Arjun's Cultivation

Arjun sat cross-legged on the ground, staring at his father with curiosity burning in his eyes. "Father, you know everything about cultivation, don't you? What realm are you in? Are you at a higher level of cultivation?"

His father, a composed man with a strong yet worn demeanor, sighed and shook his head. "Arjun, that is not important for you right now. Your focus should be on your own cultivation. Do not let curiosity distract you from your path."

Arjun frowned, sensing that his father was hiding something. However, he decided not to press the matter further. Instead, he shifted to the next topic on his mind. "Father, now that you've given me this breathing technique, I want to choose my weapon. What should I use?"

His father studied him for a long moment before nodding. "That is an important decision. A cultivator's weapon is their companion throughout life. It must resonate with your soul. So, tell me, Arjun, what weapon do you feel drawn to?"

Without hesitation, Arjun answered, "I like bows."

At his words, his father's eyes flickered with surprise and something else—sorrow. But it was gone in an instant, replaced by a small smile. "A bow… That is a noble choice. The path of an archer requires patience, precision, and unwavering focus. It is not an easy path, but if you are truly determined, I will guide you."

Arjun grinned. "I want to be the best archer ever!"

His father chuckled, placing a hand on his head. "Then we shall begin."

That night, under his father's guidance, Arjun started practicing the breathing technique. He sat in a meditative posture, following his father's instructions carefully. With each controlled breath, he felt a warm energy stir inside him. It was faint at first, like a flickering flame, but as he continued, it grew stronger, spreading through his body.

Hours passed, and to his father's astonishment, Arjun's body began to change. His muscles felt lighter, his senses sharper, and his entire being seemed to be resonating with the energy of the world. When he opened his eyes, his father was staring at him in disbelief.

"You… You have already reached the second stage of Body Refinement in one night?" his father murmured, his voice laced with shock. "This… this is unheard of."

Arjun blinked in confusion. "Is that bad?"

His father quickly shook his head. "No, it's not bad, but it is highly unusual. In a normal village, reaching the second stage of Body Refinement takes weeks, sometimes even months. But you did it in a single night… Your talent for cultivation is beyond imagination."

Arjun felt a surge of excitement. "Does this mean I can become an immortal faster?"

His father's expression darkened slightly. "Arjun, listen to me carefully. Cultivation is not a race. Just because you can progress quickly does not mean you should. Rushing through cultivation without building a strong foundation can lead to irreversible damage. A weak foundation will cause instability in later stages, and you might even cripple yourself permanently."

Arjun's excitement dimmed. "Then… what should I do?"

His father smiled gently. "Take your time. Follow the proper steps. Strengthen your body naturally. Alongside cultivation, you must engage in regular exercise—running, climbing, lifting. Your body is like a vessel, and you must make it strong enough to contain your growing power."

Arjun nodded, absorbing his father's words. "I understand. I will train properly."

His father patted his shoulder. "Good. We will start your physical training tomorrow. And remember, the bow you choose will not just be a weapon—it will be an extension of your will. Learn to respect it, and it will never fail you."

Arjun clenched his fists with determination. "I will, Father. I promise."

Under the vast night sky, a new journey had begun—one that would shape Arjun into a warrior unlike any other.