Dragon's Descent [Xianxia, Reverse Cultivation]

The morning after her conversation with Ming Lian, Xiaolong found herself possessed by the investigative curiosity that had once led her to spend three decades studying the migration patterns of cloud cranes purely because their formation changes seemed to follow no logical system. Some puzzles demanded solution not because they were important, but because they were wrong in ways that offended the natural order.

Ming Lian's deliberate stagnation qualified as just such a puzzle.

She located Li Feng in the Eastern Contemplation Chamber, where he often practiced his more advanced techniques away from curious junior disciples. The space was designed for solitary cultivation, its acoustics dampening sound while its positioning caught the morning light in ways that enhanced spiritual focus. Li Feng knelt beside the chamber's reflecting pool, his breathing synchronized with the gentle lapping of water against stone edges.

"I hope I'm not interrupting something crucial," she said, settling onto a meditation cushion arranged to face the pool from a respectful distance.

Li Feng's eyes opened, his transition from deep meditation to social awareness smooth as water flowing around stones. "Nothing that can't be continued later. Though I suspect this visit involves more than casual conversation."

"You know me well."

"Well enough to recognize your 'investigating interesting phenomena' expression." Li Feng shifted to face her directly, his posture relaxed but attentive. "What phenomena require investigation this morning?"

Xiaolong considered how to frame her questions without betraying Ming Lian's private admissions. Dragons traditionally gathered information through direct observation and occasional intimidation, but human social dynamics required more subtle approaches.

"I've been observing cultivation patterns among the Elder Disciples," she began, watching Li Feng's expression for clues to his reaction. "Most show clear progression trajectories—areas of focus, techniques under development, breakthrough attempts. Ming Lian's pattern puzzles me."

Li Feng's expression shifted to one of thoughtful concern. "In what way?"

"His technical competence exceeds many disciples who have advanced beyond his current level. His understanding of water cultivation principles seems quite sophisticated. Yet his spiritual development appears..." she searched for diplomatic phrasing, "remarkably consistent over time."

"Consistent?"

"Unchanged. As if he achieved a satisfactory level years ago and decided further advancement was unnecessary."

Li Feng was quiet for a long moment, his gaze drifting to the reflecting pool's surface. When he spoke, his voice carried the careful neutrality of someone who had noticed the same thing but avoided examining it too closely.

"Ming Lian has always been methodical about his cultivation. Perhaps he's simply taking a different approach to advancement—consolidating his foundation rather than pushing for dramatic breakthroughs."

The explanation was reasonable and delivered with conviction, but something in Li Feng's tone suggested he was trying to convince himself as much as her.

"When you were both junior disciples," Xiaolong continued, "how did your cultivation compare?"

"We were... different." Li Feng's expression grew distant, sifting through memories. "I was more focused, more driven toward specific goals. Ming Lian was more intuitive, more adaptable. He could pick up new techniques faster than anyone I knew."

"Faster than you?"

"Often, yes. His water-sensing abilities were remarkable—he could detect spiritual disturbances that I missed entirely. During our early training, instructors often used him as an example for the rest of us."

This revelation shifted several pieces of Xiaolong's mental puzzle into new positions. "What changed?"

Li Feng's silence stretched long enough to become uncomfortable. When he finally responded, his words carried the weight of someone admitting something he had preferred not to acknowledge.

"I'm not sure anything changed, exactly. More like... we grew in different directions. I became more systematic about advancement, more willing to push through difficult barriers. Ming Lian seemed to become more interested in helping others develop than developing himself."

"When did this divergence begin?"

"Gradually. Over the past few years, especially since we both reached Elder Disciple level." Li Feng paused, frowning as if the timeline troubled him. "Actually, now that I think about it, the shift became more noticeable after I achieved my breakthrough to River Current Realm last year."

"How did he react to your advancement?"

"Supportively. Enthusiastically, even. He was genuinely happy for my success." Li Feng's tone carried a note of confusion. "But afterward, he started deferring to my judgment more often. Asking my opinion on techniques he understood perfectly well. Stepping back from leadership roles he was clearly qualified for."

"And this didn't concern you?"

Li Feng's expression tightened with what might have been guilt or frustration. "I assumed he was being humble. Ming Lian has always been generous about others' achievements—it seemed natural that he would want me to take the lead in areas where I had advanced further."

"But his abilities in those areas remained strong?"

"Stronger than mine in some cases," Li Feng admitted reluctantly. "His strategic thinking during sect missions is consistently superior to mine. His teaching abilities are exceptional. His understanding of water cultivation philosophy often provides insights I wouldn't have reached alone."

If you come across this story on Amazon, it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

The picture emerging from this conversation added depth to her impressions from the training ground. Ming Lian hadn't lost capability—he had voluntarily ceded authority in areas where he continued to excel.

"Have you ever asked him directly about his cultivation goals?"

"Several times. He deflects with humor or redirects the conversation to sect duties or other people's advancement. It's like trying to grasp water—the more directly you approach, the more it flows away from you."

"And this doesn't worry you?"

Li Feng met her gaze openly, allowing his concern to show. "Of course it worries me. But I don't know how to address it without seeming to criticize his choices or impose my own values on his path."

Xiaolong allowed him his discomfort. He had clearly avoided examining this dynamic too closely before, but now confronted, he was at least willing to acknowledge it. Neither friend understood how their relationship had shifted into its current imbalanced state.

"Has he seemed... distant lately?"

"Yes," Li Feng replied immediately, then looked surprised by the speed of his own response. "Not unfriendly or cold, but... carefully maintained at arm's length. Like he's protecting something by not getting too close."

