"A bold display, don`t you think?" Xing berated, setting the boys down at the empty town square. Enril and Zelek stared at the ground in solemn silence. "What made you think that was a good idea?" Xing received no response. "I will forbid the Venerables from scouting you if you do not answer." His voice had filled with rage, and his foot began an incessant tapping.

　　"We just wanted to exemplify our skills, Honored Patriarch," Enril replied.

　　"What skills? Your meager hand-to-hand combat? Or perhaps you mean that parlor trick of a fighting stance you adopted? I saw no talents befitting a Seeker," Xing yelled.

　　"It was my idea, Honored Patriarch. Enril and I have both defeated Vitu in a spar. A match with him would not have shown our talents. And if I fought Vitu, who would Enril fight? There was no hope for us. We desired a challenge." Xing wondered if they could have triumphed over Di Don if they had been Fifth-Step. "Please, don`t punish my Brother for this. It was all my idea." Zelek knelt and bowed his head.

　　"No, I agreed to it. We share the blame." Enril protested and joined Zelek in his bow.

　　Xing`s foot tapped faster and faster, stirring a cloud of dust. He commanded both of them to their feet. "We`ll return to the festival to support your peers. This will be addressed later." Xing hauled them back to the festival. When they returned, they were greeted by a match between Vitu and Dai Fu. Vitu claimed victory in just three strikes. Like Vitu`s, the other matches of the Formation Foundation Realm ended in less than five moves.

　　When the Wandering Realm Seekers had their matches, they lasted a bit longer due to their techniques but yielded similar results. An overwhelming victory for one and utter defeat for the other. Only Enril and Zelek`s match with Di Don was long enough to elicit true excitement.

　　"That concludes our matches. Would all those who participated come forward and line up," the announcer said. One hundred and forty children formed a single file line on the edge of the arena. The Venerables made their way one by one down the line. There were few offers extended to the Foon children.

　　The five Venerables passed Enril and Zelek without stopping. They passed Di Don in a similar manner. They reached the end of the lineup, having only selected a dozen children. The announcer inquired if the Venerables had completed their recruitment.

　　"If I may be so bold, we would like the two who fought the Wandering Realm Seeker in private," Ling said.

　　"What the Venerables desire can be done." The announcer dismissed the other children. The five Venerables stood in a circle and discussed amongst themselves for a moment.

　　Ling stepped forward again, "The five of us each have an offer. We`d like you to hear all of them first, then choose your fate. Do Juniors agree?" Enril and Zelek nodded.

　　Jun Chi came forth and spoke first. "Raging Ember Sect would be honored to welcome you in, Junior Zelek. Your tenacity and aggression would be nurtured and honed within our sect. We can offer two pills per month as a stipend."

　　"Quaking Rock Sect can match that, Junior Zelek. Our teachings will round your fighting style. Your defense will match your exemplary offense under our teachings," Shu interjected.

　　Mora Yun laughed and joined in. "These two are stingy. Miraculous Liquid Sect will offer you two pills per month, as well as two bonus pills per year. You will also have unlimited access to the first level of our Schema library."

　　"Now, now everyone, don`t you think my clansmen would like to join me at Whipping Winds Sect?" Jun shoved his way to the front. "I`m happy to offer you both a place in my sect. Junior Zelek, two pills per month. For you, Junior Enril, I can only offer one pill per month, but I can offer a bonus pill at year`s end." He wagged his eyebrows at the boys.

　　Ling yawned and stepped in. "I suppose it`s my turn. Junior Zelek, I have a paltry offer for you, I hope you`ll give it consideration." Ling held up his hand, his thumb tucked in. "Four pills per month if you come to Boundless Heaven Sect."

　　The boys shared a quick glance. The five Venerables stood waiting. "Venerable Ling, may this Junior ask why you offered nothing to my brother?" Zelek asked.

　　"While you both are impressive for your age, it is you who shines bright. During the match, it was made clear that Junior Enril suffers from an injury to his left arm. He favored his right and was reluctant to offer his left arm in defense. You were tenacious with your whole body. In my humble opinion, it`s clear you are a great talent that Boundless Heaven Sect desires," Ling said in a monotone.

　　"Thank you," Zelek whispered.

　　"Brother, I think it best if you accept Boundless Heaven Sect`s offer. I can join Venerable Jun at Whipping Winds Sect." Enril grabbed Zelek`s shoulders. "This opportunity only comes once, we cannot squander it."

