Second Brother

The elderly figure stood tall, his presence commanding yet serene, like an ancient tree rooted deeply in the earth. His blue robes, embroidered with silver threads that shimmered faintly in the sunlight, swayed gently in the early spring breeze. His grey beard, long and well-kept, framed a face etched with wisdom and the quiet strength of someone who had seen centuries pass. Before him sat hundreds of young masters and mistresses, their faces a mix of curiosity, determination, and the faintest hint of awe. 

Though they were mere children, aged between five and seven, their eyes gleamed with a sharpness that belied their youth—proof of the extraordinary talents they possessed.

"You have all completed your martial arts training," the elder began, his voice carrying the weight of experience and the calm of a flowing river. "From this day forward, you shall embark on your first steps toward Immortal Cultivation."

The children sat in perfect silence, their attention unwavering. Even the weakest among them possessed minds capable of memorizing anything they heard or saw in an instant. Such was the privilege of being born into the Wudi Family—a lineage blessed with unparalleled talent and potential.

"The path of Cultivation is vast, with many branches," the elder continued, his gaze sweeping over the young faces before him. "Yet, all paths share the same root and the same destination. Before you can tread these paths, you must first pass through three foundational stages: Foundation Establishment, Qi Stage, and Spirituality Stage."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in. The gentle rustling of leaves and the soft murmur of the nearby river filled the silence, creating a tranquil backdrop to his teachings.

"For the next three years, you will focus on Foundation Establishment," he explained. "This stage is the bedrock of your future. You will build your Immortal Foundation, strengthening your body, soul, and sense of self. Those who wish to become Physique Cultivators will follow a different route, focusing on building their body, external strength, and Blood Palace. Similarly, Soul Cultivators must fortify their soul, spirit, and consciousness. Each path is unique, yet all are essential to your growth."

The elder smiled warmly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "If you have any questions, feel free to ask."

The setting around them was nothing short of breathtaking. The river, clear and sparkling, meandered lazily through the landscape, its surface reflecting the soft hues of the morning sky. The water's gentle flow created a soothing rhythm, harmonizing with the rustling of leaves in the nearby grove of cherry blossom trees. Petals, delicate and pale pink, drifted through the air like snowflakes, landing softly on the grass and the surface of the river.

The early spring breeze carried with it the faint scent of blooming flowers and fresh earth, invigorating the senses. Birds chirped melodiously, their songs weaving through the air like a natural symphony. The sunlight, filtered through the canopy of leaves above, dappled the ground with golden patterns, creating a mosaic of light and shadow.

It was a scene of perfect tranquility, a moment frozen in time, where the worries of the world seemed distant and insignificant. The children, seated on the soft grass, appeared almost otherworldly in this idyllic setting—their youthful innocence contrasting with the profound wisdom they were being taught.

One of the children, a young boy with bright, inquisitive eyes, raised his hand. "Elder," he began, his voice clear and steady, "what happens if we fail to build a strong foundation?"

The elder's smile deepened, and he nodded approvingly at the question. 

"A strong foundation is the key to everything," he replied. "Without it, your cultivation will crumble like a house built on sand. Failure to establish a solid foundation will limit your potential, leaving you vulnerable to stagnation or even regression. That is why we emphasize this stage so heavily. It is not merely a step—it is the cornerstone of your entire journey."

Another child, a girl with long, dark hair and a thoughtful expression, spoke up. "Elder, how do we know which path to choose? Physique, Soul, or another?"

The elder's eyes twinkled with approval.

 "A wise question," he said. "The path you choose should align with your innate talents and your heart's desire. Some are drawn to the raw power of the body, others to the mysteries of the soul. There is no right or wrong choice—only the path that resonates with you. In time, you will discover where your strengths lie."

With the questions answered, the elder clapped his hands once, the sound sharp and clear, cutting through the tranquility like a bell. 

"Now," he said, his tone shifting to one of quiet authority, "let us begin your first lesson. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Feel the world around you—the earth beneath you, the air filling your lungs, the energy that flows through all living things. This is the first step toward building your foundation."

The children obeyed, their small faces scrunching in concentration. The elder watched them with a mixture of pride and solemnity, knowing that this moment marked the beginning of their journey—a journey that would test their limits, challenge their resolve, and shape their destinies.

As the children meditated, the elder's gaze drifted to the horizon, where the sun was slowly climbing higher into the sky. He knew that these young cultivators would face trials far beyond what they could imagine. The path of cultivation was not one of ease or comfort—it was a path of struggle, sacrifice, and, at times, unimaginable pain.

But it was also a path of unparalleled beauty and transcendence. And as the petals of the cherry blossoms continued to fall, carried by the gentle breeze, the elder felt a quiet hope. These children, with their boundless potential and unyielding spirits, might one day reach heights that even he could scarcely comprehend.

While everyone meditated, following the elder's teachings, a boy of about five years stood out among the group. Dressed in a silver robe that shimmered faintly in the sunlight, he exuded a charm far beyond his years. His delicate features and poised demeanor made him appear almost otherworldly, as if he were a young prince plucked from a celestial realm.

