"Yes!!" Jin Chi shouted.
He raced toward the backyard, nearly tripping over his own feet. "Father, what were you doing?" he asked, eyes wide with curiosity.
His father's expression softened, a hint of guilt flickering in his eyes.
"Sorry, did I disturb you? I was just practicing martial arts… and made a small mistake. But tell me, do you want to learn martial arts?"
"Of course, Father!" Jin Chi exclaimed, excitement bubbling in his voice.
A mischievous grin spread across his father's face.
"It's going to be hard and exhausting. Are you really sure?"
"Yep!" Jin Chi's big eyes gleamed with determination as he clenched his small fists.
His father patted him on the back with a warm smile.
"Alright then. Let's start with fifty laps around the yard."
"Yes!" Jin Chi yelled, his heart pounding with anticipation.
He dashed forward—legs pumping, arms swinging, wind rushing against his face. Sweat soon dotted his brow, but he refused to slow down.
After the tenth lap, his father jogged beside him, teasing,
"Come on, Jin Chi! Don't let those little legs fall behind!"
Jin Chi stuck out his tongue playfully.
"Not falling behind, Father! You try keeping up!"
By the thirtieth lap, both were laughing between heavy breaths.
"Keep your back straight, Jin Chi. That's it! Faster now!" his father called out, still smiling.
Each lap felt longer than the last, yet Jin Chi's determination only grew stronger. When he finally completed the fiftieth lap, his chest heaved and his legs trembled—but a proud grin stretched across his face.
His father ruffled his hair proudly.
"See? You did it. And this is just the beginning."
Day by day, their bond deepened. Jin Chi's body grew tougher, faster, and more flexible under his father's guidance.
Two months passed in the blink of an eye.
---
It was the first day of second grade, and a thrilling new chapter awaited Jin Chi. His heart raced with a strange mix of excitement and nervousness—he couldn't wait to see what he would learn in cultivation class.
As he stepped into his classroom, he spotted a few familiar faces. Some students smiled politely, while others kept their distance. Jin Chi felt a faint sting of loneliness, but also quiet pride—he had grown stronger, and he was ready for whatever came next.
The morning lessons were dull, covering the same old subjects from his previous life. But finally… it was time for cultivation class.
The same teacher walked in, and Jin Chi frowned, trying to recall his name—but, strangely, he couldn't. No matter how many times he saw him, the name never stuck.
"Has everyone purchased your books? If not, make sure to do so by the end of the week," the teacher began. "Now, we'll start with basic herbs—"
Before he could continue, a hand shot up. It belonged to a boy named Nell Min—a lively, red-haired student whose crimson eyes practically sparkled with energy.
"Yes, Nell? What would you like to ask?" the teacher said, amused.
Nell leaned forward eagerly.
"Teacher, when do we start learning martial techniques and cultivation? And… is there a difference between them?"
Jin Chi's ears perked up. Martial techniques? Cultivation? His excitement surged—finally, something interesting!
The teacher smiled faintly.
"You'll begin martial arts training in sixth grade, and cultivation in eleventh grade. Though it's not part of your syllabus yet, I'll give a short explanation: martial techniques focus on physical combat, while cultivation strengthens the Qi, enhancing both body and mind. True cultivators can even extend their lifespan or unlock mystical powers. Now, let's return to the lecture."
He paused, glancing at the students. These kids are unusually curious for their age, he thought.
Jin Chi, however, could hardly sit still. Sixth grade for martial arts… eleventh for cultivation… I can't wait!
---
Time flew by, and soon, summer holidays arrived.
One sunny morning, Jin Chi was exercising with his father. After a while, he wiped his forehead and asked, "Father, why can't I start learning martial arts right now?"
His father chuckled softly.
"Because your body isn't ready yet. If things go well, you can begin basic martial arts when you turn nine. For now, just focus on your sit-ups."
"I see… I can't wait!" Jin Chi said, his tone full of eagerness.
Days passed in this steady rhythm until exam season arrived. Sitting at his desk, Jin Chi sighed in boredom.
"Everything's so easy… but nothing exciting," he muttered. Should I try third-grade cultivation instead? It might be a hassle to ask Mom and Dad, but if I insist, they'll probably agree.
Without thinking, Jin Chi ran toward his parents' room. As he reached the door, he froze. His parents were sharing a quick, tender kiss. For a moment, the childish part of him panicked—but his adult mind quickly stepped in. Come on, Jin, they're married. Don't act like a kid.
He cleared his throat, pushed open the door, and blurted, "Mom! Dad! I want to buy cultivation books for third grade!"
Both parents jumped slightly, startled, then glanced at each other before smiling.
"Alright, let's go and buy them right now, shall we?" they said in unison.
His mother laughed and got up to go with him, while his father stayed resting on the bed.
---
A short while later, Jin and his mother arrived at a bustling bookstore filled with the scent of old paper and fresh ink. His mother went to the counter to ask about the books, while Jin wandered off, curiosity tugging at his steps.
He soon found himself in the Cultivation Section. Shelves upon shelves of manuals surrounded him—Introduction to Pill Making, Essentials of Qi Flow, Water Steps Movement Technique (Basic)—each one whispering promises of power.
Unable to resist, he picked up the Water Steps Movement Technique and started reading. But before he could turn another page, a polite voice spoke behind him.
"Please buy it if you want to read it, sir," said a store clerk who had appeared out of nowhere.
Jin blinked, startled. Right… not a library.
Before he could respond, his mother appeared, hands on her hips.
"There you are, Jin! Don't go wandering off without telling me first. Jeez… let's go, I got the book you wanted."
"Sorry, Mom. I won't do it again," Jin said sheepishly, scratching his cheek.
His mother sighed but smiled as they walked out together. Jin cast one last glance at the cultivation shelves before stepping outside.
For some reason, he couldn't stop thinking about that Water Steps Movement Technique.
Next Chapter: Whole Family Dinner