The Devouring

James woke to the first light of the day as the morning light filtered through the windows. He blinked a few times, pushing himself up from the comfortable bed as the events of the previous day came rushing back to him. He had agreed to train under the Li family, but now the real challenge began.

A firm knock at the door interrupted his thoughts "James?" came Mei's voice, muffled by the wooden panel "Hope you're awake, training starts now."

James quickly pulled himself together, slipping on the white robes provided to him. He opened the door to find Mei already dressed in a set of martial training clothes. Her attire consisted of a fitted dark blue tunic with golden embroidery along the sleeves and collar, secured with a red sash at her waist. The fabric allowed for ease of movement, and her pants were tucked into sturdy black boots. Her hair was tied back into a practical high ponytail, giving her a fierce and disciplined look. A smirk played at her lips. "Come on, slowpoke. My father's expecting you."

She led him through the grand halls of the Li mansion, out into a large courtyard where a group of disciples were already practicing different forms as their movements were sharp and disciplined. At the far end, a tall man with a commanding presence stood with his hands clasped behind his back. His dark eyes surveyed the disciples critically. James could tell immediately this was someone powerful.

"Father, this is James." Mei announced, stepping aside to let James approach.

The man Patriarch Li Zhi looked James over with a thorough gaze. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with a well-defined, chiseled face that carried both wisdom and an air of unshakable authority. His dark hair, streaked with silver at the temples, was tied in a low knot. Clad in an elegant yet practical robe embroidered with golden dragons, he exuded the aura of a man who had long mastered both leadership and martial prowess "You're the one who wishes to enter the marital arts competition?" his voice was deep and measured.

James swallowed and nodded "Yes, sir."

"Hmm." the Patriarch turned slightly, gesturing to a nearby disciple "Show me your stance."

James hesitated. "Uh… stance?"

Mei groaned audibly, covering her face "Oh, this is going to be painful."

The Patriarch raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Instead, he turned to the disciple beside him "Jiang, demonstrate."

Jiang, a young but experienced disciple, took a firm stance, lowering his center of gravity with fluidity that showed years of training. He was slightly taller than James, with a lean yet muscular frame honed through countless hours of practice. His sharp, angular features gave him a disciplined and focused appearance, and his dark brown hair was pulled back into a simple, practical tail. His eyes, filled with quiet determination, locked onto James as he demonstrated a proper martial stance.

James mimicked him as best he could, but it felt awkward and unnatural.

"Your foundation is weak." the Patriarch observed "You have no experience in martial arts."

James winced. "None."

There was a long silence, then, to his surprise, the Patriarch let out a short chuckle "Bold, at least. Very well, you'll train under Mei and Jiang. If you survive, you may have a chance."

Mei clapped James on the back, nearly knocking him forward. "Hear that? You're not completely hopeless!"

James sighed, already feeling the weight of the challenge ahead.

As the day continued Mei and Jiang wasted no time drilling James in basic footwork, stances, and strikes. His muscles ached from constant repetition, and his body protested every morning when he rolled out of bed. But he pushed through, determined to hold his own in the upcoming competition.

One afternoon, as James struggled through a series of blocking exercises, Mei called for a break and tossed him a water flask. "Not bad, newbie. You're not completely embarrassing yourself anymore."

James wiped the sweat from his brow "Gee, thanks."

Jiang, more reserved than Mei, stepped forward. "You need to start feeling the movement, not just mimicking it. Martial arts isn't just about form it's about intent. Watch."

He performed a slow, deliberate strike, his movements sharp yet fluid. James watched carefully, trying to absorb the lesson.

As he attempted to replicate it, a voice interrupted. "He lacks Qi."

James turned to see an older man approaching a refined-looking elder with silver streaked hair. He exuded an air of wisdom and quiet power. His presence was calm yet commanding, and his eyes, dark and filled with years of knowledge, seemed to pierce through James with a single glance. Unlike the Patriarch, whose strength was apparent through sheer presence, Ren carried the aura of a scholar-warrior someone who valued discipline and intellect as much as martial skill. His long robes, woven with subtle embroidery depicting flowing water, emphasized a fluid and adaptable nature.

Mei straightened up "Elder Ren."

Ren studied James for a moment before speaking "If you cannot sense Qi, you will never match the others in the competition."

James frowned. "I don't even know what Qi feels like."

Ren nodded as if expecting this. "Then it is time you learned. Sit."

James obeyed, sitting cross-legged as Ren knelt before him. The elder placed a hand on James's back "Close your eyes. Breathe. Listen to your body. Feel the energy within."

James did as instructed. At first, he felt nothing but the soreness in his limbs, but then something. A faint warmth, deep within his core, like an ember struggling to ignite.

Ren's voice was calm. "Good. Now focus on that feeling. Nurture it."

James furrowed his brows, concentrating. The warmth flickered, barely there, but undeniable. His heart pounded. Was this Qi?

When he finally opened his eyes, Ren nodded approvingly "A small spark, but a spark nonetheless. With proper training, it may yet become a flame."

Mei grinned "Well, well. Looks like our little warrior has some potential after all."

James let out a slow breath, for the first time since agreeing to this madness, a flicker of hope ignited in his chest.

The competition was only days away. But now, for the first time, he felt like he might have a chance.

"You will need to select a technique to practice," Ren said, his voice steady. "As a member of the Li family, you are granted access to the family treasury building."

James blinked "The treasury?"

Mei nodded. "That's where the cultivation manuals are kept. Some are basic, some are advanced. But don't get your hopes up too high. Beginners like you usually start with the simplest techniques."

Ren folded his arms. "Choose wisely. Your path will determine your future in the martial world. A weak foundation will lead to failure, no matter how hard you train."