding. "I showed you the treasure and let you use the tree because I wanted you to see what you are capable of. Sometimes, a glimpse of what lies ahead can be the motivation you need to push through the initial struggles."

He knelt down beside Xiao, looking him directly in the eyes. "Imagine if you had no idea what Qi felt like, and you spent weeks or months trying to grasp it. You might lose hope. By giving you that experience, I wanted to spark a flame of determination within you. Now, you know it's possible. You know what it feels like, even if just a little. That memory will guide you."

Xiao took a deep breath, absorbing Epiphany's words. He still felt a flicker of frustration, but it was tempered by a new understanding.

 He closed his eyes again, focusing on the calmness he had felt before. He knew the journey would be long and arduous, but he also knew he had already taken the first step.

"Now," Epiphany continued, his voice calm and steady, "the real growth happens through your own efforts. The tree was a crutch, a glimpse into the future. Now, you must build your own foundation. The more time you spend on your cultivation, the stronger your roots will be. And just like the tree, a strong foundation will support you when the storms come."

Epiphany stood up and looked at Xiao. "I need to leave now. Continue practicing and try to feel the Qi around you."

Xiao nodded, determination in his eyes. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes again, envisioning his mind as a still pond. He focused on his breathing, pushing away all distractions. 

The calmness began to return, the soft rustling of leaves and distant calls of birds creating a soothing backdrop.

Just as he was beginning to sense a faint pulse of energy, something still seemed to be missing. He tried for a few more times but was still unable to feel it completely.

Frustration gnawed at him, but he didn't want to give up.

After a while, Xiao decided to take a break and explore the monastery. He hadn't had the chance to look around since arriving and hoped a change of scenery might help clear his mind.

As he wandered through the monastery, he realized that what had seemed empty and desolate at first glance was actually bustling with life.

 Monks and disciples moved around, engaged in various activities. The disciples, wearing simple yet elegant robes of earth-toned colors, looked focused and serene. 

Their robes were embroidered with delicate patterns symbolizing their sect's teachings, each design unique to the wearer's level of attainment.

Xiao noticed a group of young monks gathered around an elder who was teaching them.

The elder, a venerable figure with a long white beard and deep, wise eyes, wore a robe of deep green, adorned with golden threads that shimmered in the sunlight.

Curious, Xiao sat down at the back, trying to listen in. The elder spoke with a voice that resonated with calm authority. "Balance and harmony are the essence of life," he said, his voice carrying over the attentive disciples.

 "Just as the seasons change, so must we adapt to the cycles of life. Nature teaches us this lesson every day."

The elder pointed to a nearby tree. "Observe the tree. In spring, it blossoms; in summer, it thrives; in autumn, it sheds its leaves; and in winter, it rests. Each phase is necessary for the tree's growth and survival. We, too, must embrace the different phases of our lives with grace and understanding."

Xiao found the teachings interesting at first, but soon, his mind began to wander. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was wasting time sitting there. The elder continued, "When we meditate, we seek to align ourselves with the natural order. Our breath, our heartbeat, our very thoughts must flow like the rivers, ever-changing yet constant in their course."

Xiao stifled a yawn, feeling his attention slip away. The words were wise, but his restless mind found it hard to stay focused.

 He glanced around, noticing the serene expressions on the faces of the disciples, their eyes closed in deep concentration. He felt a pang of envy at their apparent ease in embracing the teachings.

Deciding to continue his exploration, Xiao left the group and headed towards the outskirts of the monastery. As he walked, he observed the various observatories and viewing platforms along the mountainside. 

The climb seemed to be getting steeper, the elevation rising, making him realize this was not a plateau as he had initially thought but a series of ascending peaks.

Suddenly, a loud crash echoed through the air. It wasn't a huge sound, but it was noticeable enough to catch Xiao's attention. 

His first instinct was to run and grab Epiphany, but curiosity got the better of him. He decided to check out the source of the sound.

Following the direction of the noise, Xiao moved cautiously through the dense foliage. The trees thinned out as he neared the edge of a small clearing. 

In the center, he saw a large, shallow crater, surrounded by broken branches and disturbed earth. At the center of the crater, an old man lay sprawled on the ground.