Flashback: The Cave (1)

The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silver sheen over the dense forest. Zhang Wei led Mei Lin through a hidden path, the thick foliage brushing against their robes as they walked in near silence. The only sound was the occasional rustling of leaves and the distant hoot of an owl.

"Are you sure this is necessary?" Mei Lin whispered, her eyes straining to make out the path ahead.

"Absolutely," Zhang Wei replied confidently. "Learning to use your senses in the dark is a crucial skill. Besides, we need to do this before Mother Superior returns."

Seeing Mei Lin's sulky face, he continued, "It's a very practical skill. I've used it on countless sect missions. And when you get back, just tell them you were out for early morning training. Or meditation. Whatever it is nuns do"

"And if I get caught?" Mei Lin's voice held a hint of worry. "I'd be dead, possibly excommunicated."

She had gotten the order wrong, Zhang Wei thought to himself. He raised an eyebrow, his grin visible even in the dim light. "Isn't that your dream?"

Mei Lin rolled her eyes, the motion exaggerated for effect. "Excommunication means my cultivation would be destroyed and my tendons ruptured. So please Teacher Zhang, make this training worth it."

Zhang Wei's expression grew serious for a moment. "Trust me, Mei Lin. This will be worth it. Now, close your eyes."

"Why?"

"Because you're going to learn to listen and feel, not just see."

Mei Lin hesitated but obeyed, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. The forest sounds amplified, every rustle and chirp becoming distinct.

"Now spread out your spiritual energy. A very thin veil. Yes, just like that," Zhang Wei was surprised at how easily she did it. "First, focus on the sounds around you," Zhang Wei instructed. "Tell me what you hear."

Mei Lin listened intently. "I hear... the wind in the leaves, an owl somewhere to our left, and... water? A stream nearby?"

"Good," Zhang Wei said approvingly. "Now, feel the ground beneath your feet. Notice how it shifts and changes."

Mei Lin shifted her weight slightly, feeling the uneven terrain. "It's rocky, with roots and... moss, I think."

"Exactly. Remember these details. They'll guide you when your eyes can't."

Mei Lin opened her eyes, blinking as she adjusted to the darkness again. "Alright, what's next?"

Zhang Wei's grin returned. "Next, we move through the forest without making a sound. Follow me, and try not to trip."

Mei Lin snorted again but followed, mimicking Zhang Wei's light steps. They moved through the forest like shadows, the night enveloping them in its quiet embrace.

As they trained, Mei Lin's confidence grew. She could sense the subtle shifts in the air, the vibrations of the earth beneath her feet. Zhang Wei's presence was a constant guide, his instructions clear and precise.

Zhang Wei mused to himself that his student probably had talent in this aspect. Unlike when teaching her Shadow Steps, she picked the technique up quickly. He kept the class short, considering Mei Lin needed to be back for her early morning prayers.

Zhang Wei led her into a secret cave along the cliffside, the entrance hidden by a natural rock formation. As they approached, he used a formation key to reveal a seemingly non-existent door, allowing them to slip inside unnoticed.

The cave lit up with the night pearl Zhang Wei activated. It was surprisingly well-equipped, like a hidden hideout. There was a mattress laid out in one corner, two rickety chairs, and a stone platform that served as a makeshift table. A small fire pit occupied one corner, complete with a cleverly designed chimney to allow for ventilation. Books and research materials were scattered haphazardly around the space, mostly focused on talismans and formations. The overall atmosphere was a blend of chaos and scholarly pursuit.

After guiding Mei Lin inside, Zhang Wei quickly put up a silencing formation, ensuring no sound could escape. Mei Lin watched him work, her eyes wide with amazement.

"Teacher Zhang, you've been holding out on me. I can't believe such a place exists," she exclaimed, looking around the cave in awe.

Zhang Wei chuckled. "My shidi and I discovered this place by accident. No one else knows about it, which is a little bit surprising considering that brat's big mouth. You are indeed the first person I've brought here."

Mei Lin teased with a mock accusatory tone. "Why the delay, Scholar Zhang? I was under the impression we were closer than this."

Zhang Wei shook his head at her, watching her sit on the old mattress without even thinking of asking permission. "My Shidi spends an unhealthy amount of time here. Trust me you don't want to meet him. My sincere advice is if you hear the name Feng Yuhan, run in the other direction."

Mei Lin laughed, "Why is he that scary? Here, I thought you were the scary one, Teacher Zhang?"

"No, it's to not get infected by his stupidity, Priestess Mei. One should not argue with an idiot." Zhang Wei solemnly replied.

Mei Lin laughed louder, "So you beat them up?"

Zhang Wei nodded, "Why, of course, it is the tried and tested method to deal with an idiot."

"Amitabha, little friend Feng has my condolences." Mei Lin made a prayer sign.

Zhang Wei was tempted to make her climb another cliff for practice, not for revenge, or so he tried to convince himself. 

Mei Lin wandered over to the piles of books and research materials, picking up a bound book and leafing through its pages. "This research is fascinating," she said, genuinely impressed.

Zhang Wei nodded. "It's Feng Yuhan's. You need to be careful with those, don't ever try it out. That nerd comes up with some really strange theories which most of the time fail."

Mei Lin grinned. "So your Shidi is the true mad scholar. Unlike someone I know, who only pretends to be one."

"You wound me, Priestess Mei. I feel betrayed.", Zhang Wei pulled away his notes from her hands, "If Feng Yuhan ever had a title, it should be Disaster Feng. You have no idea how many times he's blown up his room and as his neighbour how much I've suffered. Why do you think my lightness skill is so developed? It's to run away from whatever that idiot has been cooking up."

"Oh dear, he sounds like your Shidi alright." Me Lin remarked.

"Mei Lin!", Zhang Wei protested, then tilted his head and continued, "Well, once in a while he does something useful. He set up the formation at the entrance and the silencing one too."

"He seems pretty talented," Mei Lin agreed.

Zhang Wei rolled his eyes playfully. "Alright, alright. Let's make the most of this space before you inflate that idiot's ego even more."

Watching Zhang Wei rummage through the mess, Mei Lin asked "Next time, can we train at some other, less risky time?"

"We'll see," Teacher Zhang waved her off, busy searching.