As he closed his eyes and focused on his breathing, something extraordinary happened. Within the depths of his mind, his consciousness materialized, pulling him into a vast, uncharted space.

"Where am I?" the boy wondered, his voice echoing softly in the emptiness. He looked around, his young mind struggling to comprehend the surreal landscape before him.

The world within his Sea of Consciousness was vast and infinite. Above him, countless stars twinkled in a sky that seemed to stretch endlessly. Below, the land extended into an unbroken expanse of nothingness—a void that felt both serene and unsettling.

But before he could process the scene further, a sharp, searing pain shot through his head. He clutched his temples, his small body trembling as waves of agony washed over him. The void around him began to ripple and distort, as if the very fabric of this mental realm was destabilizing.

Images flashed before his eyes—foreign, fragmented, and overwhelming. Memories that were not his own began to surface, one after another, like shards of a broken mirror reflecting scenes from another life.

He saw a young man he had never met, living in a world unlike anything he had ever known. Strange, metallic beasts roamed the streets, carrying humans inside them. Colossal creatures soared through the skies, their wings blotting out the sun. Towering structures of glass and steel pierced the heavens, and people held small, glowing devices in their hands.

"Lu Meng," the boy whispered, the name slipping from his lips as if it had always been there. "I am Lu Meng."

In that moment, everything clicked into place. He was not from this world. He had died—crushed by a falling star or some other celestial calamity—and had been reborn here, in this unfamiliar realm. His previous life, his identity, his memories—they had all been buried deep within his soul, waiting for this moment to resurface.

As the flood of memories subsided, Lu Meng—now Wudi Tian—opened his eyes within his Sea of Consciousness. Before him, hovering in the void, were three gigantic golden words. Each character radiated an immortal aura, their brilliance transcending mortality and exuding a power that seemed to hold the weight of countless universes.

[Man, Earth, and Heaven]

Though the words appeared simple, their meaning was anything but. To Wudi Tian, they represented the most profound truths of existence—truths that no mortal could fully grasp.

"Man," he murmured, his voice trembling with awe. As soon as the word left his lips, a surge of energy coursed through his body. His flesh and tendons were invigorated, his internal organs purified, and his mind sharpened to an almost divine clarity.

 His vision became keener than the edge of a celestial blade, and he felt a strength awakening within him that he had never known before.

At that moment, he understood. Man represented the Body, Earth the Soul, and Heaven the Self. If he could fully comprehend the essence of "Man," he would awaken a transcendent body—one that surpassed all others.

Filled with excitement and determination, Wudi Tian sat cross-legged before the three golden words and began to meditate, ready to unlock the secrets they held.

*******

On the other side of the meditation grounds, a young boy of about five years stood silently before the towering Life and Death Gate. His small frame seemed almost insignificant compared to the immense, otherworldly structure that loomed before him. 

The gate, a colossal archway of ancient stone, was etched with intricate runes that pulsed faintly with an eerie, dual-toned light—one side radiating a warm, golden glow, and the other exuding a cold, silvery sheen.

The boy, Wudi Egun, stared at his hands, his consciousness fully immersed in his Sea of Consciousness. His small, delicate hands seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly energy, as if they were no longer mere flesh and bone but divine instruments of unimaginable power.

"Life and Death Fist?" he murmured, his voice echoing softly within the vast expanse of his mind. The words felt foreign yet familiar, as if they had always been a part of him, waiting to be awakened.

"Life Fist to devour Life... and Death Fist to grant Death," he repeated, his brow furrowing in confusion. The concepts were abstract, almost incomprehensible to his young mind. What did it mean to devour Life? To grant Death? And how could such power reside within him?

This was not the first time he had encountered the Life and Death Gate. The first time had been during the ceremony two years ago, when his extraordinary talent had been revealed to the Wudi Family. But now, standing before the gate once more, he felt a strange connection to it, as if it were calling to him, urging him to unlock its secrets.

"Maybe it has something to do with this mysterious gate," he mused, his gaze fixed on the towering structure. With a deep sigh, he sat down cross-legged, his small frame dwarfed by the gate's immensity. Closing his eyes, he began to meditate, hoping to unravel the mysteries of the power that had awakened within him.

Meanwhile, the rest of the class continued their meditation, each child deeply focused on sensing their body and soul—the first crucial step toward building their foundation. The air was thick with concentration, the only sounds being the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant murmur of the river.

Wudi Egun, though physically present among his peers, was worlds apart in his mind. While the others sought to understand the basics of cultivation, he was grappling with forces far beyond their comprehension.

 The Life and Death Gate and the mysterious power it had bestowed upon him set him apart, marking him as someone extraordinary—even among the prodigies of the Wudi Family.

After what felt like an eternity, the elder clapped his hands, signaling the end of the session. "That is enough for today," he announced, his voice calm but firm. "You have all taken your first steps toward understanding your bodies and souls. Remember, this is only the beginning. Cultivation is a journey, not a destination."