The observation aligned perfectly with Xiaolong's own impressions. Ming Lian had created emotional and professional distance to preserve a friendship dynamic that no longer served either participant. Worse, he seemed to find the trade-off acceptable, if not preferable.

"I'm not sure I know how to help him," Li Feng admitted quietly. "Whatever is holding him back, I suspect it runs much deeper than I'm capable of addressing."

She left Li Feng to his contemplation and sought out Meihua, whom she found in the library conducting what appeared to be intensive research into pedagogical theory. The girl had arranged herself at a table surrounded by scrolls, manuals, and note-taking materials—all neatly organized according to some private system.

"Honored Master," Meihua said, looking up from a scroll detailing classical approaches to disciple development. "I was just reviewing historical examples of successful teaching relationships to better understand our own dynamic."

"An admirable pursuit. Though I was hoping to seek your analytical expertise on a different relationship entirely."

Meihua's eyes brightened with a blend of surprise and excitement. "What relationship? How can I be of assistance?"

"Ming Lian's cultivation development. Or rather, his apparent lack thereof."

The directness of the statement seemed to refocus Meihua's attention entirely. She set down her brush and looked at Xiaolong with an intensity that belied her gentle manner. "I've noticed the same thing. His abilities exceed what his level should allow, yet he seems determined to remain exactly where he is. I assumed he had simply reached the limit of his potential."

Xiaolong shook her head. "His potential remains significant, but he has voluntarily withdrawn from its pursuit. I want to understand why."

"What do you mean, 'voluntarily withdrawn'?"

"I mean he has chosen to limit himself. His role as primary assistant instructor, his dynamic with Li Feng, his professional and personal identity within the sect—all are constructed in a way that maintains the status quo rather than allowing for growth."

Meihua considered this assessment with a contemplative frown. "Are you certain it's a matter of choice? That seems out of character for someone as capable and insightful as Ming Lian."

Xiaolong settled into the chair across from her disciple. "I am. He admitted as much during a conversation yesterday. Or rather, he justified his own stagnation with reasoning that sounded rehearsed. As if he were reciting an excuse he had long convinced himself was an explanation."

"What excuse?"

"That some people are destined for supporting roles rather than advancement. That his own contributions come from empowering others' development, not seeking personal elevation." Xiaolong's tone tightened with remembered frustration. "It was like watching someone defend a prison they had designed themselves."

The analogy made Meihua's expression darken. She glanced down at the scrolls detailing techniques for overcoming cultivation bottlenecks, then back to Xiaolong. "Do you think he truly believes that? That his purpose is solely to lift others' lanterns without improving his own?"

"He spoke with sincerity, if not enthusiasm. I suspect he has repeated these ideas so often that they have come to feel like truths rather than limitations. What do you think of him, given your limited acquaintance?"

Meihua paused, gathering her impressions into order before replying. "He's kind. Insightful, with a talent for reading people and understanding their needs. Patient with others' flaws and quick to offer encouragement. The junior disciples clearly idolize him, and even the senior disciples and elders seem to value his support."

A faint smile and a hint of rose touched her cheeks as she continued. "Personally... I find him gentle in a way that feels safe but still interesting. He helped me recently, when I was stressed about the whole thing with being your interpreter. He gave me food and advice, and just... made me feel less alone."

As she was reliving the memory, Meihua's expression showed genuine fondness. Then she blinked, recalling herself, and cleared her throat delicately while pushing those feelings down.

"My point is, it's hard to reconcile this stagnation with everything else I've seen in him. You're right. Something about it feels off."

"Precisely." Xiaolong leaned forward, hands clasped atop crossed legs. "And I find it... unacceptable. Someone with Ming Lian's potential should not resign himself to mediocrity. He requires intervention—a push to break through whatever barriers are preventing his advancement."

Meihua's concern morphed into apprehension. "With respect, honored master, perhaps this intervention should come from someone closer to him? Someone like Li Feng, who has a long-standing relationship? I don't want to overstep my role."

"I asked you here precisely because you are not entangled in Ming Lian's history. Your perspective comes from observation rather than emotional investment. Li Feng's trust makes him blind to certain dynamics. I need clearer vision."

"I'll do my best, but can I ask—why do you care, Master? What's driving this concern?"

Xiaolong paused, considering how to translate the nagging feeling at the edge of her attention. "Do you know why dragons dislike puzzles, Meihua?"

"I... can't say that I've thought about it."

"Because puzzles imply missing pieces—unknowns that defy understanding. No creature as powerful as a dragon enjoys reminders of their own limits." She let her gaze drift to the scrolls detailing ancient cultivation strategies. "Ming Lian represents a puzzle. An unknown, a deviation from expected patterns. And I mean to understand him."

Meihua smiled then, the expression edged with rueful acknowledgment. "Of course. That makes sense, actually. Um, if you don't mind me asking, do you think of Senior Brother Li Feng like that? As a puzzle, I mean."

Xiaolong's attention snapped back to her apprentice, the question striking with surprising force. Li Feng—a puzzle? She sifted through their interactions, searching for the oddity that should set him apart in her awareness. Yet all she found were moments of connection and resonance that defied neat categorization.

"He... is not unknown to me," Xiaolong said finally, allowing the truth of the statement to settle around them. "But he also cannot be defined or contained by my understanding. He is..." She hesitated, then selected the most accurate term. "He is his own pattern."

Meihua tilted her head, eyebrows lifting. "I see," she murmured, the words heavy with some hidden recognition that Xiaolong could not decipher.

Dragons were meant to be the subjects of observations, not the objects. Li Feng's ability to challenge that hierarchy was... unsettlingly intriguing.