Physical cultivation

Elder Morgan looked out at the crowd, his gaze lingering on the eager faces of the village's youth. "Before diving into advanced stages of cultivation, it's essential to build a strong physical foundation. Just as a well-constructed house starts with a sturdy foundation, so does the cultivation journey."

The Elder continued, "Physical cultivation involves rigorous exercise, a balanced diet, and the honing of your natural skills. Even in our small, isolated village, there are numerous ways to enhance your physical strength. Basic exercises like running, swimming in the river, and climbing trees can go a long way. Additionally, hunting activities not only provide food but also serve as a way to improve your agility and awareness."

Elder Morgan paused for a moment, emphasizing the importance of his next words. "A strong body can store and manage a greater amount of Qi energy, which is crucial for progressing to advanced stages of cultivation. The Qi energy will flow more efficiently in a robust physique, thereby making the later, more advanced techniques easier and more effective."

He looked at the villagers again, his gaze sweeping over the adults before settling on the children. "Starting tomorrow, all children and teenagers under the age of 18 are required to gather at the village exercise courtyard from morning until lunchtime. You will be guided by instructors well-versed in the physical aspects of cultivation. Take this seriously; your future depends on it."

"As for nourishment," Elder Morgan added, "our community is fortunate to have various herbs and foods that aid in physical development. A balanced diet rich in these elements will further expedite your cultivation journey."

Concluding his talk, Elder Morgan stepped back and nodded, "That's all for today. We face uncertain times and unknown challenges, but together we can prepare ourselves, both young and old. Go home and rest well, for tomorrow, a new chapter begins for us all."

The crowd began to disperse, their voices a mixture of enthusiasm and contemplation. Tomorrow promised the start of something new, something extraordinary, and each villager, young and old, felt the weight and excitement of the prospect.

As Evan and his mother, Mara, walked back to their home, they were accompanied by their neighbors, including Joey and his family. The air was thick with the palpable excitement and a sense of urgency following Elder Morgan's announcement.

"So, what do you think about all that cultivation talk?" Joey asked Evan, his eyes sparkling with a mixture of dread and excitement.

"I think it's incredible. I mean, it's not every day you hear that you'll be training to control some mystical energy," Evan replied, feeling a tinge of exhilaration at the thought of embarking on this life-changing journey.

"Yeah, it sounds awesome, but also kind of terrifying," Joey admitted. "My dad once told me that cultivation is a path full of hardships. It's like you're continually breaking yourself to build yourself up again. And Elder Morgan seemed pretty serious."

"I know what you mean. It's going to be rigorous, but imagine the possibilities, Joey. We could become strong, protect our families, and maybe even explore beyond our village someday," Evan said, his eyes widening as he spoke about dreams that once felt impossible.

Joey chuckled, "Ah, exploring beyond the village, you say? Are we talking about discovering new lands or battling mythical beasts in your grand adventure?"

Evan grinned, "Why not both? But first, we've got to get through physical training."

At that moment, Joey's expression turned half-joking, half-serious, "Oh man, the next few days are going to be absolute hell for us, aren't they?"

Evan laughed, "Oh, without a doubt. But hey, no pain, no gain, right?"

"Yeah, I suppose," Joey sighed, "It's just that I never expected 'pain' and 'gain' to be part of my daily routine so suddenly."

As they neared the fork in the road that would separate them to their respective homes, Joey turned to Evan, "Well, see you in the training yard tomorrow. And may the odds be ever in your favor."

Evan smiled, "You too, Joey. Get some good sleep; we'll need it."

They waved goodbye, and as Evan walked the remaining distance to his home, he couldn't help but feel a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. Life as he knew it was about to change drastically. But for the first time in a long while, he felt ready for whatever challenges lay ahead. The dreams that had felt almost impossible now seemed within reach, and Evan couldn't wait to grasp them.

As Evan and his mother, Mara, sat down for a late-night supper, the atmosphere was serene. Candles flickered on the table, casting a warm glow over the simple yet nourishing food Mara had prepared.

"Evan, I'm proud of you for embracing this new challenge," Mara began, her eyes meeting his across the table. "Life is full of surprises, and it's how you react to them that defines you."

