The Weight of Power

Li Wei sat on the rocky outcrop, staring at his glowing palm. The golden light pulsed faintly, like a heartbeat, before fading once more.

Jinhai watched him in silence. The smirk from earlier was gone, replaced by something more serious.

"That power of yours," Jinhai said finally, "it's dangerous."

Li Wei frowned. "Dangerous to who?"

"To you—and to anyone who gets in your way."

Jinhai crouched beside him, picking up a loose stone. He rolled it between his fingers before tossing it over the cliff. The rock tumbled down into the misty valley below, disappearing into nothingness.

"You don't understand what you're carrying, kid. Celestial magic isn't just rare—it's forbidden. The kind of power that can tear the world apart."

Li Wei's fingers curled into a fist. "Then why do I have it?"

Jinhai exhaled, shaking his head. "That's what we need to find out."

Silence stretched between them. The wind howled through the trees, carrying whispers of things unseen. Li Wei's thoughts swirled like a storm.

His life had changed overnight. He was no longer a simple boy from Baiyun Village. He was something else—something hunted.

"Will you train me?" he asked.

Jinhai raised an eyebrow. "You sure? My training isn't gentle."

Li Wei met his gaze. "I don't care. I need to control this power."

A slow smile spread across Jinhai's face. "Alright then." He stood, stretching his arms. "Lesson two—power means nothing without discipline."

Li Wei nodded. He would learn. He had to.

Because out there, beyond the mist and shadows, enemies were searching for him.

And if he wasn't ready when they found him

He would not survive.

The sky was still dark when Jinhai woke Li Wei with a rough shove.

"Up. Training starts now."

Li Wei groaned, rubbing his eyes. His body still ached from the chase, but Jinhai didn't care. The exile was already moving, tossing him a small bundle of dried meat.

"Eat fast. You'll need the strength."

Li Wei chewed reluctantly as Jinhai led him deeper into the forest. The mist was thick, curling around the trees like unseen spirits. Somewhere in the distance, an owl hooted.

They stopped in a clearing surrounded by jagged rocks. The ground was uneven, scattered with loose stones and dead leaves. It wasn't just any place—it was a battleground.

Jinhai turned to face him, arms crossed. "You want to control your power? Then prove it."

Li Wei swallowed. "What do you mean?"

Jinhai pointed to a stack of heavy stones nearby. "Move those."

Li Wei blinked. "With what?"

Jinhai smirked. "With your power."

A chill ran through Li Wei's spine. He glanced at his palm, willing the golden energy to appear. Nothing happened.

Jinhai sighed. "You're still thinking too much. The Celestial Seal isn't a tool—it's part of you. You don't 'command' it like a servant. You let it flow."

Li Wei clenched his fists. Flow?

He turned to the stones again, frustration bubbling inside him. He needed to control his power, but how? It only activated when he was in danger.

Jinhai seemed to sense his hesitation. His smirk disappeared.

"Fine," he muttered.

Before Li Wei could react, Jinhai grabbed a knife and threw it—straight at Li Wei's chest.

Time slowed.

The knife spun through the air, its edge gleaming in the dim morning light. Li Wei's breath caught. His body refused to move.

I'm going to die.

His heartbeat thundered in his ears. Fear surged through him like wildfire. The golden mark on his palm flared—bright, uncontrollable.

Then—

A pulse of energy exploded outward.

The knife stopped inches from his chest, frozen in midair. A golden barrier shimmered around Li Wei, crackling with raw power. His arms trembled, his vision blurred, but the force held strong.

Jinhai's eyes gleamed with approval. "There it is."

Li Wei gasped for breath as the golden barrier flickered, then vanished. The knife clattered to the ground. His body sagged, drained.

"You—You almost killed me!" he choked out.

Jinhai shrugged. "And yet, you're still alive. Because of this." He tapped Li Wei's palm. "Your instincts saved you."

Li Wei clenched his fists. He wanted to argue, to yell, but… Jinhai was right. His power had activated not because he willed it—but because his life depended on it.

Jinhai crouched beside him. "You can feel it now, can't you? The spark."

Li Wei's breathing slowed. He could still sense the energy within him, faint but real. It wasn't just a force—it was alive.

Jinhai smirked. "Good. Now the real training begins."

Li Wei wiped the sweat from his forehead, his mind still racing from the near-death experience. His legs felt weak, his hands trembled—but beneath it all, he could feel the lingering warmth of the Celestial Seal.

Jinhai stood with his arms crossed, watching him carefully. "You've taken the first step. But instincts alone won't save you in a real fight. You need control."

Li Wei took a shaky breath. "How do I control it?"

Jinhai smirked. "Through pain, exhaustion, and discipline."

Before Li Wei could react, Jinhai struck.

A fist slammed into Li Wei's gut, knocking the wind out of him. He staggered back, gasping. Another blow came—fast, precise. Li Wei barely dodged, stumbling onto the dirt.

"Again." Jinhai's voice was cold. "You can't rely on luck. Either control your power, or you die."

Li Wei groaned, pushing himself up. His body ached, but deep inside, he felt something stir. He gritted his teeth and raised his hands.

Jinhai lunged.

This time, Li Wei moved before he could think. His palm burned, golden sparks flickering to life. He sidestepped just in time, the glow intensifying.

Jinhai's attack missed by inches. "Good," he murmured. "But not good enough."

A sweeping kick knocked Li Wei off balance. He hit the ground hard, coughing. His vision blurred, but something inside him refused to break.

Get up.

He forced himself to his feet, golden energy dancing around his fingers. The Celestial Seal pulsed, responding to his will—not just fear.

Jinhai's smirk widened. "Not bad, kid. Let's see if you can keep up."

The real battle had just begun.