"That all-seeing big brother said I'd discover some kind of patterns once I returned to the first level of energy cultivation. I'm so excited to get back there as soon as possible. I'm afraid we'll part ways here." Robin narrowed his eyes as he spoke.
"What? Part ways… What do you mean by that?" Caesar was stunned, as if he had just heard the harshest curse in existence.
"Take your share of the stones and get upstairs, you idiot! Don't show me your face again until you break through to the first level." Robin kicked Caesar on the backside. Caesar froze for a moment, then burst out laughing, grabbed half the stones, and rushed upstairs.
Thus, their training began.
Although both had vast experience in cultivation techniques and shortcuts, they had not trained at all during their journey from the cave. Energy training and foundation building required calm, focus, and a safe environment. Now that they had reached such a place, with ample resources, there was no need to hold back.
A week passed… then two. Breaking through to level one was supposed to be only the first step, the base upon which everything else would be built. Normally, it took months, sometimes years.
But suddenly, a loud voice echoed from upstairs."Hahaha! I'm officially a cultivator again! I did it before you!" Caesar shouted proudly. Though his faster progress was natural—he had once reached level fourteen, and he used the same technique that Robin had refined—he still felt triumphant at surpassing his father in something.
Caesar jumped down from the second floor, ready to boast, but froze at what he saw. Robin was seated in meditation, his eyes glowing bright green, the space around him faintly distorted, almost illusory.
"Wh-what's happening? Did he already break through to the first level? No… even reaching level twenty wouldn't cause something like this!" Caesar muttered, taking a step back. But then he steadied himself and sat at the doorway, waiting anxiously.
Days passed. Two… then two weeks… then three. Caesar grew increasingly worried. This shouldn't be happening. Breaking through to the first level is something even children can do.
After two more days.. the glowing in Robin's eyes finally stopped. Then he smiled and stood up, "patterns, hah?.. hahaha patterns... patterns.." Robin said as he looked around with intense curiosity, he was in an ecstasy state!!
Whenever he looked around, he saw them—patterns within everything. Shapes etched into objects, sequences in movements, arrangements in the smallest details. Everything had a pattern that set it apart.
The mirror before him bore lines and symbols across his reflection. The wooden planks of the bed displayed carvings within the grain. Even the wind itself moved in patterns that he could now perceive.
After studying everything with growing wonder, Robin called, "Caesar, come here!" Caesar leapt up and hurried to him. Robin's glowing eyes examined his brother closely—and sure enough, patterns covered his skin. Robin even pricked Caesar's finger and meditated on the drop of blood. It too revealed hidden patterns.
The entire world had changed in Robin's vision. Everything carried its own designs, its own laws. He did not yet understand their essence, but he was certain: this was connected to the Master Law of Truth. And if this was what he could see without anchoring his pillars in the law, what would happen when he truly did?
In high spirits, Robin laughed. "I'm starving! We should be into our second month by now. Let's collect our allowance and get a decent meal."
They cashed their allowance from the treasury easily this time, taking it in coins instead of stones. After all, the first level required little energy, and they still had plenty left.
Their stroll through the institution did not go unnoticed. Once thought mysterious, it was now clear—they were merely at the first level. Compared to their apparent age, they were trash.
Whispers, chuckles, and mocking laughter followed them, but Robin and Caesar were unfazed. Their experience kept them calm.
"Hey," Robin said with a grin, "have you ever eaten in a fancy restaurant before? How about we make today the first time?"
They asked around and soon found the largest restaurant in the area. To any onlooker, it looked like two boys on a simple outing. But Caesar noticed Robin's expression—his father looked around with wide, childlike eyes, as though seeing the world for the first time. Caesar didn't know the truth: for Robin, this was the first time seeing the world as it truly was.
Inside, Robin drew stares when he laughed loudly, examining a slab of mountain rhinoceros meat as if it were a priceless artifact.
"Oh, big brother, what are you doing?" Caesar muttered, embarrassed but curious.
"What do you think I'm doing? Casually breaking down a few laws, hahaha."
Caesar nearly dropped his fork. "Breaking down laws?!" But before he could ask, Robin tossed two gold coins on the table, stood, and walked out.
Caesar hurried after him. "Breaking down laws? What do you mean by that?!"
Robin answered confidently, "Since I reached the first level, I've been able to apply the laws I studied before. I see patterns in everything now. And from what I've observed, those patterns are the very laws that govern the world."
"You… you can see the laws with your eyes?!" Caesar was shaken to the core.
"Exactly." Robin smiled. "Now, let's buy some firewood. I'm going to have a long talk with the Major Law of Fire, hahaha!"
Caesar was left speechless. Seeing the laws themselves…? To master a law, the first and hardest step was always to confirm its existence, to sense its truths, and to identify the key factors behind it. Only then could one develop a technique to control it.
But Robin… Robin had erased that first hurdle completely. And if the second and third were just as easy for him—then the laws were no longer mysteries, but open books waiting to be read.
The thought made Caesar freeze in the middle of the road, overwhelmed. Robin only chuckled, turned back, and pulled him forward by the ears.