A New Beginning

Kai sat on his bed, his fists clenched tightly as he stared at the floor. The anger that had been simmering within him for days was threatening to boil over. Yung and Meon, his supposed friends and roommates, had become unbearable. Their constant chatter, their disregard for his need for peace and quiet, and their overall irritating presence had pushed Kai to his limits.

For days, he had been mulling over the idea of getting a new room. The thought of separating himself from Yung and Meon brought both relief and anxiety. On one hand, he desperately craved the solitude and peace that would come with having his own space. On the other, he worried about the potential consequences of such a decision. Would it mark the end of their friendship which Kai maintained for further purposes?

Kai closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to center himself. He had reached Mortal Qi Realm III, a significant achievement that he had worked tirelessly for. With renewed determination, Kai stood up. He had made his decision.

As he walked towards Master Yuvi's quarters, Kai rehearsed what he would say in his mind. He needed to be firm, to make it clear that this was not a request but a necessity. The cool evening air helped calm his nerves as he approached the master's door.

Kai knocked firmly, waiting for permission to enter. When he heard Master Yuvi's voice calling him in, he stepped inside, bowing respectfully.

"Master Yuvi," Kai began, his voice steady despite his inner turmoil, "I have come to request a separate room."

Master Yuvi looked up from the scroll he had been studying, his eyebrows raised in mild surprise. "Oh? And why is that, Kai?"

Kai took a deep breath before responding. "Master, I have recently reached Mortal Qi Realm III. I believe that having my own space would greatly benefit my cultivation and studies. The constant distractions in my current living situation are hindering my progress."

Master Yuvi stroked his beard thoughtfully, his eyes studying Kai intently. After what felt like an eternity, he nodded slowly. "Indeed, you have made remarkable progress, Kai. Reaching Mortal Qi Realm III is no small feat. Very well, I shall grant your request. There is an empty room in the east wing of the dormitory. It's yours."

Relief washed over Kai, but he maintained his composure. "Thank you, Master Yuvi. I am grateful for your understanding."

As Kai turned to leave, Master Yuvi's voice stopped him. "Kai, remember that true strength comes not just from individual cultivation, but also from the bonds we forge with others. Do not isolate yourself completely."

Kai nodded, acknowledging the master's words, though inwardly he scoffed at the idea. The 'bonds' he had forged with Yung and Meon had brought him nothing but frustration. Still, he knew better than to voice such thoughts to Master Yuvi.

With the key to his new room in hand, Kai made his way to the east wing. As he opened the door to his new living space, a cloud of dust greeted him. The room was small and clearly hadn't been used in some time. Cobwebs adorned the corners, and a thick layer of dust covered every surface.

Kai sighed, realizing the work that lay ahead of him. But even as he surveyed the dirty room, he couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. This space was his, and his alone. No more constant chatter, no more inconsiderate roommates. The thought alone was worth the effort of cleaning.

Rolling up his sleeves, Kai set to work. He found some old cleaning supplies in a nearby closet and began the arduous task of making the room habitable. As he swept, dusted, and scrubbed, Kai's mind wandered to Yung and Meon. He knew he would have to tell them about his decision, and he dreaded the conversation.

Hours passed as Kai cleaned, and by the time he finished, the sun had long since set. Exhausted but satisfied, he looked around his now spotless room. The wooden floor gleamed, the windows were crystal clear, and every surface shone. It wasn't much, but it was his.

Kai sat on the bare mattress, allowing himself a moment of rest before facing his next challenge. He couldn't put it off any longer; it was time to inform Yung and Meon of his decision.

With heavy steps, Kai made his way back to his old room. As he approached, he could hear Yung and Meon's voices, loud and animated as always. Taking a deep breath, he pushed open the door.

"Oh, Kai!" Yung exclaimed, looking up from the game he and Meon were playing. "Where have you been all day? We were starting to wonder if you'd gotten lost or something!"

Meon laughed at Yung's joke, but his laughter faded as he noticed Kai's serious expression. "Is everything alright, Kai?"

Kai steeled himself, his face a mask of neutrality. "Yung, Meon, I need to talk to you both."

The two exchanged glances, sensing the gravity in Kai's tone. They set aside their game, giving Kai their full attention.

"I've decided to move out," Kai said, his voice firm and unwavering. "I've been given a room of my own in the east wing. I'll be living there from now on."

Silence fell over the room, heavy and uncomfortable. Yung was the first to break it, his voice a mixture of confusion and hurt. "But... why? Did we do something wrong?"

"But we're friends, aren't we?" Yung pressed, his brow furrowed in concern. "We can be quieter if that's what you need. You don't have to leave."

Kai shook his head, steeling his resolve. "My decision is made. I appreciate your friendship, but this is what's best for my cultivation."

As he spoke the words, Kai realized how hollow they sounded. Friendship? What friendship? These two had been nothing but a constant source of irritation. But he knew he had to maintain the facade of camaraderie, at least on the surface. They were still fellow disciples, after all, and it wouldn't do to make enemies unnecessarily.

"I'll still see you around," Kai added, forcing a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "We can still train together and share meals. This doesn't have to change anything between us."

Even as he said it, Kai knew it was a lie. Everything would change, and that was precisely what he wanted. But Yung and Meon didn't need to know that.

Meon nodded slowly, though his eyes still held a hint of suspicion. "If that's what you think is best, Kai. We'll miss having you around, though."

Yung, ever the more emotional of the two, looked on the verge of tears. "Promise you'll still hang out with us sometimes?"

Kai nodded, hiding his impatience behind a mask of friendly reassurance. "Of course. Like I said, nothing has to change. I just need my own space to sleep and meditate."

With those final words, Kai began gathering his belongings. He didn't have much – a few changes of clothes,. As he packed, he could feel Yung and Meon's eyes on him, a mixture of confusion, hurt, and resignation in their gazes.

Finally, with his meager possessions gathered, Kai turned to face his now former roommates one last time. "I'll see you both tomorrow," he said, forcing another smile. "Maybe we can have lunch together?"

They nodded, still looking somewhat shell-shocked by the sudden turn of events. As Kai walked out of the room, he heard Yung's muffled voice asking Meon, "Did we do something wrong?"

Kai quickened his pace, not wanting to hear Meon's response. As he walked back to his new room, he felt a weight lift from his shoulders. Finally, he was free of those two irritating presences.

Entering his clean, quiet room, Kai let out a long sigh of relief. He set down his belongings and sat on the bed, rev. No more incessant chatter, no more disruptions to his meditation, no more dealing with their childish antics.

As he began unpacking, Kai allowed himself a small, satisfied smile. In his mind, he thought, 'Finally separated from those two shits.'

He knew he would have to keep up appearances, to maintain the facade of friendship. It would be beneficial to have allies, whose parents have important positions in their villages.

As Kai settled into his new room, arranging his few possessions and preparing for his evening meditation..

The quiet of the room enveloped him like a comforting blanket as he sat down to meditate. 

This was a new beginning, a step towards the power and knowledge he craved. And as the first tendrils of Qi began to flow through his body, Kai knew that he had made the right decision. The journey ahead would be challenging, but now, in the solitude of his own space, he was ready to face it head-on.

With a deep breath, Kai immersed himself in his meditation, the outside world fading away as he focused on his cultivation. In the quiet of his new room, surrounded by the energy of his own making, Kai took the first step on his new path, leaving behind the distractions of his past and moving forward into a future full of potential and power.