A new day dawned in the Shen Clan.
Yesterday, the entire village sent off Shen Taofeng's group to their first hunt.
The group moved with such confidence that not even the snow could slow them, and they inspired more confidence than ever.
Everyone believed that these six hunters would return soon with an impressive haul.
Sadly, Shen Jixian and Shen Yiren were not allowed to join the expedition.The decision came mainly from their inexperience and from Shen Taofeng's insistence on success at all costs.Shen Liqian agreed.
That evening and into the night, Shen Liqian learned about cultivation from Zhiyin and spent time with her in bed, cuddled together.
In truth, he didn't feel it physically, since they spent that time in his sea of consciousness.
As dawn broke, Shen Liqian opened his eyes and looked out the window overlooking the clan's main plaza.
He unfolded his legs from the lotus position and stepped closer for a better view of his people.
A few of them tended the main Frostheart Snowcup, filling it with their hopes, admiration, and, of course, Qi.
It was already becoming a routine, though no rule required it.
The Shen Clan simply wanted to move forward.
If that early devotion wasn't proof enough, then the sight of mothers leading their children to the Shen Clan Manor was further proof.
The first batch of the youngest generation to attend Shen Liqian's cultivation session had already been chosen.
The mothers and their little ones couldn't wait to participate, arriving early.
Shen Lexi and Shen Wenwan were already up and naturally invited them inside.
Children's laughter and the mothers' greetings drifted up to Shen Liqian from below.
He smiled.
Moments like this are encouraging.
Someone knocked on the door.
Shen Liqian responded, "Enter."
The door creaked open, and a smiling Shen Jixian stepped in.
He cupped his hands and said, "Good morning, Chief Liqian.
"You must have noticed that many kids have already arrived.
"We're waiting on a few more, and all of them will be ready to attend your cultivation session whenever you wish."
Shen Liqian chuckled, "Is Keke here?"
"Eh? Yes." Shen Jixian nodded, slightly surprised.
"I could tell since you're smiling more than usual."
Shen Liqian laughed aloud.
His friend's smile turned sheepish, and he covered his mouth with his hand.
He turned, walked to his bed, and picked up Zhiyin and tucked her under his arm.
She opened her eyes and looked ahead while Shen Jixian naturally wondered what he had tucked under his arm.
"Tell them all to come to the Training Hall in fifteen minutes."
Shen Jixian cupped his hands.
"Got it!"
———
The kids were now under Shen Lexi and Shen Wenwan's supervision, walking through the manor's corridor in pairs.
Their little heads swiveled as they took in the sights, since it was their first time inside such a big house.
Their small hut-like houses couldn't compare to the Clan Chief's Manor.
"I will become a strong hunter and build a house like that for mom and dad!"
"Me too!"
"I want a big house too, with lots of pretty flowers!"
Their eyes sparkled as new dreams ignited in their little hearts.
Listening to them, Shen Lexi and Shen Wenwan's smiles softened, and they wanted to squeeze those adorable creatures into their arms.
It reminded them of how their own sons were when they were little.
"Qian'er actually never cried, even when he was a baby," Shen Lexi said.
Shen Wenwan replied, "Ren'er rarely cried as well.
"He was such a diligent and good child, though he never made many friends."
It was great to reminisce about the past.
Grow well, little ones.
But once the door leading to the Training Hall appeared, Shen Lexi and Shen Wenwan turned serious.
Shen Lexi whispered in the cutest voice she could muster, "Little ones,
"Chief Liqian is behind the door, waiting for you.
"We will leave you in his care and come back for you when it's time for dinner."
Shen Wenwan added, "Behave well and make us and your parents proud."
"Aye!" the kids chorused.
The Training Hall's door opened.
Inside, Shen Liqian sat in a lotus position, his eyes closed.
Qi swirled around him, sending waves of wind past the children, Shen Wenwan, and Shen Lexi through the open doorway.
All the kids squared their shoulders and stared ahead in admiration.
Their parents also cultivated, so they were familiar with Qi, but not to the extent of feeling it like a breeze passing over them.
That, combined with Shen Liqian's presence and the memory of his feats on the fateful day when he killed Shen Junce and the other traitors, made the kids docile.
Even the loudest fell silent.
Shen Liqian opened his eyes.
He looked at everyone before turning to his mother and Shen Wenwan.
"Thank you for bringing them in.
"You're free."
The ladies nodded and excused themselves.
"As for you, little ones, come in.
"I will enlighten you about cultivation and yourselves as well."
Shen Liqian's soft smile and gentle tone eased the nerves of the little ones, who had been warned not to cause any problems.
One by one, they flooded the Training Hall and formed rows across from Shen Liqian.
They all cupped their hands in the customary gesture, paying respects to the Clan Chief.
"Good morning, Chief Liqian!
"We are happy to be here!"
With their robes and blankets wrapped around them, they looked like an adorable army of little penguins that had just fallen into his care.
His smile softened.
"Good morning, everyone.
"I am also excited to stand in for your parents today and teach you as much as I can.
"Sit down and let's begin.
"Cultivation is an inseparable part of our lives, but what exactly does it mean to cultivate and be a cultivator?"
One of the kids in the first row raised his hand.
Shen Liqian nodded at him.
"It means to absorb Qi and become stronger and live longer!"
Shen Liqian smiled.
"Pretty good answer.
"Absorbing Qi and increasing our strength and longevity is indeed part of cultivation, but there's much more to it.
"Cultivation is about discovering yourself and paving your path ahead.
"If one does not know what they cultivate for, they will reach a bottleneck and never reach their full potential.
"Let me ask you this.
"What kind of cultivator do you want to become?"
The little ones looked at one another upon hearing this question.