Lee Xian, Cultivator of Guyon

Mysterious Teacher

The warm deck of the morning sun traces the banks of the Jade Flower river. The light was playing around on the surface of the water, creating a dance of glittering light. The bamboo grove around the river bank whispered softly, swaying in rhythm with the whirring of the wind.

Xian stood in the middle of this peaceful scene, his bare feet treading fine stones by the river bank, taking the starting position of his basic cultivation movement. His forehead wrinkled, focusing on every breath and movement of his hand that painted a pattern in the air. At times like this, he seemed to really become one with the surrounding realm.

However, amidst his profound concentration, a wave of energy shocked him. Such a powerful and profound aura disrupted his energy balance. Xian's eyes opened wide, watching the strange mist that had suddenly appeared from the river's headwaters. From behind the fog appeared an old male figure with a loosely worn gray robe, the teak stick in his hand clicking rhythmically on the stone.

Xian, who was shocked, spoke first, "Who are you? Why did you come to this place?"

The old man smiled, his narrow eyes gleaming with intelligence and experience. "My name is Maestro Ling" he said in a hoarse but firm voice. "I heard news about the young man with great potential in this village. And, it seems, I've found it."

Xian felt wary, "Why is a Maestro like you interested in a village youth like me?"

Before Maestro Ling could reply, a sweet fragrance gripped their attention. A street vendor with a small wooden cart full of village hawkers emerged from the trail, announcing his wares. "Pancakes! Sweet bakpao! All fresh from the oven!"

Maestro Ling's eyes sparkled, and with the unexpected young spirit of an old man like him, he said, "Ah! Favorite pancake! Wait a minute, young man."

Without waiting for Xian's approval, Maestro Ling walked quickly towards the merchant, picking out some pancakes and bakpaos. "How wonderful is the taste of freshly cooked pancakes" he said excitedly, chewing enthusiastically.

Xian followed with confusion and amusement. "Maestro Ling," he said slowly, "why are you so excited about pancakes?"

Maestro Ling patted Xian on the shoulder, his face beaming. "Young man, life is not just about cultivation and fighting. We should enjoy the simple pleasures offered by this world. This morning's pancakes are one of them."

The mimic face of Maestro Ling when talking about pancakes is a mixture between the happiness of a child and nostalgia. As for Xian, his originally alert face had now turned to relax, a faint smile appearing on his lips.

They sat together by the river, enjoying pancakes and bakpaos while listening to the sounds of nature. After that short breakfast, Xian looked at Maestro Ling expectantly, "So, what is your purpose in coming here, Maestro?"

With a serious look, Maestro Ling replied, "I'm here to train you, Xian. There's great potential in you, and I want to help you reach it."

The story continues with the discussion between Maestro Ling and Xian about training and the upcoming adventure.

They stood on the banks of the Jade Flower river, the reflection of the morning sun reflecting in the water glitteringly, making everything seem like a dream. Maestro Ling, with her loose gray robe blown away by the wind, looked at Xian with a penetrating gaze.

"Xian," began Maestro Ling, his voice deep and resonant, "I have observed your cultivation movements. There is pure power within you that I rarely meet."

Xian, though impressed, maintained his vigilance. "Thank you for your praise, Maestro. But I'm just a country boy learning the basics."

With a quick and deft movement, Maestro Ling picked up a dry branch on the ground and with a flash, the twig turned into a series of beautiful flowers that blossomed. "Basically?" maestro murmured, "True strength is not just about tricks or illusions. It's about understanding the essence of nature and becoming one with it."

Xian, with wide eyes, stared at the flowers. "How did you do it?"

Maestro Ling showed a faint smile, "A deep understanding of nature and energy is the key to true cultivation. And I believe, I can guide you to reach your full potential."

For a moment, Xian stared into Maestro Ling's eyes, searching for the truth behind his words. After a moment, he asked, "Why do you want to train me? What do you get out of this?"

Maestro Ling's teak stick knocked on the ground gently. "Sometimes, the true purpose of a Maestro is not for himself, but for the next generation. The martial world needed more cultivators who truly understood the meaning of strength."

