Soul of the Dynasty: Rebirth

MOONLIGHT WHISPERS

"The energies of Yin and Yang exist together within a mage's Qi. Yin represents the earth, femininity, darkness, passivity, and absorption. On the other hand, Yang stands for masculinity, light, activity, and penetration. Both are vital for sustaining one's Qi..." The air in the lecture hall hung heavy, thick with the scent of burning incense and the monotonous drone of Master Oden's voice. Each syllable of his lecture on Yin and Yang energies seemed to coalesce into a soporific symphony, a relentless assault on Shizui's eyelids. He fought a valiant but losing battle to keep them propped open. The gentle sway of the incense burner seemed to mock him, its hypnotic rhythm lulling him towards a forbidden Sleep. A lone fly buzzed lazily across a shaft of sunlight, its irritating drone the only counterpoint to the professor's lulling lecture.

Finally, succumbing to the weight of sleep deprivation, Shizui's eyelids drooped like weary curtains. Images from his dreams flickered behind his closed lids – a sun-drenched meadow, his mother's laughter echoing on the wind, a sparring session with Elven that ended in a fit of giggles. A jolt of shame replaced the remnants of sleep as Master Oden's voice boomed, shattering the idyllic dreamscape.

"Shizui!" the master bellowed, his voice resonating throughout the hall. "Are my lessons so dull that you've chosen sleep over discipline?"

Shizui's head snapped up, his cheeks burning with embarrassment. "M-Master, I apologise," he stammered. "It's just – "

"Just what?" Master Oden's voice rose a notch, his bushy eyebrows threatening to disappear into his hairline. "Qi balance is a fundamental skill, the very foundation of a mage's power! Do you wish to faint mid-battle, leaving yourself vulnerable to a demon's fangs again?"

Shizui straightened in his seat, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Guilt gnawed at him, but a flicker of defiance sparked within. "I understand, Master," he said, his voice regaining its firmness. "It's just that – "

"Just what? There are no excuses," Master Oden cut him off again, his voice leaving no room for argument. "Yin and Yang – understanding their balance is the cornerstone of every spell, every defence. A warrior who cannot master this basic principle is as useless as a broken sword."

Shizui fumbled for an explanation, his mind racing. "Master, I was merely contemplating their balance as you spoke," he said, hoping the lie wouldn't be too transparent.

A flicker of doubt softened the stern lines on Master Oden's face. He regarded Shizui with a calculating gaze. "Contemplation during a lesson is...unacceptable," he said, his voice softer now. He paced the room, his long white robes swishing softly against the tatami mats. "Tonight," he announced, stopping in front of Shizui, "you will meditate until dawn. Feel the currents – the Yin and Yang – within you. Seek their harmony. Only then will you understand."

Shizui bowed deeply, shame tinging his acceptance. He stole a glance at Elven, who offered him a small, sympathetic smile. It had been nearly ten days since their encounter on the southern hill with the seven-headed serpent. Master Kenzo, however, had become a distant figure since Shizui awoke. Their training sessions had ceased abruptly, replaced with a curt "you are fully prepared." Shizui couldn't shake the feeling of neglect, a cold emptiness settling in his chest. The nightly melody Kenzo played had morphed from a melancholic tune to one that resonated with pain and sorrow, a melody that left Shizui yearning for something he couldn't quite grasp has been now replaced with a melody of yearning and longing. Attempts to confront Kenzo were met with icy stares and terse replies, leaving Shizui more confused than ever.

The change in Kenzo's behaviour was a constant source of worry. Kenzo's gruff exterior had softened, replaced by a quiet understanding that resonated with Shizui on a deeper level. Now, that connection seemed severed, leaving Shizui adrift in a sea of uncertainty. Was it something I had done? Have I unknowingly crossed a line? I have been very careful to keep my emotions hidden, so what is it? The questions swirled in his mind, unanswered and tormenting.