illed the air. I salivated quietly, “It smells so good.”

Minhua noticed my reaction and chuckled, “Let’s go.”

“Okay.”

I sat down and saw a spread of delicious food mixed with various medicinal herbs. Curious, I looked at Senior Brother, who explained, “These herbs are mixed with the food to strengthen the body. Our master taught me this.”

Eager to dig in, I reached for the food but was gently stopped by Minhua, “Master isn’t here yet; hold on.”

As he spoke, a gentle breeze stirred, and the elder appeared at the head of the table, glancing at me and saying, “Eat.”

I hesitated for a moment until Minhua nudged me, “Junior Brother, let’s eat.”

It dawned on me, and I began eating the delicious meal.

After dinner, still savoring the flavors, the elder called, “Qiyun.”

“Yes, Master,” I responded promptly.

“Rest well tonight. Tomorrow you’ll go up the mountain with your brother to chop wood and learn from him.”

I respectfully agreed, “Yes, Master.”

I slept soundly that night and woke up at dawn. Senior Brother Minhua knocked on my door, “Junior Brother, are you awake?”

I opened the door quickly, “I’m awake.”

“You woke up pretty early,” he remarked.

“Not as early as you woke me, Senior Brother. I just got up,” I replied.

“Here, take this,” he said, handing me something.

“What is this?” I asked, puzzled.

“Master wants us to train our bodies. These are sandbags you tie around your legs and arms. We wear them every day while chopping wood.”

The sandbags were heavy, and I exclaimed, “Senior Brother, these are so heavy.”

He smiled, “You’ll get used to them. Start with these 30-pound ones.”

I fastened the sandbags and followed him up the mountain. Halfway up, I was already panting, while Senior Brother maintained a steady pace. I called out, “Senior Brother, wait for me.”

He smiled back, “Keep going, Junior Brother.”

Determined not to be looked down upon, I pushed myself for about an hour until we reached our destination. Exhausted, I collapsed on the ground. I noticed a look of mild disappointment on Senior Brother’s face, which spurred me to silently vow to earn their respect.

Seeing my resolve, Senior Brother smiled and handed me an axe. Gripping it tightly, I swung at a nearby tree. It was exhausting, and it took me half an hour to chop down a tree as thick as a thigh.

Looking over at Senior Brother, I saw that he had already chopped down eight trees while I had only managed one. The difference was disheartening, but I reminded myself that I must not give up if I wanted to avenge my parents and family.

Before I knew it, I had chopped down six trees, while Senior Brother had felled thirty. This mountain seemed endless, filled with trees.

After dinner, still savoring the delicious meal, I returned to my hut. Reflecting on the day’s even

 Prev. P 17/162 next