The two walked slowly towards the Xian training camp. The sound of their footsteps mixed with the whirling wind that passed through the leaves of trees and bamboo groves. Amidst the journey, Maestro Ling stopped abruptly, directing his attention to the vast flower fields by the side of the road. Frangipani flowers, roses, and chrysanthemum bloom vigorously, creating an awesome color palette.

"Come on," he said in a soft voice, "We gather some flowers for tea."

Xian, who had been fascinated by Maestro's knowledge, now saw the other side of him. "You like flower tea, Maestro?"

They spend time in the fields, carefully choosing the best flowers. Maestro Ling's hand movements were so smooth, as if every flower was a precious masterpiece. Xian, though initially awkward, soon found his own rhythm.

"Are you sure about this, Maestro?" xian asked as they continued on their way. "I'm just a village youth with little knowledge of cultivation."

Maestro Ling, staring deep into the horizon, said, "That's why I'm here, Xian. I see the potential within you, and with my guidance, we can reach heights you never imagined."

Xian sighed, deciding to accept the offer. "Alright, Maestro Ling. Teach me."

With a wide smile, Maestro Ling patted Xian on the back with affection. "First, let's make some tea."

The two continue on, with hearts full of hope and determination for a bright future in the martial world.

The sun rose with splendor, giving off a golden aura that illuminated the vast expanse of field on the outskirts of the village. The foliage was scattering with the morning dew, and the sounds of the birds greeted the morning with their melodious chirping.

Xian stood firmly in the middle of the field, his breathing regular, regulating the energy rhythms within his body. Next to him, Maestro Ling with sharp eyes watched Xian's every move, appraising and correcting.

"The mind, body, and soul must become one, Xian," Maestro Ling said in a deep and calm voice. "Without the balance between the three, true cultivation is impossible to achieve."

Xian nodded, "I understand, Maestro. But how do I know I've reached that balance?"

Maestro Ling smiled faintly, "When you don't have to ask, then you will know."

Before Xian could respond, there was the carefree laughter of the approaching little boy. A boy about seven years old with a blue kite in his hand ran over. His black hair was flying, his face flushed red with vigor.

"Maestro Ling!" he exclaimed with sparkling eyes, "I heard you are a kite expert! Can you play with me?"

Maestro Ling turned her head, her normally serious face now turning warm. "Ah, Xiao Lin! How do you know I'm here?"

Xiao Lin, in an uncontrollable spirit, replied, "Everyone in the village knows you are coming, Maestro! And they also say you are the best kite master!"

Xian looked at him confused but interested. "Maestro, you're a kite expert?"

With sparkling eyes, Maestro Ling replied, "Kite is one way to understand the wind, Xian. And wind is an important part of cultivation." Then he turned to Xiao Lin, "Alright, challenge accepted!"

They ran to the more open end of the field. Maestro Ling quickly prepared his red kite. Xiao Lin, with enthusiasm, released his blue kite into the air.

"Remember, Xian," said Maestro Ling as he pulled his kite rope, "In every activity, there are cultivation lessons. With kites, we learn to sense and control the wind."

Xian observed in awe how Maestro Ling easily controlled his kite, making it move agilely in the air, dancing around as if it had a soul of its own. Xiao Lin, despite appearing to be struggling, persisted with his kite, laughing merrily every time he managed to dodge Maestro Ling's kite attack.

"Maestro," Xian asked as he observed, "Is all of this really relevant to cultivation?"

Maestro Ling pulled his kite rope, making it spin rapidly in the air, "Everything, Xian, from the simplest to the most complex, has a connection with nature. True cultivation is about understanding the relationship and becoming one with it."

When the sun reaches its peak, the kite game ends. Xiao Lin, with a breath of breath, walked up to Maestro Ling, "You are indeed great, Maestro!"

Maestro Ling patted Xiao Lin on the head affectionately, "You are also great, Xiao Lin. Keep practicing, huh?"

Xiao Lin nodded and ran away, leaving Maestro Ling and Xian back to their training sessions. However, Xian now had a deeper understanding of what cultivation meant and how to relate it to everyday life.