　　Zelek laughed, and in turn, placed his hands on Enril`s shoulders. "Brother, you misunderstand. I would rather cut off an arm than be without you. Without Enril, Foon Zelek is no more than a shadow." A tear crept into Zelek`s eye. He turned back to the five Venerables. "Venerable Jun, it seems as though Enril and I shall be joining you." Enril nodded in agreement.

　　Ling furrowed his brow. He had explicit instructions given to him by the sect master. He was sure that Enril`s confession would move Zelek to join, which would fulfill his task. He had misjudged them. "Pardon this old man`s negligence, I misunderstood your connection. If you`re willing to hear me out, I can alter the arrangement. I can offer both of you two pills per month with two bonus pills per year. Is this acceptable?"

　　Enril and Zelek clung to each other and shouted in excitement. Jumping up and down around the arena. Ling gave a loud cough and the boys snapped to attention. "We would be honored to join Boundless Heaven Sect," The boys said together.

　　"Very well, I will send someone to retrieve you when you enter the Wandering Realm. Until then, I wish you boys well." Ling walked off. The other Venerables grumbled as they vacated.

　　Zelek and Enril resumed their celebratory jumping and shouting. A shadow loomed over them as they celebrated.

　　"Settle down boys." Xing stood with folded arms and a frown. "You boys are some of the greatest talents the Foon clan has ever been blessed with. There is no denying this fact." The boys bumped fists and grinned. "Don`t let it go to your heads," Xing raised his voice. "Once you`re in Boundless Heaven Sect you`ll meet others with just as much talent. If anything, you may even be weak in comparison." Enril and Zelek hung their heads. Xing sighed and knelt, placing a hand on each boy`s shoulder. "I am not trying to discourage you boys. The rate at which you two grow is unheard of." Xing paused a breath. "Please, promise you will work hard to bring honor to your clan. You boys will achieve things greater than you can fathom at this moment, but only if you are diligent." He released the boys and stood. "A stunt like today will not aid you in the future. Two halves may make one whole, but what would the result of combining two wholes be? We will meet again when it`s time for you boys to leave." Xing left. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

　　The boys stood like statues until the crowd had long dispersed and the sun had set. Only at the call from their parents did they leave the festival grounds.

　　———————————————————————————————————————————————

　　"Junior Zelek reporting to Patriarch."

　　"Junior Enril reporting to Patriarch."

　　The boys, their parents, along with Xing and Di Yu, gathered at the town square.

　　"Today is the day you depart." Xing nodded toward Zelek, "You`ve broken every record for advancement in our clan. To reach the Wandering Realm after just one hundred and sixty-five days is incredible." Xing turned to Enril who patted Zelek on the back. "And you were not far behind, Enril. You surpassed my own time. What took me two hundred and twenty-five days took you two hundred. Congratulations."

　　Zelek clapped a hand onto Enril`s shoulder. An unknown man approached the town square.

　　"You must be the envoy from Boundless Heaven Sect. I am Patriarch Foon Xing, to whom do I owe the pleasure?" Xing gave a half-bow to the man.

　　The man`s robe, black as void, flowed behind him. "I`m known as Yang. It is my pleasure to greet the Foon Patriarch." Yang gave a full bow then turned to Enril and Zelek. "These must be the two disciples. You may call me Senior Yang." He gave them a half-bow.

　　"Junior greets Senior Yang," they said as they returned the bow.

　　"Now is the time for farewells. They shall not return until they reach the Expression Realm. If they can." Yang motioned to the parents standing nearby.

　　Each boy received a hug from their parents. Enril and Zelek`s mothers, who were twins, shed bittersweet tears. Their fathers tried to remain stoic, but tears crept into their eyes as the goodbye carried on. The four parents bid the children farewell with a final I love you, son.` They stepped back to dry their eyes while Xing stepped forward.

　　"I have a parting gift for you two." He held a small cloth bag to each of them. The boys snatched the bag with excited eyes and peeked in. "These are the pills you would`ve received had you taken a full year to reach the Wandering Realm. Utilize them to supplement your growth. Farewell boys, you`ve already made this Patriarch proud. Go forth, and show Boundless Heaven Sect the honor and virtue of the Foon Clan." Xing hovered a fist over his heart.

　　Both boys nodded and bowed. They stashed the cloth bags into their packs and approached Yang.

　　"Junior is ready," they said.

　　"Very well." Yang glanced at Xing who had his eyes focused on the boys. "It was my pleasure to greet you, Patriarch Xing. I hope our paths cross again. I wouldn`t mind sharing pointers with Haoran`s grandson." Yang turned and left, waving the boys to follow.

