The same treasure.
The same opportunity.
And their destinies would still diverge like rivers flowing in opposite directions.
In the end, it all boiled down to one thing.
Mindset.
How far was someone willing to go?
What were they willing to endure?
How deeply did they desire transcendence?
Time moved forward.
The following day, beneath solemn gazes and quiet anticipation, the Sect Master began instructing his two sons.
The cultivation hall was filled with incense smoke. Sunlight streamed through carved lattice windows, illuminating drifting dust motes that danced in the air.
"Close your eyes," the Sect Master instructed gently. "Feel the qi in the air. It is everywhere. Between your breaths. In the wind. In your blood."
Rin closed his eyes.
His heart pounded.
He focused.
And almost instantly—
A thread.
A faint, cool sensation brushed against his senses.
Qi.
He caught it.
Guided it.
Drew it inward.
A wisp of spiritual energy slipped into his meridians.
