The First Step Towards the Unknown

The sun was just beginning to rise over the small village of Gokul, casting golden hues across the lush green fields. Birds chirped softly as the villagers started their daily routines—some tending to crops, others preparing for the morning market. Amidst this simple and peaceful life, a young boy sat quietly under an old banyan tree, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

Arjun's heart felt heavy.

For ten years, he had never stepped beyond the borders of Gokul. The village was his entire world. The familiar dusty roads, the laughter of children playing by the river, the scent of fresh bread from the baker's hut—these were the things he had known all his life. And now, in just a few days, he would be leaving it all behind.

Next week, he and his two best friends, Zhao Yufeng and Zhao Yufei, would be heading to the Gurukul of Vindhya, the only place nearby where young cultivators could receive formal training. It was a great opportunity, one that many children of Gokul dreamed of. Yet, Arjun couldn't shake the sadness creeping into his heart.

He sighed, absentmindedly tracing patterns in the dirt with a small twig. His father, Pandu, stood nearby, watching his son with knowing eyes.

"Something is troubling you," Pandu finally spoke, his deep voice calm yet firm.

Arjun hesitated before answering. He wasn't the type to express his feelings easily, but with his father, he didn't have to pretend. "Father… I don't want to leave." His voice was barely above a whisper.

Pandu sat beside him, placing a strong but gentle hand on his shoulder. "I understand," he said, his tone filled with warmth. "Leaving home is never easy. But tell me, Arjun, what do you seek in life?"

Arjun thought for a moment. His dreams were clear to him—he wanted to be strong, to explore the vast world beyond Gokul, and to one day soar through the skies like the immortals in the stories he had heard. "I want to cultivate, to become powerful," he admitted. "I want to see what lies beyond this village."

Pandu nodded. "Then you must take this step. Strength does not come to those who remain in their comfort zone. Just as a river does not stay still but flows forward, you too must move forward in life."

Arjun lowered his head. "But what if I fail? What if I'm not good enough?" His voice carried a hint of self-doubt.

Pandu chuckled softly. "Failure is just another lesson, Arjun. Every great warrior, every mighty cultivator, has faced defeat before reaching greatness. The difference between the strong and the weak is that the strong never stop trying."

Arjun remained silent, absorbing his father's words.

Seeing his son's turmoil, Pandu continued, "Let me tell you a story. When I was younger, I, too, had to leave my home. I had fears, just like you. But the world is vast, full of wonders and dangers alike. It tests us, shapes us, and reveals our true potential. If you wish to cultivate, to reach heights that others can only dream of, then you must walk the path that takes you beyond Gokul."

Arjun clenched his fists. He knew his father was right. Deep down, he had always known that staying in Gokul would not be enough if he wanted to achieve true strength. But that didn't make leaving any easier.

"Zhao Yufeng and Zhao Yufei are also going," Pandu reminded him. "You will not be alone."

A small smile crossed Arjun's lips. His best friends—Zhao Yufeng, the ever-enthusiastic and competitive one, and Zhao Yufei, the cheerful and intelligent girl whom everyone adored—would be by his side. That thought comforted him.

"But father," Arjun hesitated before asking the question that had been bothering him the most. "Why have you never cultivated? You know so much about it, yet you never trained me before."

Pandu's face darkened slightly, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his eyes. "That… is a story for another time." He patted Arjun's head. "For now, focus on your own path."

Arjun wanted to press further, but he could sense that his father would not answer. Instead, he took a deep breath and nodded.

"Good," Pandu said. "Now, let's prepare. There is much to do before you leave."

The next few days were filled with preparations. Arjun's mother had left when he was a baby, so it was only Pandu who helped him pack the few belongings he had—a set of simple robes, a small dagger for protection, and some dried food.

The entire village seemed to know about their departure. Some of the elders gave Arjun advice, while the younger children looked at him with admiration. "You're going to become a great cultivator, Arjun!" they would say, their eyes filled with excitement.

Meanwhile, Arjun spent his last days in Gokul with Zhao Yufeng and Zhao Yufei. The three of them had grown up together, playing by the river, racing through the fields, and sharing dreams of cultivation. Now, those dreams were about to begin.

"I heard the teachers at the Gurukul are in the Energy Condensation Realm," Zhao Yufeng said as they sat near the river, skipping stones across the water. "That's so much higher than anything we've seen here!"

Zhao Yufei, who was always the more thoughtful one, added, "The dean is even stronger—Foundation Building Stage! Can you imagine how powerful he must be?"

Arjun listened quietly. He had only just started training under his father's guidance, learning breathing techniques to build his foundation. But soon, he would learn so much more.

"You both seem excited," Arjun finally said.

"Of course!" Zhao Yufeng grinned. "We've been waiting for this our entire lives."

Zhao Yufei smiled softly. "And we'll be together. That makes it easier, right?"

Arjun nodded. He was grateful for them.

As the sun began to set, the three of them watched the sky turn shades of orange and red, knowing that in a few days, their lives would change forever.

The night before they were set to leave, Arjun sat outside his house, looking up at the starry sky. He felt a mix of excitement and nervousness.

His father joined him, silently sitting by his side.

"Are you ready?" Pandu finally asked.

Arjun took a deep breath. "I think so."

Pandu smiled. "Good. Then remember this—no matter what happens, never forget where you came from. The path of cultivation is long and difficult, but as long as you keep moving forward, you will reach heights beyond your imagination."

Arjun looked at his father, determination shining in his eyes. "I will make you proud, Father."

Pandu chuckled. "You already have."

As Arjun lay down to sleep that night, he knew that the next morning would mark the beginning of a new journey. The small village of Gokul would always be his home, but his destiny lay beyond its borders.

And he was finally ready to embrace it.