　　"The pleasure was mine. If the day comes, I would enjoy a match with you, Yang. Farewell and safe travels." Xing watched as the trio disappeared from town square and out the western gate.

　　Side by side, the boys followed Yang out of Foon territory. To the West of the Foon`s territory was a mountain with an eternally snowy peak. Just north of this mountain sat Boundless Heaven Sect.

　　Enril and Zelek reveled in the gorgeous scenery. Having never left the village until now, each sight was a visual treat. Past the West field of the Foon Clan, which was desolate and barren, existed a realm of nature and life. Trees taller than they had ever seen with multicolored leaves. Bushes that grew foreign berries of all shapes and sizes. On occasion, some squirrels and other woodland creatures darted in the wooded areas. After an hour, Zelek grew tired of the scenery and shifted his thoughts to the future. On occasion, Enril would coo over a cute and small woodland creature. He continued to swivel his head from sight to sight until he dizzied himself.

　　"Disciples, I need to know what pills you wish to receive for your stipend. Zelek, you first," Yang said.

　　"There are options? The only pills I know about are Feather pills. Oh, I guess I received a WindGrace pill once," Zelek put a finger to his chin.

　　Yang let out a deep sigh. "Right, your clan doesn`t have an AlSchemist. I suppose a lesson is in order. Listen well, I don`t wish to repeat myself." He paused mid-stride and faced the boys. "You begin as Initiate Disciples in the sect. If you show promise and talent, you may be promoted to Core Disciple in time. That`s a lesson for another day. As Initiate Disciples, you will have access to all pills in the foundation grade of AlSchemy. The five heavenly attributes are in this range. You know of the Feather pill, but there is also the Cinder pill, Flowing pill, Turf pill, and Empty pill. The Empty pill is an exception which has restrictions placed on it," Yang recited.

　　"Why is that, Senior Yang?" Enril asked.

　　"To craft an Empty pill is a rather arduous process despite being foundation grade. The herbs are fickle where they grow, as well. At times, our AlSchemists make mistakes that ruin the process. Because of this, you either need to demonstrate an affinity for the attribute of Void, sometimes referred to as Aether`. Or, you can make a contribution to our sect and the restriction will be lifted. In place of the Empty pill, one can request the Pure pill. It offers the same bonus to your Filter as other pills. The shortcoming is that it doesn`t aid in the perception of any attribute. Now, your choices, Zelek?"

　　"Two Feather pills, I guess," Zelek answered.

　　"It shall be done. Enril, your choices?" Yang produced a small piece of parchment and jotted a note while he waited for Enril.

　　"The same as Zelek, please, Senior Yang."

　　Yang jotted a second note and looked up. "As First-Step Wanderers you have access to your first techniques. Are you both proficient enough to demonstrate?" Yang asked and both boys confirmed with a yes`. "Good. Demonstrate for me." A hint of boredom crept into his voice.

　　"My technique is based on movement. WindWard Step` is the name," Enril said and then took a deep breath. He began his rhythmic cycle, his skin glowing white as riken flooded his Stream. He passed the riken through his Stream in a specific pattern that ended at his legs. Once it reached his legs, Enril took a step and the wind gusted behind him. Instead of moving a stride`s distance, he had moved four meters.

　　"Very well. Zelek, your turn," Yang pointed a finger at Zelek.

　　"Mine is an attack technique, Whipping Wind`." Zelek followed the same pattern as Enril, except instead of focusing on his legs, his riken channeled to his hand. A green strand of riken formed and extended to the ground. Zelek lashed out with a yell at a nearby tree. The green strand whipped out and struck the tree, and a small limb was sliced free to crash to the ground.

　　"I suppose it`s only fair that I educate you about technique types. Your labels are incorrect. That is known as a Wielder technique. To create a tool and utilize it is the minimum requirement. Were you to direct the wind itself, that would be a Conjurer technique." Yang pinched the bridge of his nose. "Enril, yours is known as a Maneuver technique. There are more types than these three, but that will be for a later lesson. Now, daylight is wasting and you boys have training tomorrow. Let`s pick up the pace." After stashing the parchment, Yang sped off.

　　The forested trail ran by the base of the mountain. As the three emerged from the woodlands, they were greeted by multiple courtyards on either side of the path. Further on, a grand arch ornamented in gold sat proud with solid metal doors. Stone walls twenty meters tall enclosed the sect. The light of dusk cast an evil shadow across the walls.

　　"These courtyards are reserved for core disciples to train in private. Once we enter the sect, head straight to your residence. You`re on the second floor of the southwest building, room ten." Yang tossed a small wooden token to both boys. "Training begins at tomorrow`s dawn."