Reality and Cultivation

Wu Xing walked in the night, the streetlights flickering softly in the breeze. Everything he had just experienced felt like a dream: the old man's teachings, the warmth of the spirit jade, and the breathing technique that surged through his mind… Everything seemed so unreal yet stirred a profound excitement within him. The spirit jade in his hand remained warm, as if responding to his emotions, making him begin to doubt: perhaps, life would indeed change because of this.

He slowly walked back to his residence. It was already deep into the night; the surroundings were quiet, with only the gentle night wind whispering past his ears, as if it were telling him something. Wu Xing gently pushed open the door; the familiar, warm air inside welcomed him. On the table lay unfinished work documents from earlier in the day, alongside some hometown specialties sent by his mother days ago—ordinary yet deeply imprinted with the essence of daily life.

Sitting at his desk, he stared at the densely packed text on the documents, but his mind had already wandered far away. The image of the old man kept resurfacing in his thoughts, recalling the golden light in the elder's hand. That warm, pulsating glow seemed to summon some unknown power. The breathing technique the old man had imparted allowed him to feel a wondrous sensation he had never experienced before. The path of cultivation was no longer merely a tale; it seemed to be unfolding right before his eyes.

"Cultivation, huh…" he murmured softly, closing his eyes slightly, trying to remember every detail of the old man's words about the breathing technique. Following the guidance of his memory, he gradually adjusted his breath, focusing on each inhalation and exhalation, attempting to sense the subtle energy flowing within him. His breathing stabilized, and a warm current coursed through him like gentle water, bringing a sense of calm and comfort as it flowed through his muscles and bones.

Just then, the doorbell suddenly rang, shattering the tranquility of the room. Wu Xing started slightly, the excitement in his heart instantly disturbed. He quickly stood up and walked to the door. At that moment, he saw his mother standing outside, weariness and anxiety etched on her face. Her figure looked a bit fragile under the dim light, and her eyes were filled with concern.

"Mom, it's so late, what brings you here?" Wu Xing asked with concern, a hint of unease swelling within him.

His mother sighed softly, gently grasping his hand, her tone laden with helplessness: "Di'er, there's been an issue at home. Your dad's old illness has flared up again, and the medical expenses are quite high. You've been working hard all these years, but I really don't know what to do anymore, so I came to see if you could help…"

Before his mother finished speaking, Wu Xing already understood her intent. His father had been injured on the job years ago, and his old injury would occasionally resurface. For their ordinary family, medical expenses were undoubtedly a heavy burden. Looking at his mother's aging face, a wave of sadness surged within him. He knew that his job held little promise; he was barely making ends meet to support their life.

Wu Xing nodded silently, gently patting his mother's hand: "Mom, don't worry, I'll find a way. No matter what, we'll get through this together."

After seeing his mother off, he sat quietly by the window, gazing at the starry sky outside, his emotions still turbulent. The idea of cultivation had been replaced by the weight of reality, and those fantasies about cultivation seemed less significant now. The mundane frustrations and helplessness of life pressed down on him again, forcing him to confront the reality of who he was.

However, the spirit jade in his palm brought a strange warmth, calming his racing heart. Wu Xing couldn't help but recall the old man's mysterious words: "The path of cultivation, though within reach, is not easy." He silently made a vow; even if the burdens of life left him with no choice, he couldn't easily forsake this opportunity. He felt himself stepping toward an unknown direction, a potential alternative to life, perhaps a path of brightness he had never imagined.

He placed the spirit jade on the table, clasped his hands before his chest, and began adjusting his breathing again, following the old man's teachings. Gradually, he felt the energy within him flow more smoothly, as the warmth seemed to spread throughout his limbs, bringing him an unprecedented sense of comfort. With each breath, his thoughts began to settle, and the whole world around him felt tranquil.

This time, his spirit entered a marvelous state, as if his soul was lightly floating, merging with the surrounding night. He could feel the gentle breeze outside, the pedestrians on the street, and even the faint sounds of birds chirping in the distance. Everything around him no longer seemed like mere external existence but rather an integral part of him. His consciousness gradually expanded, seeming to transcend the boundaries of reality, entering a broader realm.

When he opened his eyes again, the starlight outside had grown even brighter. He slowly stood up, feeling a newfound sense of peace and determination within. He understood that he had to find a balance between cultivation and life; he couldn't forsake this rare opportunity nor forget the responsibilities on his shoulders. The road ahead might be filled with challenges, but he was confident he could face each day, each night.

At that moment, his phone suddenly rang, pulling him back to reality. He picked up the phone to see that it was his friend Zhou Yuan. After answering, Zhou Yuan's cheerful voice came through, laced with concern: "Di'er, I heard you haven't been feeling well lately. If you need any help, just let me know. Don't keep everything bottled up."

Wu Xing smiled slightly, feeling the weight in his heart lift a bit. He realized he wasn't alone; he had friends, family, and the silent support of those around him. He simply thanked Zhou Yuan and joked lightly, "Don't worry, with a brother like you, what do I have to fear from storms?"

After hanging up, Wu Xing grasped the spirit jade tightly, his mind gradually clarifying. He understood that the future might be filled with unknown challenges, but he was ready to embrace every dawn, every dusk. The breathing technique taught by the old man would become a part of his daily life, enabling him to face both reality and his pursuit of cultivation with a new mindset.

The moonlight outside remained bright, illuminating his resolute gaze. Deep down, he vowed to not waste this heaven-sent opportunity and to not disappoint life's expectations. Perhaps, his life would turn over a new leaf from this point on, and he would continuously explore the path of cultivation, stepping into a broader world.

With these thoughts, Wu Xing turned to glance at the pile of documents on his desk and felt overwhelmed. It seemed that today he wouldn't be able to practice properly; a sleepless night awaited him.