Chapter 2; the way.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the sounds of battle began to die. The older woman finished her work on kai wounds and warned him to rest and let his body heal before she left him alone.

Kai knew he couldn't stay here forever, so he forced himself to his feet and thanked the healer. He stumbled outside to find a scene of utter devastation. The villages were in ruins, buildings burned and collapsed, and bodies strewn about the street.

And in the midst of it all, he saw his parent's bodies lying lifeless on the ground; kai heart stopped. He couldn't breathe. His legs gave way beneath him, and he crumpled to the ground, his eyes fixated on the tragedy before him.

The old lady knelt beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry this must be hard for you."

Kai turned to her, tears streaming down his face. "Why?" He asked. " why did this happen? Who did this?"

The old lady hesitated momentarily as if deciding how much to reveal. " there are those who seek power at any cost," she finally answered. " perhaps our village must have stood in their way.

Kai knew this was a world where the strong prey on the weak, and seeing how helpless he was in the face of danger and how he couldn't help his loved ones, he swore in his heart to never be weak in this life, he vowed to find power and be strong no matter what.

As Kai was mourning his losses, a mysterious expert was flying by; when he saw the village, and he decided to take a look, he saw how Kai kneeling in front of two corpses; he scanned him with his heavenly eye and realized that Kai had a strong will even though he has no root for Qi cultivation, he might be suited for a cultivation technique he stumbles on during his adventures, because a strong will is needed to practice this cultivation, so he started flying toward Kai.

As the mysterious expert landed on the ground, Kai couldn't help but feel a sense of fear and awe. He had never seen someone with such power before, and he couldn't imagine the path this person had taken to become strong.

The expert approached him and introduced himself as master wu. He explained that he had been traveling the world to relax and enjoy a free life, but seeing Kai, he believed Kai had what it takes to become a great warrior.

Kai did not believe the old man. He had always been told that he had no cultivation root and could never become a true warrior. But master wu said he saw something in him that no one else had ever seen. He saw determination, bravery, and an unbreakable spirit.

Kai decided to be honest with the old man, "even though I desire to be a cultivator, I was told I have no talent for cultivation nor do I have a cultivation root, so I can never be a cultivator."

Master Wu smiled at Kai. He took a liking to his honest and straightforward personality." You don't have to worry much; there are different ways to be powerful in this cultivation world. I have just the right path for you to take to become strong."

Kai was surprised to hear this; he thought momentarily, weighing his options. He didn't know much about this master wu, but he was drawn to learning and was curious about this path.

"I'll do it; I'll become your disciple. He said, surprising himself."

I'm sure Kai will be grateful for his decision after years.

Master Wu smiled at Kai before laughing loudly, and he told Kai to kowtow to him to seal their apprentice relations; Kai kowtowed three times. "Apprentice greet master," he said out loud.

Master Wu did not waste any more time, he walked close to Kai before placing his hand on his shoulder, and they both disappeared from the village. When Kai realizes what's happening, the scenery in front of him has changed.

"Welcome to my home," master wu said to Kai before walking; master wu's home was nestled deep in the heart of the mountains, far away from the bustle of civilization. He lived there as a hermit cultivator, spending his days meditating, studying ancient texts, and practicing martial art.

Visitors rarely made their way to his home, and those who did were met with skepticism and caution, master wu was a man known for his wise counsel, skill in combat, and strict adherence to the principle of cultivation.

As Kai approached his home for the first time, he felt a sense of awe and reverence. He knew this was where he would receive the training to become a true warrior.

But as he entered the humble abode, he was surprised to find that master wu's home was not as strict as he had imagined. The walls were adorned with tapestries and scrolls depicting epic battles and mystical creatures. Incense burned in the air, and delicate tea sets on a low table in the center of a garden far away in the distance.

It was clear that Master Wu was a great cultivator and a man who appreciated life's beauty and finer things. This realization opened Kai's eyes to the idea that cultivation wasn't just about physical strength but more about finding a balance between the mind, body, and spirit.

As Master Wu led Kai further inside, he realized how big this place was; a winding path led to the main house, which was a sprawling complex of interconnected buildings and courtyards. Every inch of the property seemed carefully designed, from the manicured gardens to the elegant stone walkways. Small ponds were dotted throughout the grounds, teaming with colorful fish and lily pads.

The central courtyard was the heart of the whole place, with a large fountain at its center and a sweeping view of the surrounding mountains.

Master Wu stopped before pointing to one of the buildings close to the central courtyard," This will be your new home now, so go ahead, take your bath, and change your dress, and after you are done, come knock on the door in the courtyard early. I will be waiting, and we can talk better when you are done."

Kai nodded before walking to the building given to him; upon entering the building, Kai was taken back.

Kai's new abode was unlike any other buildings in Master Wu's estate. A small but cozy cottage with a thatched roof and wooden beams was tucked away in a secluded corner of the property.

The space was surprisingly spacious, with a comfortable bed, a cozy fireplace, a small kitchenette, and a nice bath pool. The walls were adorned with tapestries depicting scenes from ancient battles, and the shelf was lined with dusty tomes on martial arts and strategy.

Kai rushed to take a lovely bath first because he stunk, and after he was done bathing, he got himself one of the clean cloth there before staring out the window of the house; Kai could see a breathtaking view of mountains, bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. It was a perfect spot for contemplation and reflection, and Kai couldn't help but feel grateful to Master Wu for giving him this new life after the death of his parents.

As he settled into his new home, Kai felt a sense of peace wash over him, he knew that he had much to learn and many challenges ahead, but for now, he could enjoy the quiet solitude of his little cottage and prepare himself for the road ahead.

Kai was nervous as he approached Master Wu's courtyard. He had stories about the hermit expert who lived a solitary life in the mountains, away from all the mundane matters of the world from his father, and he knew that such experts were terrifying. But Kai knew he needed this for his journey to become strong. So he steeled himself and knocked on the door.

To his surprise, the door was opened by a young girl who looked to be about ten years old. She had a fierce determination in her eyes and a sword strapped to her back. "Who are you?" She asked, sizing Kai up.

"I'm Kai," he replied, feeling slightly intimidated by the girl warrior spirit.

The girl introduced herself as Mei, Master Wu's daughter." Come in, Kai. Father is waiting for you," she said, leading him to a garden where Master Wu was seated with a book in his hand and two cups of tea set on the table in front of him.

Kai couldn't believe his luck. Not only was he going to train under a mysterious expert, but he was also going to live with his daughter, who could teach him a thing or two.