Blades of Change

The sun rose over the Northern Huo Dynasty, casting a golden glow on the bustling streets of the capital city. Years had passed, and the kingdom thrived under the leadership of Huo Long. Amidst the daily hustle, two lives continued to unfold in parallel yet vastly different paths—Zhen Jian and Huo Lian.

[Zhen Jian]

Zhen Jian, now a young man, stood in the modest yet orderly clinic of the local doctor. His face, once round and boyish, had grown lean and determined. He was far from the carefree boy who had tilled fields with his father. The passing years had been kind to his spirit but challenging to his intellect.

The local doctor, a grizzled man with deep-set eyes and a wealth of knowledge, had finally accepted Zhen Jian as his disciple. The doctor was initially reluctant, for Zhen Jian's reputation for foolishness preceded him. Yet, the boy's unwavering kindness and tireless work ethic won him over. The doctor saw potential where others saw only a simpleton.

"Pay attention, Zhen Jian," the doctor said one morning, pointing to a detailed anatomical diagram hanging on the wall. "These are the vital organs. Understanding their functions is the cornerstone of your medical training."

Zhen Jian nodded, his brow furrowed in concentration. The first few months were grueling. His memory was indeed terrible. The doctor explained the functions of the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and other organs countless times. He used every method—visual aids, repetitive drills, even songs and rhymes to help Zhen Jian remember.

Despite his struggles, Zhen Jian persisted. He would often stay up late into the night, repeating the names and functions of body parts to himself, his fingers tracing the diagrams. Slowly, the information began to stick. He could now recall that the heart pumped blood, the lungs facilitated breathing, the liver detoxifies the body, and so forth.

The next phase of his training involved medicinal herbs. The doctor took Zhen Jian to the nearby hills and forests, teaching him how to identify various plants. They spent days collecting herbs, the doctor explaining the properties and purposes of each one.

"Remember, Zhen Jian," the doctor said, holding up a sprig of ginseng. "This root can invigorate qi and nourish the blood. It is powerful, but only in the right dosage."

Zhen Jian studied each herb carefully, learning their names, appearances, and uses. His hands became adept at preparing remedies, grinding leaves, and boiling roots into potent decoctions. His memory improved through sheer repetition, and his kind heart ensured he remembered the patients who needed each remedy.

Next came the study of diseases. The doctor introduced Zhen Jian to various ailments, from common colds to more severe conditions like pneumonia and tuberculosis. They visited patients, and Zhen Jian observed the symptoms, treatments, and outcomes.

"This is a crucial part of your training," the doctor emphasized. "Understanding disease is not just about knowing the symptoms, but also the causes and treatments. Pay attention to how each patient's body reacts."

Zhen Jian learned to diagnose and treat ailments, his confidence growing with each successful recovery. The doctor's once stern demeanor softened with pride as he saw his disciple's progress.

Soon, the doctor allowed Zhen Jian to assist him with patients. The young boy interacted with villagers who came seeking medical help. He listened to their complaints, examined them, and provided treatments under the doctor's supervision.

"Thank you, Zhen Jian," an old woman said after he treated her for a persistent cough. "You're just like your father—always so kind and helpful."

Zhen Jian's reputation grew. People began to refer to him as Zhen the Doctor instead of Zhen the Farmer. His master watched with pride as Zhen Jian's skills and confidence blossomed.

One day, the doctor called Zhen Jian into his study. He handed him a collection of medical books and an old, rusty sword. 

The old doctor stated matter of factly, "You have learned much under me. Now I am leaving. These books contain my life's knowledge," the doctor said. "And this sword... it belonged to your grandfather. Practice with it. All sword moves originate from a simple slash."

Zhen Jian accepted the gifts, his heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you, master. I will honor your teachings."

The old doctor left the following day. He had a small bag on his back and a walking stick. He patted his disciple, with his bony, cold hand for the last time on his shoulder and ventured forth. The old doctor had left nearly everything behind for Jian to use. 

[Doctor Zhen]

As I watched my master walk away, a mix of emotions surged within me. Gratitude, respect, and a profound sense of responsibility. The books he left behind, filled with a lifetime of knowledge, were now my guiding light. The sword, a legacy of my grandfather, felt heavy in my hands, a symbol of the lineage I had to uphold.

Master's departure marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. I had been under his tutelage for so long, absorbing every lesson, every piece of wisdom. Now, standing alone in the quiet morning, the weight of my new reality settled in. I was no longer a student; I was a doctor in my own right, ready to heal.

Walking back into the small clinic, I took a deep breath, the scent of herbs and parchment filling my lungs. This was my space now, my sanctuary. Patients would come to me, seeking healing and hope. The responsibility was immense, but I felt ready. My master's confidence in me was a testament to my readiness.

The sun rose higher, casting a golden hue over the clinic. I organized the books, each one a treasure trove of knowledge, and placed the sword where I could see it, a constant reminder of my heritage and the path I had chosen.

My journey was just beginning, and I was determined to make my mark. I would become a healer, and one day, a teacher myself. As I prepared for the day's work, I felt a surge of purpose. The legacy of my master and my family lived on in me, and I would honor it with every life I touched.

[Huo Lian]

In the grand palace of the Northern Huo Dynasty, Huo Lian's journey was equally transformative. Now a young woman, her power and presence had grown exponentially. She had reached the first stage of Foundation Establishment after opening all her meridians, a feat few could boast.

Foundation Establishment was a rigorous process that required refining every part of the body. Huo Lian progressed quickly, her intense training and unwavering determination pushing her forward.

She began with her blood vessels, feeling them strengthen and expand with each cultivation session. She could sense the qi flowing through her like a powerful river, energizing every cell. Each morning, she would rise before dawn, practicing her forms and techniques with relentless precision.

As she moved to the organs, the training became even more grueling. She would spend hours in meditation, visualizing the qi nourishing her heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. The sensation was both painful and exhilarating. Her organs became resilient, capable of withstanding immense strain.

Next were the bones. Huo Lian subjected herself to bone-crushing exercises, pushing her body to its limits. She could feel the qi hardening her bones, making them as strong as steel. Every step, every strike, carried the weight of her enhanced skeleton.

The tendons and muscles came next. Her training sessions became even more intense. She would perform complex martial arts routines, each movement precise and deliberate. The strain on her tendons and muscles was immense, but she embraced the pain. She could feel her body growing stronger, more agile, and more responsive.

Finally, she focused on her skin. The last layer of protection and refinement. Huo Lian immersed herself in cultivation, her skin becoming tougher, almost impenetrable. The process was slow and arduous, but she endured it with steadfast resolve.

Each movement session left her body aching, her muscles screaming in protest. Yet, she pushed through, knowing that every ounce of pain brought her closer to her goal. After each grueling session, she would retreat to her private chamber, where she would enter a deep state of cultivation, often going without food or sleep for days.

The culmination of her efforts was the formation of her Golden Core. It was a momentous occasion, a testament to her dedication and willpower. As she felt the core solidify within her dantian, a surge of power and clarity washed over her. She had reached a level that few could attain, her potential now boundless.

Despite her achievements, the respect and recognition she sought remained elusive. Her father, Huo Long, still regarded her with indifference, his attention focused on matters of state and warfare. But Huo Lian's resolve only grew stronger. She would continue to train, continue to prove herself, until no one could deny her worth.