The Journey to Gurukul of Vindhya

The morning sun bathed the village of Gokul in golden light as Arjun and his friends stood near the village square, waiting for the carriage that would take them to the Gurukul of Vindhya. The once-familiar surroundings felt different today—like a chapter of their lives was closing, making way for a new beginning.

Arjun adjusted the small bag slung over his shoulder. It contained a few spare robes, some dried food, and a wooden bow his father had given him. His father, Pandu, stood a few steps away, his usual calm expression in place, but Arjun could sense the unspoken emotions in his eyes.

Zhao Yufeng and Zhao Yufei stood beside him, their expressions a mix of excitement and nervousness. Zhao Yufeng, the ever-energetic one, kept shifting from foot to foot, barely able to contain himself. Zhao Yufei, his younger sister, stood quietly, her eyes reflecting deep thought.

The village chief, an elderly man with a long gray beard, approached them, his face carrying the wisdom of years. "The journey to Gurukul will take a day. The roads are not too dangerous, but it is still a world of cultivation. Stay alert," he advised in his deep voice.

The carriage arrived, a sturdy wooden structure pulled by two strong horses. The driver, a middle-aged man with a broad build, tipped his hat in greeting. "We'll leave as soon as you're ready," he said.

Before boarding, the village chief turned to the three of them, his expression serious. "Children, listen carefully. You are about to enter a world very different from this village. The Gurukul of Vindhya is not just a place for learning—it is a place where the strong rise, and the weak are left behind."

Arjun and his friends nodded, absorbing his words.

"There are a few things you must remember," the village chief continued. "First, do not provoke anyone unnecessarily. Cultivation is not just about strength—it is about wisdom. There will be many from different backgrounds in the Gurukul, some more talented than others. Focus on your own growth."

Zhao Yufeng folded his arms. "We won't back down if someone challenges us, though!"

The village chief sighed. "That brings me to my second warning. Be especially cautious of nobles."

At the mention of nobles, all three of them exchanged glances. In their small village, the idea of nobility was distant, something out of stories.

"Why?" Arjun asked.

The village chief's expression darkened slightly. "In the cultivation world, those born into noble families often possess higher-grade bloodlines. This gives them an advantage in cultivation speed and talent. While there are exceptions, most nobles look down on civilians, considering them inferior."

Zhao Yufei frowned. "But if we're strong, does it matter?"

The village chief smiled bitterly. "If this world were fair, it wouldn't matter. But it is not. Even if a civilian becomes powerful, the noble factions will oppress them. A single powerful civilian can be overwhelmed by an entire noble faction. That is the reality you must understand."

Arjun clenched his fists. He had read about these things in the few books available in the village, but hearing it from the village chief made it feel real.

"So, what should we do if nobles target us?" Zhao Yufeng asked, his voice serious for once.

The village chief sighed. "Avoid unnecessary conflict. But… if you must fight, be prepared. And never show weakness. In the world of cultivators, strength is the only law."

Arjun's mind buzzed with thoughts. He didn't like the idea of being looked down upon simply because of birth. I'll prove that talent and hard work matter more than bloodline.

After a moment of silence, Arjun asked something that had been bothering him. "Chief, what if we get into a fight? Will the teachers help us?"

The village chief let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. "No, Arjun. They will not interfere."

Zhao Yufei's eyes widened. "What? But aren't teachers supposed to guide and protect students?"

"In knowledge, yes. But in battle? No," the chief said. "In Gurukul, fighting and competition are common. As long as no one loses their life, the teachers will not step in. That is the way of cultivation. Only through struggle does one grow."

Arjun nodded slowly. This made sense in a way, but it also meant that they had to be extra careful. The weak would be crushed without mercy.

The village chief placed a hand on Arjun's shoulder. "You have great potential, Arjun. But remember, rushing forward without a plan is foolishness. Cultivate patiently, build your strength steadily, and never let pride blind you."

Arjun met his eyes and nodded firmly. "I understand."

With the village chief's words lingering in their minds, the three of them climbed into the carriage. Pandu walked up to Arjun one last time, his gaze soft yet filled with expectation.

"Remember what I told you," Pandu said. "Never forget where you came from, but also… never let fear stop you."

Arjun felt a lump form in his throat but nodded. "I won't."

Pandu smiled slightly, stepping back as the driver cracked the reins. The horses neighed, and with a gentle jolt, the carriage began to move.

As the village grew smaller behind them, Arjun stared at it in silence. He had spent his entire life within those borders. Now, he was leaving.

"Are you okay?" Zhao Yufei asked softly.

Arjun exhaled slowly. "Yeah. Just… it's strange."

Zhao Yufeng grinned, slapping him on the back. "Come on, we're about to start an adventure! No looking back now."

Arjun smiled a little. He's right. There's no turning back.

The road stretched before them, winding through open fields and forests. The carriage ride was mostly smooth, though the occasional bump sent them bouncing in their seats.

They spent the time discussing what they knew about Gurukul.

"I heard that the first years will have to pass a test before being fully admitted," Zhao Yufeng said.

"What kind of test?" Arjun asked.

"Not sure, but it'll probably involve combat," Zhao Yufeng replied, excitement flickering in his eyes.

Zhao Yufei looked thoughtful. "I hope it's not too unfair. If nobles are involved, they might try to suppress talented civilians before we even get a chance to grow."

Arjun's expression hardened. "Then we'll just have to prove ourselves."

As night fell, the carriage came to a stop near a small stream. The driver let the horses rest, and the three of them stepped out to stretch their legs.

The night air was cool, and the stars twinkled above them. Arjun found himself staring at the sky, feeling the vastness of the world. This is just the beginning.

By the next afternoon, the towering gates of the Gurukul of Vindhya came into view.

Arjun's breath caught in his throat. The Gurukul was massive, with stone walls that stretched high, adorned with intricate carvings of ancient warriors and celestial beings. The entrance itself was guarded by two statues of mythical beasts, their eyes glowing faintly with spiritual energy.

Beyond the gate, a sprawling complex of buildings and courtyards could be seen, filled with young cultivators walking around, their robes fluttering in the breeze.

"We're finally here," Zhao Yufeng murmured, his excitement barely contained.

Zhao Yufei tightened her grip on her bag. "Now, our real journey begins."

Arjun took a deep breath. From this moment on, everything changes.

Stepping forward, the three of them walked through the gates, ready to face whatever awaited them inside.