The Hua Sect | XianWang

Chapter 29. 软草

Early the next morning, Wei Jingyi and Liu Xin met at the edge of a peaceful clearing, surrounded by towering trees and colorful wildflowers. They had decided to start their day with a training session, a chance to hone their cultivation skills and strengthen their bond.

Wei Jingyi stood with his legs shoulder-width apart, his hands clasped together in front of him. He closed his eyes, breathing deeply as he centered himself and channeled his qi.

Liu Xin watched him with admiration, marveling at his focus and dedication. Then, he took his own stance, mirroring Wei Jingyi's movements and joining him in the flow of energy.

For hours, they moved together in a dance of power and precision, their movements fluid and precise. They practiced forms and techniques, pushing each other to improve and grow.

At times, they would pause to offer encouragement and advice, their voices low and supportive. Then, they would return to their training, their movements becoming faster and more intricate as the morning wore on.

As the sun reached its zenith, they finally slowed to a stop, their bodies sheened with sweat and their hearts racing. They stood facing each other, their eyes shining with respect and admiration.

"You've improved a lot since we last trained together," Liu Xin said, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm proud of you, Jingyi'er."

Wei Jingyi smiled, his heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you, A-Xin. It's because of you that I've come this far. I couldn't have done it without you."

Together, they sat down to rest, their bodies and spirits strengthened by their shared practice. They knew that their journey was far from over, but they were ready to face whatever lay ahead, their bond deeper and more powerful than ever before.

.....

Jin Ling stood at attention, his posture straight and his gaze focused as he faced his uncle, Jiang Cheng. The training grounds were quiet, the air still and heavy with the weight of their shared history and expectations.

Jiang Cheng looked at Jin Ling with a critical eye, assessing his posture and stance. "Remember, Jin Ling, your balance is key," he said, his voice firm but patient. "You must be rooted in your foundation if you hope to defeat your enemies."

Jin Ling nodded, tightening his grip on his sword as he prepared for the next drill. Jiang Cheng lunged forward, his own sword flashing in the sunlight as he tested Jin Ling's defenses. Jin Ling parried the blow, his movements swift and sure.

"Good," Jiang Cheng said, a hint of approval in his voice. "But you must also be mindful of your surroundings. A true cultivator is always aware of their environment, using it to their advantage."

The training continued, Jin Ling and Jiang Cheng moving in sync as they sparred and drilled, their swords clashing in the air. Despite the intensity of their training, a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect began to grow between them, a bond forged in sweat and determination.

"You've improved, Jin Ling," Jiang Cheng said, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Keep up the good work, and you'll be a formidable cultivator in no time." Jin Ling grinned, his chest swelling with pride at his uncle's praise. 

.....

Jin Ling sat cross-legged on the ground, his sword laid out in front of him. He picked up a soft cloth and began to wipe away the sweat and grime that had accumulated during his training session with his uncle.

As he worked, his thoughts couldn't help but drift to Wei Sizhui. He missed him dearly and wondered if he was making other friends. He had felt a pang of jealousy at the thought, a strange sensation he hadn't experienced before.

Jin Ling frowned, his fingers stilling on the sword. He didn't understand why the image of Wei Sizhui with someone else bothered him so much. They were friends, after all, and Wei Sizhui was free to talk to whomever he pleased.

Yet, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in his chest. Was it merely concern for his friend, or was there something more? Jin Ling wasn't sure, but he knew he couldn't ignore the feeling any longer.

He took a deep breath and resumed cleaning his sword, his mind still swirling with thoughts of Wei Sizhui. He knew he had to confront these feelings soon, before they consumed him entirely. But for now, he pushed them aside, focusing on the task at hand, and the upcoming challenges that awaited him.

.....

Wei Sizhui stepped outside into the courtyard, the cool evening air a welcome relief after a long day of studying and training. He took a deep breath, enjoying the tranquility of the moonlit night.

As he strolled through the garden, his thoughts inevitably turned to Jin Ling. He hadn't seen his friend since he left to go back to his sect, and he missed him more than he cared to admit.

Wei Sizhui sighed, his shoulders sagging slightly. He knew that Jin Ling was likely busy with his own training and responsibilities, but he couldn't help but feel a sense of longing. He missed their easy banter, their shared love of adventure, and the way they pushed each other to be better.

As he wandered through the garden, the moonlight casting a silvery glow on the foliage, he found himself smiling at the memories they had made together. He thought of the time they had snuck out of their quarters to watch the meteor shower, or the time they had gotten lost in the mountains on a hunting expedition.

.....

The training hall was filled with the sounds of clashing swords, grunts of effort, and the occasional cry of pain as the sect disciplines pushed themselves to their limits.

Wei Li stood at the front of the room, her eyes scanning the trainees as they sparred with each other. Her hands moved in a blur of motion, adjusting a stance here, correcting a grip there, her voice ringing out clear and firm.

"Wider stance, Li Min!" she barked, her voice carrying over the din of the training hall. "And you, Ling Wu, don't telegraph your moves like that! Your opponent will see it coming a mile away!"

The disciplines nodded, their faces determined as they redoubled their efforts. Wei Li smiled, pleased by their dedication. She had seen many come and go over the years, but these disciples had promise.

As the morning progressed, Wei Li led them through various drills and exercises, testing their strength, speed, and agility. She pushed them hard, knowing that they needed to be prepared for the dangers that awaited them in the real world.

.....

Published. 

Words. 1086