Evan looked up from his plate, "Thanks, Mom. I couldn't have gotten this far without you. And after today's announcement, it feels like everyone's life is about to change."

Mara nodded, "Yes, but change isn't necessarily a bad thing. I want you to remember that determination is the key to overcoming any challenge. Challenges make us who we are; they shape us into the people we're meant to become."

Evan listened attentively, soaking in his mother's wisdom.

"Remember," she continued, "challenges are inevitable, but giving in to them is optional. The easy path is tempting, especially when you're tired and worn down. But you have to push through, even if it feels impossible. That's when you discover what you're truly made of."

Evan felt a sense of encouragement wash over him. His mother's words were like a beacon, guiding him through the fog of uncertainty that had surrounded the village ever since the discovery of the giant footprints and the expansion of the Ironbark trees.

Mara leaned in, her eyes glinting as if she were about to share a secret. "Now, this might sound like something out of a fairy tale, but your father once told me something curious about physical training."

Evan leaned in too, intrigued. "What is it?"

"Well, he used to say that physical cultivation isn't just about strengthening your body. It's about harmonizing your inner and outer selves. When you achieve a balance between mind, body, and spirit, something magical happens. You unlock an energy, a force within you, that can do wonders."

Evan's eyes widened. It sounded incredible, almost too good to be true. But given the strange events and revelations of the past days, who was to say what was impossible?

"As I said," Mara added, "I used to think it was a fairy tale, an old story passed down. But after today, I'm starting to think there might be more to it than I initially believed. Keep it in mind, Evan. It might come in handy."

Evan nodded, feeling a sense of awe and wonder fill him. Could it be that this magical transformation was what lay at the end of their journey into cultivation? It was a dizzying thought, one that made the challenges ahead seem all the more worthwhile.

As they finished their meal, Evan felt more connected to his mother—and to the journey ahead—than ever before. Whatever lay ahead, he felt ready to face it, fortified by his mother's wisdom and the magical possibilities that seemed just within reach.

Evan cleared the table and washed the dishes, his mind still echoing with his mother's words. He felt a strange energy within him, an eagerness to explore the hidden capacities of his body and spirit. With a sense of anticipation, he retreated to his room and changed into more comfortable attire.

Laying out his mat, he began his usual routine of stretches and bodyweight exercises. Yet, this time, there was something different in the air. As he began to work through his push-ups, sit-ups, and squats, he felt as though he was being guided by an invisible force, a rhythm that matched the tempo of his movements.

He thought about his mother's words, "Harmonizing your inner and outer selves," and tried to focus on that harmony. He breathed in deeply, taking in the energies around him and exhaling all the negative thoughts and doubts. He imagined the flow of energy through his body, circulating like water in a stream, balancing out every corner of his being.

The exercises that usually made him pant and sweat seemed strangely effortless. His movements became more fluid, and his focus sharper. It was as if his body, mind, and spirit had entered a new equilibrium, unlocking a state of being he had never felt before.

When he finally snapped out of it, he looked at the clock and was astonished to see how much time had passed. Even more surprising was when he counted the number of sets and repetitions he'd done. He'd exceeded his previous records, and yet he felt no more exhausted than he usually did—maybe even less so.

"Was this what Mom was talking about?" he wondered. "Did I just experience that balance between mind, body, and spirit?"

The night was quiet as he rolled up his mat, his thoughts abuzz with excitement and curiosity. His mom's words, once just wise advice, now felt like keys to a door he'd just begun to unlock. What was behind that door, he didn't know, but he was eager to find out.

As he prepared for bed, he felt a comforting fatigue envelop his body, but his spirit was wide awake, alive with possibilities. As he lay in the dark, waiting for sleep to come, Evan realized that something had indeed changed within him, something foundational.

A sense of purpose and resolve settled over him as he closed his eyes, confident that the path of cultivation he was embarking upon held more mysteries and opportunities than he could yet comprehend. And for the first time in a long while, he felt truly connected— to himself, to his community, and to the mysterious world that was unfolding around him.