The children slowly rose to their feet, their young faces a mix of exhaustion and determination. Wudi Egun, too, stood up, his mind still swirling with questions and revelations. As he glanced once more at the Life and Death Gate he felt a strange sense of anticipation. Whatever lay ahead, he knew it would be anything but ordinary.

***

As the cultivation class came to an end, Wudi Egun found himself surrounded by a group of eager peers, all buzzing with excitement to share their experiences. The children, their faces alight with curiosity and pride, crowded around him, their voices overlapping in a cheerful cacophony.

"Fifth Brother, when the teacher asked us to sense our inner world, I saw a gigantic bird with ten wings flying across the sky!" a little boy exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with wonder.

"And I saw a colossal beast lifting an entire mountain with just one hand!" another chimed in, puffing out his chest with pride, not wanting to be outdone.

"But I only saw butterflies everywhere," a shy little girl admitted, her voice soft but filled with awe. "They were so beautiful, each one a different color."

The children turned to Wudi Egun, their curiosity piqued. "What about you, Fifth Brother?" one of them asked, tilting his head. "What did you see?"

"Yeah, Fifth Brother, tell us!" another added, leaning in closer.

Wudi Egun paused for a moment, his faceless mask hiding any expression. When he finally spoke, his voice was calm and measured, carrying a warmth that put everyone at ease. "I saw nothing... just a colossal gate."

The children exchanged glances, their curiosity deepening. "Maybe it's the same gate that appeared during your Awakening Ceremony?" one of them speculated boldly.

"Maybe," Wudi Egun replied, his tone gentle yet enigmatic. "Or maybe not."

His words left just enough mystery to keep them intrigued, but not enough to reveal the true depth of his experience. The children nodded, accepting his answer without pressing further.

Before the conversation could continue, a loud, energetic voice cut through the air. "Fifth Brother, so you are here!"

Everyone turned to see two figures approaching. The first was a boy around 4'5 feet tall, slim but brimming with energy. His eyes sparkled with mischief, and his every movement radiated an infectious enthusiasm. This was Wudi Meng, the Second Brother among the Wudi siblings, a figure known for his boundless spirit and competitive nature.

"Second Brother, why are you here?" Wudi Egun asked, his voice calm and warm, though a hint of surprise lingered beneath the surface.

Wudi Meng grinned, his excitement palpable. "Fifth Brother, fight me!"

The declaration caught everyone off guard, including Wudi Egun. "What?" he asked, his tone laced with confusion.

Wudi Meng pointed to the boy standing beside him, his energy undiminished. "This guy here said you're stronger than me, so I want to prove him wrong!"

All eyes turned to the mysterious boy who had accompanied Wudi Meng. He was around 4'3 feet tall, with a handsome face and an air of quiet confidence. Dressed in an azure robe adorned with intricate dragon patterns, he stood out like a figure from a different world.

"Who are you?" one of the younger siblings asked, his tone tinged with suspicion.

The Wudi Family was vast, with over 3,700 siblings—1,500 girls and the rest boys. Each member knew one another, yet this boy was a stranger to them all.

The mysterious boy smiled humbly and gave a slight bow. "Allow me to introduce myself, young masters. I am Jiang Sheng, the Fourth Young Master of the Jiang Family, one of the Five Great Powerhouses."

"Jiang Sheng?" the children repeated, their voices filled with a mix of curiosity and respect. They exchanged glances, nodding slowly as they processed the introduction.

Wudi Egun smiled wryly, his tone calm but firm. "Second Brother, I concede defeat. I lack the ability to fight and win against you."

Wudi Meng, however, was not one to be easily deterred. His persistence was as boundless as his energy. "Don't be so humble, Fifth Brother! Come on, fight me!"

Wudi Egun felt a growing sense of unease. He needed a way out of this predicament, and fast. Then, an idea struck him.

 "Second Brother," he began, his voice thoughtful, "I heard that Third Brother has invented a Battle Puppet strong enough to fight against a Cultivation Apprentice. Why don't you go and challenge his puppet instead?"

Wudi Meng's eyes lit up like twin stars, his enthusiasm skyrocketing. 

"What? Is that true?" he exclaimed, already shifting his focus to this new, exciting prospect.

Without waiting for a response, Wudi Meng turned to Jiang Sheng, his energy infectious. "Brother Jiang, let's go to the Puppet Hall and meet my Third Brother!"

Jiang Sheng, caught off guard, barely had time to process the situation before Wudi Meng grabbed his arm and dragged him away. The two disappeared in a whirlwind of excitement, leaving Wudi Egun and the other children in stunned silence.

As Wudi Egun watched them leave, he let out a deep sigh of relief. But then, a sudden realization hit him like a thunderbolt.

 "Shit," he muttered under his breath. "If Third Brother finds out that I'm the one who sent Second Brother to him, he's definitely not going to let me off easily."