The sun hung low in the sky, casting a soft golden light over the village of Liuhe, nestled at the base of the towering Misty Mountains. The village was small, quiet, and simple, its people living peaceful lives, far from the grand battles and high-level cultivators that filled the legends. The scent of fresh herbs and cooking meat filled the air, mixing with the earthy scent of the nearby forest.
In the center of the village stood a modest house with a thatched roof. Inside, a young boy sat cross-legged on the floor, his brow furrowed in concentration. His name was Chen Wei, and he was known by most in the village as the weakest child they'd ever seen.
Chen Wei's appearance didn't inspire much confidence. He was thin, his face pale from lack of proper nutrition, and his limbs weak from years of being unable to properly train his body. At fourteen years old, he should have been strong and healthy, but instead, he looked frail and sickly. His clothes, once white, had become stained with the dirt of daily life. Yet, there was a certain fire in his eyes—an unyielding determination that could not be ignored.
"Ahh... focus..." Chen Wei muttered to himself, pressing his palms together in front of him. He was attempting something simple—Qi Gathering—the first step of cultivation. But despite his efforts, no energy came.
His father, Chen Xing, stood at the doorway, watching his son with a look of both concern and hope in his eyes. Chen Xing was a sturdy man, his broad shoulders showing the strength earned from years of hard labor, but there was something in his gaze that made Chen Wei's heart ache—disappointment, perhaps? Or maybe just... sadness.
"Wei," his father's voice broke the silence. "You've been at it for hours. Maybe you should rest."
Chen Wei didn't respond immediately. His hands were trembling, but he still kept his posture steady. "I can do it... I have to."
His father sighed, stepping into the room. "You're trying too hard, son. Your body is weak, and your spirit is fragile. Cultivation isn't about force. It's about balance, about understanding your inner self. You don't have to rush."
But Chen Wei couldn't stop. In a world where everyone expected to see strength, to cultivate at least a little, he couldn't accept being weak. He was determined to prove that despite everything—his frailty, his lack of talent—he could still rise above.
Just then, a knock echoed from the door.
Knock, knock, knock.
Both Chen Wei and his father turned, surprised. The visitor was an older man, dressed in a long robe that shimmered faintly with an aura of power, his eyes sharp and wise, despite his age. He carried a walking staff, and his expression was calm but serious. He was a traveler, judging by the worn look of his shoes and cloak.
"Good evening," the man greeted. "I've traveled far, and I hear there's a boy here with a strong will, one who seeks to master alchemy."
Chen Wei's eyes widened, and his heart skipped a beat. Alchemy. It was a dream he had longed for. His mind raced. Was this man offering an opportunity?
"Father, who is he?" Chen Wei whispered, his voice trembling with curiosity.
Chen Xing frowned but nodded slightly toward the stranger. "I am Chen Xing, and this is my son, Chen Wei. How can we help you, sir?"
The old man smiled softly, a glimmer of recognition in his eyes. "I am Zhang Ming, a traveling alchemist. I've heard rumors of a boy with great potential, though perhaps not in the traditional sense. I've seen many, and I've sensed something unique about you."
"Me?" Chen Wei felt a rush of excitement, though doubt lingered in his heart. He was weak, everyone knew that. What could this man possibly see in him?
"Yes, you." Zhang Ming stepped closer, his gaze unwavering. "Alchemy is not just about strength. It's about understanding the flow of energy, the balance between body and spirit. I sense that you have that, even if it's hidden deep within you. It might take time, but you have the potential to become something great."
Chen Wei's heart raced. Could it be true? Could he really do it?
"However," Zhang Ming continued, his tone turning serious, "you must make a choice. The path of alchemy is not easy. It requires more than just willpower—it demands sacrifice, commitment, and discipline. Are you prepared to face the challenges ahead?"
Chen Wei hesitated for only a moment before nodding, his voice firm. "I will do whatever it takes. I want to become an alchemist. I'll train my body, my mind, my spirit—everything."
Zhang Ming smiled, his eyes gleaming with approval. "Then you must come with me. There is a place, far from here, where you can begin your training. It will not be easy, but if you are truly ready, I will teach you."
Chen Wei looked at his father. His heart was heavy, torn between his loyalty to his family and his desire to prove himself. But he knew this was his chance, perhaps his only chance.
His father, after a long pause, placed a hand on his shoulder. "Go, my son. Follow your dreams. But remember—never forget where you come from, and never lose sight of who you are."
With that, Chen Wei's journey began. The road ahead was uncertain, filled with challenges that would test every ounce of his strength, but it was a journey he was ready to take. A journey that would lead him to become more than he ever imagined—someone who could reshape the world itself.